Broken tray for SIM-The cards in Xiaomi are a problem that many users face, especially after falls, careless extraction or wear of the mechanism, in which case the main thing is not to panic: In 90% of cases, the SIM can be obtained independently without expensive repairs, but it is important to act carefully so that the internal components of the phone or the card itself are not damaged.
In this article, we will discuss all possible ways of extraction. SIM-From the simplest (with the help of improvised means) to the more complex (partial disassembly of the case), you will also learn how to avoid repeated breakages and what to do if the SIM is stuck inside the phone. 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4, Mi 11/12 and other popular devices of the brand.
Before you start, make sure that the problem is in the tray: sometimes the SIM is not recognized due to software failures or oxidation of contacts. If the phone does not see the card, but the tray is physically intact, first try to restart the device or wipe the SIM contacts with a wiper.
1. Recovery methods SIM-phone-free
If the tray is jammed but not completely broken, try these methods. They do not require special tools and are suitable for most Xiaomi models.
- 🔧 Use a paper clip or a needle. Put the unbended paper clip in the tray hole and try to move the mechanism carefully. If the tray is not extended, do not put too much effort into it - it can bend it completely.
- 🧲 Magnetic method. Hold a powerful neodymium magnet to the tray area (on the back of the phone). Sometimes it helps to move the metal mechanism. Do not use this method if you have Xiaomi with wireless charging - the magnet can damage the coil.
- 📱 Software reboot. Turn on the plane mode for 30 seconds, then turn it off. Sometimes this resets the tray lock (relevant to electronically controlled models like the Mi Mix 3).
- 🔥 Heat the body. Carefully warm the dryer area of the tray (temperature not higher than 50).°C) Thermal expansion can weaken the jammed mechanism!
If none of these methods work, move on to more radical ones, but remember, if you disassemble them carelessly, you risk losing the warranty (if it still works) or damaging the plumes.
2. disassembly of the case: step-by-step instructions for experienced users
This method is suitable if the tray is completely broken (for example, a guide or latch broke off).
- 🔧 Plastic mediator or guitar mediator (for lid slashing).
- 🔨 Thin screwdriver (cross or hexagonal, depending on the model).
- 🧲 Tweezers with curved ends (to extract the simki).
- 📸 Camera (to capture the location of the parts).
Before disassembling, be sure to turn off your phone and remove the battery (if possible without completely disassembling). In Xiaomi models with a non-removable battery (for example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro), you will have to turn off the power plume.
Turn off the phone from the network
Take off the cover and film
Prepare the workplace (clean surface, good lighting)
Take a picture of the back cover (to remember the location of the rivets)-->
Step-by-step algorithm:
- Heat the back end edge with a hair dryer (60-70°C) for 1-2 minutes. This will soften the glue.
- Insert the mediator into the gap between the lid and the body (start at the corner near the SIM tray). Carefully drive the instrument along the perimeter.
- When the lid is removed, disconnect the battery plume (if required) and in the POCO F3 and Mi 10T models, it is under a metal plate, which must be unscrewed.
- Find a tray for SIM-It's usually located next to the antenna modules, and you need to tweez it carefully and remove the SIM.
⚠️ Note: In the phones Xiaomi with IP-Certification (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro with a IP53) There might be a sealant under the lid, and you'd have to cut it off when you disassemble it, and then replace it with a new one, or you'd lose the water protection.
3. Alternative methods: if the SIM is stuck inside
There are times when the tray is removed and the SIM is left inside the phone, and it's because of a deformation of the guides or debris.
- 📱 Turn the phone down and shake it a little, sometimes the SIM falls out under gravity.
- 🧲 Use a vacuum cleaner at minimum power. Hold the tube to the slot of the tray - the flow of air can pull the map.
- 🔧 Make a hook out of a wire or an unbend clip. Gently grab the SIM and pull it out. Don't push the motherboard!
If the SIM is stuck deep, do not try to get it by force, in which case it is better to contact the service center, as the risk of damage is not enough. RF-The module (responsible for communication) is too large.
What to do if the SIM card breaks inside the phone?
4. Xiaomi models with electronic tray control: features
Some flagship Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi Mix 3, Mi 9 Pro 5G) are equipped with electronically powered trays, where the mechanism is not pushed manually, but by a motor. If the tray is jammed, standard methods will not work. Here's what you can do:
- 📱 Reset via the engineering menu. Enter the code ##4636##, select Phone information and press Run ping test. Sometimes this resets the lock mechanism.
- 🔄 Update the firmware. Install the latest version. MIUI through settings → The phone. → System updates: Newer versions often fix tray control bugs.
- 🔌 Connect to a PC. Use the Mi Flash Tool to flash your phone in mode EDL. This is an extreme measure, as it resets all data.
If the tray with electronic control broke physically (for example, the motor does not work), it can only be replaced in the service. The cost of spare parts for the Mi Mix 3 is about 1500-2000 rubles, for newer models - up to 3000 rubles.
| Xiaomi model | Type of tray | Replacement cost (rupe) | Difficulty of self-repair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11 | Mechanical | 800–1200 | Medium |
| POCO X3/X4 | Mechanical | 900–1300 | Low. |
| Mi 11/12 | Mechanical with a lock | 1200–1800 | Tall. |
| Mi Mix 3 | Electronic | 2000–3000 | Very high. |
| Black Shark 4/5 | Mechanical reinforced | 1500–2500 | Medium |
5. What cannot be done in the extraction SIM-map
Some actions may make the problem worse or damage the phone.
- 🔨 Using metal objects (knives, scissors, screwdrivers) to tuck the tray, they scratch the body and can close contacts.
- 💦 Trying to wash the sim with water will corrosion your contacts and cause failure. SIM-slug.
- 🔥 Strong heating of the body (over 70)°C) This may melt plastic parts or damage the battery.
- 📵 If after retrieving the SIM, the phone stopped seeing the network, check the antenna contacts immediately.
⚠️ Note: In the phones Xiaomi with 5G (For example, Redmi Note 11T Pro) tray for SIM-The map is often paired with antenna modules, and a sloppy extraction can cause a signal loss. 4G/5G.
💡
If you need to urgently call, and the SIM card is stuck, use the Wi-Fi Calling function (in models with a SIM card). MIUI 12+). To do this, connect to Wi-Fi, go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Additionally. → Calls over Wi-Fi and activate the option.
6.Prevention: How to avoid a tray breakage in the future
To avoid the problem again, follow these guidelines:
- 🔄 Remove the tray only with a special key (it comes with the phone). Do not use clips or toothpicks - they deform the mechanism.
- 🧴 Regularly clean the tray of dust and dirt. it is enough to blow it with compressed air once every 3 months (with a canister for equipment).
- 📱 Don't drop your phone on hard surfaces. Blows often cause the tray to shift or the locks to break.
- 🔋 Avoid overheating. Do not leave your phone in direct sunlight or near heat sources, which will warp plastic parts.
If you change often SIM-For cards (e.g. when traveling abroad), consider using eSIM. Many new Xiaomi models (starting with the Mi 12) support virtual SIMs that don't require a physical tray.
💡
The most common reason for a tray to break is the use of inappropriate retrieval tools. Always keep the original Xiaomi key in your phone case or elsewhere available.
7.When to contact the service: signs of serious problems
Not all breakdowns can be repaired by yourself. Contact the service center if:
- 📵 The tray is removed, but the phone doesn't see any of them. SIM-map (possibly damaged) SIM-board-carrier).
- ⚡ After removing the SIM, the phone stopped turning on (short circuit or damage to the battery plume).
- 🔊 The mobile network signal has disappeared or the antennas have stopped working. Wi-Fi/Bluetooth.
- 💧 The phone got liquid, and the tray rusted or deformed.
The cost of diagnosis in official Xiaomi services is usually free, and repairs are cheaper than when you try it yourself. For example, replacing the tray in Redmi 9A costs about 600 rubles, and eliminating the consequences of a failed disassembly - from 3000 rubles.
Before visiting the service, make a backup of the data (via Mi Cloud or Google Account), as you may need to reset your settings.