How to get a tray for SIM-maps in Xiaomi Redmi 9A: 3 proven methods + frequent

Slot for SIM-maps in Xiaomi Redmi 9A — It's a small but critical part that the phone can't connect to the mobile network without, and many users have difficulty first installing the SIM: the tray doesn't slide out, gets stuck, or just doesn't clean it, how to open it properly. Especially relevant problem for those who first encounter Xiaomi devices, where the design of the slot may differ from the usual Samsung or iPhone.

In this article, we'll look at all the ways you can extract the tray, from the standard paper clip method to emergency solutions if you don't have tools at hand. You'll learn exactly where the slot in the Redmi 9A is, how to avoid breaking the mechanism and what to do if the tray is jammed. And also the table of compatibility of SIM cards and answers to frequent questions that arise from owners of this smartphone.

If you’re afraid of damaging your phone or have a stuck slot problem, this guide will help you sort it out without going to the service center. All instructions are illustrated and adapted specifically for the Redmi 9A (including the dual-SIM card modifications).

Where is the slot for SIM-maps in Xiaomi Redmi 9A

In the Xiaomi Redmi 9A, the SIM card tray is located on the left side of the case when viewed from the front of the phone, a standard place for most Redmi models, but some users confuse it with a volume button or a charging connector.

Visually, the slot is a small hole (about 1 mm in diameter) with a metal rim, there are no inscriptions or icons next to it, just a neat connector, and if you look closely, you can see a barely noticeable gap between the case and the tray: this is the place where you need to press to extract it.

Here are the key landmarks to search for:

• 📍 Left face – between the volume buttons and the top end of the phone.
• 🔍 1 mm hole - not to be confused with the microphone (it is located at the bottom!).
• 📏 Distance: approximately by 1/3 hull height.

If you can’t find a slot, try holding the phone to the light source at an angle – the metal rim of the hole will reflect the light, making it more noticeable.

Method 1: Standard extraction with a paper clip (or needle)

This is the official method recommended by Xiaomi, and it comes with a paper clip (often called the "SIM key"), but if you lose it, any unbended paper clip or thin needle will do.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone (optional, but recommended for safety).
2. Take a paper clip and unbend it so that you get a straight metal bar 3-4 cm long.
3. Insert the tip of the paperclip into the slot hole at a 90 degree angle to the body.
4. Press with moderate effort (do not press with all your might!).
5. The tray should jump 2-3 mm - after that it can be pulled out with your fingers.

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Note: If the paperclip is too thick (for example, from a stapler), it can damage the fixing mechanism. The optimal diameter is 0.5-0.8 mm.

If the tray is not extended:

• 🔄 Check if the paper clip is skewed - it should enter the hole strictly perpendicularly.
• 🛠️ Try to shake the paperclip slightly left-right without removing it from the hole.
• 📱 Make sure the phone is not in the case – sometimes security accessories block access to the slot.

Method 2: Extract without tools (if there is no paper clip)

The situation where there is no paper clip or needle at hand is familiar to many. Fortunately, the tray in the Redmi 9A can be pulled out without special devices. Here are 3 working methods:

Method 1: Toothpicking or matching

The sharp tip of a wooden toothpick or match can replace a paperclip, the main thing is to break it so that it becomes thinner (no more than 1 mm in diameter), insert a toothpick into the hole and press until you feel a click.

Method 2: A pin or earring

Female carnation earrings or English pins are often of the right diameter. Use the blunt end of the pin (not sharp!) to avoid scratching the body. Press the mechanism with moderate force.

Method 3: Adhesive tape (scotch)

If the tray protrudes from the body at least 0.5 mm, you can try the following:

1. Cut a strip of Scotch 5mm wide and 3cm long.
2. Stick it with the sticky side to the end of the tray.
3. Carefully pull the loose edge of the ribbon - the tray should come out.

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Warning: Do not use knives, scissors or other sharp objects! The risk of damage to the body or internal contacts is extremely high.

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If the tray is stuck, do not try to pull it out with pliers - this almost always leads to deformation of the metal frame.

Method 3: Emergency extraction if the tray is jammed

If the tray is not put forward by any of the above methods, one of the following problems may have occurred:

• 🔧 Mechanical damage - bent fixing spring inside.
• 💦 Moisture/dust entry – oxidation or clogging of the mechanism.
• 📱 Falling phone – shifting internal details.

In such cases, you can try emergency extraction:

1. Place the phone on a soft surface (such as a towel).
2. Take a thin plastic card (for example, a discount card) and try to fake the tray from the screen side, carefully leading the card along the case.
3. If the tray has moved but does not come out to the end, try blowing into the clip hole (sometimes helps remove dust).

If nothing helps:

• 🛠️ Contact the Xiaomi service center - repair of the slot will cost 300-800 rubles (depending on the region).
• 📞 Before visiting, check whether the warranty does not work - sometimes a jammed tray refers to warranty cases.

How to insert it correctly SIM-map 9A

Now you need to properly install the SIM card to avoid communication problems. Redmi 9A supports:

• 📱 Nano-SIM (standard size for modern smartphones).
• 📱📱 Two Nano-SIM (in models with two slots).
• 💾 MicroSD (in hybrid slots instead of a second SIM card).

Installation pattern:

1. Place the tray on a flat surface with contacts upwards.
2. Place it. SIM-map in the appropriate groove (there are hints on the tray: SIM1, SIM2, SD).
3. Make sure the bevelled corner of the card matches the notch on the tray.
4. Carefully insert the tray back into the slot before clicking.

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Note: If the SIM card is inserted incorrectly (for example, with the contacts down), the phone will not see it, and the tray may jam when trying to retrieve it.

Compatibility table for Redmi 9A:

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In Redmi's hybrid slots 9A You can't use the second one at the same time. SIM-I'll have to pick one of these!

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when working with a slot for the game. SIM. Here. TOP-5 Problems and ways to prevent them:

1. Broken tray locker

Reason: too much pressure with a paper clip or the use of inappropriate tools (screwdrivers, knives).

Solution: If the lock is bent, you can straighten it neatly with a thin needle, and if it's broken, just replace the tray in the service.

2. The tray is not fixed after installation

Reason: SIM-card inserted curved or not to the end.

Solution: Pull out the tray and make sure the map is flat and its contacts don't protrude beyond the edges of the groove.

3.The phone can't see. SIM-map

Reasons:

• 🔌 Map inserted by contacts down.
• 📶 SIM card damaged (contacts scratched).
• 📱 Software failure (reset the phone).

4. jamming tray after phone drop

Reason: Displacement of the internal parts of the body.

Solution: Do not try to pull the tray by force - contact the service.

5. Water hitting the slot

The reason: the phone fell into the water or was in a humid environment.

Decision:

1. Dry your phone in rice or silica gel for at least 24 hours.
2. Don't put it in. SIM-card until the slot is completely dry.
3. If after drying the tray does not work - it is required to clean the contacts with alcohol.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions