You just purchased a new Xiaomi smartphone and faced the first technical challenge – installation. SIM-Do you need to replace the operator, but the SIM tray is not amenable? This problem is familiar to many owners of the brand's devices, especially if you used to use gadgets with retractable rear covers. POCO) They are equipped with sealed housings, where the tray for SIM-The card is hidden inside and opened only with a special key.
In this article, we'll look at not only the standard way to retrieve a tray with a brand key, but also alternative methods in case the tool is lost. SIM-maps in different Xiaomi models, how to insert the SIM properly so as not to damage contacts, and what to do if the tray is jammed, and also common errors that lead to breakage of the connector, and tips for caring for the mechanism.
Where is the tray for SIM-card in Xiaomi smartphones
Most Xiaomi models (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 13 and others slot for SIM-The map is located on the left side of the body, and it's easy to identify from a small hole in diameter. ~1 mm is where the key to extract the tray is inserted. In some older models (e.g. Redmi). 4X or Mi A1) The slot could be on the top edge, but since 2018, the brand has standardized the location.
Exceptions are:
- 📱 Xiaomi Mi Mix (first generation) – the slot is located on the lower edge next to the Type-C connector.
- 📱 Xiaomi Black Shark (Game Smartphones) – the tray can be hidden under a removable lid.
- 📱 Xiaomi Civi and some models for the Chinese market – sometimes use hybrid slots (SIM + microSD in one tray).
If you’re not sure where exactly the slot is in your model, look at the case: there’s usually a small pictogram next to the hole. SIM-chart SIM. You can also use the official documentation - in the instructions for the smartphone there is always a scheme of the location of the elements.
What key is needed to open the tray SIM-map
Standard key for tray extraction SIM-The cards are a little metal bar with a curved end that comes with every Xiaomi smartphone, and it looks like a paper clip, but with a thicker, stronger tip. If you lost the original key, there are a few alternatives:
- 🔧 Paperclip is the most popular substitute. Open it up so that you get a straight bar with a diameter. ~0.8-1 mm.
- 🔧 Needle or pin - will work if there is nothing else, but you need to act carefully so as not to bend the mechanism.
- 🔧 Toothpick: sharpen the tip and insert it neatly into the hole.
- 🔧 Special keys from phone repair kits – sold in electronics stores (e.g. iFixit or Ugreen).
Important: Do not use objects that are too thick or sharp (screws, nails, knives). They can damage the plastic lock inside the slot, and then the tray will stop holding. The optimal diameter of the tool is 0.7-1 mm.
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If the key doesn’t enter the hole, don’t push harder – check if you’ve confused it with the microphone hole (it’s usually bigger and next to the Type-C connector).
Step-by-step: how to open the tray of SIM-cards
The process of tray extraction is the same for most Xiaomi models, but there are nuances depending on the design.
- Turn off your smartphone (optional, but recommended to avoid accidental tapping).
- Find a hole for the key on the side of the case.
- Put the key (or paperclip) into the hole at a 90° angle to the body. Press it all the way down, and it's going to be a little click.
- The tray will extend 1-2 mm - carefully pull it with your fingers until completely removed.
If the tray does not come out the first time:
- 🔄 Try to push the key a little harder (but without bigotry!).
- 🔄 Check if the key is skewed – it must enter strictly perpendicular.
- 🔄 If the smartphone is in the case, remove it - sometimes the case blocks the movement of the tray.
☑️ Preparation for extraction SIM-map
In Xiaomi models with a hybrid slot (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro), the tray can have two slots: one for nano-SIM, a second for microSD or a second SIM. Make sure you insert the cards into the correct nests - otherwise the smartphone will not recognize them.
What to do if the tray is jammed or not opened
Sometimes the tray SIM-The cards stop moving even if you press the key correctly:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The key doesn't go in the hole. | Dirt or dust in the machinery | Clean the hole with a toothpick soaked in alcohol |
| The tray extends halfway and gets stuck. | Tray skewing or deformation | Carefully tray plastic card, without making efforts |
| There's a click, but the tray's not coming out. | Broken lock inside | Contact the service center |
| The tray falls out when the phone is shaken. | Wear of the spring mechanism | Replace the tray (cost ~300-500 rubles) |
If the tray is jammed due to moisture (for example, after the phone falls into the water), do not try to open it by force. SIM-- The cards:
⚠️ Warning: Before attempting to remove the tray after contact with water, be sure to turn off the smartphone and dry it in rice or silica gel for at least 12 hours.If the phone does not turn on after drying, do not insert SIM-Map – first check the operability of the device.
For models with a fixed battery (most modern Xiaomi), self-repair tray is difficult - you will need to disassemble the body. In this case, it is better to contact the service center. The cost of replacing the mechanism in the official Xiaomi STS is from 800 to 1500 rubles. depending on the model.
How to insert it correctly SIM-map
Installation SIM-The maps seem simple, but many users make mistakes that lead to communication problems:
- Check the type SIM-cards – Xiaomi smartphones only support nano-SIM (smallest format) if you have micro-SIM or standard SIM, It must be cut or replaced in the operator’s cabin.
- Orient the map by cutout - on the tray and SIM-The map has a bevelled angle. It should match.
- Don't make an effort, the card should come in easily. If there's a lot of resistance, check if you've got the wrong sides.
- Close the tray before clicking - if it is not fixed, then, SIM-map inserted incorrectly.
For models with double SIM-card SIM) keep in mind:
- 📶 SIM 1 usually 4G/5G, SIM 2 can only work in 2G/3G (model).
- 📶 If you use two of them SIM-cards, one of them can be deactivated when connected to the mobile Internet.
- 📶 In hybrid slots (SIM + microSD when installing a memory card, a second slot for SIM becomes unavailable.
What happens if you put it in? SIM-map?
After installation SIM-Turn on the phone and check the cards:
- 📱 Does the operator name appear in the status bar.
- 📱 Is there a network signal (number of sticks next to the operator's name).
- 📱 Can I make an outgoing call (for example, to the number 112 for verification).
⚠️ Attention: If after installation SIM-Cards phone calls PIN-You don't know the code, you don't enter random numbers, and after 3 wrong attempts, the card will be locked, and you can only unlock it with the help of a computer. PUK-code (it is indicated on the plastic holder that came from the SIM-card).
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when working with the tray. SIM-Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Using a key that is too thick | Damage to the tray locker | Use only the original key or paper clip |
| Insertion SIM-wrong-side | Contorted contacts, lack of network | Check with the bevelled corner on the tray |
| Excessive force when closing the tray | Jamming of the mechanism | Close the tray smoothly, without pressure |
| Ignoring the click when extracting | Breakage of the retainer spring | Wait for a characteristic click before pulling |
Another common problem is getting dust or debris into the tray mechanism, which is especially true for smartphones, which are often carried in pockets or bags without a case, to clean the slot:
- Remove the tray and SIM-map.
- Examine the hole for the presence of foreign particles.
- Gently rinse the slot (you can use a can of compressed air).
- Wipe the tray contacts with a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol.
If you change often SIM-card (for example, when traveling abroad), it is worth buying a spare tray, it can be found on AliExpress or in phone accessories stores.
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Never try to open the tray. SIM-With a knife, scissors or other sharp objects, it's almost guaranteed to cause a breakdown in the machinery and costly repairs.
Alternative ways to open a tray without a key
If you don't have the original key or the paper clip, you can use the tools you need, and you can use the tools you need to be careful not to damage the machine, and here are some proven ways to do this.
- 📎 The stationery button -- straighten it up and put a point in the hole, which is good for most models, but it requires caution.
- 🧷 Hairpin – If it is metallic and thin enough, it can be used as a key.
- 🔨 A screwdriver with a thin sting, unless the sting is magnetic or too sharp.
- 📄 Ear wand -- break some of the plastic to make a thin rod.
If none of these things work, you can try to warm up the body with a hair dryer (50°C or less) -- sometimes it helps expand the plastic and release the jammed tray -- but it's risky, because overheating can damage the battery or the screen.
Extreme case: If the tray does not come out at all, and the phone needs to be urgently used, you can temporarily do without it SIM-cards, connecting to the mobile Internet via an access point on another device or using eSIM (if your Xiaomi model supports it, for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or the other device). POCO F5).