How to open the tray for SIM-Maps in Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S: Guide with photos and advice from the master

Stuck tray for SIM-Maps in Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S — A problem that both beginners and experienced users face, and most often, the difficulties arise from improper use of a paper clip, getting dust into a mechanism or factory defects. In this article, we will discuss all working ways to extract the tray, including emergency methods for cases where the standard tool does not help.

The Redmi Note 10S (codenamed rosemary) features a classic right-hand-facing retractable tray that supports two nano-SIM+ microSDs. It's the same design as most Xiaomi smartphones, but there are nuances: for example, the tray is fixed not by a spring, but by a plastic latch that can deform over time if you push it rough. If you've tried to open it and nothing has worked, don't panic: 90% of the time, the problem is solved without disassembling the case.

Before you start, make sure you have:

• 📍 Paperclip from the set (or any other metal clip diameter) ~0.7 mm mm)
• 🔦 Lantern (to illuminate the hole for extraction)
• 🧲 Magnet (required for one of the alternative methods)
• 📱 Spare. SIM-card (to check the operability of the slot after extraction)

1. Standard method: how to open the tray with a paper clip

This is the basic method that's described in the official manual for the Redmi Note 10S. It works 95% of the time if the tray is not mechanically jammed. Here's the step-by-step algorithm:

1. Turn off your smartphone.This is not necessary, but is recommended to avoid accidental tapping on the screen or crashing when removing the SIM.
2. Find the extraction hole, which is on the right side of the housing, next to the power button, and the hole is about 1 mm in diameter.
3. Put the paperclip at an angle of 45° to the point. Press with effort, but do not overdo it - 2-3 kg of force is enough.
4. The tray will extend 1-2 mm. After that, it can be carefully pulled out with your fingers.

If the paperclip is not coming or the tray is not being pushed out, check:

• 🔍 Is it the right tool? The diameter of the paper clip should be 0.6 to 0.8 mm. Too thick a paper clip will not fit into the hole, and too thin will bend.
• 📏 The insert depth, the paper clip should rest against the mechanism, not fall inwards. Optimal depth is 3-4 mm.
• 🔄 Press angle. Try changing angle from 45.° 30° 60° — Sometimes it helps the latch work.

Check that the smartphone is off (optional)|Use the original paperclip from the set|Light the hole with a flashlight|Press the paperclip smoothly, without jerking-->

2. Alternative methods if the paper clip does not help

If the standard method did not work, do not rush to bring the phone to the service. Here are 4 proven ways to help remove the tray without disassembling the case:

Method 1: Use of a magnet

This is a good technique if the tray mechanism is intact, but the clip is not catching the latch. You'll need a neodymium magnet (like an old hard drive or speaker) and you'll attach it to the tray's location (on the right side, closer to the top corner) and you'll gently drive it down. The magnetic field will pull the metallic mechanism and the tray will move out.

Method 2: Tape or Scotch

If the tray is pushed 1-2 mm, but not pulled out with your fingers, take double-sided tape or tape. Stick it to the protruding part of the tray, and then pull up. The main thing is not to use superglue or other adhesives that can damage the case!

Method 3: Heating the body

Sometimes the tray jams because of moisture or temperature changes, in which case you can carefully heat the body with a hairdryer (temperature not higher than 50 ° C!) for 1-2 minutes. The heat will expand the plastic, and the mechanism will unlock. Do not use an open fire or microwave - this will damage the smartphone!

Method 4: Software reset (for stuck tray)

If the tray is stuck after a fall or impact, sometimes rebooting in Fastboot mode helps.

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down for 10 seconds.
3. Release the buttons when the Fastboot logo appears.
4. Wait 30 seconds and restart your smartphone.

In some cases, this will cause mechanical blockage.

3.What to do if the tray fell or broke

If the tray is pulled out, but it falls out of the grooves or cracks, don't try to force it back in.

• 🔧 Replace the tray.Original tray for Redmi Note 10S worth ~300-500 rubles (article: MB04045). You can buy it on AliExpress or in Xiaomi service centers.
• 📦 Use a temporary solution if you need to insert it urgently. SIM, Wrap the tray with thin tape (so it doesn't hang around) and gently insert it back in. This is not a long-term option, but will help before you buy a new one.
• 🛠️ If the tray breaks inside the case, self-removal can damage the motherboard, and the service will get it in 10-15 minutes with tweezers and vacuum suction cups.

Warranty Warning: If the phone is warranty, do not attempt to repair the tray yourself.Opening the case or damage to the mechanism will void the warranty Xiaomi.

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If the tray is cracked but still holding, take a picture of the SIM before you remove it, and this will help you insert it back in correctly.

4.How to avoid tray problems in the future

To make the SIM tray in Redmi Note 10S last a long time, follow these tips:

Pay special attention to the cleanliness of contacts. SIM-cards (e.g. on trips), wipe the metal parts of the tray with an alcohol towel. this will prevent oxidation and poor contact.

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Never use needles, toothpicks or other sharp objects to extract the tray – they can damage the microphone or antenna contacts inside the enclosure.

5. Frequent User Errors and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced Xiaomi owners sometimes make mistakes when working with the tray for SIM.

⚠️ Warning: If you press the paper clip and hear a grinding or crackling, stop trying immediately! This means that the paper clip has bent or missed the mechanism.

• 🔨 Pressing too hard. Many users are pushing the paper clip as hard as they can, thinking that the tray is jammed. It's actually quite easy, but confident, to press it. Excessive force deforms the plastic latch.
• 🔄 Wrong angle of insertion of the paper clip. Optimal angle is 45.°. If you insert the paper clip perpendicularly, it will rest in the body, and if too obliquely - slip past the mechanism.
• 📵 Removing the tray when the phone is on, will not damage the device, but may cause the network to crash (for example, if a call or software update is coming at that moment).
• 🧲 Using magnets from speakers. Not all magnets are suitable - you need neodymium with an attractive force of at least 1 kg. Weak magnets (for example, from the refrigerator) will not help.

Another common mistake is to try to insert the tray back in the end, if it doesn't lock with a characteristic click, SIM-Always make sure the tray is firmly seated before turning on the phone.

Video instruction and additional resources

If the text instruction seems complicated, we recommend watching a video from the official Xiaomi channel or proven masters.

• 🎥 Official videos: Look for videos labeled "Xiaomi Russia" or "Mi Community" based on technical documentation.
• 🔍 Make sure the Redmi Note video is up to date. 10S, Not another model (e.g. Note 10 Pro has a different tray mechanism).
• 💬 Video reviews. Check out the comments -- if a lot of people say it doesn't work, you better look for another source.

Useful resources on the topic:

• 🌐 Official support for Xiaomi – here you can download the instructions for the Redmi Note 10S Russian.
• 📱 Mi Community – a forum where users share their experience of repairs.
• 🛠️ 4PDA — snippet 10S There is a section on hardware problems.

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Before watching the video, turn on the subtitles – many masters speak vaguely or use professional terms.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions