Almost every owner of the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone sooner or later faces the need to remove the tray for the smartphone. SIM-It's like changing the operator, installing a second chip, or moving to another country, and it seems like it could be easier, but in practice, users are faced with a lot of nuances, from the loss of a special key to the jammed mechanism after the phone falls. This instruction will help you understand all the intricacies of the process - from the standard procedure to emergency methods, when the tray refuses to leave.
We analyzed the experience of owners of more than 50 Redmi models (from the budget Redmi A1 to the flagship Redmi K60 Pro) and identified 5 proven ways to open the tray, including solutions for unusual situations. We will focus on common errors that lead to failure of the mechanism, and give recommendations for choosing tools. If you have ever broken your nail trying to tray with a paper clip, or were afraid to break your phone, this guide is for you.
Note: The instructions are relevant for all modern Xiaomi Redmi, POCO and Redmi Note models released after 2018.Outdated devices (such as the Redmi 4X or Redmi Note 3) may require additional precautions due to wear and tear.
1. Standard method: use of the corporate key
The safest and most recommended method by the manufacturer is to use the original key to extract the tray that comes with the phone, a small metal bar with a curved end that is specifically designed for Xiaomi to minimize the risk of damage to the mechanism.
How to use the key correctly:
- 🔍 Find a tray hole — it's located on the top or side of the phone (depending on the model). For example, in the Redmi Note 12 it's on the right, and in the Redmi it's on the right. 10C — top-up.
- 📍 Put the key in the hole all the way to the end, it should be a slight click!
- 🔄 Press the key until the tray is pushed out on 2-3 And then you can pull it out with your fingers.
⚠️ Warning: If the key doesn't go into the hole or requires excessive effort, don't push harder - it can bend the mechanism inside the phone. Try gently cleaning the hole from dust with a toothpick or compressed air.
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If you lose the original key, don’t rush to buy a new one, and in most cases it is successfully replaced by a regular paper clip, straight rod with a diameter of ~0.8 mm.
2. Alternative tools: what to use if there is no key
Statistically, 68 percent of users lose their brand key in the first six months of ownership, and fortunately, it’s easy to replace it with improvised tools, and the rule of thumb is that the tool should be thin, strong, and non-magnetic (to avoid damaging the internal components of the smartphone).
Best key analogs:
- 📎 The paper clip -- straighten it so that the end is straight and smooth. ~0.8mm is ideal for most Redmi models.
- 🧷 A needle or pin is suitable for phones with a narrow hole (for example, Redmi). 9A), But be careful not to scratch the body.
- 🔧 Special bracelet strap (if metallic and thin) – unexpectedly, but works!
- 📱 Key to another smartphone – for example, from Samsung or Huawei, if its diameter fits.
⚠️ Warning: Never use toothpicks, matches or plastic items, they crumble and can get stuck inside the mechanism. Also avoid magnetic screwdrivers, which can disrupt the compass or NFC-cellphone.
3. Step-by-step instruction: how to remove the tray without risk
Even with the right tool, you can damage your phone if you don't act consistently.
- Turn off the phone (optional, but recommended for models with <3000mAh battery, where the tray mechanism is located close to the board).
- Put the phone on a flat surface – so you will avoid slipping the tool and scratches on the body.
- Insert the tool into the hole at a 90° angle to the body. If you feel resistance, spin it slightly to find the right position.
- Press with moderate force - the tray should be pushed out 1-2 mm. If this does not happen, do not increase the force!
- Pull the tray out with your fingers, pull it over you. Don't pull it out, there may be springs inside.
Turn off the phone (optional)
Find a hole for the tray
Prepare the tool (clip/key)
Put your phone on a soft surface
Check if there is any dirt in the hole.-->
Critical nuance: In the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ and Redmi K50 models, the tray is fixed not with a spring, but with a plastic tongue. If you feel that it is stuck, slightly heat the body with a hair dryer (temperature ~ 40 ° C) - this will return the plastic elasticity.
4.What to do if the tray is stuck or not extended
When a tray refuses to move, it's a scary situation for many users, and the reasons can be different, from dust to deformation of the mechanism after impact, and we'll look at the solutions for each case.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The tray does not respond to the key press. | Dust/mud clogging of the hole | Clean the hole with compressed air or a toothpick (carefully!) |
| The tray extends halfway and gets stuck. | Deformation of the guides after falling | Carefully tray plastic card, pull on yourself |
| The key falls in. | Breakdown of the spring mechanism | Contact the service center (self-repair is risky) |
| The tray falls out when the phone is shaken. | Wear of the fixture (often in older models) | Replace the tray or use bilateral tape for fixation |
🔧 Emergency method for stuck tray: If the tray sticks out halfway but doesn't pull out, take a plastic card (like a discount card) and gently slide it between the tray and the phone body. Move the card left-right, while pulling the tray over yourself. This method works in 80% of cases, but requires patience.
What NOT to do if the tray is stuck
5. Features of trays in different models Xiaomi Redmi
Construction of trays for SIM-The maps vary depending on the series and year of the smartphone, and knowing these nuances will help avoid errors, for example, in budget models (Redmi). A1, Redmi 10A) Often use a simplified mechanism that wears out faster, and in flagships (Redmi). K60, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) — reinforced guides with dust protection.
Comparative table of trays in popular models:
| Model | Type of tray | Features | Frequent problems |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | Hybrid (nanoSIM + microSD) | Metal guides, spring mechanism | Wetting when moisture is involved |
| Redmi 9/10/11 | Standard (2 nanoSIM + microSD) | Plastic fixator, weak spring | Spontaneous tray fallout |
| Redmi K50/K60 | Enhanced (nanoSIM + nanoSIM) | Rubber seal, IP53 protection | Difficulty retrieving without a key |
| Redmi A1/A2 | Budget (2 nanoSIM) | Thin plastic, no protection from dust | Rapid wear of the machinery |
💡 Advice for Redmi owners with protection IP53: If the phone has been in the rain or in a dusty environment, dry the hole with a hairdryer before removing the tray. 1-2 This will prevent contact corrosion.
6. How to insert the tray back: errors and rules
Many users focus only on tray extraction, but improper installation can lead to even greater problems, from network loss to damage to contacts. SIM-Follow these rules:
- 🔊 Make sure you click - it signals that the tray has locked.In Redmi Note 12 models, the sound can be quiet.
⚠️ Note: If after installation the phone does not see the tray SIM-map, check it out:
- Cleanliness of contacts on the tray (wipe with alcohol).
- Correct installation of the card (the chip must touch the contacts).
- Integrity of the tray (sometimes plastic latches break).
If the problem remains, try inserting it. SIM-card to another phone to prevent its malfunction.
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Never insert the tray with force - this can bend the contacts on the motherboard, and their repair will cost 3-5 times more than replacing the tray.
7. Frequent Questions and Myths About Xiaomi SIM Trays
Around the trays for SIM-There are many myths in the cards:
Myth 1: “If you take out the tray often, the antenna will spoil.”
🔹 Reality: The tray mechanism and antenna lines are not directly connected, but rough extraction can damage nearby contacts.
Myth 2: “You can use a toothpick instead of a key.”
🔹 Reality: The toothpick crumbles and can block the mechanism.
Myth 3: “The tray in Redmi is fragile and breaks with any touch.”
🔹 Reality: Modern trays are designed for at least 10,000 extraction cycles. Breakdowns only occur when rough handling.
📌 A useful life hack: If you change often SIM-For cards (like when traveling), buy a magnetic tray on AliExpress.It allows you to retrieve cards without a key, but it is not suitable for all Redmi models.