You just bought the new Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ or POCO X6 Pro, but you can't insert SIM-Or did the old Mi 11 smartphone stop recognizing the SIM and the slot jammed? This problem is familiar to many owners of Xiaomi equipment - from the budget Redmi to the flagship Mi and the other two. MIX. In 80% of cases, the cause is not a breakdown, but in the wrong extraction technique.
In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to open the tray for SIM-maps on Xiaomi smartphones, including emergency methods if the mechanism is jammed or broken:
- 🔧 How to Use a Standard Key-Stap (and Why It Breaks)
- 📱 Alternative items to remove the tray (without damaging the smartphone)
- ⚠️ What to do if the tray is stuck or not fixed back
- 🛠️ How to disassemble a smartphone if other methods do not help (for advanced users)
- 📹 Video instructions for popular models Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO
All instructions are relevant for devices from 2020 to 2026, including models with hybrid slots (nanoSIM). + microSD) and dual-sim variants. If your smartphone is older, check compatibility under Features for older models».
1. Standard method: key-clip from the set
In the box with each Xiaomi smartphone lies a small metal key for extraction. SIM-The tray (sometimes called a paper clip) is the safest and most recommended method by the manufacturer:
- Turn off your smartphone (optional, but recommended for safety).
- Find on the side of the device a small hole next to the tray for SIM-It's on most models: 📱 On the Redmi Note and POCO — left-hand. 📱 On Mi. 11/12/13 — on the right end (under the volume buttons). 📱 On Black Shark - on the upper end (near the headphone jack).
Put the key in the hole all the way to the end. It should be a slight click.
The tray will extend 1-2 mm - pull it with your fingers to the end.
Important nuances:
- 🔹 Do not press the key at an angle - it can bend the tray mechanism.
- 🔹 If the key is not included, check if you have confused the hole with a microphone or speaker.
- 🔹 On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) the hole is closed with a plug - it must be gently tucked with a nail.
⚠️ Warning: If the key bent or broke inside the hole, do not try to pull it out with tweezers - this can damage the contacts SIM-Use the methods in section 4.
☑️ Preparation for tray removal
2.Than to replace the key: 7 improvised items
Lost the key from the kit? No problem! You can use it instead.
| Subject matter | How to use | Risks. |
|---|---|---|
| 📎 Paperclip (staffing) | Untighten it to get a straight bar thickness of 0.5-0.7 mm. | It can bend if you push too hard. |
| 🧷 pin or needle | Use the blunt end so as not to scratch the body. | High risk of breaking inside the hole. |
| 🖊️ The gel pen rod | Pull out the writing knot, leave only the plastic tube. | Maybe there's not enough hardness to press. |
| 🔑 Toothpick | Sharpen the tip at an angle of 45.° better-clutch. | A tree can crumble inside the hole. |
| 📏 Stationary knife | Use the soft end of the blade (do not push it!). | Dangerous - you can hurt or scratch the body. |
Tip: If only a paper clip is at hand, straighten it and wrap the tip with tape to increase the diameter to 0.6-0.8 mm - so it will better enter the hole.
For models with a hybrid slot (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro, where one slot under nanoSIM) + microSD) be especially careful: the mechanism there is more fragile than in conventional trays.
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Before using the improvised items, take a picture of the location of the hole on the smartphone – this will help not to confuse it with a microphone or speaker.
3.The tray is stuck: what to do if it does not move
If the tray is for SIM-The card does not respond to the key press and does not extend even by a millimeter, the reasons may be as follows:
- 🔧 Mechanical damage (bent key, dust ingress).
- 💧 Corrosion after moisture (relevant for leaky models).
- 🔋 Production defect (rarely, but occurs in the POCO M4 Pro and Redmi. 9A).
- 📱 Incorrect installation SIM-maps (e.g. upside down).
Algorithm of action:
- Try pressing the key 10-15 times in a row with an interval of 1 second - sometimes the mechanism "stirs up".
- Blow into the hole for the key (you can use a can of compressed air) – this will remove the dust.
- If the smartphone fell or got wet, put it in a bag with silica gel for 12 hours - moisture can block the mechanism.
- Try to gently tap on the end of the smartphone (from the tray side) with the back of the pencil - vibration sometimes helps to move the jammed mechanism.
⚠️ Warning: Don't use drying with a hair dryer or heating - it can melt plastic tray parts! temperatures above 50°C critical to the mechanism.
If the tray is extended halfway but not fully removed:
- 🔹 Carefully tuck it in with a plastic card (not metallic!).
- 🔹 Use a screen suction cup (sold in phone repair kits).
- 🔹 Plug on the tray bilateral Scotch and pull it.
What to do if the tray fell out of the grooves?
4 Emergency methods: if the key breaks inside or the tray bent
The situation becomes more complicated if:
- 🔧 The key broke inside the hole.
- 🔄 The tray is bent and does not go back in.
- 🚫 The mechanism is completely out of order.
Method 1: Removing the key fragment
If a piece of metal is left in the hole:
- Take a magnet (for example, from a headphone speaker) and bring it to the hole - sometimes the debris is pulled out.
- Use a toothpick with a drop of superglue - glue it to the debris, wait for drying (30 seconds) and pull it out.
- In extreme cases, carefully drill the hole with a 0.8 mm drill (only if you are confident in your skills!).
Method 2: Disassembly of the smartphone (for experienced users)
If the tray is not removed by any method, you have to disassemble the smartphone. It's risky -- you can damage the plumes or lose the warranty. But if there are no other options, follow the instructions:
- Turn off your smartphone and remove the battery (if it is removable).
- Remove the back cover by smacking it with a plastic spatula (start with the corners).
- Find the tray mechanism - it is usually attached to the motherboard with 2-3 screws.
- Unscrew the screws and carefully remove the tray with tweezers.
Video instructions for disassembling popular models:
- 📹 Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+: [YouTubelink]
- 📹 POCO X5 Pro: [Link to YouTube]
- 📹 Xiaomi 13 Lite: [link to YouTube]
⚠️ Attention: On models with IP53/IP68 (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro+) Disassembly breaks tightness. After assembly, check the operation of the smartphone in high humidity conditions (for example, in the bathroom while showering).
5. Features for older Xiaomi models (until 2020)
Xiaomi smartphones release 2016-2019 has its own nuances:
| Model | Features of the tray | Typical problems |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 4/5 | Metal tray with spring | The spring often flies out when sloppy extraction |
| Mi A1/A2 | Hybrid slot (2 nanoSIM or 1 nanoSIM) + microSD) | The tray jams when using two at the same time SIM-map |
| Mi Max 2/3 | The hole for the key is located on the upper end | It is hard to get without a long instrument. |
| POCO F1 | Plastic tray with reinforced guides | The tray can crack when pressed hard |
For these models, it is not recommended to use improvised means thicker than 0.7 mm - the mechanisms there are less durable than in new smartphones. If the tray is jammed, it is better to contact the service center.
Where to find the original replacement trays:
- 🛒 Official Xiaomi store (section "Accessories»).
- 🛒 AliExpress (see the model of the smartphone) + «SIM tray»).
- 🛒 Local service centers (cost – 200-500 rubles).
6.How to avoid tray problems in the future
To avoid bumping into a jammed tray again, follow these rules:
- 🔹 Don't change. SIM-cards too often - each time you risk bend the mechanism.
- 🔹 Use only the original key or proven analogues (see Section 2).
- 🔹 Do not press the tray when installing - it should enter smoothly, effortlessly.
- 🔹 Check position. SIM-cards before insertion (the cut corner should coincide with the angle of the tray).
- 🔹 Avoid moisture and dust – use covers with end protection.
- 🔹 Do not drop your smartphone – blows often disable the tray mechanism.
If you travel frequently and change SIM-Maps, consider the option with eSIM (available on Xiaomi) 12T Pro, 13 Lite and new models will save you the need to physically remove the tray.
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On models with support for eSIM (for example, Xiaomi 13) you can completely abandon the physical SIM-cards that will eliminate problems with the tray.
7. When to contact the service center
Not all problems with the tray for SIM-You can solve the cards yourself:
- 🔧 The tray broke inside the smartphone and you can’t remove it.
- 💧 The smartphone fell into the water and then stopped working SIM-map.
- 📶 The phone can't see. SIM-card even after installation (may be contact issue).
- 🔨 You have taken your smartphone apart, but you can’t put it back together.
- 📱 There's an error on the screen «SIM-The card is not supported" (blockage is possible) IMEI).
Cost of repair in official Xiaomi services (2026):
- 💰 Replacement of tray for SIM-cards - 500-1200 rubles.
- 💰 Cleaning/repairing contacts SIM-cards - 800-1500 rubles.
- 💰 Replacement of motherboard (if contacts are damaged) - from 3000 rubles.
Before the service visit:
- Make a backup copy of the data (in case of resetting).
- Check if the warranty is maintained after repair.
- Check out the reviews about the service center (especially if it’s an informal workshop).
Official Xiaomi service centers in Russia:
- 📍 Moscow: Letnikovsky St., 10 (in the shopping center "European»).
- 📍 St. Petersburg: Ligovsky Prospect, 50 (in the shopping center "Gallery»).
- 📍 Kazan: Trade Union St., 13 (in the shopping center "Ring»).
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If you live in a small town that doesn’t have a Xiaomi service center, send your smartphone for repairs via the official website.