You just bought a new Xiaomi smartphone — whether it’s the flagship Mi 14 Ultra or the budget Redmi Note 13 — and faced the first technical challenge: installing a new smartphone. SIM-It would seem that it could be easier? But in practice, many users face difficulties: the tray does not open, the paper clip bends, and the instructions in the box are written in an incomprehensible language. SIM-cards on any Xiaomi device, avoiding damage to the body or mechanism.
We will look at all possible scenarios, from the standard procedure with a special key to emergency methods if the tray is jammed, you will also learn where the compartment is located on different models (right, left or top), how to distinguish a hybrid slot from a regular one, and what to do if you want to use the same system. SIM-The card is not recognized after installation. At the end of this article, we have answers to frequent questions and useful life hacks from service engineers.
Where is the compartment for SIM-maps in Xiaomi?
Before you try to open a tray, you need to know exactly where it is located. Xiaomi has three standard accommodation options:
- 📱 The right side face is the most common place (Redmi Note models). 10/11/12/13, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12/13).
- 📱 Left side facet – less common (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra or Mix Fold 2).
- 📱 Top edge – typical of some older models (Mi 8, Mi 9) or foldable smartphones (Mix Fold 3).
To make sure you don't make a mistake, check the case: the compartment is usually marked with a small dot or a slot for the key. Some models (for example, Redmi K60) have a SIM or a card icon nearby. If you're not sure, check the official documentation on the Xiaomi Support website (enter the model in search).
Important! On some devices (such as the Xiaomi 13T Pro), the bay is combined with a volume button — don't confuse them. The tray is always on a flat surface, not under physical buttons.
What will it take to open the tray?
To extract the Xiaomi tray, you will need one of the following tools:
| Tool. | Advantages | Deficiencies | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special key from the kit | Perfectly fitting in size, does not scratch the body | It is easily lost, can break with a strong press. | All Xiaomi models |
| Paperclip (uncurved) | Always at hand, universal | It can bend if the metal is too soft. | Budget models (Redmi, POCO) |
| needle or pin | A thin tip easily enters the hole | High risk of damage to a mechanism or arm | Only as a last resort. |
| Toothpick (wooden) | Soft material will not scratch the body | Could break down inside the bay. | Models with plastic case |
If you don’t have the original key, it’s best to use a medium stiffened staple (not too thin or too thick).The optimal diameter is 0.6–0.8 mm. Avoid needles and pins: they often break inside the mechanism, which leads to expensive repairs.
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Before using the paperclip, wrap its tip with a thin layer of tape - this will protect the hole from scratches and prevent the tool from slipping.
Step-by-step: how to open the tray of SIM-cards
Follow this algorithm to safely extract the tray:
Turn off your smartphone (recommended, but not required)
Place the device on a flat surface with the screen upwards
Take a key or paper clip and check its integrity.
Press the hole at a 90 degree angle.-->
- Turn off your smartphone (optional). This is not a requirement, but it will help to avoid accidental taps on the screen. On some models (for example, Xiaomi 12S), the tray is locked software when the device is on.
- Find a hole to extract. It's next to the tray and has a diameter of ~1 mm. On some models (POCO F5), the hole is hidden under a plug - gently tuck it with your nail.
- Put a key or a paper clip into the hole to the point. Press ~2-3 kg (like when you press a button home), and you should feel a slight click, which means that the mechanism worked.
- Remove the tray. It'll push out 1-2 mm after you click -- pull it all the way through. Don't put too much effort into it, if the tray doesn't go, repeat the key press.
If the tray does not come out the first time, try:
- 🔄 Change the angle of pressing (sometimes helps the tool tilt by 5-10 degrees to the side).
- 🔄 Increase your effort (but don’t overdo it) ~5kg).
- 🔄 Use another tool (for example, if the paper clip bent).
What to do if the tray fell out of the grooves?
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even with the right actions, there can be difficulties.
⚠️ If you see that the contacts inside the compartment are bent or oxidized after removing the tray, do not insert SIM-This may cause a short circuit.
1.The tray is not extended after the key is pressed
Possible causes and solutions:
- 🛠️ The hole is clogged - try blowing it with compressed air (a canister for cleaning equipment) or gently cleaning it with a toothpick.
- 🛠️ Broken lock mechanism – if the key falls inside without clicking, you will need to disassemble the device.
- 🛠️ The tray is jammed due to a fall - try to slightly tap the body next to the compartment (for example, a rubber hammer).
2.The tray has fallen out, but it is not inserted back in
It's because of:
- 🔧 Incorrect insert angle - the tray should enter at an angle of 10-15 degrees.
- 🔧 Deformations of guides - check if the metal "tardards" inside the compartment are bent.
- 🔧 Foreign objects - illuminate the compartment with a flashlight and remove debris with tweezers.
3. SIM-The card is not recognized after installation
Check it out.
- 📶 Correct installation – the card should be placed with contacts down (most trays have a diagram).
- 📶 Format compatibility – Xiaomi supports nano-SIM (4FF). If you have a micro-SIM, you need to trim it or replace it.
- 📶 Network settings - go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Selecting a network and running a search manually.
If the problem persists, try inserting it. SIM-If it doesn't work and there's a card that's damaged, contact the operator for a replacement.
Features of hybrid trays (SIM + microSD)
Many Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO X5 Pro) feature a hybrid tray that allows you to install either two nano-SIMs or one nano-SIM + microSD memory card.
- 📱 You can't use two at the same time. SIM-MicroSD and cards will have to be selected.
- 📱 MicroSD format – cards up to 1 TB are supported (but 256-512 GB is optimal for stable operation).
- 📱 Read/write speeds for the 4K-Video and games select class cards A2 or UHS-I U3.
To install the microSD:
- Remove the tray and put it on the table.
- Insert the nano-SIM into the first slot (usually labeled as SIM1).
- Use the second slot for microSD – the card should “click” when installed correctly.
- Carefully insert the tray back to the point.
⚠️ If you use a microSD in a hybrid slot, the speed of the card will be limited by the speed of the bus. eMMC/UFS For example, in the Redmi Note. 11 The actual speed of reading the microSD will not exceed 100 MB/s, even if the card supports 170 MB/s.
Video Instructions and Additional Advice
If the text instruction seems complicated, check out the official video from Xiaomi (available on the brand’s YouTube channel).
- 🎥 Videos often show ideal conditions - in reality, more effort may be required.
- 🎥 Make sure you watch the video for your model (for example, for Xiaomi 13 Lite and Xiaomi 13 Pro, the process may be different).
- 🎥 If a video uses a special tool, do not replace it with improvised tools without extreme necessity.
Additional life hacks from service engineers:
- 💡 If the tray is tight, lubricate the guides with silicone lubrication (do not use it). WD-40!).
- 💡 For models with a degree of protection IP53/IP68 (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) after removing the tray, check the sealing gum - if it is damaged, the device will lose moisture protection.
- 💡 If you change often SIM-card, buy a magnetic tray (sold on AliExpress) - it is removed without a key.
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Never use metal objects (knives, forks, scissors) to open the tray – this is guaranteed to damage the mechanism and antenna contacts.
What do you do if nothing helps?
If you've tried all the ways, but the tray still doesn't open, it's time to call the professionals.
| Option | Cost | Timeline | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official Xiaomi Service Center | 500–1500 ₽ | 1-3 days | Guarantee for work, original spare parts | Expensive, long, can be denied without a check |
| Informal service | 300–800 ₽ | 1-2 hours | Cheaper, faster, often better understood | Risk of running into amateurs |
| Self-repair | 100–300 ₽ (spare parts) | 1-2 hours | Minimum costs, experience | High risk of damage to the board or antenna |
If you decide to repair yourself, you will need:
- 🛠️ Setting screwdrivers (PH00, T3, T5).
- 🛠️ Plastic mediator for disassembling the body.
- 🛠️ New tray (the article can be found on AliExpress on the model of the smartphone).
Look for step-by-step instructions for disassembling your model on iFixit or 4PDA. Remember: self-repair is not warranty (if it is still valid).