Modern smartphones, including the popular Xiaomi Redmi 9, feature combined slots that require careful handling. Often users are faced with the need to replace a carrier or install a memory card, but can not find the right place to impact. The mechanism of extracting the tray on devices in this series is designed in the form of a narrow hole that is easily confused with a noise reduction microphone.
Incorrect actions can damage the internal components or break the tray itself, so it is important to understand the principle of the mechanical pusher. In this article, we will discuss in detail where the desired connector is, which tool is better to use and how to proceed if the tray is not removed in the standard way.
Slot location and tool preparation
The first step is to visually inspect the body of your Redmi 9. SIM-And the maps on this model are on the top end of the device, if you hold the screen to yourself. But depending on the regional version, the hole can be displaced. On the top side, you'll see an elongated tray with a small circular hole on one side.
Removal requires a special metal key that comes with the box. If the original tool is lost, it can be replaced with a paper clip, straightening one of the ends, or a thin needle. The main requirement is that the tool must be strong enough not to bend when pressed, and have a diameter corresponding to the hole in the tray of the sim card.
It is important not to confuse the sim tray hole with the microphone, which is also on the upper or lower end.The microphone hole is usually located separately, often in the center of the edge or next to the speaker, and does not have the characteristic rectangular shape of the tray itself around it.
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Use a phone flashlight or bright lamp to clearly see the hole under the tray, especially if you are operating in low light.
Step-by-step instructions for removing the tray
The extraction process requires a confident but controlled effort. Take the tool in your hand so that it is perpendicular to the face of the smartphone. Put the tip of the key or paper clip right into the hole to the point. You should feel a slight click or resistance of the spring mechanism.
Once the key has entered the hole, you press directly on the axis, without bending the tool to the side. At the same time, you press the tray slightly outside. Xiaomi's mechanism is designed so that after activating the spring, the tray will extend several millimeters, which will allow you to grab it with your fingers.
☑️ Procedure for extraction
When the tray appears, remove the tool and gently pull the plastic platform with your fingers. Don't pull sharply so as not to damage the contacts or the latch mechanism inside the case. Now you have access to install new communication modules.
Features of the design of the combined slot
The Redmi 9 uses a hybrid slot type 2 SIM + MicroSD or 1 SIM + 1 SIM + MicroSD, depending on the modification. The tray has two notches of different sizes. One is designed for a nano-SIM card, and the second can be used either for a second SIM or for a microSD memory card.
Notice the shape of the cutouts: they have a bevel on one side, which prevents the card from being installed incorrectly. If you use two SIM cards, they are placed in the corresponding slots, and the memory space remains occupied. If you need to expand the memory, one of the SIM cards will have to be removed.
| Position in the tray | Type of card | Format | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Position 1 | SIM 1 | Nano-SIM | The main slot for calls |
| Position 2 | SIM 2 / SD | Nano-SIM / MicroSD | Hybrid use |
| Contacts | Gold. | - | They require careful treatment. |
When installing cards, make sure they are tight and do not hang around. A loose landing can cause the smartphone to stop seeing the network or memory card after closing the tray. Contacts should be directed down to the board, unless otherwise indicated by the diagram on the tray itself.
Can I use SIM adapters?
What to do if the tray is not removed
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where a standard key press does not work, the tray can get stuck due to dust, plastic deformation or contact oxidation, first of all make sure that you press in the hole, not in the edge of the tray, and that the force is directed strictly perpendicular.
If the tray still does not respond, try to sway the tool slightly from side to side without removing it to stir the mechanism. You can also try to blow a hole with compressed air to remove possible dust. Excessive force should not be applied - the plastic tray can crack.
⚠️ Warning: Never use glue to stick the key to the tray! The glue can leak into the case and damage electronics, and also lock the extraction mechanism firmly.
In extreme cases, when the tray is damaged or the mechanism is broken, it requires disassembling the smartphone to carefully remove the stuck element, a complex procedure that requires heating the case and using suction cups, so it is better to trust it to specialists.
Installation of a memory card and SIM card
Once the tray is successfully removed, the installation phase begins: Take the nano-SIM card and memory card, making sure they fit the format you want, place them in the tray notches according to the pattern that is carved out on the metal platform, the gold contacts should look down.
Carefully insert the tray back into the body. It's important to be guided: the tray only enters one side. Don't try to force it to the side if it doesn't go, flip it over and try the other side. A properly installed tray should enter the body flush with the edge.
- 📱 Make sure the cutouts on the cards match the tray shape.
- 💾 A microSD card is usually installed in the second slot unless the second sim card is used.
- 🔒 The tray should snap with a light click sound when fully immersed.
After installation, turn on your smartphone. The system should automatically identify new cards. If this does not happen, check the installation correctly or try to wipe the contacts with a soft dry cloth.
Frequent errors and precautions
When working with mechanical elements of a smartphone, it is easy to make a mistake. One of the most common is the use of a tool that is too thick to widen the hole and break the internal lock. Another mistake is to put the memory card "by eye" without checking contacts.
Users also often forget to turn off their phone before removing their SIM card. While modern smartphones support hot replacement, Redmi 9 and its version of MIUI are better off being safe to avoid software failures in network definition.
⚠️ Warning: Do not leave the tray open for long periods without a map. Dust and moisture can enter the case through an open hole, which will lead to oxidation of the motherboard.
Check the tray regularly, and if you notice that it's getting tight or falling out on its own, it's a signal of mechanical wear and tear or contamination, and cleaning it in a timely manner will prolong the life of the connector.
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Proper orientation of the tray and the use of a thin tool is the key to successful replacement of the SIM card without damage to the body.
Diagnosing problems after installation
Once you have returned the tray to its place and turned on the phone, look at the network indicators. If the link icon appears but says "No Network" or "Emergency Calls Only", the card may be incorrectly installed or corrupted. Check the display in the Settings menu → The phone. → All specs → Status SIM-map.
If the smartphone doesn't see the memory card, try restarting the device. In some cases, you need to format the card through the phone's menu, but remember that this will delete all the data. Make sure the file system format is compatible with Android (usually exFAT or FAT32).
If you have persistent problems with the SIM card, remove the tray again and check the contacts for oxides or contaminants. Sometimes it helps to clean the contacts of the SIM card (not the chip, but the metal part) with a smooth brush.