The tray problem SIM-Xiaomi Maps: Why It Happens and What to Do
Have you just bought a new Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ or taken out a spare POCO X5 from stock, but can't insert a SIM card? The tray doesn't extend, the chopper bends, and the Internet advises "just push harder"? This problem is familiar to every fifth owner of Xiaomi smartphones β especially if the device is new or has been repaired. 80% of the time it is not the breakdown, but the wrong extraction technique.
In this article, we will discuss all working ways to open the tray. SIM-From the standard with a paper clip to emergency methods for jammed mechanisms, and also to find out why the tray can get stuck in Xiaomi models. 12T, Redmi 10C And Black Shark 5, and how to avoid that. Spoiler: 30 percent of the time, it's not the tray itself that's to blame, but the sealing rubber side around the connector.
Before you start, check if your situation is critical:
- π΄ The tray fell out of the groove and dangles inside the body (disassembly is required)
- π΄ The hole for the paper clip is widened or deformed
- π΄ The smartphone fell into the water or was in repair (possible corrosion mechanism)
Method 1: Standard paper clip extraction (90% of cases)
This is the basic method that works on all Xiaomi models, from the Redmi 7A to the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. You will need a special key (comes included) or an unbended stationery clip. The main rule is: do not use pins, needles or toothpicks - they are too thin and can break inside the hole.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off your smartphone (optional, but recommended for safety).
- Find the hole to extract the tray β it is located on the end of the case (usually on the right or top).
- Insert the paper clip into the hole at an angle of 15-20 Β° to the point.
- Press with moderate effort (no need to beat!) - you should hear a click.
- Carefully pull the tray over yourself without swaying it.
Smartphone off or in flight mode |Clip flat, no burrs |The hole is not clogged with dust |The tray is not skewed in the groove-->
If the tray is not extended:
- πΉ Try to change the angle of the paper clip (sometimes the mechanism works only at 30).Β°).
- πΉ Check if the hole is clogged with dust - blow it out or clean it carefully with a toothpick (without pressing!).
- πΉ Make sure you press the right hole (some models have a microphone hole nearby).
π‘
If the paperclip bends, wrap its tip with thin tape - this will increase the diameter and improve grip on the mechanism.
Method 2: Alternative tools (if no paper clip)
Forgot the key from the kit, and the paper clips are not at hand? No problem, will fit the tools at hand. The main thing is that the object was strong enough and had a diameter of 0.6-0.8 mm.
| Tool. | Pluses | Cons | Suitable for models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnation earring | Perfect diameter, solid | Could scratch the body. | All except Black Shark (metal body) |
| Toothpick (sharpened) | Always on hand. | Weak, can break. | Only for plastic enclosures |
| Syringe needle (0.7 mm) | Thin and sharp | Too long, you have to break it off. | Any model you want. |
| Scissors (blade tip) | Strong. | High risk of damage to the mechanism | Only as a last resort. |
Important: if you use a toothpick or needle, break the excess length, leaving 10-15 mm. Otherwise, the tool can rest on the internal components of the smartphone.
Special key from the kit|Paperclip|earring or pin|Toothpick|Another option-->
Method 3: Software reset (for "jammed" trays)
If mechanical extraction doesn't help, the problem may be in the software unit. 12/13 series SIM-The card is connected to a leakproof sensor, and when it falls or gets moisture, the system can block the connector.
To unlock:
- Go to Settings β Memory β Additional β Diagnostics of equipment.
- Select the Test item SIM-map.
- Press Reset SIM Tray (could be called Reset SIM Tray).
- Reboot your smartphone.
If there is no such item, try to enter the combination in the Phone application:
##4636##Then select Phone Information β Perform the SIM test.
Why can the tray be blocked programmatically?
Method 4: Disassembly of the body (extreme case)
If the tray is broken or falls out of the groove, you have to disassemble the smartphone. It's a risky method -- you can damage the plumes or lose your warranty. Don't try this on IP-certified models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 Pro+), because once you disassemble the leakage will be compromised.
Step-by-step (for leakproof models such as POCO M5 or Redmi 10A):
- Turn off your smartphone and remove all memory cards.
- Heat the back cover with a hairdryer (temperature 60-70Β°C) for 2-3 minutes - this will soften the glue.
- Put a plastic blade (not metal!) on the corners where the speakers are located.
- Carefully remove the lid, disconnect the battery plume (required!).
- Find the tray mechanism. SIM-cards (usually next to the motherboard) and remove it with tweezers.
π‘
If the tray falls inside the case, DO NOT TRY TO ACT HIM WITH THE MARKER β this can damage NFC or wireless charging chips.
What to do if the tray is broken:
- π Buy a new tray on AliExpress (cost) 1-3$, smartphone-based search + Β«SIM trayΒ»).
- π§ Contact the service center (if the smartphone is guaranteed, disassembly will cancel it).
- π¦ Use eSIM (if your model supports, for example, Xiaomi 13 Lite).
Method 5: Emergency extraction without tools (risky!)
If you don't have anything on hand and you need to get your SIM card out of the way, you can try heating, and it works by thermally expanding the metal parts of the tray. Attention: it can damage the seal or the plastic latches!
Instructions:
- Put the smartphone down on a soft surface.
- Heat the tray area with a hair dryer (distance 10 cm, temperature 50Β°C) for 1-2 minutes.
- Press the tray immediately with your finger (not a paper clip!) with a force of 2-3 kg.
- If the tray has moved, carefully pull it on yourself.
π‘
If the smartphone was lying in the cold (for example, in the car in winter), before removing the tray warm it in your hands for 5-10 minutes - this will reduce the risk of breakage of plastic parts.
Never use an open fire (lighter, matches) or microwave to heat the battery β this will lead to irreversible damage to the battery and possible fire!
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when extracting the tray. SIM-Here's the top.-5 lapses that lead to failure:
β οΈ Note: If after removing the tray smartphone stopped seeing SIM-check the contacts on the tray, they could bend. Bend them back carefully with tweezers!).
- π« Too much pressure - leads to the pressing of the mechanism inside the body (especially important for the POCO F5 aluminum-hulled).
- π« Use of liquids (WD-40, alcohol) - corrodes the seal and leaves traces that can cause corrosion.
- π« Removal of the tray at an angle - deforms the guide grooves (typical for the Redmi Note 11 with a thin body).
- π« Trying to pull the tray out with your fingers β on some models (Xiaomi Mix Fold 3) this leads to a spell.
- π« Ignoring the click β if you do not wait for the characteristic sound, the mechanism may not unlock completely.
If the tray is not fixed in the closed position after removal:
- Check if the silicone seal is lost (the small black ring around the tray).
- Check the grooves on the body - it may have got dirt.
- If the tray is dangling, put a thin strip of paper under it for density.
Xiaomi models with non-standard trays: features
Some Xiaomi smartphones have a unique tray design that requires a special approach, for example, in Xiaomi 12S Ultra tray integrated with cooling system, and in Black Shark 5 Pro with the mechanism of physical triggers for games.
| Model | Feature of the tray | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 2/3 | The tray is located on the end with a flexible screen | Do not remove when the screen is unfolded - this deforms the hinge |
| POCO F4 GT | Metal latches with magnetic fixation | Use only the magnetic key from the set |
| Redmi K60 Ultra | Double tray (SIM + microSD) | Remove carefully - slots for memory cards are fragile |
| Black Shark 5 RS | The tray is blocked when the game mode is activated | Disable Shark Space before retrieving |
For models with a retractable mechanism (Xiaomi MIX 4) before removing the tray, you must:
- Disable the function of Automatic lock tray in security settings.
- Make sure your smartphone is not in Car Mode or Second Space mode.