How to properly open a slot for SIM-maps in Xiaomi smartphones: instructions with photos and videos

You just bought a new Xiaomi smartphone, but you can’t insert it. SIM-The card because the tray won't open, or the old phone has stopped recognizing the network, and you suspect that the problem is the slot contacts? SIM-cards for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO — from the standard method by a paper clip to emergency measures if the mechanism has jammed.

The manufacturer uses three types of slot designs: the classic retractable tray (most models have), the hybrid slot (for two SIM or SIM + microSD), and rare side-latch options (for example, in Xiaomi Mi Mix). We will tell you how to determine the type of your slot, select the right tool (improvised tools often break the mechanism!), and show you what to do if the tray is stuck or broken. At the end of the article, answers to frequent questions and a table of compatibility of tools with popular models.

1. Where the connector for SIM-maps in Xiaomi

95% of Xiaomi models are slots for SIM-The card is located on the right end of the case (if you look at the screen with the front side:

• 📱 Xiaomi Mi Mix (1-3 generations) – a slot on the bottom end next to the USB-port.
• 📱 Xiaomi Black Shark (Gaming Smartphones) – the slot can be hidden under a removable cover.
• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra and some flagships – a hybrid slot with additional protection from dust.

To find a tray, inspect the case: look for a small hole with a diameter ~1 mm with a metal rim, there could be a pictogram next to it. SIM-chart SIM. Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) the hole is covered with a plug - it must be carefully tucked with a nail.

Important: If you don’t see the hole to retrieve, you may have a model with an embedded eSIM (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro for the European market — SIM activated programmatically through the Settings menu → SIM-maps and mobile networks.

2. What tools are suitable for opening the slot

The manufacturer recommends using a brand key to extract the SIM that comes with the phone, but if it's not, alternatives are:

Critically, never use a knife, scissors or metal objects with serrated scissors. They scratch the case and damage the spring mechanism inside the slot. If only the wrong tool is at hand, you better buy a key for the SIM (costs ~ 50 rubles in the communication salons).

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Before removing the tray, turn off the phone - this will prevent accidental closure of contacts if you touch the metal tool board.

3. Step-by-step instruction: how to open the tray SIM-map

Follow this algorithm to avoid breakdown:

1. Turn off your smartphone (optional, but recommended for safety).
2. Take a paper clip or key, insert into the hole at an angle of 90 degrees to the body.
3. Press with a force of ~2-3 kg (you will feel a slight click - this is the spring mechanism).
4. Carefully pull the tray over yourself without swaying. If it's tight, don't pull, check if the lock is fully out.

Is the phone off?|Is there a paper clip/key at hand?|Is there any dirt in the slot hole?|Are you ready to pull the tray carefully without squashing?-->

If the tray doesn't come out:

• 🔍 Check if the hole is clogged with dust (clean with a toothpick without pressing).
• 🔄 Try to press the tool deeper - sometimes the mechanism sticks».
• 📱 Turn the phone downwards – the tray can fall out under the influence of gravity.

4. Frequent problems and their solutions

Even with careful handling of the tray, there can be problems.

4.1 The tray is stuck and not coming out

Reasons:

• 🔧 Deformation of the mechanism (for example, after the fall of the phone).
• 🧹 Getting dirt into the slots of the tray.
• 🔋 Corrosion of contacts (if the phone was exposed to moisture).

Decisions:

1. Try to heat the case with a hairdryer (temperature ~50°C) - this will expand the plastic and can free up the tray.
2. Drop 1 drop of WD-40 into the slot hole, wait 5 minutes and try again.
3. If nothing helps - slightly tap the body on a soft surface (for example, the palm), sometimes this shifts the jammed mechanism.

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Never use pliers or other tools to pull the tray out by force - this will damage the contacts. SIM-This will cause the loss of the network.

4.2. The tray falls out or is not fixed

It's because of:

• 🔄 Wear of the spring fixator (a frequent problem with Redmi) 4X, Redmi 5A).
• 🛠️ Incorrect assembly after repair.

Temporary solution: wrap the tray in a thin layer of insulation (only on the sides, without closing the contacts) for a tight fit. For permanent repairs, you need to replace the mechanism (in the service this will take ~ 20 minutes).

The phone can't see. SIM-map

Check it out.

• 🔄 Is it inserted correctly? SIM (chip should be upside down, the beveled angle - to the tray hole).
• 🧹 Whether the contacts on the tray are clean and SIM-card (wipe with an alcohol napkin).
• 📶 Does your model support nano?-SIM (obsolete Xiaomi Mi 3 or Redmi 1S Require micro-SIM).

If the problem persists, try inserting the SIM into another phone. If it doesn't work, contact the carrier for a replacement. If it works, the slot in your Xiaomi is faulty (diagnosis required).

5. Features of hybrid slots (SIM + microSD)

Many Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X4 Pro) are equipped with a hybrid slot, where the second slot can be used either for the second SIM or for a microSD memory card.

• 🔄 You can't use two at the same time. SIM MicroSD is just one option.
• 📱 There's a marking in the tray: SIM1, SIM2/microSD. Don't confuse sides!
• 🛠️ MicroSD cards should be formatted in the FAT32 exFAT (NTFS unsupported).

To change configuration (e.g. from two SIMs to SIM+microSD):

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Remove the tray and rearrange the cards according to the desired scheme.
3. Turn on your phone and wait for the automatic setup (reboot may be required).

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If the phone doesn’t see it after installing the microSD, go to Settings → Memory → Memory Map and click “Format as internal” (the data on the card will be deleted!).

6. Models with non-standard slots: Xiaomi Mi Mix, Black Shark and others

Some Xiaomi smartphones have unique slot designs that require a special approach:

Xiaomi Mi Mix (1-3 generations)

In these models, the slot is located on the bottom end and closed with a rubber plug.

1. Carefully tuck the stub with a nail or plastic spatula.
2. Put the paperclip in the hole to the right of USB-port.
3. Push up (not forward!) and the tray will move towards the screen.

6.2 Xiaomi Black Shark (Gaming Smartphones)

The Black Shark 2/3/4 Pro has a slot that can be hidden under a removable lid with magnetic locks.

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Place the device on a soft surface with the screen down.
3. Carefully pull the lid towards the camera - it will be removed with a characteristic click.
4. Under the cover you will see a standard tray that is retrieved by a paper clip.

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In Black Shark models, do not use metal objects to remove the lid – this will damage the magnetic contacts responsible for the illumination of the logo.

Xiaomi with eSIM (no physical slot)

The flagships of recent years (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Xiaomi 14 for the European market) can only support virtual SIM (eSIM).

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Add eSIM.
2. Scan it. QR-code from the operator or enter data manually.
3. Confirm activation – the phone will connect to the network without a physical card.

If your carrier does not support eSIM, you will need to use an external adapter (for example, Xiaomi SIM Card Adapter) that connects to the USB-C port.

7 What not to do when working with a SIM slot

⚠️ Attention: using sharp objects (knives, forks) to open the slot causes permanent damage to the contacts. 80% of these cases require replacement of the entire module. SIM, worth ~1,500–2,500 rubles.

Other prohibited activities:

• 🔥 Heating the body with an open flame (lighter, matches) - this will melt the plastic and damage the antenna modules.
• 💦 Try to “soak” the jammed tray in water – corrosion of contacts is guaranteed.
• 🔧 Disassemble your phone to get to the slot mechanism – without experience you risk damaging the plumes.

If the tray is broken and the phone is warranty, do not open the case. Contact the authorized Xiaomi service center with a check: repair warranty will cost free (if the breakdown is not your fault).

Frequent Questions (FAQ)