Why the Redmi 9 SIM tray doesn’t open and what to do about it
Slot for SIM-maps in Xiaomi Redmi 9 — It's a simple mechanism, but even with it, users have problems, so the key doesn't go in the hole, the tray gets stuck after the phone falls, and you just don't have the strength to push deeper. If you are faced with the fact that the slot does not open the first time - this is not a reason to panic. 90% In some cases, the problem is solved for 2-3 minutes, if you know the right technique.
The main mistake of beginners is trying to pull the tray out with bare hands or improvised means (clips, needles, toothpicks). This almost always leads to damage to the mechanism or scratches on the body. In this article, we will only discuss the safe ways that will not damage your Redmi 9 and will not deprive it of warranty.
Before you start removing the tray, make sure the phone is turned off. This is not a prerequisite for the slot to work, but this will eliminate the risk of accidentally pressing buttons or triggering the sensor. Also check if there are visible damages on the case around the key hole - cracks, dents or contaminants. If any, the mechanism may have deformed, and additional measures will be required.
Where is the slot for SIM-Maps in Xiaomi Redmi 9
Xiaomi Redmi 9 (models) M2003J15SC, M2004J19G and other modifications to the slot for SIM-The map is located on the left end of the case, if you look at the phone screen with the face. This is a standard place for most Xiaomi smartphones, but some users mistakenly look for it on the upper or lower edge.
The key hole is a small circular recess with a diameter of about 1 mm. next to it there is usually a small icon. SIM-chart SIM, But some versions of Redmi 9 (like the global one) may not have this marking. If you're not sure you found the right hole, compare it to the photos below:
- 📍 Left end - between the volume buttons and the upper corner of the body.
- 🔍 The size of the hole is slightly larger than the pin, but less than the standard clip.
- 🚫 Not to be confused with a microphone or headphone jack (if you have one in your model).
If you're still in doubt, take a flashlight and shine it on the end of the phone, and the key hole will be a little recessed into the case, and it's got a metallic gloss inside, which is the spring mechanism that holds the tray.
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If you have a Xiaomi Redmi 9A or Redmi 9C, the SIM slot can be on the right end — that’s normal for these models.
What is the key needed to open the slot in Redmi 9
To extract the tray SIM-The Xiaomi Redmi 9 uses a standard key-clip that comes with the phone, which is a thin metal bar with a curved end. If the original key is lost, it can be replaced with a folded-in metal bar:
- 📎 A regular paper clip - straighten it so that the end is straight and thin.
- 🪡 A needle or pin - only if they are strong enough and do not bend when pressed.
- 🔧 Special key for SIM — sold in the salons or on AliExpress (search on request «SIM eject tool»).
Important: do not use toothpicks, matches or plastic objects. They are not strong enough, can break inside the hole or scratch the mechanism. Also avoid too thick metal objects (such as nails or wires) - they will not enter the hole or deform the spring.
| Key type | Is it okay? | Risks. |
|---|---|---|
| The original key from the kit | ✅ Yes. | No. |
| Office paperclip | ✅ Yes. | Can bend with a strong push |
| Needle/pin | ⚠️ Conditionally. | It may break or scratch the mechanism. |
| Toothpick/mattress | ❌ No. | It will break inside or it won’t work. |
If you use a replacement for the original key, make sure that its diameter does not exceed 0.8-1 mm. Too thick object will not enter the hole, and too thin (for example, a sewing needle) may not work due to insufficient stiffness.
Step-by-step: how to open the slot for SIM with a key
Now, to the process itself, follow the instructions strictly in steps so that you don't damage the mechanism.
- Take the key (or replacement) and insert it into the hole on the end of the phone, the angle of entry is strictly perpendicular to the body (90 degrees), do not tilt the key, or it will slip.
- Press the key with moderate force. You should feel the spring's light resistance, and then click, which means that the mechanism has worked.
- After clicking the tray for SIM will be pushed out of the case by 2-3 mm. Carefully pull it with your fingers behind the protruding part and completely remove.
If the tray is not moved the first time:
- 🔄 Try pressing the key again - sometimes the mechanism gets stuck.
- 🔍 Check if the dirt has entered the hole (you can blow or clean gently with a toothpick).
- 📱 Make sure the phone isn’t in the case – some models of cases cover the slot.
Check if the phone is turned off (optional, but recommended)
Use only the right key (not toothpicks, not nails)
Press perpendicular to the body, without tilting.
Don’t use excessive force – if it doesn’t click, look for the cause.-->
Critical: If the key is stuck in the hole, don't try to pull it out with pliers or other tools. This almost always damages the mechanism. Instead, gently swing the key left-right or use glue (like superglue) to fix the thread that you can pull the key out.
What to do if the SIM slot is jammed
If the tray does not retract even after several attempts, most likely one of three failures occurred:
- Mechanical clogging - dust, sand or debris got into the hole.
- Deformation of the body - after falling or hitting the mechanism could shift.
- Breakage of the spring – if the key was previously used incorrectly (for example, at an angle).
Here's what you can do on your own:
- 🧹 Clean the hole: use a spray of compressed air (to clean keyboards) or gently blow the hole!
- 🔧 Light tapping: Put your phone on a soft surface (like a towel) and slightly tap on the end next to the slot.
- 🧲 Magnetic method: if the tray is metal, you can try to bring a powerful neodymium magnet to the end of the phone - it can stretch the tray for several millimeters.
⚠️ Attention: if the phone falls into water or is subjected to a strong vibration (for example, in a car), do not try to open the slot by force. In this case, there is a high probability of corrosion of the mechanism, and acting alone can aggravate the problem.
If neither method has helped, and the tray is still not put forward, there are two options:
- Take the phone to the service center Xiaomi (guarantee case, if the phone is not dropped).
- Try to remove the tray by disassembling the phone (only if you have experience in electronics repair!).
How to Disassemble Redmi 9 for Retrieval SIM-tray
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even a simple operation like extraction. SIM-The tray, often accompanied by errors, is the most common of them and how to prevent them:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Use of an inappropriate key (dental cleaning, nail) | Damage to the mechanism, scratches on the body | Use only metal objects with a diameter of 0.8-1 mm |
| Pressing the key at an angle | Key jamming, spring breakage. | Keep the key strictly perpendicular to the body |
| Excessive force when pressed | Deformation of the machinery or body | Press smoothly, no jerks |
| Trying to pull the tray with your fingers without a key | Damage to plastic latches | Always use the key to activate the mechanism. |
Another common problem is the loss of the key. SIM-When traveling abroad, make a rule to keep the key in one place: in a phone case, in a desk drawer or on a keyboard. You can also buy a set of spare keys (they cost a penny) and keep one at home and the other in the car or at work.
⚠️ Note: If you are using Xiaomi Redmi 9 with two SIM-Never remove the tray when the phone is working. In rare cases, this can cause the network to crash or reboot the device. SIM.
Alternative methods of extraction SIM-tray (if there is no key)
There are different situations: the key is lost, broken or simply not available, in which case you can use the available means, but with caution.
- 📎 Paperclip: unburden it so that you have a straight metal bar, put it in the hole and press it, and the key is to make sure that the end of the paperclip is not bent and has no barbs.
- 🧲 Magnet: If the tray is metal, hold a powerful magnet to the end of the phone, sometimes enough to move the mechanism.
- 🔨 Thin screwdriver: If you have a 1 mm flat sting screwdriver on hand, you can use it carefully instead of a key!
If none of the methods worked, and the tray needs to be removed urgently (for example, to replace the sack). SIM-You can try to warm up the case with a hairdryer. Heat the area around the slot for 10-15 seconds (no more so as not to damage the screen!). The heat can slightly expand the metal parts of the mechanism and free the tray. This method works in 30-40% of jamming cases.
In extreme cases, if the phone is warranty, contact the service center Xiaomi. SIM-tray extraction refers to warranty cases, if the breakdown occurred through no fault of your (for example, due to the failure of the mechanism).
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Never use glue, superglue or other adhesives to extract a key or tray, they can get inside the mechanism and permanently disable it.