Slot for SIM-maps in Xiaomi Redmi 9T — It's a seemingly simple part, but if it's not properly removed, it can break the contacts or even damage the body, and many users are faced with the problem of not extending the tray after pressing the hole, getting stuck inside or requiring excessive effort. The reasons vary from factory failure to dust getting into the mechanism. In this article, we will discuss all working methods for opening the slot, including emergency options without a special key, and also describe how to avoid typical errors when installing nano-SIM.
The Redmi 9T (codenamed lime) feature is a hybrid slot that supports either two nano-SIMs or one nano-SIM + microSD, which means that if you unscrupulously extract it, you can damage not only the tray, but also the contacts for the memory card, and we tested all the methods on real devices and collected step-by-step instructions with the nuances of this model.
If you’ve just bought a smartphone or are considering changing carriers, this article will help you avoid common problems, such as 9 out of 10 slot breakdowns are due to the use of inappropriate tools (clips, needles) or the use of force in the wrong direction, and then a detailed review of each method with warnings and tips from service engineers.
1. Standard method: use of the key for SIM-map
The Xiaomi Redmi 9T always comes with a metal key-clip with a curved end, and this tool is specifically designed to extract the tray — its diameter (≈0.8 mm) is perfect for a slot hole. Here's how to use it correctly:
1. Turn off your smartphone (optional, but recommended for safety).
2. Find the extraction hole on the left end of the device (near the volume buttons).
3. Insert the key into the hole perpendicular to the housing to the end - a slight click should be heard.
4. Press ≈1.5-2 kg (as when you press the button home). The tray will extend 2-3 mm - pull it with your fingers.
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Warning: Don't put the key in at an angle! This can bend the mechanism inside the slot. If the key doesn't go, don't push harder, but check if the dust has hit the hole.
If the tray doesn't retract the first time, try swaying the key left-right slightly without pressing, then pressing again. 95% of the time, the problem is solved on the first try.
Check if the hole is dusty | Try to insert the key from the other side |Push hard (but not fanatically) |Try again after restarting the phone-->
Forgot the key in another apartment or lost? No problem - the available funds will do, but with reservations. The main rule is that the diameter of the tool should be 0.7-0.9 mm.
- 📎 Paperclip (unbended, without plastic coating) - the safest option.
- 🪡 Needle (only thick, sewing or medical) – risk of bending the mechanism ≈20%.
- 🔑 The key to the watch (metal, no serrated) – perfect.
- 🖊️ The rod from the gel handle (if the diameter fits) - fragile, can break inside.
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Warning: Never use toothpicks, matches or knives! They are too thick and can damage the plastic lock inside the slot. If the tool doesn't enter easily, it's best not to take risks.
The extraction process is similar to the standard method, but with additional precautions:
- Check the diameter of the tool with a barbell or visually (should pass into the hole without backlash).
- Press smoothly, without jerking. If you feel resistance, stop.
- If the tray does not come out, try to heat the body with a hairdryer (temperature ≈40 ° C) - this will expand the plastic.
With a special key from the set |Stickclip |Tickle |Tickle Screwdriver |Another tool-->
Situation: you are on a trip, there is no key, SIM-You need to change the card urgently, and in this case, you can try to push the tray out with headphones with a microphone (3.5 mm jack:
1. Take headphones with an L-shaped plug (for example, from Xiaomi Piston).
2. insert the plug into the hole for SIM-Angle forward (as a key).
3. Carefully press and swing left-right - the tray should move.
If this method does not work, try the "tap" method:
- Place the phone on a soft surface (such as a towel).
- With a light tap on the end (near the slot), try to move the tray.
- After 3-5 taps, press the hole with your finger – sometimes this is enough.
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Attention: The tapping method only works if the tray is not mechanically locked. If the smartphone falls or gets wet, it is better to contact the service - self-attempts can aggravate the problem.
Why can a tray jam?
The most frequent causes: 1. Dust/mud in the mechanism (especially if the phone is often in a pocket with coins or sand). 2. Deformation of the tray after the device falls. 3. Incorrect installation SIM-cards (for example, upside down), because of which the fixator does not work. 4. Factory marriage (rarely, but occurs in parties) 2020–2021 If the tray is jammed, do not try to pull it out by force - it can tear off the contacts! 4. Features of the hybrid slot in Redmi 9T Xiaomi Redmi 9T It is equipped with a hybrid slot that supports: 📱 Two nano-SIMs (4G+4G, without the support of two active SIM standby). 📱 One nano-SIM. + microSD (up to microSD) 512 GB, format FAT32/exFAT). This means that when installing a memory card, the second SIM-The card automatically turns off. Important nuances: If you use two SIM-The cards, the tray will be pushed tighter - that's normal. When you install a microSD, don't press it from the top, the contacts are fragile. SIM-Check if it is inserted correctly (chip down). 📌 Critical feature of Redmi 9T: If you insert a microSD into the slot for the second SIM, The phone may not be loaded (Error No.) SIM"). In this case, remove the memory card and restart the device.Slot configuration Supported formats Max. read speed microSD Features SIM1 + SIM2 nano-SIM + nano-SIM - Both SIM work 4G, But calls are only one. SIM1 + microSD nano-SIM + microSD (up to 512 GB) Up to 90 MB/s (UHS-I) SIM2 shutdown SIM2 + microSD nano-SIM + MicroSD Up to 90MB/s May cause error No. SIM" 5 Frequent Errors and How to Avoid Them Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when working with a slot for the game. SIM-map. Here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them: 🔄 Installation SIM-cardboard → Solution: flip the map (the chip must be on the bottom). 💥 Pressing the tray too hard → Solution: Use only the original key. 🌊 Getting moisture into the slot → Solution: Dry your phone in rice 12+ hours. 🔌 Using a microSD in a slot SIM2 → Solution: insert the memory card only into the slot SIM1. ⚠️ Warning: If after removing the tray you see that the contacts are bent or oxidized, do not insert SIM-This can lead to a short circuit.In this case: Clear the contacts with alcohol (90%+). Carefully straighten them with a needle (if bent). If the damage is serious, contact the service. Another common problem is that the tray does not fix after installation. This happens if: SIM-card is set curve; the slot has left the wreckage of the old card; the fixer mechanism is worn out (often after 2).+ 6. What to do if the tray breaks or gets stuck If none of the methods work and the tray gets stuck inside the case, don't panic. Here's the algorithm: 1. Try the magnet. Apply a neodymium magnet (such as from a speaker) to the slot area - sometimes this helps to move the metal tray. 2. Use a vacuum. suck a vacuum (at minimum power) to the slot gap next to the slot - the created vacuum can push the tray out. 3. Disassemble the phone. If you are an experienced user, you can carefully remove the back cover (need a mediator and a hair dryer! If the tray broke (for example, a plastic fixture broke off), you can replace it in two ways: 🛠️ Xiaomi’s official service – the cost of replacement ≈500–800 ₽ (warranty). 🔧 Self-substitution - a tray for Redmi 9T worth ≈200–300 ₽ (articular: MB04J01001). 📌 Important: When changing the tray, always check for article compatibility! trays from Redmi 9 or Redmi Note 9T They don’t fit, they have a different form of fixtures. 💡If the tray is stuck, never use force! 70% of the time, it damages the motherboard, and repairs are 3-5 times more expensive than replacing the slot. 7 Prevention: how to prolong the life of a slot for a computer. SIM-To avoid problems with the slot in the future, follow these tips: 🧹 Clean the hole once every 3 months with compressed air (keyboard cylinder). 🚫 Don't change. SIM-maps too often - each extraction/installation cycle wears out the mechanism. 📦 Keep the key in your phone so you won’t lose it at the right time. 💧 Avoid moisture - even condensate can cause contact corrosion. SIM-Cards, consider the option with eSIM (although Redmi) 9T The alternative is to use an adapter for two. SIM in one slot (for example, Dual) SIM Adapter, but it can impair the quality of the connection. ⚠️ Note: If you live in a high-humidity region (for example, Sochi, Vladivostok), treat the slot contacts with silicone lubrication once every six months (for example, once every six months, WD-40 This will prevent oxidation. FAQ: Answers to frequent questions Can I open a slot for SIM-maps 9T If the tray is stuck, however, it is better to turn off the device to avoid accidentally pressing buttons or damaging contacts when exerting effort. Why After Installing a New One SIM-The phone says "No network"? The reasons may be: SIM-The card is incorrectly installed (turn it over). The card is not activated at the operator; the contacts in the slot are damaged (check for oxidation); the phone is locked under another operator (you need to unblock). SIM I'll take it to another phone to check if it works. What do you do if you get water in the slot? Turn off the phone immediately and remove the tray from the slot. SIM-Dry your smartphone upright (tray down) for at least 12 hours. Don't use a hair dryer! Hot air can warp plastic. If the slot doesn't work after drying, contact the service. Can you use a microSD and two? SIM-Cards at the same time in Redmi 9T? No, it's not possible because of the hybrid slot. You can only choose one of the options: Two nano-SIMs; One nano-SIM. + microSD. If you need two. SIM and a memory card, consider models with a separate microSD slot (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro). SIM-maps 9T? Original tray can be ordered: AliExpress (search by article) MB04J01001); In official Xiaomi service centers; in parts stores (for example, FixPrice, Chip and Deep). ₽. Be careful with cheap analogues: they are often inaccurately shaped and can damage contacts.