The first acquaintance with the new Xiaomi smartphone often begins with a banal, but important procedure β installation. SIM-It's a tricky thing to do, but the manufacturer has a good reason to be using a key: mishandling the SIM tray can cause the latch to break or even damage the motherboard. This is especially true for flagship models like Xiaomi 14 Ultra or Redmi Note 13 Pro.+, where the tray design has become more fragile due to the decrease in the thickness of the body.
In this article, we will not just show you how to open Xiaomi for a SIM card, but will analyze all possible scenarios: from the standard procedure with a key to emergency methods without tools. You will learn why a tray can jam, how to avoid typical pruning errors of a nano-SIM, and what to do if a smartphone does not see a card after installation. 4X or Mi A1) We have prepared separate instructions - their design is markedly different from modern devices.
1. Standard method: how to open the tray with a key from the kit
Most Xiaomi smartphones (except foldable models like this one) MIX Fold 3) equipped with a retractable tray for SIM-This tool comes with the phone, but many users lose it in the first days of use. If the key is there, follow this instruction:
- π Find a tray hole that's on the top or side of the body. POCO X6 The Pro is on the right, Redmi 12 is on the top. The hole is barely noticeable, so light the phone with a flashlight.
- π Put the key in the hole all the way down. Push it hard, but not bigotry, enough. 2-3 You'll hear a click.
- π± Remove the tray. Once you click it will move out to the 1-2 Um, pull it with your fingers until the end. Do not use tweezers or other metal objects to avoid scratching the body.
If the tray is not pushed out the first time, check:
- β Whether you inserted the key correctly (it should enter perpendicular to the body, not at an angle).
- β Does the case block access to the hole (especially important for bumper covers with high sides).
- β Is there any dust or dirt inside (relevant for phones after repairs).
Make sure your phone is turned off (optional, but recommended)
Check if the key is in the set
Free the tray from the factory transport plug (if any)
Prepare. SIM-Size card (nano-SIM for most models)
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Important for models with a hybrid tray (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro or POCO F4): If you are planning to use two SIM-In some cases, the second slot is only for the microSD card, and the second slot is for the microSD card. SIM Check the specifications of your model on the official Mi.com website.
How to Open Xiaomi Without a Key: 4 Alternative Methods
Lost the key? No problem. Here are proven ways to open the tray without a special tool. Use them only as a last resort, because the risk of damage to the mechanism is higher than when working with the original key.
Method 1: Paperclip or stationery button
The safest of the artisanal ways. Take an unbended paper clip or a needle from a stationery button (not a sewing needle - it's too thin!).
- Put the paper clip in the hole on 2-3 mm.
- Press with force until you feel resistance.
- Slightly swing the paperclip left-right, simulating the movement of the key.
Method 2: Blade or knife
Suitable for smartphones with a wide hole for the tray (for example, Xiaomi Mi). 10T). Use a blunt blade (not sharp!) to avoid scratching the body:
- πͺ Apply the blade with a flat side to the hole.
- π Squeeze him on 1-1.5 mm (no deeper!).
- π Check the blade on. 10-15 counterclockwise.
π‘
If you're afraid of damaging the case, wrap the tip of the paper clip or blade in a thin layer of insulation, which will reduce the risk of scratching, but may require a little more effort.
Method 3: Heating of the body (for jammed trays)
If the tray is jammed due to moisture or deformation, try this trick:
- Heat the back of the phone with a hairdryer (temperature not higher) 50Β°C!) during 1-2 minute.
- While the body is warm, try to open the tray with a paper clip.
- If it does not work, repeat the heating, but not longer than 3 minutes to avoid damage to the battery.
Method 4: Software reset (only for some models)
Some Xiaomi smartphones (such as the Mi 11 Lite) support a command to extract the tray through the sleeve. ADB. This is the last option if the mechanical methods do not work:
adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.MAIN -n com.android.settings/.SimSettingsAfter this command is executed, the option "Extract" may appear in the settings SIM-Note that this method does not work on all firmware and requires debugging on. USB.
Standard key from the kit|paperclip or needle|Blade/knife|Heating the hull|Another way.-->
Typical errors in installation SIM-maps and how to avoid them
Even if you managed to open the tray, it is not a guarantee of successful installation. SIM-Here are 5 common mistakes that lead to communication problems:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Installation SIM-wrong-side | Phone can't see map, possible scratches on contacts | The cut corner of the card should coincide with the shape of the tray |
| Using micro-SIM instead of nano-SIM | The tray doesn't close, the map hangs | Cut the card from the template or order a nano-SIM from the operator |
| Incomplete tray insertion | Poor contact, loss of network | Press the tray until the characteristic click |
| Installation SIM-cards in a hybrid slot without a memory card | The second slot may not work. | Check the tray scheme in the instructions |
| Use of damaged SIM-map | Authentication errors, lack of network | Check the map for scratches or chips |
Pay special attention to hybrid trays (for example, in Redmi). 9A or POCO M4 Pro. They often have the second slot paired with the memory card connector. SIM-You can't use microSD, and vice versa. Check the priority of slots in the settings: β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Settings SIM-map.
What to do if your phone canβt see SIM-map?
4. Features of opening the tray in different models Xiaomi
Construction of trays for SIM-The cards vary depending on the series and year of the smartphone:
Modern flagships (2022β2026)
Models like Xiaomi 13T, 14 Pro or MIX Fold 2 has a:
- π Double-locked tray (more effort required to open).
- π‘οΈ Moisture protection IP53/IP68 β Do not use sharp objects so as not to disturb the tightness.
- πΆ Support 5G Only in the first slot (check before installing two). SIM).
Budget series (Redmi, POCO)
At Redmi. 12C, POCO X5 and similar models:
- π§ The tray is often plastic (not metal), so press it carefully.
- π± The hole for the key is wider - you can use a paper clip without the risk of breaking the mechanism.
- π Hybrid slot (SIM + microSD in 80% of cases.
Older models (until 2019)
Devices like Xiaomi Mi 8 or Redmi Note 5 have:
- π A tray with a metal latch that rusts over time.
- π Sizes. SIM-Some cards may be different (some support micro-SIM instead of nano-SIM).
- β οΈ Risk of breakage during heating - plastic of the case is less heat resistant.
π‘
Before buying a case for Xiaomi, check if it has a cutout for the tray. SIM-Many "universal" cases block access to the hole, which will make it difficult to replace the card in the future.
5. How to trim. SIM-Nano-SIM card without risk
If you have an old micro-SIM or a full-size SIM-This card can be cut to nano-SIM, but be careful: 1 mm error will render the card inoperable:
- Download a cropping template (e.g., from here) and print it to 100% scale on dense paper.
- Plug the pattern on SIM-Make sure the contacts of the card match the tags on the template.
- Cut the scissors around the circuit. Use sharp scissors and cut in one shot, without the "torn" edges.
- Clean the edges with fine sandpaper (granularity 1000-1500).This will prevent burrs that can scratch the tray.
Check the result:
- β The size of the cut card should be 12.3 Γ 8.8 Γ 0.67 mm.
- β Contacts should not be damaged or closed with plastic.
- β The cut corner should be in the upper right corner (if you look at the front side of the map).
β οΈ Note: If you crop a card with an eSIM chip (for example, from Tele2 or MTS operators), there is a risk of damage to the built-in module.
6.What to do if the tray is jammed or broken
If the tray is not pushed despite all efforts, or you hear a crackle when you try to open it, most likely one of the following breakdowns has occurred:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The tray extends halfway and gets stuck. | Infection of dust or deformation of guides | Blow the hole with compressed air or gently tray plastic card |
| The key falls inside, but the tray does not open. | The spring of the mechanism broke down. | Contact the service center (independent repair is not possible) |
| The tray dangles after installation | Latch fracture or guides | Replace the tray (the cost of the part is 200-500) β½) |
| The phone can't see. SIM-postcard | The contact of the tray from the motherboard | Disassemble the phone and solder the contact (sweeping station is required) |
If you are not sure of your abilities, it is better to contact the authorized service center Xiaomi.
- π§ Replacement of tray - 300-800 β½.
- π§ Repair of the opening mechanism - 800-1500 β½.
- π§ Soldering works (at the departure of contacts) β 1500β3000 β½.
β οΈ Warning: Do not use superglue or other adhesives to fix the tray! SIM-If the tray is hanging, replace it with a new one.