How to Open Xiaomi Smartphone to Insert SIM-Map: 3 ways to do all the models

Insertion SIM-The first task that every new owner of a Xiaomi smartphone faces is the card: it would seem that it could be easier? But in practice, users often face problems: the tray is not removed, the clip bends, and in some models (for example, Xiaomi). 12T Or the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+) This article will help to avoid typical errors and will tell you how to open any Xiaomi smartphone for installation SIM-maps - from budget Redmi to flagship Mi and POCO.

We'll not only break down the standard paper clip method, but also break down alternative methods for when there's no tool at hand, and learn how to avoid damage to seal gum in waterproof models (IP53/IP68) and what to do if the tray is jammed. All instructions are relevant for devices released after 2018, including the latest 2026 updates.

1.Preparation: What will be needed to remove the tray SIM-map

Before you start opening your smartphone, make sure you have everything you need. 90% of the time, a standard paper clip is enough, but some Xiaomi models require a special approach.

• 📎 Paperclip for SIM-cards (company with phone) or any other thin metal wire with a diameter of 0.5-0.8 mm.
• 🔦 Lantern - will help to consider the hole for extracting the tray in poorly lit conditions.
• 🧲 Magnet (optional) - useful if the clip falls inside the case (relevant for models with a metal frame).
• 📱 Spare. SIM-Nano-SIM card (most modern Xiaomi do not support Micro-SIM or full-size cards).
• 🛠️ Plastic blade (for models with non-standard tray mounting, for example, Xiaomi Mix Fold 3).

If you don't have a branded paper clip, you'll do a stationery, but you'll need to unwind it beforehand, and the main thing is that the tip is flat and has no barbs, otherwise you can damage the seal or the tray itself. For dual-slot models (like the Redmi Note 11 Pro), check if your phone supports two simultaneous slots. SIM-card SIM + microSD card.

⚠️ Warning: Don't use pins, needles or toothpicks! they are too thin and can break inside the hole, leading to costly repairs.

2. Standard method: extraction of the tray by means of a paper clip

This is the most common method, which is suitable for most Xiaomi models, including Redmi 9/10/11, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12/13 and others.

1. Turn off your smartphone (optional, but recommended for safety).
2. Find a tray extraction hole. It's located on the end of the case: Most models have it on the right end (when you look at the screen); some flagships (like Xiaomi 13 Ultra) have it on the top end; foldable smartphones (like Mix Fold) have it on the bottom end of the main screen.

Insert the paper clip into the hole at an angle of 45-60° And push until you click. The tray should extend 1-2 mm.

Carefully pull the tray on yourself without putting excessive effort.

If the tray doesn't retract the first time, try swaying the paperclip slightly left-right or changing the angle of inclination. On some models (like the Redmi K50), the hole may be deeper than usual - in this case, push a little harder, but without fanaticism.

Find a paper clip hole on the end of the case|

Make sure the paperclip is flat and without barbs |

Insert the paper clip at an angle of 45-60°|

Press the characteristic click |

Carefully remove the tray without squashing it-->

3. Alternative ways to open the tray without a paper clip

There are different situations, like a paper clip that's lost, broken, or not available, and you can use the tools you can use, and here are the proven methods.

• 📎 The stationery clip -- you can straighten it up so you have a thin straight bar, and the diameter should be comparable to the paper clip.
• 🖊️ The gel pen rod -- remove the writing knot and use a plastic tube.
• 🔑 Key for screwdriver (for example, from glasses) - suitable if its diameter does not exceed 0.8 mm.
• 📌 Toothpick - only if it is sharpened to a sharp needle and wrapped the tip with tape for rigidity.

For models with a retractable mechanism (for example, Xiaomi Civi 3) you can try to gently tuck the tray with a plastic card, but this is risky - there is a great chance to damage the seal. If nothing helps, contact the service center: the cost of removing the tray there rarely exceeds 300-500 rubles.

⚠️ Attention: When using inappropriate tools (needles, pins) the risk of damage to the tray mechanism is ~In this case, you will need to replace the entire module, which will cost 1,500-3,000 rubles.

4. Features of extraction of tray in waterproof models (IP53/IP68)

Xiaomi smartphones with water and dust protection (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ or POCO F5 Pro) have an additional sealing circuit around the tray SIM-Improper extraction can cause leakage, which will cause moisture to enter the housing:

• 🚫 Do not remove the tray in the rain or in high humidity (for example, in the bathroom).
• 🔄 After removing the tray, check the seal for damage (breaks, deformations).
• 🧼 If the seal is contaminated, wipe it with an alcohol napkin before installing the tray back.
• 🔧 Replacement SIM-Avoid touching the tray contacts – this can cause corrosion.

In IP68-rated models (such as Xiaomi 14), the tray often has an extra spring to make it harder to extract, in which case press the paperclip a little harder than usual but without jerking. If the tray is stuck, don't pull it by force, you better gently swing left and right.

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If you change often SIM-cards in a waterproof smartphone, buy a spare seal for the tray (article: XM-UPLOT-{Model: ~200-400 rubles.

5. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when extracting the tray. SIM-Here are the most common problems and the ways to solve them:

• 🔧 The paperclip doesn't press - perhaps the hole is clogged with dust.Brush it with a toothpick (no pressing!) or blow it with compressed air.
• 🔄 The tray extends halfway and gets stuck -- gently swing it left-right, don't pull it by force. If it doesn't work, call the service.
• 💦 After removing the tray, the phone stopped seeing SIM-card – check if the card is correctly installed (chip down) and if there is no contamination on the contacts.
• 🔋 The phone turned off when the tray was removed – this is normal for some models (e.g. Xiaomi). 12S Ultra. Just turn it on again.

One of the most dangerous mistakes is to use excessive force when pressing a paper clip, which can damage the tray mechanism or even the motherboard (in rare cases), and if you feel resistance, you better stop and look for an alternative way.

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If the tray is not removed on the third attempt, stop the action and go to the service center. The force here will not help, but only exacerbate the problem.

6 How to insert SIM-map to the tray: step-by-step instructions

Removing the tray is only half the battle. Now you have to put it right. SIM-Errors at this stage can cause the phone to not see the network:

1. Place the tray on a flat surface with contacts upwards.
2. Place it. SIM-card in the appropriate slot: For Nano-SIM - chip down, beveled angle to the symbol specified on the tray. For microSD - if the tray is hybrid, the memory card is installed in a separate slot (usually marked with an icon). 📷).

Make sure the map sits tightly in the groove and does not protrude beyond the edges.

Carefully insert the tray back into the smartphone before the click. Don't press it after clicking - this can damage the contacts.

If you have two. SIM-Note the order of the cards. In some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note) 11) first-time slot 4G/5G, And the second one is just 2G/3G. Information about supported ranges can be found in the instructions or on the official website.

⚠️ Note: Do not use Micro-SIM or Mini-SIM adapters in Nano-SIM slots! this can lead to tray jamming or damage to contacts.

7.What to do if the tray is jammed or it is not inserted back

If the tray is no longer moving normally, don't panic. In most cases, you can solve the problem yourself. Here's the algorithm for doing this.

1. Check to see if any debris (dust, grains of sand, scraps of paper clips) has been injected.
2. If the tray is not inserted to the end, check: Is it installed correctly SIM-map (it should not protrude beyond the edges) is there any deformation of the tray (for example, after the fall of the phone) is not bent contacts on the tray or inside the phone.

For models with a spring mechanism (for example, Xiaomi 12T), try to slightly press the tray on top when inserted - this will help the latch.

If nothing helps, do not try to insert the tray by force - contact the service.

In rare cases, the problem may be caused by damage to the motherboard connector, which is typical for phones that have fallen or been exposed to moisture, and only a service center can diagnose such a malfunction.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions