How to put it right SIM-Map to Xiaomi phone: instructions for all models

Installation SIM-cards in the smartphone Xiaomi seems to be a simple procedure, but in practice users are faced with a lot of nuances: from the wrong size of the card to jammed tray. This is especially true for new models with hybrid slots or eSIM support, where an error can lead to loss of communication or damage to contacts. In this article, we will analyze the process from A to Z – taking into account all types of Xiaomi smartphones, from budget Redmi to flagship Mi and other devices. POCO.

You will learn how to avoid typical errors (for example, installing a card upside down or without an adapter), what tools will be needed to extract the tray, and what to do if the slot is stuck. SIM + microSD, if you have never worked with a tray before SIM-Maps – don’t worry: our step-by-step photos and video instructions will make the process intuitive.

What are they? SIM-The cards support Xiaomi phones

Before inserting a card, it is important to make sure that the format is compatible with your smartphone. Modern Xiaomi devices support three types of SIM:

  • πŸ“± Nano-SIM (4FF) β€” standard for all models with 2016 Size of the year: 12.3 Γ— 8.8 Γ— 0.67 mm.
  • πŸ”„ Micro-SIM (3FF) β€” Older format, found in old Redmi 1S/2S (2014–2015 Size: 15 Γ— 12 Γ— 0.76 mm.
  • πŸ“² eSIM – virtual card, available in flagships (Xiaomi) 13/14 series, Mix Fold 2/3). Requires operator support.

If you have a Mini-SIM (2FF) card (large, like the old push-button phones), you'll have to trim it to a nano or replace it with an operator. Using adapters (e.g., micro→nano) can lead to poor contact and network loss.

Xiaomi modelSlot typeSupport for eSIMMax. SIM number.
Redmi Note 12/13, POCO X5Hybrid (nano + nano/microSD)❌ No.2
Xiaomi 13/14 Pro, Mix Fold 3Double nano-SIMβœ… Yes.2 (or 1 physical + eSIM)
Redmi A2, POCO M6Single nano-SIM + microSD❌ No.1
Xiaomi Civi 3Double nano-SIMβœ… Yes, only China)2

⚠️ Note: In hybrid slots (Redmi Note) 10/11, POCO F4) You can't use two at the same time. SIM-The second nano-SIM is given priority, and if it's inserted, the microSD slot is locked.

What will be needed for installation SIM-map

For successful installation, prepare the following tools and accessories:

  • πŸ”§ A paper clip or key to extract the tray (combined with the phone) will do any thin metal wire.
  • πŸ“ Nano-SIM (if you have a Nano-SIM) micro/mini β€” Cut or replace with the operator).
  • πŸ” Lantern - will help to consider the direction of installation in the tray.
  • 🧴 Alcohol wipes (optional) – for cleaning contacts if the card is not recognized.

If you have Xiaomi with eSIM support, you will need to:

  • πŸ“± QR-Operator code (issuing when activating virtual code) SIM).
  • 🌐 Stable Internet (Wi-Fi or other mobile data) SIM).

⚠️ Warning: Don't use plastic nano-SIM adapters (for example, to insert it into a micro-SIM slot). They often break inside the phone, locking the tray. If the card is hanging around in the slot, replace it with the correct format.

πŸ“Š What kind of guy. SIM-You use the cards?
Regular nano-SIM
eSIM
Micro-SIM
I don't know.

Step-by-step instruction: how to insert SIM-map

The installation process is the same for most models, but there are nuances depending on the location of the slot.

  1. Turn off the phone. This will prevent damage to the contacts during installation, except for the hot-switched SIM (Redmi 9A, POCO C40) models, where the slot can be opened on the device on.
  2. Find a slot for SIM-In most Xiaomi, it's on the left end (if you look at the screen), and in the Mix Fold and Black Shark models, it's on the top end.
  3. Remove the tray: Insert the paperclip into the hole next to the slot before clicking. Pull the tray over yourself in a smooth motion (don't pull out sharply!).

Install. SIM-map:

  • Put the card in the tray contacts down, cut by an angle to the direction indicated on the tray.
  • For a double slot, the second card is set similarly (usually on top).
  • Put the tray back before you click. Make sure it sits flat, and the skews will lead to poor contact.
  • Turn on your phone and check the network. If the SIM is not detected, remove the card and reset it.

What to do if the tray is not removed?
If the paperclip doesn't work, try the following methods: 1. Use thicker wire (such as an unbended stationery brace). 2. Heat the phone's case with a hairdryer (no more than 60Β°C) - sometimes the tray jams due to temperature changes. 3. Contact the service center if the tray is bent or broken. Self-attempts to pull it out with tweezers often damage the socket.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when installing SIM-Here are the most common ones and the ways to solve them:

  • πŸ”„ The card is upside down. Symptoms: the phone can't see. SIM, or it is defined as "null and void." Solution: flip the card with the contacts down (they must face the back of the phone).
  • πŸ“΅ No network after installation. Causes: Poor contact (check if the tray sits tightly). SIM not activated (call operator) the phone is locked under another operator (detachment required).
  • πŸ”§ The tray is not fixed. It's usually due to deformation of the metal frame. Solution: bend it carefully with pliers or replace the tray (stands). ~100-200 rubles.).
  • πŸ“± Phone's asking. PUK-That means that SIM Blocked after 3 incorrect attempts to enter PIN. The solution: find PUK in documents from the operator or request it through support.

⚠️ Attention: If after installation SIM The phone stopped turning on or makes an error "SIM-card is damaged, immediately remove it, it may be physically defective (scratches on contacts) or incompatible with the phone (for example, 3G-SIM into 4G-smartphone).

πŸ’‘

Before traveling abroad, check to see if your Xiaomi supports local carrier frequencies. In the U.S., for example, many Redmis do not work with Verizon networks due to a lack of CDMA support.

Some Xiaomi smartphones have unique nuances when working with SIM-Let's look at the most popular models:

Redmi Note 12/13 series and POCO X5

These phones feature a hybrid slot where the second slot can be used either under a second SIM or under a microSD.

  • If you need two SIMs, insert both into slot 1 and slot 2 (the microSD won’t work).
  • If you need one SIM + memory card, use SIM slot 1 and microSD slot 2.

Note: In the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, the microSD slot supports cards up to 1TB, but read/write speeds are limited by UHS-I.

Xiaomi 13/14 Pro and Mix Fold 3

The flagship models support eSIM, but with the following reservations:

  • In China, eSIM only works with local operators (China Mobile, Unicom).
  • In global versions (13 Pro Global), eSIM supports most European operators (e.g. Vodafone, T-Mobile).
  • The activation of eSIM requires the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data of another SIM).

Redmi A2 and POCO M6

Budget models have a single slot for nano-SIM + a separate slot for microSD.

  • Don’t confuse slots – microSD won’t be inserted into a SIM slot (and vice versa).
  • When buying, check if the model supports VoLTE (some regions sell versions without this feature).
  • Test the SIM on another phone, and if it doesn't work, there's a problem in the card (see the operator).
  • Update the software. Go to Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ System Update and install the latest firmware.
  • Reset your network settings. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Resetting network settings.
  • Check IMEI. Dial *#06# – if the number appears as β€œUnknown”, it may be damaged SIM socket or communication module.

If none of these methods worked, the problem could be hardware:

  • πŸ”Œ Oxidation of contacts (often after moisture is ingested) Solution: Clean the contacts of the tray with alcohol.
  • πŸ› οΈ Slot damage (e.g. after phone fall) Solution: Replace the slot in the service center (~500-1500 rubles.).
  • πŸ“‘ Communication module malfunction (phone does not catch the network even from another one) SIM). Solution: Diagnostics and repairs (~2000-5000 rubles.).

⚠️ Note: If you drop your phone in water, don’t try to put it in right away. SIM-Allow the device to dry completely (at least 24 hours in rice or silica gel), otherwise a short circuit may damage the communication module.

How to activate eSIM on Xiaomi

Virtual SIM (eSIM) is becoming more popular, but its setting is different from a regular card. To activate on Xiaomi, follow the following steps:

  1. Most Russian operators (MTS, Beeline, Tele2) support eSIM, but it must be ordered separately (via the application or office).
  2. Connect to the internet. eSIM is activated online, so you need Wi-Fi or mobile internet (with another SIM).
  3. Open Settings: Go to Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Add eSIM. Select "Add with QR-code" or "Input data manually".

Scan it. QR-code

  • SM-DP+ Address (Activation Server Address)
  • Activation code.
  • Confirm installation. The phone will download the eSIM profile (reboot may be required).
  • Set your priorities SIM. B Settings β†’ SIM-Choose which cards you want. SIM Use for calls/internet by default.

Important nuances:

  • πŸ“± You can install multiple eSIMs on a phone (for example, for work and personal calls), but only one phone will be active at the same time.
  • πŸ”„ When resetting the phone to factory settings, the eSIM is saved, but it may require re-activation.
  • 🚫 Some carriers (e.g. MegaFon) do not support eSIM on Xiaomi due to firmware limitations.

πŸ’‘

If your carrier doesn’t support eSIM but you need a second line, consider virtual number services (like Dingtone or Google Voice) that run over the internet and don’t require a physical SIM.

FAQ: Frequent questions about SIM-maps in Xiaomi

Can we use two? SIM-card and memory card simultaneously?
No, if your phone has a hybrid slot (like the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5), which is paired with a microSD connector, you have to choose between a second SIM and a memory card, except for flagships like Xiaomi 14, which have separate slots for two nano-SIM + microSD.
What if the SIM tray is stuck and not removed?
Try the following methods first: Use thicker wire (like an unburdened stapler brace); shine a flashlight into the slot β€” the tray may have been skewed and you can nail it; heat the body with a hairdryer (no more than 60Β°C) β€” sometimes the tray jams due to deformation of the plastic; If nothing helps, do not apply force β€” contact the service center. Self-attempts to pull the tray out with tweezers often lead to damage the nest.
Why does the phone write "SIM-card not supported"?
This error occurs for several reasons: πŸ“± The phone is locked under another operator (for example, bought on credit from MTS and works only with their mobile phone). SIM). Solution: Unblocking through an operator or service center. πŸ”„ SIM-map of the old model, for example, 2G) inconsistent 4G/5G-Solution: Replace it with a nano-SIM from the operator. πŸ› οΈ The phone's communication module is damaged (for example, after a fall.
Can Micro-SIM be trimmed to Nano-SIM by itself?
Technically, yes, but we don't recommend doing it.Risks: Contact damage SIM-If you're not using a card, you're not using it correctly. If you're not using it correctly, you can jam the slot. If you're not using it correctly, you can use the operator to replace it. SIM Free in 5-10 minutes. If you decide to cut yourself, use a clipping template and sharp scissors.
How to transfer contacts from the old SIM to the new one?
There are several ways: Through phone settings: Go to Contacts β†’ Settings β†’ Imports/Exports β†’ Import with SIM-Select your contacts and save them to your phone or Google account.

Through the Google Contacts app:

  • Open the application, click on the profile avatar β†’ Imports β†’ choose SIM-map.
  • Contacts are synced with your Google account and will be available on the new SIM after export.