How to insert it correctly SIM-Map in Xiaomi Redmi 5: a guide with photos and life hacks

Xiaomi Redmi 5 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, released in 2017. Despite its venerable age, the device is still actively used due to the reliability and ability to install two smartphones. SIM-map SIM + However, many users have difficulty installing the SIM: where is the tray, how to open it without a paper clip, why the phone does not see the card after installing the card?

In this article, we will analyze the step-by-step installation instructions SIM-Redmi 5 cards, the types of cards you support, where the slot is, and tips for fixing typical problems, and how to insert a SIM without a special key if you don't have one at hand, and what to do if your phone stops seeing the network after you change the card.

Preparation: What will be needed for installation SIM-map

Before you start installing, make sure you have everything you need. Xiaomi Redmi 5 will require:

• 📱 Nano-SIM (or Micro-SIM with an adapter, but not recommended). 5 It only supports nano-sim format (12.3 × 8.8 mm).
• 🔑 The key to retrieve the tray (companies with the phone) If you lose it, a paper clip or needle will fit.
• 📶 Active. SIM-Card from the operator (check if it is blocked).
• 🔋 At least 20% charge, the first time you install the SIM, the phone can restart.

If you are planning to use two SIM-card + Note: Memory card, note that Redmi 5 It has a hybrid slot, which means you can either set up or 2 nano-SIM, or 1 nano-SIM + 1 MicroSD (up to) 256 GB) Second slot does not support 4G — only 2G/3G, if you use two SIMs.

Where is the slot for SIM-Maps in Xiaomi Redmi 5

Unlike many modern smartphones, where the tray for the SIM is located on the upper or lower edge, in Redmi 5 it is on the left end (if you look at the screen).

1. Turn the phone over with your screen.
2. Look at the left side - there you will see a small hole with a metal rim.
3. Nearby may be an inscription SIM or a card icon.

If you can't find the slot, light it up with a flashlight -- the hole is very visible. Don't confuse it with a microphone, which is on the bottom edge next to the charging connector.

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If you have a Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus or a Redmi 5A, the slot is the same on the left end, but in Redmi Note 5, the tray is moved to the top edge!

Step-by-step instruction: how to insert SIM-Map in Xiaomi Redmi 5

Now, to the process itself, follow the instructions carefully so that you don't damage the tray or the SIM contacts.

Step 1: Turn off your phone

Although many people skip this step, it is recommended to turn off the device before removing or installing the SIM, which will prevent possible modem malfunctions, especially if the card was active during retrieval.

To turn off, press the power button on the right side and select Turn off.

Step 2: Remove the tray for SIM-map

Insert the key (or unbended paperclip) into the hole on the left end of the phone and press with force until the tray is pushed about 2-3 mm. Then gently pull it with your fingers.

Make sure the phone is turned off

Use only a metal key or paper clip

Do not make excessive efforts

Do not insert the key at an angle-->

⚠️ Warning: If the tray is not extended, do not try to pull it out with tweezers or a knife - this can damage the mechanism.Try to shake the key in the hole a little or use a thicker paper clip.

Step 3: Install SIM-card-tray

Look at the tray, it's marked for SIM1, SIM2 and MicroSD (if supported). Redmi 5 has the following rules:

• 📞 SIM1 — Main slot, supports the 4G/LTE.
• 📱 SIM2 — Additional slot, works only in mode 2G/3G (if two SIMs are fitted).
• 💾 MicroSD – instead of the second SIM (hybrid slot).

Place the SIM with contacts down, cut in an angle to the appropriate recess on the tray. The map should lie tight, without backlash.

Step 4: Put the tray back in

Carefully insert the tray into the slot before the click, make sure it comes in smoothly, without skewing. If the tray is not fixed, check:

• Is the smear (not inverted) correct?
• Are there any foreign objects in the slot?
• Do they not have a sleeve (sometimes it is a slender sleeve)?

Step 5: Turn on your phone and set up the network

After you install the SIM, turn on Redmi 5 and wait for the download. The phone must automatically identify the operator.

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose the right one. SIM-map and activate it.
3. Enable Data Transfer for the main SIM.

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If the phone can't see SIM-If it doesn't work, check if the SIM is installed correctly (the contacts must be clean and undamaged).

What to do if Xiaomi Redmi 5 doesn’t see it SIM-map

Sometimes, after installing a SIM, the phone refuses to recognize it, and here are the main reasons and ways to solve it:

• 🔄 Reboot. Turn off and turn on the phone, and it resets the modem settings.
• 🧹 Clean contacts. Wash the SIM and slot contacts with dry cloth (you can slightly moisten with alcohol).
• 🔧 Reset network settings. Go to Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting network settings.
• 📶 Manual selection of operator. → SIM-map → Try to manually select your network operator.
• 🛠️ Slot check.If the tray is bent or contacts are oxidized, repairs may be required.

If none of these methods worked, try the other. SIM-map - possibly the problem in the SIM itself (e.g., it is blocked by the operator) and check if the Flight Mode is on in the notification curtain.

How do you put it in? SIM-Xiaomi Redmi 5 card without a key

If you've lost a special key to retrieve the tray, don't despair! There are several ways to do without it:

• 📎 Open the paper clip and insert it into the hole, so the end is flat and not too thick.
• 🪡 Needle or pin. Any thin metal piece that goes into the hole will do.
• 🔨 Use a pinpoint, but be careful not to scratch the body.
• 📌 Toothpick. Break the sharp tip and put it in the slot. Minus, toothpick can break.

⚠️ Warning: Never use a knife, scissors or other cutting objects - they can damage the tray's fixing mechanism or scratch the phone's body. Also avoid plastic items (such as handles) as they bend and do not create the desired pressure.

If you don't have anything on hand, you can try blowing out the tray, putting your lips tightly to the hole and exhale out, and sometimes that's enough to get the tray moving.

Can I use Micro-SIM or eSIM in Xiaomi Redmi 5?

Xiaomi Redmi 5 officially supports only nano-SIM (4FF). However, many users try to insert other formats.

Micro-SIM (3FF)

In theory, it is possible to trim the Micro-SIM to nano-SIM size or use an adapter, but this is not recommended for several reasons:

• The adapter may not be tightly fixed in the tray, which will cause the contacts to fit poorly.
• Self-trimming often results in damage to the SIM chip.
• Operators may refuse to replace the simk if it is damaged by pruning.

If you still decide to trim, use a special template and cut carefully, without touching the chip.

eSIM (Virtual SIM)

Redmi 5 doesn't support eSIM -- there's no chip in this phone, so if your carrier only offers a virtual SIM, you'll have to:

• Order a physical nano-SIM in the communication salon.
• Use another eSIM-enabled phone to activate, then move the physical SIM to Redmi 5.

Standard SIM (2FF)

It's impossible to install in Redmi 5 -- even with an adapter, it can't fit in a tray -- and the only way out is to exchange it for a nano-SIM from the operator (usually free).

Frequent errors in installation SIM-maps and how to avoid them

Even in a process as simple as installing a SIM, users often make mistakes that lead to network problems.

1. Install the SIM upside down. The contacts should be facing down, and the cut angle should match the angle on the tray.
2. If there are scratches, chips or oxidation on the card, the phone may not recognize it.
3. Incomplete tray insertion. If the tray is not fixed before clicking, the SIM will not make good contact.
4. In the Redmi 5 hybrid slot, the SIM2 and the MicroSD are one slot. You can't install two SIMs and a memory card at the same time.
5. Ignoring reboot. Once the SIM is installed, the phone needs to be restarted so that the modem is properly initialized.

⚠️ Note: If after installing the SIM phone stopped seeing Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, most likely, the tray was inserted curved and damaged the antenna contacts on the motherboard.

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Before installing the SIM, always check it on another phone – this will help eliminate problems with the card itself, and not with the smartphone.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions