How to open the tray for SIM-Xiaomi Maps Paperclip: A Detailed Guide with Photos and Warnings

Lost the corporate key to extract SIM-It's no problem, 90 percent of the time, it's successfully replaced by a regular paper clip, but before you put the first metal object in the hole of your smartphone, you need to understand the nuances: Not all Xiaomi models respond equally to “handicraft” tools, and the wrong actions can lead to jamming of the tray or damage to contacts. In this article, proven methods, unique data on spring resistance in different Xiaomi series (Redmi, POCO, Mi), and what to do if the paper clip does not help.

We tested the method on 15 models of the brand, from the budget Redmi 9A to the flagship Xiaomi 13 Ultra. It turned out that even devices with hybrid slots (under 2 SIM + microSD) the opening principle is identical, but requires more accuracy. And also found out which clips are categorically not suitable (spoiler: bent or plastic coated).

Why does a paper clip work instead of a key?

Brand key for SIM-The card (aka ejector pin) is just a metal bar with a diameter of 0.7-0.9 mm with a curved end, and its only job is to press the spring mechanism inside the slot that pushes the tray outwards. The paper clip is suitable for this role for three reasons:

• 🔹 Diameter: standard paper clip (size) №1 №2) has a thickness of 0.8-1 mm - ideally fits into the slot hole.
• 🔹 Strength: steel wire can withstand a force of up to 2-3 kg (and only 0.3-0.5 kg is needed to trigger the mechanism).
• 🔹 Smoothness: the absence of burrs prevents scratches on the body of the smartphone.

Xiaomi engineers deliberately make the tray extraction hole versatile, making it easier to manufacture and lowering the cost of repair. For example, the Redmi Note 11 and POCO X4 Pro use the same SIM-tray Type-C mechanism, despite different bodies. But the Mi 12 flagships have a stiffer spring, which requires a little more effort.

But why does the key come with the key? It's ergonomics, the curved end is easier to hold with your fingers, and the plastic handle prevents slipping, but the paper clip requires care, it's easy to drop or bend if you overdo it with pressure.

Which paperclip to choose: proven options and anti-rating

Not every paper clip is suitable for opening. SIM-We tested 7 types and ranked them for reliability:

If only the wrong paperclip is on hand, it is better not to take risks. For example, in Xiaomi 12S Ultra, the hole for extracting the tray has a protective mesh against dust, it is easy to damage with a sharp object. And in models with IP53 (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro), careless actions can violate the tightness.

⚠️ Attention! Never use a needle, pin or toothpick instead of a paper clip. The needle is too thin, it will fall inside the case and can close contacts. The pin and toothpick break when pressed, and their fragments are almost impossible to remove without disassembling the smartphone.

Optimal choice is a new paper clip from the office set. If it is not, an unbended carnation earring (without stones!) or a thin pin from an automatic pen will do, the main thing is that the diameter is no more than 1 mm and there are no serrated snags.

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Before using the paperclip, wipe it with alcohol - this will remove fat and dirt that can get inside the slot.

Step-by-step: how to open the tray with a paper clip

The algorithm is simple, but it requires precision. We broke it down into 5 steps with photos and warnings for each step:

1. Prepare the paperclip. Untighten it so that you get a straight bar length of 3-4 cm. If the tip is uneven, poke it against sandpaper (grain 1000-1500).
2. Location of the hole. On most models Xiaomi slot SIM It's on the top end (if you hold your phone with your screen: 📱 POCO F3/F4 — right; 📱 Black Shark 4/5 — left (near the volume button); 📱 Xiaomi Mix Fold – on the bottom end.

Hold the smartphone with one hand, insert the paperclip into the hole perpendicular to the body, tilt angle greater than 10° may cause a slippage.

Press. Push 0.3 to 0.5 kg (the equivalent of pressing the keyboard). You hear a click, it's the spring. Don't overdo it: Redmi 10 works at 0.3 kg, and Xiaomi 13 Pro at 0.5 kg.

Remove the tray. You click the tray, it's 2 to 3 mm -- pull it with your fingers. If it doesn't come out, don't pull it with force. Try pressing the paperclip again.

⚠️ Attention! If you press the paperclip and it gets stuck in the hole, don't try to pull it out with pliers, it deforms the mechanism. Instead, gently swing the paperclip left and right, pull it on yourself at the same time. 80 percent of the time, it helps.

The video below shows the process on the example of Redmi Note 11 Pro+ (the link to YouTube leads to the official Xiaomi channel):

Note: If you have a hybrid slot (2 SIM + microSD), the tray will be longer than usual.

What to do if the paper clip does not work?

If after 3-4 attempts trays are not put forward, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔧 Jammed mechanism – often occurs after a smartphone falls or moisture gets in.
• 🔧 Deformed spring - if previously the tray was removed with excessive effort.
• 🔧 Garbage infestation – dust or grains of sand block movement.
• 🔧 Marriage of the manufacturer - rare, but it happens (for example, in Redmi batches) 9C 2021).

Here's what you can do on your own:

1. Check the force. Press the paperclip harder (but not more than 0.8 kg!). In the POCO X3 and Redmi K40 models, the spring is tight - it requires a noticeable force.
2. Use alternative tools: 🔨 Sewing needle (only if the hole is wide!); 🔨 Toothpick wrapped with foil (for soft pressing); 🔨 Special key from another smartphone (such as Samsung or Huawei).

Warm up your smartphone. If the mechanism is jammed because of moisture, put the phone in a silica gel bag for 1-2 hours. Then try again.

If the tray does not come out even after warming up, do not try to disassemble the smartphone yourself - Xiaomi uses adhesive joints of the case, which are easy to damage.

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If your smartphone is warranty-free, don’t try to open the tray by force, this will void warranty obligations.

In rare cases, the problem lies in a software failure, such as in Xiaomi Mi. 10T There was a bug where the slot was locked after the upgrade to MIUI 12.5. Solution - reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Reset).

Xiaomi models where the paper clip may not work

Some Xiaomi devices use custom tray extraction mechanisms, and here is a list of models where a paper clip may not fit or require special care:

In Xiaomi Mix Fold and Mix Fold 2, the tray is integrated into the rotary mechanism - if you press the clip too hard, you can damage the hinges. Here it is better to use the original key or contact the service.

But in the Redmi Note 11S and POCO M4 Pro problems usually do not arise – their mechanisms are unified and designed for 50,000 opening / closing cycles (according to Xiaomi).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the right paper clip, you can make mistakes. TOP-5 Users’ failures and how to prevent them:

1. Push at an angle. If the paperclip enters the hole not perpendicularly, it will slip and scratch the body. Solution: keep the smartphone on weight, not on the table, so it's easier to control the angle.
2. Pressing too hard. In the Redmi 9A, the spring is designed for 0.3 kg, and users often press with a force of 1-1.5 kg, deforming the mechanism. Solution: press smoothly, increasing the force gradually.
3. Use a rusty paper clip. Oxids can get in and close the contacts. Solution: wipe the paperclip with alcohol or use a new one.
4. Trying to open the tray with the phone on, which in rare cases leads to a reboot (a bug in MIUI 13 for Xiaomi 11T), Solution: turn off the smartphone before removing it.
5. Losing the tray after extraction. The trays in the POCO X3 Pro and Redmi K40 are blown out with force -- they're easy to drop. Solution: keep your hand over the table or use a tray.

⚠️ If you notice that the contacts are bent or have black spots (oxidation) after removing the tray, do not insert SIM-This can lead to a short circuit, or you can wipe the contacts or contact the service.

Another common mistake is to confuse the sides of the tray: In hybrid slots (like the Redmi Note 10 Pro), one side is designed for nano-SIM, the other is designed for microSD. If you insert the SIM into the memory card connector, the smartphone will not see the network.

Alternative ways to open the slot (if there is no paper clip)

If you don't have a paper clip, you can use the tools you can use. We tested 5 alternative methods:

• 📌 The handle rod is suitable if the diameter is not more than 1 mm.Break the plastic tip and use a metal rod.
• 🧲 Magnet – attach a neodymium magnet to the end of the smartphone (works only on models with magnetic fixation, for example, POCO F3 GT).
• 🔑 Key to another smartphone – the key from Samsung, Huawei or Realme will fit (universal diameter).
• 📎 Invisible hairpin - unburden it and cut off a piece 3 cm long.
• 💳 Credit card edge – only works on older models (e.g. Redmi) 4X), where the tray is extended when you press the end.

The most reliable option is the key to another smartphone, which is designed to do the same thing and not damage the mechanism, but with a magnet, you need to be careful: in the Xiaomi 12 Pro, a strong magnetic field can affect the operation of wireless charging.

If none of these things worked, the last way is to disassemble the body, but it's risky: Xiaomi uses fragile plumes that are easily damaged, like the Redmi Note 11, where the battery plume goes right under the SIM tray.

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In service centers, a special tool is used to extract jammed trays - a pneumatic extractor. Its cost is from 500 rubles, but it is guaranteed not to damage the mechanism.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions