Changing a mobile operator or having to install a second SIM card often causes users to search for a hole to extract the tray on the body of their smartphone. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices may face a situation where there is no special paper clip at hand, and the card needs to be replaced urgently. Understanding the design of modern gadgets allows you to solve this problem quickly and without the risk of damage to the case or internal components.
In this article, we will discuss in detail where the slot is on different models, what tools can be used at home and what you should not do to avoid disturbing the water protection. Despite the apparent simplicity of the process, careless handling of delicate fixing mechanisms can lead to a tray breakage or a card stuck inside.
We're going to look at not just standard situations, but also complex cases where the tray doesn't come out or looks out of the box. The safety of your device is a priority, so the instructions are tailored to the advice of the electronics engineers. Follow the steps carefully to make sure the procedure is successful the first time.
Location of holes and preparation of tools
The first step before any manipulation is to visually inspect the body of the smartphone. On most modern Xiaomi and Redmi models, the SIM card tray is located on one of the ends of the device, most often the upper or lower facet, less often the side side, if the housing design involves such placement to save internal space.
You need to find a narrow slot or a small circular hole next to a microphone or speaker, and that's where the extraction tool is inserted. It's important to distinguish the SIM card tray from the main microphone hole, which is often nearby. Injecting the tool into the microphone can damage it, so be extremely careful about the marking or shape of the hole.
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If you are not sure which hole is the slot, shine a flashlight: inside the tray of the SIM card, plastic guides or metal contacts are usually visible, and in the microphone - a deep black shaft.
The original paper clip that came with the phone is ideal for retrieving the tray, but it's often lost.
- 📌 A regular stationery clip, straightening one of the ends to a straight needle state.
- 📌 Sewing needle, if it is strong enough and has a thickening at the end (but be careful not to scratch the body).
- 📌 A special plastic key that sometimes comes complete with covers or other gadgets.
- 📌 Thin part of hairpin (for metal studs).
The use of knives, pins with a thin point or toothpicks is not recommended.Metal objects can slip and scratch the frame, and toothpicks often break inside the mechanism, which will require professional repair.
Algorithm for extracting a standard-sized tray
The process of extracting the tray on most Xiaomi smartphones is unified. Once you have found the hole and prepared the tool, place the phone on a hard surface or hold it firmly in your hand. Make sure your fingers do not block the view of the work area.
Insert the sharp end of the tool perpendicular to the plane of the body into the tray hole. You don't have to look for any particular angle of inclination, the pressure must be directed strictly inward, to the center of the device. You must apply a confident but not excessive force. You must feel a slight click or spring resistance, after which the tray will be pushed out a few millimeters.
☑️ Procedure for extraction
Once the tray appears from the case, remove the tool and gently pull the tray over the edge with your fingers. Don't pull sharply so as not to damage the SIM card contacts or the tray itself. If the tray is combined (hybrid), pay attention to how the microSD card is inserted into it, if it is used.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to remove the tray if the phone is on and actively writes data to the memory card, although modern systems protect against data loss, the risk of software failures of the file system remains.
Once removed, inspect the tray. The back often has a diagram showing which side to put the SIM card on, which helps avoid errors when you reverse-mount it. The orientation of the card is critical: if you put it wrong, the contacts will not match, and the phone will not see the network.
Features of hybrid slots and microSD
Many Xiaomi models, especially the flagship Mi and Xiaomi Number series, feature a hybrid slot, which means that the second compartment in the tray can be used either for a second SIM card or for a microSD card, but not simultaneously.
In a hybrid tray, the second card is often held not by a separate frame, but by a tight fit or special protrusions. When extracting such a card, you need to be especially careful not to bend thin metal partitions. If you plan to use the memory card, make sure that it is installed in the second compartment, and not on top of the contacts of the first SIM card.
What to do if there is only one slot?
There is a common misconception that you can insert a memory card into a SIM card slot without a tray, which is absolutely not possible. The card can get stuck deep inside the case, and it will be impossible to remove it without disassembling the phone. Always use the tray to fix any cards.
For ease of comparison of types of slots, consider their characteristics in the table:
| Slot type | SIM count | Support for microSD support | Features of installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Separate (Dual + SD) | 2 pcs. | Yes (separate) | Three independent seats |
| Hybrid (Hybrid) | 2 pcs or 1+SD | Yes (instead of SIM 2) | You have to choose the regime. |
| Single | 1 pc. | No. | Only one card. |
| eSIM (virtual) | Depends on the model. | No. | Program activation |
Understanding the type of slot you have helps avoid confusion. If you inserted a memory card and the phone says "No SIM card," you may have used the hybrid slot incorrectly. Check the configuration in the Settings menu → About the phone, although the physical presence of the card is checked visually.
What to do if the tray is stuck or not taken out
When a SIM card tray is not retrievable, it is rare, but it can cause panic, and most often it is caused by the tray being deformed, dust being ingested, or using a tool that is too blunt to reach the latch mechanism. The first rule is not to use excessive force.
Try to slightly change the angle of the tool or use a thinner object, such as a needle from a syringe (necessarily sterile and blunt, so as not to hurt yourself), sometimes it helps to lightly tap the end of the phone on the palm when pressing on the extraction mechanism, this can displace a stuck map or dust.
⚠️ Attention: If the tray is deformed (bent), do not try to pull it with tweezers with force. You can tear off part of the tray, and then you will have to extract the remains in the service center with the disassembly of the body.
In some cases, the tray can get stuck due to swelling of the battery (if it is located close to the slot) or skewing of internal components after a fall. If standard methods do not help, it is better to stop trying. Mechanical damage to the body during aggressive opening will cost more than the service to replace the tray in the service.
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If the tray is not removed after 3-4 careful attempts with different tools, further actions may lead to failure.
It's also worth checking if there's a phone (case) that's blocking access to the hole. Some tight cases have too small technological cutouts to allow you to insert the paper clip at the right angle. Take off the case and try again.
Installation of a new SIM-mapping and inspection
After successfully removing the tray, the installation of a new card begins. Make sure that the size of the SIM card matches the Nano-SIM format, which is the standard for all modern Xiaomi smartphones. If your larger card (Micro or Mini), use an adapter or contact the communication salon to replace it with Nano-SIM.
Put the card in the tray so that the cut corner matches the shape of the tray. The map should lie flat, not protruding beyond the edges. If the card is protruding, when the tray is closed, it may damage the contacts or get stuck. Carefully insert the tray back into the phone until the characteristic snap of the lock.
Once installed, turn on the device. Usually, the system recognizes a new card during the installation. 10-30 You should have network icons and signal strength on the screen. If that doesn't happen, go to the Settings menu. → SIM-Maps and mobile networks and check if the card is activated.
- 📱 Make sure the card is inserted with contacts down (or up, according to the scheme on the tray).
- 📱 Wipe the SIM card contacts with a soft dry cloth before installation.
- 📱 Check if the card is blocked. PIN-code.
In rare cases, you may need to manually configure APN access points to operate mobile Internet. Operators usually send these settings automatically, but if necessary, they can be found on the official website of the provider or manually enter in the appropriate settings menu.
Frequent errors and precautions
When you're using a SIM card tray, you often make mistakes that can cost you the phone a lot of service. One of the most common is trying to insert the tray on the wrong side. The tray has only one correct position. If it doesn't come in easily, don't push it. Take it out, flip it over and try again.
Another mistake is to put the card on the eye without turning off the phone, although modern standards support hot replacement, and it is recommended to turn the device off or put it into flight mode before manipulation to avoid a short-term surge in voltage on the contacts, which can theoretically damage the power controller.
Can I use a tray from another phone?
Remember, waterproof. If your smartphone is IP68 or IP53 certified, the sealing of the tray is broken, sealing gums can wear out, and it's not recommended to take out the tray often without emergency if you want to keep water and dust protection.
⚠️ Warning: After installing the tray, make sure it sits level with the body. If the tray protrudes, the moisture protection does not work, and dust or moisture may enter the hole.
Adhering to these simple rules will extend the life of your device and ensure a stable connection. Carefulness is the main tool when working with small electronics. Take your time, use good light and the right tool.