You just bought a new Xiaomi smartphone, Redmi or POCO, But you don't know how to put it right. SIM-Or go from another brand and come across a Sim tray in Xiaomi phones for the first time?This guide will help you understand the process in minutes - without risking damage to the device or card.
Unlike many brands, where the slot is SIM-The map is standard, Xiaomi has its own features, from the location of the tray (in some models it is hidden under the lid) to the support of two sims at the same time. We will examine each step in detail, from tool preparation to network signal validation (SIM + MicroSD, you will learn how to not lose the ability to expand memory.
In the article you will find:
- ๐ Step-by-step with photo for popular models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13, POCO X6 etc.)
- ๐ Size compatibility table SIM-maps (nano, micro, standard)
- โ ๏ธ Common Errors and How to Avoid Them (For example, Why Your Phone Can't See SIM)
- ๐ง What to do if the tray is jammed or the smartphone does not recognize the card
1. What tools will be needed for installation SIM-map
Before you start the installation, prepare everything you need. In most cases, you will need:
- ๐ฑ Xiaomi smartphone itself (turned off or in flight mode โ it is safer)
- ๐ช Paperclip or needle to remove tray (goes with phone, but any thin metal part will do)
- ๐ SIM-The correct size card (usually nano-SIM, but older models may need a micro-SIM)
- ๐ Loop (optional if you can't see the connectors well)
If you donโt have a Xiaomi brand clip, you can use:
- A regular paper clip (unwind it)
- The needle from the sewing machine
- Toothpick (if it is thin and strong enough)
โ ๏ธ Warning: Never use a knife, scissors or other sharp objects - they can damage the tray seal or the connector itself. Also avoid plastic items (such as handles) as they can break inside the hole.
If you set two SIM-Make sure both cards support the required standard (usually 4G/5G). In hybrid slots (SIM + microSD) priority is given to the second SIM - if you insert both, the slot for the memory card will be blocked.
2 Where is the slot for SIM-maps in Xiaomi phones
The location of the tray depends on the model and year of release. In most modern Xiaomi smartphones (2019-2026), the slot is on the left side of the face, but there are exceptions:
| Model/Series | Slot location | Slot type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 12/13/14, Redmi Note 11/12/13, POCO F4/F5/X6 | Left face (top) | Hybrid (2 nano-SIM or 1 nano-SIM + microSD) | The tray is moving out. |
| Redmi 10A/10C, POCO M4/M5 | Left face (lower part) | Single slots (2 nano-SIM + microSD) | Under the removable lid |
| Black Shark 4/5 | Upper edge | 2 nano-SIM (without microSD) | Lighted tray |
| Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra, Mix 4 | Lower facet | Hybrid | Next to the USB-C connector |
| Older models (Redmi 4X, Mi A1) | Under the removable lid | Micro-SIM + nano-SIM + microSD | You need to turn off your phone. |
To determine exactly where the slot is in your model:
- Look at the side faces of the phone โ look for a small hole (usually next to the volume buttons).
- If there is no hole, check the upper or lower face.
- In budget models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) slot can be hidden under a removable back cover - it must be carefully tampered with a mediator.
How to open the slot in models with a removable cover?
3. Step-by-step instruction: how to insert SIM-map
Now, to the process itself, follow the instructions carefully so that you don't damage the tray or the SIM contacts.
Turn off your phone (or turn on flight mode)
Check the size. SIM-Cards (should be nano-SIM for most models)
Find a hole to extract the tray
Prepare a paper clip or a needle-->
- Turn off your phone (optional, but recommended for safety) If you don't want to turn it off, turn on Flight Mode in the notification curtain.
- Put the paper clip in the tray hole to the end, and you'll feel a little bit of resistance, and then the tray will move out a little bit.
- Take the tray out with your fingers carefully. Don't pull too hard -- it should come out smoothly.
- Put it down. SIM-slot-card: ๐ฑ For one SIM: Place it in the first slot (usually marked as SIM1). ๐ฑ๐ฑ For two sims: insert the second card into the slot SIM2. Note that in hybrid trays, the microSD slot will be blocked.
Check your orientation.
Put the tray back in.
Important: In Xiaomi models 12S Ultra and Mix Fold 2 tray has double fixation - after inserting the SIM click on it before the second click, otherwise the phone will not recognize the card.
If the tray is not inserted:
- โ Check if it is located correctly. SIM-map (whether it is inverted).
- โ Make sure there is no dust or foreign objects in the tray.
- โ Try to sway the tray slightly left-right when inserted.
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If the tray is jammed, don't try to pull it out by force.Put the phone down on the soft surface with the screen and slightly press the tray on the back side - sometimes this helps unlock the mechanism.
4. How to check that SIM-card recognized by phone
After installing the SIM, turn on your phone (if it has been turned off) and follow the following steps:
- Open the Settings. โ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Check if the name of your operator (for example, MTS, Beeline, Tele2) is displayed.
- Make sure that the signal indicator is lit next to the name of the SIMKI (๐ถ).
- Try to make a test call or send it. SMS.
If the phone doesn't see the SIM:
- ๐ Reboot the device โ sometimes it solves the problem.
- ๐ง Check if the card is inserted correctly (pull out the tray and insert again).
- ๐ถ Make sure that mobile data is included in the settings.
- ๐ Try inserting the SIM into another slot (if there are two of them).
โ ๏ธ Note: If the phone is writing"SIM-Not supported card or No Service, possibly your SIM card is an outdated standard (e.g., no service, 2G), The smartphone only supports 4G/5G. Contact the operator for a replacement card.
In models with support for two sims (Dual) SIM) You can set the network priority for each card separately. 4G for the Internet, and for the other โ 2G for calls (this saves battery power).
5. Frequent 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:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The phone doesn't see SIM. | Incorrect installation or damaged card | Reset the SIM, check it on another phone |
| The tray is not moving out. | The machine jammed or dirt got in. | Use a thin needle to gently push the tray through |
| Simka falls out of the tray | Inappropriate size or worn-out tray | Wrap the simk with tape for a tight fit or replace the tray |
| No network after installation | Non-activated SIM or operator problems | Call the operator back or check the network coverage |
| Phone overheats | Bad SIM contact with the connector | Clean the contacts of the tray with alcohol and reinstall the sim |
One of the most unpleasant situations is a broken tray. If it bent or cracked, do not try to fix it yourself, but rather order a replacement at the Xiaomi service center (cost from 500 to 1500 rubles depending on the model).
Another common problem is that two SIMs conflict, and if you have two cards from the same operator, the phone can confuse them.
- Open the Settings. โ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Click on each SIM and give it a unique name (e.g., "Worker" and "Personal").
- Set the network priority for each card separately.
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If after installing the SIM phone became slower to work or quickly discharge, check whether the background data transmission is activated. โ Annexes โ Data transfer and limit background traffic for unnecessary programs.
Features of installation SIM-Maps in popular Xiaomi models
Some Xiaomi smartphones have unique nuances when installing a SIM. Consider the most popular models:
Xiaomi 13/14 Pro and Redmi Note 12/13 Pro+
These flagships use a double-fix tray. Once you insert the SIM, press the tray before the second click, which guarantees tight contact. 5G Both of these models are available at the same time (unlike the budget lines).
POCO F5/X6 Pro
Here, the tray is located closer to the top volume button, which can be confusing. 5G" โ Both SIMs can work on a fifth-generation network, but only if the operator supports this option.
Redmi 10A/10C and POCO M5
In budget models, the slot is hidden under a removable lid.
- Turn off the phone.
- Tap the lid from the recess next to the camera (use a mediator or plastic card).
- Remove the lid and insert the SIM into the appropriate slot (usually) SIM1 โ basic).
- Set the lid back, starting at the bottom, and snap it.
Black Shark 4/5
In gaming smartphones, the tray is located on the top edge and has a backlight. When inserting a SIM, make sure that the contacts are not contaminated - in these models, poor contact can lead to overheating due to increased load on the modem.
If you have an eSIM model (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Pro, you can use a virtual SIM instead of a physical SIM:
- Go to Settings. โ SIM-maps and mobile networks โ Add eSIM.
- Scan it. QR-code from the operator or enter data manually.
- Activate the eSIM and set priority (can be used with a physical SIM).
7 What to do if the phone can't see SIM-map
If you did everything right, but the phone still doesnโt recognize the SIM, follow this algorithm:
- Check the SIM on another phone โ if it doesnโt work, the operator has a problem.
- Clean the contacts of the tray and SIM with alcohol or eraser (carefully!).
- Update the software, sometimes firmware bugs interfere with SIM recognition. โ The phone. โ Updating the system.
- Reset network settings: Settings โ SIM-maps and mobile networks โ Resetting network settings
- Check it out. IMEI โ If it's dropped (for example, after firmware), the SIM won't work. IMEI via the engineering menu (#4636##).
If nothing works, it could be the slot itself that's damaged.
- ๐ง Moisture intrusion (even if the phone didnโt sink, the condensate could oxidize the contacts).
- โก Static electricity when installing a SIM.
- ๐จ Mechanical damage (for example, if the tray was inserted with force).
โ ๏ธ Warning: If the phone stops seeing the SIM after a fall or impact, do not open it yourself - this may lead to loss of warranty.
In rare cases, the problem may be in the firmware. MIUI 14 Some users have encountered an error"SIM-card is not registered on the network:
- Reverse to the previous version of MIUI via Fastboot.
- Or wait for a patch from Xiaomi (usually released within 1-2 weeks of mass complaints).
8 How to care for SIM-map and slot in Xiaomi
To avoid problems in the future, follow these tips:
- ๐งผ Clean the tray of dust regularly (every 3-6 months). Use a dry soft brush or compressed air balloon.
- ๐ซ Donโt change the SIM too often โ it wears out the tray contacts.
- ๐ Remove the SIM while storing your phone for a long time (for example, if you donโt use it for more than a month).
- ๐ก๏ธ Avoid overheating โ do not leave your phone in direct sunlight with a SIM inserted.
- ๐ง Keep moisture out of the water โ even if the phone is waterproof (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra with a slicker phone). IP68), SIM contacts can oxidize.
If you travel frequently and use local SIMs, buy a nano-SIM adapter that allows you to insert SIMs of different sizes without the risk of damaging the tray, and it is also useful to have a spare tray (costs about 200-300 rubles on AliExpress) in case of breakage.
For models with hybrid slot (SIM + microSD, remember:
- If you use two SIMs, the memory card slot will be locked.
- Some applications (like Google Maps) may run slower from a memory card than from an internal drive.
- When formatting a microSD as internal memory, the SIM in the hybrid slot may become unrecognizable.
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If you change SIMs frequently (for example, when traveling), buy a multi-format one. SIM-It's compatible with all sizes (standard, micro, nano) and eliminates the need to crop the card.