Xiaomi Redmi 10 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, combining performance and functionality. SIM-cards, especially if we are talking about a hybrid slot or the first experience with nano-SIM. In this article, we will analyze not only the basic procedure, but also the nuances: how not to damage the tray, what to do if the card is not determined, and how to combine the two SIM memory-carded.
Redmi 10 (codenamed selene) was released in 2021, but is still in use today. Its SIM slot supports nano-SIM + nano-SIM or nano-SIM + MicroSD (up to 512 GB). Importantly, unlike flagships, there is no separate memory card slot, which is a hybrid solution that requires prioritization. If you've never opened the tray or are afraid to break the latch, our step-by-step photos and videos will help avoid errors.
Preparation: What will be needed for installation SIM-map
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need, and most problems with SIM installation are due to inappropriate tools or cards that are in the wrong format.
- ✅ A paper clip or needle to remove the tray comes with the phone, and if you lose it, you'll get a straight paper clip or a thin sewing needle.
- ✅ Nano-SIM is the only format supported by Redmi 10. If you have a regular or micro-SIM, it needs to be trimmed (better done in the cabin of the operator).
- ✅ Clean dry surface – put your phone on the table so as not to drop the tray or SIM-map.
- ✅ Lights – This is useful if you install a card in a poorly lit place.
⚠️ Warning: Never use knives, forks or other sharp objects to remove the tray.This can damage the fixing mechanism or scratch the phone body. The optimal diameter of the tool is 0.7-0.9 mm.
If you are planning to use two SIM-Make sure both of these support the network. 4G. In Redmi 10, the main slot (Slot 1) supports VoLTE, and the optional slot (Slot 2) can only work in the same slot. 3G-the first time, if the first SIM This is a limitation in the technical specifications of the model.
Where is the slot for SIM-Maps in Xiaomi Redmi 10
Unlike some models where the slot is hidden under the lid, in Redmi 10 it is located on the left end of the case (if you look at the screen), it is easy to find it on a small hole with a metal rim - this is the socket for extracting the tray.
To avoid confusion, focus on such labels:
- 📍 Redmi logo – the slot is located approximately at the middle of the logo on the back panel.
- 📍 Volume buttons – the slot is on the opposite side of them.
The Xiaomi Redmi 10 uses a unified tray for two nano-SIMs or one nano-SIM + MicroSDs. It's non-removable and doesn't require disassembling the phone. If you see two separate holes on the body, it's not a SIM slot, it's a microphone and speaker.
| Model | Slot location | Slot type | Support for MicroSD Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi 10 (selene) | Left end, middle end. | Hybrid (2 nano-SIM or 1 nano-SIM + microSD) | Up to 512GB |
| Redmi 10 Prime | Left end, closer to the top. | Hybrid | Up to 512GB |
| Redmi 10C | Left end, closer to the bottom | Hybrid | Up to 1 TB |
| Redmi Note 10 | Left end, middle end. | Hybrid | Up to 512GB |
If you are not sure if you have found the right hole, flash a flashlight - inside should be visible metal tray mechanism.
Step-by-step instruction: how to insert SIM-map
Follow this algorithm to avoid errors. If you've never inserted SIM-Smartphone card, it is better to do it in good lighting.
- Turn off your phone. This is not necessary, but it is recommended to avoid failures when initializing the card.
- Insert the paperclip into the hole on the left end and slightly press until the tray is pushed out 1-2 mm.
- Take the tray out with your fingers carefully. Don't pull the paperclip, it can damage the mechanism.
- Put the nano-SIM in the appropriate groove (tags on the tray will prompt the correct orientation).
- Put the tray back before you click. Make sure it sits straight.
⚠️ Note: If the tray is not fixed or hanging, then, SIM-The card is not installed correctly. Do not turn on the phone until you have corrected the position of the card - this can damage the contacts.
The tray is locked without backlash |
SIM-card doesn't stand outside the edge of the tray|
Contacts of the map (golden part) are facing down |
The phone was not dropped during the procedure.-->
If you set two SIM-cards, place them in the Slot 1 and Slot 2 slots according to the marking. SIM + MicroSD uses Slot 1 to help you SIM, Slot 2 for a memory card.
💡
If the tray is tightly entering, do not force it.Smear the edges of the tray and groove in the phone with an alcohol solution (for example, a wipe to clean the screens) - this will remove possible contamination and make installation easier.
What to do if SIM-map not defined
Sometimes, when installed, the phone doesn’t see SIM-The causes can range from a malfunctioning installation to a hardware malfunction:
- Restart the phone. Sometimes the system doesn't recognize the new card right away.
- Check the position of the card in the tray. Remove the tray and make sure that the SIM sits tightly and the contacts are not contaminated.
- Try another one. SIM-If the second card works, the problem is the first card (possibly damaged).
- Update the software. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update and check the relevance of the firmware.
- Reset your network settings. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
If none of these methods worked, the problem may be:
- 🔌 Damaged slot – check if there is any debris or bent contacts inside.
- 📶 Operator Blocking – Some Redmi 10s are sold blocked under a specific provider.
- 🔧 Software failure – you may need to flash through Fastboot.
⚠️ Attention: If after installation SIM-The phone stopped turning on or constantly restarts, immediately remove the card.This may indicate a short circuit in the slot (for example, due to moisture in the slot).
How to check the slot for physical damage?
How to combine the two SIM-memory-card
The main disadvantage of the hybrid slot in Redmi 10 is the inability to use two at the same time. SIM-But there are workarounds:
- 🔄 Use cloud storage (Mi Cloud, Google Drive) instead of a physical memory card.
- 📱 Move the appendices to the second SIM — Some messengers (such as Telegram) allow you to use an account on two devices.
- 🔌 Buy it. OTG-It's less convenient, but it allows you to temporarily expand your memory.
- 📦 Use it. SIM with a large amount of memory – some operators offer cards with built-in memory (up to 128 GB).
If both are critically important SIM-Cards and additional memory, consider alternatives:
- 📱 Models with a separate slot under the microSD - for example, Redmi Note 11 or POCO M4 Pro.
- 🔄 USB-C hubs with a memory card connector (connected as a flash drive).
Important: With a MicroSD in a Redmi 10 hybrid slot, read/write speeds will be lower than those of the internal memory, due to the limitations of the UFS 2.2 controller, which prioritizes the resources of the main memory.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when installing SIM-Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Installation of SIM upside down | Map not identified, possible scratches on contacts | Watch the marks on the tray (skewered corner = bent corner of the map) |
| Using a micro-SIM without an adapter | The card is not fixed, it may fall inside the phone. | Cut the card to nano-SIM or use an adapter |
| Power in tray extraction | The bent mechanism that jammed the tray | Press the paperclip smoothly, without jerking. |
| Installation of the tray curve | Phone can't see SIM, contact damage is possible | Check that the tray sat smoothly, without distortions |
⚠️ Note: If after removing the tray you notice that there are small parts left inside the slot (for example, pieces of plastic from the cropped tray). SIM-- don't try to pull them out with tweezers. This can damage your contacts.
Another common problem is sticking the tray after long-term use, which is caused by dust or oxidation of metal parts.
- Remove the tray and wipe it with an alcohol napkin.
- Apply a little silicone lubricant (for example, for bicycle chains) to the guides.
- Remove the tray several times to allow the lubrication to spread.
Video instructions and additional materials
If the text instruction seems complicated, we recommend watching the official video from Xiaomi (available on their support channel).
- 🎥 0:45 - correct position of the paper clip when removing the tray.
- 🎥 1:20 – How to distinguish a slot for SIM from the microSD slot (if you use a hybrid version).
- 🎥 2:10 – What to do if the tray is not fixed.
For visual comparison, this is what the correct set looks like. SIM-map in the Redmi 10 tray:
If you need a phone disassembly scheme (like cleaning a garbage slot), you can find it on sites like iFixit, but remember, disassembling your phone yourself is not guaranteed if you bought it less than a year ago.
💡
90% of the cases are problems with SIM-Redmi 10 is a card that is either resetting the map or resetting the network settings, and only 10 percent of the card is hardware malfunctions that require repair.