How to insert it correctly SIM-Map Xiaomi Redmi 10: a guide with photos and videos

Xiaomi Redmi 10 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2021, but even experienced users sometimes have questions with installation. SIM-Unlike the flagship models, where the card slot is placed on the side, here it is hidden under the lid - which means the risk of damage to the seal or contacts if you carelessly handle. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances: from the choice of type SIM-Maps before activation of mobile Internet after installation.

Redmi 10 features a hybrid slot that supports either two nano-SIMs or one nano-SIM. + A microSD card (up to 512GB) is a limitation: if you need extra memory, you have to donate a second memory. SIM-We'll show you how to avoid installation errors, what tools you'll need, and what to do if your smartphone doesn't see the network after you insert the card.

What are they? SIM-The cards are suitable for Xiaomi Redmi 10

The smartphone supports only nano-SIM (4FF format, size 12.3×8.8 mm). If you have an old card (mini-SIM or micro-SIM), it will have to be cropped or replaced in the operator’s cabin. The use of adapters or homemade clippings can damage the slot contacts – in Redmi 10 they are located very close to the edge, and even a minimal skew can lead to unstable network operation.

It is also important to consider the communication standard:

📶 4G/LTE — All ranges of Russian operators are supported (Band) 1/3/7/20/38).
🌐 VoLTE – Supports voice calls through 4G (You need to activate in the settings).
⚡ 5G — Redmi 10 does not support (model equipped with a chipset Helio) G88, limited 4G).

If you are planning to use two SIM-cards, make sure both support VoLTE - otherwise calls will switch to the 2G/3G, Check compatibility on the operator's website or in the application My MTS / My Beeline.

⚠️ Note: Some operators (such as Tele2) will default to disable VoLTE for newer ones SIM-After installation, check the settings in the Mobile Network menu. → Additionally. → VoLTE.

Where is the slot for SIM-maps in Redmi 10

In Xiaomi Redmi 10, the card slot is located on the left side (when you look at the screen with the front side), it is easy to recognize by the small hole for extracting the tray — it is located next to the volume buttons. The slot is not externally highlighted, so beginners sometimes confuse it with a microphone or speaker.

The tray is structurally made of metal and plastic, with two slots under the nano-SIM (or one SIM + microSD).

🔢 Slot 1 — main-slot SIM-cards (supports) 4G/VoLTE).
🔢 Slot 2 – a hybrid slot (SIM microSD).

To open the tray, you will need a paper clip or a special key (complete with the phone). If the key is lost, any thin metal wire up to 0.8 mm in diameter will do. Do not use toothpicks or plastic items - they can break inside the hole.

📊 You’ve already used a Xiaomi smartphone before?

Yes, this is my first Xiaomi.

Yeah, I had another Redmi.

Yeah, I had POCO or Mi.

No, this is my first Xiaomi smartphone.

Step-by-step instruction: how to insert SIM-map

Before installing, be sure to turn off your smartphone - this will prevent damage to the contacts when inserting the card.

Find a hole to extract the tray on the left side of the phone.
Put the paperclip in the hole and press until you click. The tray will extend 1-2 mm - gently pull it on yourself.
Put the nano-SIM in the Slot 1 slot with the pins down (the cut corner of the card should match the beveled angle of the tray).
If you install a second SIM or microSD, place it in Slot 2 (for microSD, the contacts must be face-to-screen).
Carefully insert the tray back to the point. Make sure it sits flat - skewedness can lead to poor contact.

After installation, turn on the phone and wait for the network to activate. If the signal indicator does not appear within 1-2 minutes, restart the device.

Turn off the smartphone

Prepare a paper clip or key

Check the SIM (nano-SIM) format

Make sure there is no damage to the card contacts

Put your phone on a soft surface (so as not to scratch)

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Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the seemingly simple procedure, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

Problem.	Reason.	Decision
The phone can't see. SIM-map	Incorrect installation (inverted or not fully inserted)	Remove the tray and reinstall the map, making sure the match of the beveled corners
No network after installation	No VoLTE support or incorrect APN settings	Check your settings in Mobile Network → APN (options can be downloaded automatically)
The tray doesn't fit in until the end.	Getting dust or foreign objects into the slot	Blow the slot with compressed air or gently clean with a soft brush
The smartphone overheats after installing SIM	Conflict of the two SIM-maps (for example, from different operators with aggressive network settings)	Turn off one of the SIMs in the settings and check the temperature

Pay special attention to the cleanliness of contacts. SIM-The card was lying idle for a long time, its contacts could oxidize. Rub them with a wipe or an alcohol napkin before installing. Also check if the metal tongue inside the slot is bent, which is a common problem after carelessly removing the tray.

⚠️ Attention: If after installation SIM-The smartphone started spontaneously restarting, this may indicate damage to the slot. In this case, do not try to insert the card again - contact the service center.

How to activate mobile Internet after installing SIM

If the network indicator appears, but the mobile Internet does not work, check the following settings:

Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
Choose the right one. SIM-Map and activate the mobile data switch.
Make sure that Data Mode (4G or 3G) is enabled.
If the internet is not working, check Access Points (APN).Click Add APN and enter your operator's settings (you can find them on the official website).

For MTS, Beeline and MegaFon, APN settings are usually loaded automatically. If they don't, enter them manually:

📱 MTS: Name — MTS, APN — Internet.mts.ru, Type of authentication — PAP.
📱 Beeline: Name is Beeline, APN — internet.beeline.ru, type APN — default,supl.
📱 MegaFon: Name is Megafon, APN — internet, MMSC — http://mmsc:8002.

After saving the settings, restart your phone. If the problem persists, try resetting the network settings in the Settings menu → System → Resetting → Resetting your Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.

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If mobile internet is slow, try disabling Auto-Select Network and manually select the standard Only LTE customized SIM-map.

Can you use a microSD with two? SIM-map

No, Xiaomi Redmi 10 has a hybrid slot that supports either:

📇 Two nano-SIMs (without microSD).
📇 One nano-SIM + microSD (up to 512 GB).

This restriction is due to the design of the motherboard - the manufacturer saved space by combining the slot for the second. SIM And the memory cards, if both are critical. SIM-cards and additional memory, consider options:

🔄 Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
🔄 Connect USB-storage OTG-adapter.
🔄 Replace one of the SIM However, Redmi 10 does not have an built-in eSIM module, so this option will not work.

If you do decide to donate a second SIM to a microSD, consider that read/write speeds on A1 or A2 cards will be lower than those on internal memory.

Settings → Storage → Configure → Use as internal memory

⚠️ Note: Formatting a microSD as internal memory removes all data from the card and makes it tied to this smartphone. Once removed, the card cannot be read on other devices without full formatting.

What to do if the slot for SIM-map damaged

After installation SIM-The smartphone stopped seeing the network, and the tray is hanging or not fixed, probably damaged slot connector or contact group:

🔌 The tray is inserted crooked or not until the end.
📵 The network appears only when you press the tray.
🔥 The phone overheats in the slot area.

In this case, it is not recommended to try to fix the slot yourself - without a special tool (sewering station and magnifiers), you risk damaging the fee. Contact the Xiaomi service center or a checked repair center. The cost of replacing the slot in 2026 is from 800 to 1500 rubles (depending on the region).

If the damage is not critical (for example, bent contacts), you can try to gently straighten them with a plastic card or toothpick. The main thing is not to use metal objects so as not to close contacts. Before any manipulation, turn off the battery (in Redmi 10 it is not removable, so just turn off the phone and wait 5 minutes).

How to temporarily get around the problem with the slot?

If the slot is damaged, but urgently need a connection, you can use it. USB-modem or Wi-Fi Calling (if the operator supports). 1. Connect to Wi-Fi. 2. Enable Wi-Fi Calls in the settings SIM-3. Install an operator application (e.g. My MTS) to keep the service running, which is good for calling, but mobile Internet won't work.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I insert a microSD without retrieving it? SIM-map?

No, in Redmi 10 slot hybrid — to install microSD will have to remove the second SIM-map (if it has been installed).

Why does the phone only see one thing? SIM-map?

Probably the second. SIM Installation is correct (contacts down, bevelled corner matches) Card performance (try inserting it into another phone) Settings in Settings → SIM-cards (possibly second) SIM programmatically disabled).

What is the maximum microSD capacity of Redmi 10?

Officially, up to 512 GB. However, in practice, cards with a capacity of 256 GB and above can run slower due to the limitations of the memory controller in budget smartphones.

What to do if the tray is stuck inside?

Don't try to pull it out by force, it can damage the mechanism. Try: Tweez the tray carefully (if you can see the edge); use vacuum grip (for example, from the nipple for the phone); Contact the service center.

Does Redmi support 10 eSIM?

No, the Redmi 10 (Model 2021) is not equipped with the eSIM module, this feature has appeared only in newer models (for example, Xiaomi 12T or Redmi Note 12 Pro+).

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Before installation SIM-cards always turn off the smartphone - this prevents short circuit contacts and modem failures.