How to insert a SIM card in Xiaomi Redmi 9: instructions with photos and videos

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, but even experienced users sometimes have questions with installation. SIM-Unlike the flagship models, where the tray can be located in unexpected places, Redmi 9 process is as simple as possible.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions with a photo, a video guide, and answers to common problems: what to do if your smartphone does not see the SIM, how to do without a special key for the tray and what settings to check first. We will also compare the Redmi 9 with other Xiaomi models on the location of the SIM tray and supported card formats.

If you’ve just bought a Redmi 9 or are considering changing operators, bookmark this article. There’s no water here: only specific, proven actions and unique tips that aren’t in the manufacturer’s standard manual.

Preparation: What to Know Before Installing a SIM Card

Before you start the installation, make sure you have the right one. SIM-map. Xiaomi Redmi. 9 It only supports nano-SIM (format) 4FF, 12.3×8.8 If you have an old-style SIM (micro-SIM or standard), it will have to be cut or replaced in the operator's cabin. Using adapters or homemade croppings can lead to poor contact or damage to the tray.

Also check:

• 🔋 Battery charge: if the battery is discharged below 20%, the smartphone can turn off during activation of the SIM, which will lead to a failure of registration in the network.
• 📶 Network coverage: in places with weak signal (basement, elevator) the first setup can take up to 5-10 minutes.
• 🔑 Tool for tray: complete with Redmi 9 comes a metal clip, but the usual stationery, unbended pin or even a toothpick (with caution) will also work!).

⚠️ Warning: Do not use sharp objects (knives, needles, scissors) to remove the tray, which can damage the sealing ring inside the socket, causing dust and moisture to enter the case of the smartphone.

If you are switching from another phone, we recommend saving contacts to a Google account or exporting them to a VCF file. Once you install a new SIM, contacts can be easily restored through Contacts → Settings → Import / Export.

Where is the sim tray in Xiaomi Redmi 9?

In Redmi 9, the SIM card tray is located on the left side of the body (when you look at the screen with the front side), which is standard for most Xiaomi models, but there are exceptions - for example, in the Redmi Note 10 Pro, the tray was moved to the right side.

In order not to confuse the tray with other connectors, focus on:

• 📍 A mark with a hole - a small circular recess for the tool.
• 🔍 Backlight: if you illuminate a flashlight, inside you will see a plastic tongue tray.
• 📏 Distance from buttons: the tray is located approximately in the middle of the height of the body, between the volume control buttons and the connector USB-C.

Redmi 9 uses a hybrid tray: you can install either two nano-SIMs or one nano-SIM + microSD card (up to 512 GB).

Step-by-step: how to insert a SIM card in Redmi 9

Follow this algorithm to avoid errors:

1. Turn off your smartphone (optional, but recommended for safety) Press the power button and select Turn off.
2. Find the tray on the left side and insert the tool into the hole to the point. Press with effort, it should be a slight click.
3. Remove the tray: gently pull it over yourself without skewering it. If the tray doesn't come out, check if the tool is fully in.
4. Put the SIM card in the appropriate slot: 📱 Slot 1 (upper) - the main SIM (supportive 4G). 📱 Slot 2 (bottom) - second SIM microSD.

Make sure that the bevelled angle of the SIM matches the angle of the slot.

Put the tray back in.

Turn on the phone.

The tray is inserted to the point.|The SIM card lies bent upwards|No foreign objects in the slot|The phone doesn't overheat.-->

If a notice "No Service" appears after the activation, or "SIM-map not found, try it out:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 📴 Manually select the operator in the Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Choice of network.
• 🔧 Check if the flight mode is activated.

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If the tray doesn't fit back in, check if the SIM slots are mixed up.Sometimes users try to insert a microSD into the nano-SIM slot, which blocks the mechanism.

What if Redmi 9 doesn’t see the SIM card?

If the SIM is not identified after installation, the reasons may be both software and hardware.

1. Check the physical condition of the SIM: 🔍 Check the contacts for scratches or oxidation (clean with a swallow). 📏 Make sure that the sim is not cut crooked (sometimes after pruning, burrs remain).
2. Reinstall the tray: 🔄 Remove the tray, gently blow out the slot (for example, a can of compressed air). 🧲 Check if metal filings or dust have stuck to the contacts.
3. Update network settings: 📡 Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [yours SIM] → Access points (APN). 🔄 Click Reset to factory or enter parameters APN manually (you can find them on your website).

⚠️ Warning: If your smartphone stops seeing the SIM after falling or getting moisture, don’t try to disassemble it yourself, in which case a diagnosis is required at a service center – perhaps the antenna contact has gone away or the board is damaged.

If the problem persists, try flashing the modem module (for power users only!).

1. Download the latest firmware version for Redmi 9 from the official Xiaomi website.
2. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update and select Install Service Pack.
3. After the reboot, check the SIM work.

Can I insert two SIM cards and a flash drive at the same time?

No, Xiaomi Redmi 9 uses a hybrid tray, which means:

• ✅ Option 1: Two nano-SIMs (without microSD).
• ✅ Option 2: One nano-SIM + microSD (up to 512 GB).
• ❌ Option 3: Two SIM + MicroSD is not possible.

If you need both SIMs and additional memory, consider alternatives:

• 📱 Cloud storage: Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Yandex.Disk (up to 10-15 GB free).
• 🔌 OTG-Adapter: allows you to connect flash drives through USB-C (Reading speed is lower than that of the built-in microSD).
• 📲 Switching to eSIM: Some operators (such as MTS or Tele2) offer virtual SIM cards that free up the physical slot.

When choosing a microSD for Redmi 9, pay attention to the speed class:

• 📸 For photos and videos: minimum Class 10 or UHS-I (U1).
• 🎮 For games and applications: UHS-I (U3) or A2 (Provides high speed reading/writing).

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A hybrid tray is a trade-off between functionality and price. If you’re critically interested in two SIMs and memory, consider a model with a separate microSD slot (like the Redmi Note 11).

Comparison with other Xiaomi models: where is it easier to insert a SIM?

If you're used to other Xiaomi smartphones, the location of the tray in the Redmi 9 may seem uncomfortable.

In metal-framed models (such as the Mi 9), the tray is usually more reliable, but it is harder to remove; in plastic smartphones (like the Redmi 9), the mechanism is less durable, but opens more easily.

If you change your SIM cards frequently, look for smartphones with a retractable tray (such as the Samsung Galaxy S21) that don’t need a tool. Xiaomi doesn’t have such models yet, but recent flagships (such as Xiaomi 13) have made the tray more reliable.

Video Instructions and Additional Advice

For clarity, we recommend watching the official video from Xiaomi (in English, but the process is clear without words):

Video link: How to insert a SIM card in Redmi 9 (time stamp 1:23 – installation time).

Additional life hacks:

• 🔧 If the tray is consuming, lubricate its edges with graphite lubricant (sold in auto parts stores).
• 📱 For quick SIM card change, use a magnetic tool (such as a screwdriver with a magnet at the end).
• 🔄 If your smartphone doesn’t see the second SIM, check if the “Priority” function is activated. SIM for data in the mobile network settings.

If you are planning to use Redmi 9 abroad, consider:

• 🌍 Slot 1 supports all ranges 4G (including B20, crucial).
• 📡 Slot 2 may not work with some operators in the United States (often used there). CDMA, non-supported).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions