Xiaomi Redmi 5A is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, which is still actively used for its reliability and simplicity. However, even a simple action like installing a SIM card, there are nuances. Installation can lead to network absence, damage to contacts or even break the tray. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to install a SIM card in Redmi 5A, including working with two cards and a microSD, and also explain how to avoid typical errors.
The SIM slot in this model is on the side of the card, and you’ll need a special key (or a paper clip replacement) to open it. If you’re first encountering Xiaomi, it’s important to understand that the slot is hybrid – meaning you can use either two nano-SIMs or one nano-SIM+ memory card at the same time. We’ll explain in detail how not to confuse the sides of the SIM card and what to do if the phone doesn’t see the network after installation.
This article will be useful not only for beginners, but also for those who have already used the Redmi 5A, but have experienced problems after replacing the SIM card or updating the firmware, and at the end you will find answers to frequent questions and tips for troubleshooting.
Preparation: what you will need to install a SIM card
Before you start installing, make sure you have everything you need. For the Xiaomi Redmi 5A, you will need:
- 📱 Nano-SIM is the standard size for this model, and if you have a regular or micro-SIM, you'll have to trim or replace it in the cabin.
- 🔑 The key to extract the tray (company with the phone) will fit and the unbend clip, but carefully - the metal should not scratch the body.
- 📦 Phone packaging (optional) – there may be a scheme for placing SIM cards in the tray.
- 🔍 Good lighting – the tray is small, and in the dark it’s easy to make a mistake with the orientation of the SIM card.
If you plan to use two SIM cards, make sure that both support nano format. For a microSD card (up to 256 GB), you will have to sacrifice a second SIM slot - this is a feature of the hybrid slot in the Redmi 5A.
Important: If you are switching from another phone, check if your SIM card is blocked PIN-Otherwise, after installation, the phone will require the input of a code that can be found from the operator or in your personal account.
Where is the SIM card slot in Redmi 5A?
In the Xiaomi Redmi 5A, the SIM card slot is located on the left side of the screen (when you look at the phone screen), and it is easy to recognize from the small hole next to it, which is the extraction key connector. On some models, the hole can be slightly recessed, so look carefully.
To avoid confusion, remember:
- 📍 On the left is a SIM card slot (with a turnkey hole).
- 🔊 On the right are the volume and power buttons.
- ⚡ Below is a charging socket (micro-USB) and a 3.5 mm audio socket.
If you keep your phone in a case, remove it before removing the tray - it may interfere. Also make sure the phone is turned off (not necessarily, but recommended for contact safety).
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If the hole for the key is clogged with dust, gently clean it with a toothpick so that the key enters without effort.
Step-by-step: how to insert a SIM card in Redmi 5A
Now, to the process itself, follow the instructions carefully so that you don't damage the tray or the contacts.
- Turn off the phone (optional, but desirable) to prevent possible failures when rebooting the network.
- Take the key to remove the tray (or clip) and gently insert it into the hole on the side edge. Press until you click, the tray will move out a little.
- Pull the tray over and remove it completely. Don't put too much effort into it, it should come out smoothly.
- Place the tray on a flat surface and place the SIM card(s) according to the scheme (see the next section).
- Insert the tray back into the slot to the point. Make sure it sits flat - skewings can lead to poor contact.
- Turn on your phone and wait for the network to come on. If there's no signal, restart the device.
☑️ Pre-installing check
If the tray is not being pulled out, don't try to pull it out by force -- check if you pressed the key correctly. Sometimes it takes a little swinging of the key in the hole to get the mechanism to work.
Scheme of the location of SIM cards in the tray
This is the most important point, because if you install the SIM card incorrectly, it can get stuck or your contacts damaged. In Redmi 5A, the tray has the following markings:
| Position | Type | Orientation | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (top) | nano-SIM | Cut to the phone body | Main SIM card (Slot 1) |
| 2 (medium) | nano-SIM or microSD | Cut to the phone body | Second SIM card or memory card |
Notice the gold pins on the SIM card, they have to be facing down to the bottom of the tray, the slice (corner) of the SIM card must match the notch in the tray, and if the SIM card is inserted upside down, the phone won't see it.
In Redmi 5A, the tray doesn't have any microSD locks -- the memory card just plugs into the middle slot without the latches. Make sure it doesn't fall out when you flip the tray.
If you use two SIM cards, make sure they both support nano format.The second SIM card (Slot 2) may run slower, as the main network is usually tied to Slot 1.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when installing a SIM card, and here are the most common problems and solutions:
- 🚫 Phone doesn't see SIM card: Check if SIM card is inserted correctly (contacts down, cut to body).Reset phone - sometimes network appears after reboot. Try inserting SIM card into another slot (if two cards are used).
- 🚫 The tray doesn't stick in until the end: Make sure the SIM card doesn't protrude beyond the edges of the tray. check if there's any debris in the slot - gently blow or brush with a toothpick.
- 🚫 SIM card stuck in the slot: Don't try to pull it out with tweezers, go to the service center. If the card protrudes a little, gently tuck it in with a thin plastic card.
⚠️ Warning: if after installing the SIM card, the phone stopped turning on or gives an error "SIM-Immediately remove it and check the contacts for scratches. It is possible that the SIM card was inserted with a skew and damaged the connector.
Another common problem is the conflict between two SIM cards. If one of them is not catching the network, try swapping them. In Redmi 5A, the Slot 1 usually takes precedence for 4G, and the Slot 2 can only work in 2G/3G mode (depending on the firmware).
What to do if the slot is damaged?
How to set up a network after installing a SIM card
Once a SIM card is installed successfully, the phone must automatically connect to the network, but sometimes manual setup is required, especially if you use two SIM cards or a new carrier card.
To set up the network manually:
- Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Select the SIM card for which you want to change the settings.
- Make sure the mobile data switch is on.
- In Network Type, select 4G (recommended) or 3G if 4G does not catch.
- If the internet is not working, check APNs (Access Points) which are usually set up automatically, but can be added manually if necessary (APN options can be found on your carrier's website).
For two SIM cards, you can configure:
- 📞 The main SIM card for calls (in call settings).
- 🌐 The main SIM card for mobile Internet (in the settings of the mobile network).
- 📩 Separate notifications for each SIM card (in notification settings).
If the network still doesn't appear after setting up, try resetting the network settings in Settings → System → Resetting → Network Reset. This will delete all stored Wi-Fi networks and mobile connection settings, but often helps with SIM problems.
Video instructions and additional materials
If you can easily perceive the information visually, we recommend watching the official video from Xiaomi on installing a SIM card in Redmi 5A:
Video: "How to insert a SIM card into Xiaomi Redmi 5A" (available on YouTube on request) shows the process of removing the tray, the correct location of the SIM cards and installing it back.
It is also useful to read:
- 📄 Official documentation of Xiaomi (section "Redmi" 5A User Guide").
- 🛠️ Forum MIUI, where users share their experience of solving problems with SIM cards.
- 📡 Theme on 4PDA, dedicated 5A (There are tips on firmware and network setting).
If you lose the tray key, you can order it from AliExpress (SIM tray ejector tool search) or use an open clip, so that the diameter of the metal end matches the hole in the phone.
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Before buying a new SIM card, check if your carrier supports 4G networking at the frequencies available for Redmi 5A (usually the 800/1800/2600 MHz bands).