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

Xiaomi Redmi 9 remains one of the most popular budget smartphones even years after its release, but many users face difficulties when first installing a SIM card: where the slot is, how to open it without damage, why the phone does not see the network after insertion. In this article, we will analyze the process from A to Z - from tool preparation to activation of the mobile Internet.

It's important to understand that improperly installing a SIM card can damage the slot's contacts or even break the tray, and we'll show you how to avoid typical errors, select the right SIM size (spoiler: nano-SIM only!), and explain what to do if the phone doesn't recognize the card, and for those who are afraid of damaging the device, we've added a step-by-step video instruction.

If you just bought a Redmi 9 or are planning to change operators, bookmark this article, which will be useful for both installing a second SIM card and retrieving the tray in the future. Let's start with preparation!

What SIM card supports Xiaomi Redmi 9: sizes and types

The first thing to know is that Redmi 9 only works with nano-SIM (4FF, 12.3×8.8×0.67 mm) If you have a different size card (micro or standard), you will have to cut it or replace it in the cabin of the operator. Trying to insert an incompatible SIM can jam the tray!

Redmi 9 slot is hybrid: it supports:

• 📱 Two nano-SIMs (if no memory card is used)
• 💾 One nano-SIM + microSD (up to 512 GB)

Note that if you install two SIM cards, the microSD slot will become unavailable, and that's an architecture limitation, because there's no room in the tray for three elements at once, and both SIM cards will be in Dual 4G VoLTE mode, which means they can support high-speed Internet and LTE calls.

If you are in doubt about the size of your card, use the template from the operator or check the table:

⚠️ Note: Some communication salons offer "universal" SIM cards with break-out parts. If you use this option, make sure that the rest of the plastic did not fall into the slot - this can damage the contacts.

Where is the slot for a SIM card in Redmi 9: photo and description

In Xiaomi Redmi 9, the SIM card tray is located on the left side of the screen (if you look at the screen with your face), and it is easy to recognize it from the small hole next to it - this is a connector for the SIM card. SIM-The photo below shows the exact location:

The slot is designed as a tray, which is fixed by a spring mechanism. Unlike the old Xiaomi models, where the slot could be under the back cover, in Redmi 9 it is brought out for convenience. This means that you do not need to remove the lid or battery - just pull the tray out.

If you can't find a hole to extract, try flashing a flashlight or swiping your finger on the left end of the phone, and the hole is about 1 mm in diameter and is about half the height of the case. SIM-key (metal clip), but the usual stationery clip will also work.

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If you don't. SIM-If you want to get the extractor, use a straight clip or a needle from the sewing machine, the main thing is that the object is thin and strong, so as not to break in the hole.

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

Now, to the process itself, follow the instructions carefully so that you don't damage the tray or the contacts.

Turn off your phone (recommended, but not required)

Prepare the nano-SIM (check the size!)

Find it. SIM-stripper

Put your phone on a flat surface.-->

1. Turn off your smartphone (optional). Although Redmi 9 supports hot SIM card replacement, it is better to turn off the device to avoid failures in the communication module.
2. Put it in. SIM-the extractor into the hole on the left end of the phone. Press until you click, the tray should move out onto the left end of the phone. 2-3 mm.
3. Carefully pull the tray out with your fingers. Don't pull the extractor - it could damage the mechanism!
4. Put the nano-SIM in the appropriate slot. The contacts (the golden part) should be unfolded down, and the beveled corner of the card should coincide with the angle of the tray.
5. Set the tray back before you click. Make sure it sits smoothly, without skewing.
6. Turn on the phone and wait for the network to activate (it can take up to 2 minutes).

If you install two SIM cards, place them in SIM1 and SIM2 slots (usually signed on the tray). For microSD, use a separate slot, but remember: one of the SIM cards will not be available.

⚠️ Attention: If the tray doesn't lock after installation or the SIM card falls out, check if the debris has fallen into the slots.Use a flashlight and tweezers to clean, but don't blow into the slot - this can drive the dust deeper!

What to do if Xiaomi Redmi 9 does not see the SIM card

Sometimes, once installed, the phone doesn't recognize the SIM card, and the reasons can range from a misinstallation to software failures.

• 🔄 Sometimes the communication module freezes when you first install it. SIM.
• 📶 Check the coverage area, maybe the problem isn't the phone, it's the operator's network.
• 🔧 Update the settings APN. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [yours SIM] → Access points (APN) and select the automatic setting.
• 🛠️ Clear the contacts. SIM. Wipe the golden part of the card with a stripe or an alcohol napkin.
• 📱 Check the tray for damage. If the contacts are bent, the slot will have to be replaced.

If the SIM card is still undetectable, try inserting it into another phone, and if you can't see it there, the problem is with the card itself (it may have been deactivated by the operator), in which case, contact the salon for a replacement.

To diagnose software problems:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. Tap 7 times on the kernel to activate Developer Mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find modem modem and select Global.
5. Reboot the phone.

How to activate mobile Internet on Xiaomi Redmi 9

Once you install the SIM card, you need to set up the data transfer. By default, Redmi 9 may not connect to the Internet automatically. Here's how to fix this:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if two of them).
3. Activate the mobile data switch.
4. In the Network Type section, select 4G (recommended).
5. If the internet is not working, click Access Points (APN) and select your operator’s settings (usually they are downloaded automatically).

To speed up the settings, you can use the USSD-commands of the operator:

• 📱 MTS: Dial *111*1810# and press "Call".
• 📱 Beeline: send SMS textual INTERNET 5166.
• 📱 MegaFon: dial *105*070#.
• 📱 Tele2: dial *159#.

If the internet still doesn’t work after setting up, check your account balance (sometimes operators block traffic with zero balance) or try switching to another network manually:

→ SIM-maps and mobile networks → [your SIM] → Network Selection → Manual

Frequent errors when installing a SIM card and how to avoid them

Even in a simple process like installing a SIM card, users make mistakes that turn into problems, and here are the most common ones:

Another common problem is switching between SIM cards (if there are two) to avoid this, set the priority:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Select Priority SIM-map.
3. Specify which card to use for calls, SMS and mobile Internet by default.

If you travel frequently, pay attention to the roaming settings. In Redmi 9, it is hidden in the menu:

Settings → SIM- Maps and Mobile Networks → [your SIM] → Roaming → Include

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If the phone has stopped seeing the memory card after installing the SIM card, check if the slots are conflicting. In the hybrid tray Redmi 9 can not use both SIM and microSD at the same time!

Video instructions: how to insert a SIM card in Xiaomi Redmi 9

For those who are better at understanding the information visually, we have prepared a selection of videos with a step-by-step analysis of the process:

The first video shows the process of removing the tray and installing one SIM card. The second shows the nuances of working with two SIMs and a memory card. Pay attention to the moment with the tray fixation (at 1:23) - many users miss the click and think that the slot is broken.

If you have any questions after viewing, go back to the text instructions above – there are answers to the most common problems.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions