How do you put it in? SIM-Memory card and memory card in Xiaomi Redmi 9S: nuance

Why SIM and MicroSD Installation in Redmi 9S Is So Important

Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 9S It remains one of the most popular budget devices even years after its release, due to its balanced performance and the ability to expand memory. SIM-MicroSD cards or memory cards. Errors here are fraught not only with the absence of a network, but also with physical damage to contacts or the tray itself.

In this article, we will explore the unique feature of the Redmi 9S tray, a combined slot for two nano-SIMs or one SIM + microSD, which is often a source of confusion: you will learn how to distinguish the sides of cards, what tools you will need, and what to do if the phone does not see the installed SIM or flash drive, and also why you can not use a paper clip instead of a brand key and how to avoid the most common error when extracting the tray.

If you’ve just purchased the Redmi 9S (or its Redmi 9C/9A variant with a similar tray) or are planning to upgrade your device’s memory, bookmark this instruction.

What you will need to install: preparation of tools

Before you start installing, make sure you have everything you need on hand, and most problems are caused by inappropriate tools or improperly cropped cards.

• 🔑 The key to retrieve the tray (complete with the phone) If you lost it, a paper clip will do, but with reservations (more about this below).
• 📱 Nano-SIM (for Redmi) 9S If you have a mini or micro-SIM, you'll have to trim or replace it in the cabin.
• 💾 MicroSD memory card (maximum supported volume - 512 GB, speed class is not lower) UHS-I Class 10).
• 🔦 Lantern (optional, but will help to see the contacts of the tray in poorly lit places).

It is important that you use two SIM-The microSD slot will be blocked – this is the hardware limitation of Redmi. 9S. You will have to choose: either two SIMKS or one SIMKA. + memory-card.

Where is the SIM and microSD slot in Redmi 9S: visual schema

Unlike some Xiaomi models, where the slot is hidden under the lid, in the Redmi 9S it is located on the left end of the case (when you look at the screen with your face), the tray has a small hole for the key and an arrow mark indicating the direction of extraction.

Here is how the slot looks from the inside (the scheme is given for the tray in an inverted form, as when installing):

Note that the tray itself has a marking indicating which side to insert cards. If it is not (for example, on non-original trays), focus on the bevelled corner of the card - it should coincide with the bevel on the slot.

Step-by-step instruction: how to insert SIM-microSD card

If you already have experience with other Xiaomi smartphones, note that the Redmi 9S tray is slightly tighter than the flagships of the Mi series.

1. Remove the tray: Put the key in the hole on the left end of the phone and press before you click. The tray will extend 1-2 mm - carefully pull it with your fingers. If you don't, don't force: check if the key is bent. ⚠️ Note: If the tray does not come out, DO NOT use pliers or other tools.This can damage the locking mechanism. Try swaying the key left-right or using a clip (but not thicker than 0.5 mm).
2. Install. SIM-Map: Place the tray on a flat surface with the contacts up. In Slot 1, place the first nano-SIM chip down (gold contacts must be addressed to the phone). For the second SIM, use Slot 2, but remember: this slot for microSD will be blocked.
3. Install a memory card (if needed): If you have chosen option 1 SIM + microSD," insert the memory card into Slot 2 with the contacts down. Make sure it sits tightly - there should be no backlash. ⚠️ Attention: Redmi 9S Does not support memory cards format SDXC Also avoid cheap no-name cards – they can slow down your phone.
4. Put the tray back in place: Carefully insert the tray back into the slot before the click. make sure it sits flat - if one side protrudes, retrieve and try again.

Turn on the phone after installation. SIM-The card or microSD is not determined, restart the device or check the installation is correct (see Frequent Errors section").

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If the tray is tight, don't force it. Grease the edges of the tray and slots in the phone with graphite powder (you can get it by rubbing the pencil's slate against paper), which will reduce friction and prevent jamming.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when installing cards in Redmi 9S. Here are the most common problems and solutions:

• 🚫 The phone can't see. SIM-Card: Reasons: the card is inserted by the wrong side, the contacts are damaged, the operator is inactive. Solution: reinstall the card, check it on the other phone, contact the operator to activate it.
• 🚫 Not defined by microSD: Reasons: The card is formatted in NTFS or exFAT (needed) FAT32), The file system is damaged, the slot is blocked by the second SIM-Solution: format the card in your phone through Settings. → Warehouse.
• 🚫 The tray is ingested or not retrieved: Reasons: dust, key deformation, wrong angle of pressing. Solution: blow the hole with compressed air, use the original key, press strictly perpendicular to the case.

If after several attempts the problem is not solved, check the tray for physical damage. Sometimes the plastic latches break - in this case, you will need to replace the tray (cost ~ 300-500 rubles).

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If you install a microSD phone, you get an error "SD-Map damaged", DO NOT format it on PC. Use the built-in utility in Settings → Warehouse → SD-map → Set up → Format it as internal storage, and it'll keep Android compatible.

How to properly remove the tray if it is stuck

It's not uncommon for the tray to not be removed after the key is pressed, most often because of:

• Use of too thick a paperclip (diameter should not be more than 0.5 mm).
• The debris gets into the fixing mechanism.
• Deformation of the tray after the fall of the phone.

Here's what we can do:

1. Try another tool: take a stapler clip or needle (but carefully so as not to scratch the case).
2. Heat the case: sometimes the tray will get stuck due to the temperature expansion of the plastic. Hold the phone in a warm place (for example, next to the battery) for 5-10 minutes, then try again.
3. Use duct tape: if the tray is pushed 1-2 mm, but is not removed, glue tape to it and carefully pull.
4. Contact the service: if nothing helps, do not risk - in the service center, the tray will be removed without risk of damaging the motherboard.

Never try to pull the tray out with pliers or other metal tools – this is almost guaranteed to damage the contacts or body.

Memory card compatibility: which microSD is suitable for the Redmi 9S

Xiaomi Redmi 9S supports microSDHC and microSDXC memory cards up to 512 GB, but not all cards will work equally well.

If you plan to use microSD to install applications (via Adoptable Storage), choose cards with high read/write speeds (from 80 MB/s), otherwise the applications will take a long time to load.

Important: Once you install a memory card in the Redmi 9S, the phone will offer two use cases:

• 📁 Portable storage – files are saved to the card, but applications are installed in internal memory.
• 🔧 Internal Storage – The map is formatted and becomes part of the system (you can transfer applications to it).

The choice depends on your tasks. For most users, portable mode is enough.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions