How to insert a SIM card in the smartphone Xiaomi Redmi: instructions with photos and tips

Installation SIM-The cards in the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone are a procedure that every new owner of the device faces. Despite the apparent simplicity, there are nuances here, from the type of tray (single or hybrid) to the correct location of the chip on the map. Installation errors can result in a network being lost, contacts being damaged, or even a slot being locked. In this article, we will discuss the process for all current Redmi models (including the Redmi Note). 12/13, Redmi 12/13 and earlier versions), take into account the features of hybrid trays and give tips for eliminating typical problems.

Important: Xiaomi's instructions are different than other brands. Unlike Samsung, where the tray is often on top, Redmi almost always has it on the side. And hybrid slots (SIM + microSD) require special attention, because a wrong installation can block access to memory. We'll take a detailed look at each step to avoid these errors.

Preparation: What to do before installing a SIM- card

Before you start installing, check three key points:

• 📱 Type SIM- cards: All modern Redmi (since 2018) support only nano-SIM (12.3 × 8.8 mm). If you have an old card (micro or standard), it needs to be cropped or replaced in the cabin of the operator, and using an adapter or inappropriate size will damage the contacts.
• 🔍 Tray type: check if you have a hybrid slot or not. In hybrid (for example, in the Redmi Note 11 Pro), you can install either two nano-SIMs or one SIM + microSD. Simultaneous installation of two SIM and a memory card is physically impossible.
• 🔋 Turn off your smartphone. Although many users neglect this rule, setting SIM when the device is on can cause the communication module to fail, and in rare cases, this leads to an error SIM not recognized even after rebooting.

Also prepare the tools:

• 🔑 A paper clip or needle (usually bundled with a phone) will do any thin metal part, as long as it doesn't bend when pressed.
• 📎 Tweezers (optional) – will help to gently remove the tray if it is stuck.
• 🔦 Flashlight - Useful for viewing the slot in poorly lit places.

⚠️ Warning: If you're not using a paper clip, make sure the end of the paper clip is barbed. Scratches on the sealing gum of the tray can cause dust to enter the device.

Where is the slot for SIM-maps in Xiaomi Redmi

In most Xiaomi Redmi models, the tray for the SIM- card is located on the left side of the card (if you look at the screen).

To determine the exact location:

1. Look at the smartphone box — there’s usually a diagram.
2. Or inspect the side faces: the slot is marked with a small hole (0.8-1 mm in diameter) for the clip.
3. On some models (for example, Redmi K50) slot is hidden under a decorative stub – it needs to be tampered with a nail.

If you can't find the hole, try flashing a flashlight, which can be disguised as the color of the case. In extreme cases, refer to the FAQ at the end of the article, where we collected photos of slots for popular models.

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If your smartphone is new, check to see if the clip hole is covered with a protective film before installing the SIM, a common feature found in models released in 2023-2026.

Step-by-step: how to open the tray for SIM-map

The process of extracting the tray is the same for all Redmi models, but there are nuances depending on the type of slot.

1. Turn off your smartphone (required!) This will prevent short circuits from coming into contact with the board.
2. Take a paper clip from the kit (or similar tool) and insert it into the hole next to the slot. Press until you click, the tray should move 1-2 mm.
3. Carefully pull the tray over you.

• 🔧 Try pressing the paperclip again, and it may not have worked the first time.
• 🤏 Use tweezers to hook the tray over the edge.
• 💡 Light up with a flashlight - sometimes the tray extends unevenly and gets stuck.

If the tray is not removed anyway:

• 🛠️ On Redmi Note 10 Pro models and later, check to see if dust has entered the mechanism. Blow the hole with compressed air (such as a can of keyboard cleaning).
• 🔄 Turn the phone over and shake it slightly - sometimes the tray gets stuck due to a skew.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use sharp objects (needles, pins, knives) to remove the tray, which can damage the sealing gum, causing moisture to enter the case. In Xiaomi service centers, such repairs cost 3-5 thousand rubles.

How to insert it correctly SIM-card-tray

Now the most critical step is to put the SIM- card into the tray, and errors here result in a network being lost or contacts being damaged.

1. Place the tray on a flat surface (e.g., a table) with contacts upwards. Most trays have a diagram indicating the correct location of the SIM.

2. Place the nano-SIM in the appropriate slot:

• 📌 The chip shall be downwards and the beveled corner of the map shall coincide with the beveled angle on the tray.
• 🔄 If you have a hybrid tray, decide which is more important: the second SIM or a memory card. For example, in the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, the SIM1 slot is given priority (it supports 5G, and SIM2 only 4G).
• 🚫 Don't insert SIM with force -- it should come in easily. If the card doesn't fit, check its size (perhaps it's a micro-SIM, not a nano).

For models with microSD support:

• 💾 Install the memory card in the SD slot (usually signed separately).
• 🔄 If you use two SIM, you can’t insert a microSD, which will block the second slot.

Visual scheme for popular models:

After installing the cards, gently insert the tray back into the smartphone before clicking. Make sure it sits flat - skewing can damage the contacts.

Activation. SIM-maps and network settings

After installing the SIM, turn on your smartphone. In most cases, the network will connect automatically, but sometimes you need to manually configure:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Select your SIM- card and enable the settings: 📶 Mobile Data (for Internet access). 📞 Calls and SMS. 🔄 Network Mode: for 5G- smartphones (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) select 5G/4G/3G/2G.

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 📡 Manually select the operator in the settings (Settings → Mobile Network → Network Operators).
• 📶 Enable Flight Mode for 30 seconds, then turn off.

For two. SIM-map:

• 📱 Set priority SIM for calls and mobile internet in Settings → Double SIM.
• 🔄 In models with 5G (e.g., Redmi K60), only SIM1 supports 5G. Keep this in mind when allocating cards.

⚠️ Warning: If after installing SIM the smartphone writes No service or SIM- the card is not identified, remove the tray and check: Is the card correctly installed (chip down!). Is there any scratches/oxidation on the tray contacts or SIM if the metal contact in the slot is bent (carefully correct it with a toothpick). If the problem persists, try this SIM on another phone - it may be damaged.

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After the first SIM installation, the smartphone can search for the network for up to 5 minutes. Don't panic or remove the card during this period - wait for the initialization to complete.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even with the right SIM installation, there may be problems.

1. The smartphone doesn't see SIM-map

Causes and solutions:

• 🔌 Bad contact: Remove the tray, wipe the contacts SIM and the slot with an alcohol napkin. Blow into the slot to remove the dust.
• 🔄 Operator Incompatibility: Some virtual operators (e.g., Tele2 based on Rostelecom) require manual network selection. Go to Settings → Mobile Network → Operators and select manually.
• 🛠️ Hardware failure: If none of the SIM are detected, the communication module may be damaged, often after falls or moisture, and the service costs ~ 500 rubles to diagnose.

2. no network or weak signal

What to do:

• 📡 Check the coverage of the operator in your area (e.g., on the RootMetrics website).
• 🔄 Switch network mode from 5G to 4G (sometimes 5G- networks are not deployed in your area yet).
• 📱 Update your firmware: go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. Newer versions of MIUI often improve carrier support.

3.The mobile internet is not working.

Check it out.

• 🌐 Settings APN: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [your SIM] → Access Points APN. If the list is empty, add APN manually (options can be found on your carrier's website).
• 🔄 Reboot modem: Turn on Flight Mode for 1 minute, then turn off.
• 💾 Network Reset: Settings → Memory and Backups → Settings Reset → Network Reset.

If the problem remains, contact the operator - it is possible that mobile Internet is blocked on your tariff.

Features for different models Xiaomi Redmi

Some Redmi models have unique nuances when installing SIM. Let’s take a closer look at them:

Redmi Note 12/13 Pro and Pro+

These smartphones support 5G, but only in the SIM1 slot.

• 🔄 Set the primary SIM in SIM1.
• 📶 In network settings, select 5G as priority mode.

These models also use an improved communication module that can conflict with older SIM- cards (released before 2018). If the network is unstable, replace the SIM with the operator.

Redmi 10C/11C and budget models

In these smartphones, there is often a problem with a hybrid slot:

• 💾 If you use a microSD, the second SIM will not work.
• 🔄 When two SIM are installed, the memory card is automatically turned off.

Solution: If you need both two SIMs and memory, consider a USB-OTG card adapter (costs ~300 rubles).

Redmi 9 and older (2020 and earlier)

These models may not support VoLTE (4G calls) if the SIM calls are not working after the installation:

• 📞 Enable VoLTE in settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [your SIM] → Calls on 4G.
• 🔄 If you don't have an option, upgrade to the latest version of the firmware MIUI.

Older models also sometimes have mechanical problems with the tray (for example, in the Redmi 8A). If it does not fix, try putting thin tape under the SIM for density.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions