How to insert a SIM card in Xiaomi Redmi 4: instructions with photos, videos and life hacks

Why is installing a SIM card in Redmi 4 a question?

Xiaomi Redmi 4 (codenamed prada) is still popular with users due to its reliability and budget price. However, even with such a proven time device has one “pitfall” – a non-standard hybrid tray for SIM cards. Unlike modern models where slots are unified, it is easy to make a mistake with the choice of the format nano-SIM or micro-SIM, and the wrong installation can lead to damage to contacts.

In this article, we will discuss the unique feature of the Redmi 4 tray: it combines a slot for a second SIM card and a microSD card, but does not support the simultaneous operation of three modules. You will also learn how to avoid typical errors - from a jammed tray to the absence of a network after installation.

What kind of SIM card does Xiaomi Redmi 4 support?

The first thing to clarify is the size of the SIM card. Redmi 4 works exclusively with the nano-SIM format (12.3 × 8.8 mm). If you have an old micro-SIM (15 × 12 mm) or even a mini-SIM (25 × 15 mm), it will have to be trimmed or replaced in the cabin of the operator. Using adapters or homemade “trimmings” often leads to poor contact and lack of network.

The second point is the number of SIM cards. The device supports Dual SIM (two SIMs at the same time), but with the caveat:

• 📱 Slot 1 — Nano-SIM (main slot, supports only) 4G/LTE).
• 📱 Slot 2 – nano-SIM or microSD (hybrid slot, in the 4G-Only one SIM system is working).

This means that you can:

• ✅ Use two SIM cards (without a memory card).
• ✅ Use one SIM card + microSD (up to 256 GB).
• ❌ You can’t insert two SIMs and a memory card at the same time.

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If you travel frequently, it’s better to choose a configuration with a single SIM and microSD. A second SIM roaming can quickly drain the battery due to constant network search.

Where is the SIM card tray in Redmi 4?

The tray is located on the left side of the smartphone (when you look at the screen) and is easily recognized by the small hole for a paper clip or a tool for extraction. On some modifications (for example, the Redmi 4 Pro), the hole can be slightly lower or higher, but always on the same side with the volume buttons.

To avoid damaging the mechanism, remember:

⚠️ Attention: Do not try to pull the tray out with a nail or a sharp object (knife, needle).This can bend the metal tongue inside and jam the mechanism. Use only a special SIM key (comes with a kit) or an unbended clip.

If you lost the key, any thin metal wire with a diameter of no more than 0.5 mm will do. The main thing is not to apply excessive force: the tray should be extended smoothly, without clicking.

Step-by-step: how to insert a SIM card in Xiaomi Redmi 4

Follow this algorithm to avoid errors:

1. Turn off your phone.This is not necessary, but it is recommended to avoid accidental button pressing or network failure during installation.
2. Find the hole to extract the tray (left edge, next to the volume buttons).
3. Insert the paper clip into the hole before a slight click. The tray should extend 2-3 mm.
4. Take the tray out of the box carefully. Don't pull it around the corner, grab the side edges.

Now place the SIM card(s) in the tray:

• 🔹 Slot 1 (closer to the camera): nano-SIM, contacts down, beveled angle to left.
• 🔹 Slot 2 (closer to the screen): nano-SIM or microSD, contacts down, beveled angle to right.

Tray clean (no dust/sand)|Sim card sits tight in the grooves|Simki contacts not scratched |MicroSD (if any) inserted before click--->

After placing the SIM cards:

1. Put the tray back in before you click. It should come in smoothly, without skewing.
2. Turn on your phone and wait for the network to appear (it can take up to 2 minutes).

If the network didn't show up,

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 🔧 Check if the SIM is inserted correctly (contacts should fit tightly to the connector).
• 📶 Manually select the operator in the settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Choice of network.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when installing SIM cards in Redmi 4.

⚠️ Note: If after installing the SIM card, the phone began to restart itself or issue an error «SIM-The card is deleted, which may indicate damage to the antenna module. In this case, do not try to solve the problem yourself - contact the service.

Another common mistake is to try to insert a micro-SIM into a nano-SIM slot without an adapter, which leads to jamming of the tray and scratching on the contacts, so if you only have a micro-SIM, you'd better cut it to a nano-format using a special SIM stack (sold in salons) or order a duplicate from the operator.

How to set up two SIM cards on Xiaomi Redmi 4?

After you successfully install the SIM cards, you need to set them up correctly.

Settings → SIM- Maps and Mobile Networks

Here you can:

• 📞 Assign the main SIM for calls (Slot 1 will be used by default).
• 🌐 Select a SIM for mobile Internet (Slot 1 is recommended as it supports mobile Internet). 4G).
• 📩 Set up SMS by default (can be linked to a specific SIM).
• 🔄 Enable data switching (if one SIM does not catch the network, the phone will automatically switch to another).

To save battery power, turn off the background for the second SIM card if it is rarely used:

Settings → SIM- Maps and Mobile Networks → [Select SIM] → Background mode → Disable

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If you use two SIMs, but you don't need to keep calling the other, turn off the Call Receiving option, which saves up to 15 percent of your battery life per day.

Video Instructions: Install SIM card in Redmi 4

For clarity, we recommend watching the official video from Xiaomi (in English, but the process is intuitive):

Video: How to insert a SIM card in Xiaomi Redmi 4 (duration: 1:45).

The video shows:

• 🎥 Exact location of the tray and the openings for extraction.
• 🎥 The correct position of the SIM card in slots (taking into account the bevelled angle).
• 🎥 The process of fixing the tray without distortion.

If you have a Redmi 4 Prime or a Redmi 4 Pro, the process is identical – the differences are only in the color of the case and the amount of memory, but not in the design of the tray.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions