Xiaomi Mi Max 3 is one of the most popular phablets of the brand, Released in the 2018 year, but still in demand thanks to the large screen, powerful battery and support for two SIM- cards. However, even experienced users sometimes have difficulties with installing the SIM: where the slot is, how to open it without a special key, and why the phone does not see the card after installation. In this article, we will analyze the process from A to Z – from tool preparation to network setting after installation.
The Mi Max 3 is a SIM tray that is combined with a MicroSD slot, which means you can use either two nano-SIMs or one nano-SIM+ memory card, and we'll tell you how to keep your contacts safe when you install them, which SIMs are suitable for this model, and what to do if your phone stops catching the network after you change the card.
Preparation: what you need to install the SIM
Before you start the installation, make sure you have everything you need.
- 📱 Xiaomi Mi Max 3 (off!) Don't try to insert the SIM when the phone is on, it could cause the communication module to malfunction.
- 🔑 A special key to extract the tray (complete with the phone), if it's not there, a paper clip, a needle, or even a toothpick will do (more on that below).
- 📇 Nano-SIM card (or two if you don't use a MicroSD).Please note: Mi Max 3 doesn't support the regular SIM or micro-SIM without an adapter!
- 🔍 A light source (e.g., a flashlight on another phone) is a small opening for extracting the tray and is easy to miss in a poorly lit room.
If you plan to use two SIMs, make sure that both are activated from the operator. Also check if your tariff supports Dual SIM - some carriers (such as Tele2 or Iota) can block the second SIM at certain rates.
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If you still have an old SIM- mini or micro card, don’t rush to cut it out! Many communication salons provide a free replacement service with nano-SIM with a saving number.
Another important point is that if you're switching from another phone, save your contacts to a Google account or export them to your computer, and when you first set up the Mi Max 3, you'll want to restore your data, but you'll be better off playing safe.
Where is the SIM slot in Xiaomi Mi Max 3
Unlike many modern smartphones, where the tray is located on the upper or lower edge, in the Mi Max 3 it is on the left end (if you look at the screen with the front side), this is a typical solution for Xiaomi models of the period – so the manufacturer saved space inside the case for a large battery (5500 mAh).
In order not to confuse, focus on such signs:
- 🔍 A small hole next to the volume buttons.
- 📏 Located about mid-height of the phone (not at the top or bottom edge).
- 🎨 Some versions of the Mi Max 3 have a barely noticeable SIM card icon next to the hole.
If you have kept your phone in a case, remove it — sometimes the protection blocks access to the slot, and also check if there is any dirt near the hole that can interfere with the extraction of the tray.
Step-by-step: how to open the tray for SIM
Now, to the most important step, the tray removal, follow the instructions carefully so that you do not damage the mechanism:
- Turn off the phone. It's a must! Inserting a SIM when the device is on can short the contacts.
- Take the key to remove the tray (or its analogue - a paper clip, an unburdened stationery bracket) and insert it into the hole to the point, but do not put excessive effort.
- Press until you click. The tray should shoot out a little bit. If that doesn't happen, try swaying the key slightly left-right.
- Carefully stretch the tray with your fingers. Don't pull the key, so you can bend the mechanism!
If the tray doesn't lend itself, don't try to pull it out with pliers or other tools.
Try another key (such as a thinner needle)
A little heat the body with a hairdryer (temperature not higher than 50 ° C)
Blow into the hole to remove possible dust
Contact the service center if nothing helps.-->
The Xiaomi Mi Max 3 tray has a special slot for MicroSD, but it is combined with a second slot for SIM. This means that you can use either two nano-SIMs or one nano-SIM + memory card, but not all together.
How to distinguish a tray for a SIM from a tray for a memory card?
Installation of SIM-card: procedure and possible errors
Once the tray is removed, we start installing the SIM card.
- Place the tray on a flat surface (such as a table) with contacts upwards, so you avoid losing small parts.
- Place the nano-SIM in the groove. Make sure the bevelled corner of the card matches the angle on the tray. Contacts should be directed downward (to the phone body).
- If you install a second SIM or MicroSD, repeat the action for the second slot. Remember, you can only use one memory card at a time!
- Carefully insert the tray back into the slot before the click. Make no effort - if it doesn't come in, check if the cards are correctly installed.
Typical errors in installation:
- ❌ SIM card sides are mixed up (contacts should be at the bottom!).
- ❌ Uses a micro-SIM without an adapter (not suitable!).
- ❌ The tray is not fully inserted (the phone will not see the SIM).
- ❌ A second SIM is inserted into the MicroSD slot (or vice versa).
⚠️ Warning: If after installing the SIM, the phone says "No Service" or "SIM- card will not be detected," don't panic. First, restart the device. If the problem persists, check if the card is inserted correctly (sometimes it shifts when the tray is inserted).
Network settings after installing the SIM card
Once the phone is turned on, the Mi Max 3 will automatically detect the new SIM cards and suggest setting up the network.
- Select priority SIM for calls (if you use two cards). This can be done in the Settings menu → SIM- Cards and mobile networks → SIM Priority for calls.
- Set up data transfer. By default, the phone can use mobile Internet from only one SIM. To change this, go to Settings → SIM- Maps and mobile networks → Data transfer.
- Activate 4G (LTE) if your tariff supports it. To do so, select Network Type → 4G (recommended) from the same menu.
- Check roaming (if you are traveling). Some operators block the Internet in roaming by default.
If your phone is not catching the network, try the following:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No network. | Simka's not activated. | Call the operator or check the balance |
| "Emergency calls only" | Wrong APN settings | Reset network settings to Settings → System → Settings Reset → Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings |
| No 4G. | Tariff does not support LTE | Check the tariff conditions with the operator |
| Symbol is undetermined | Tray contacts damaged | Clean contacts with alcohol or contact the service |
If you use two SIM cards, look for the icons in the status bar: they show which SIM is active for calls and which is active for the Internet. To change priorities, go to Settings → SIM- Cards and mobile networks.
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On the Xiaomi Mi Max 3, you can customize individual call melodies for each SIM card, which is convenient if one SIM is working and the second one is personal.
Frequent questions: what to do if...
Even after the SIM card is installed correctly, users are faced with different nuances, and we will analyze the most common situations.
The phone does not see the SIM after updating the firmware
Sometimes, after the MIUI update, the SIM card slot stops working, which may be due to:
- Modem malfunction.
- Incompatibility of the new firmware with your phone version (especially relevant for custom firmware).
Decision:
- Reboot the phone.
- Reset network settings (Settings → System → Resetting → Resetting mobile network settings).
- If it doesn’t help, roll back the firmware to the previous version.
The SIM works, but there is no internet.
The problem may lie in:
- Incorrect settings of APN (access point).
- Lack of money in the account (some operators block the Internet with zero balance).
- Hardware restriction (e.g. your Mi Max 3 is a version for China where there is no support for Russian LTE frequencies).
To set up the APN manually:
- Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [choose SIM] → Access points (APN).
- Click Add and enter your operator’s settings (they can be found on the official website).
- Save the settings and restart the phone.
The phone says, "SIM- card is not supported."
This message usually appears in three cases:
- You are using the wrong SIM (e.g., a micro-SIM without an adapter).
- Simka is damaged (contacts are scratched or corner chipped).
- The phone is locked under the operator (relevant for models purchased under the contract abroad).
Decision:
- Try inserting the SIM into another phone – if it doesn’t work, contact the operator for a replacement.
- If the phone is locked, unlocking (usually paid) will be required.
Tips for choosing a SIM card and tariff for Xiaomi Mi Max 3
Xiaomi Mi Max 3 supports all modern communication standards, but there are nuances that should be considered when choosing an operator:
- 📶 Support 4G (LTE): The phone works in all the bands used by Russian carriers (Band 1/3/7/20/38).However, if you bought the device in China, check if it supports Band 20 (800 MHz) - this is the main frequency for 4G in Russia.
- 🔄 Dual SIM: Both SIM cards are Dual Standby, meaning they can receive calls at the same time, but only one can use mobile Internet, and if you want to use both SIMs, you'll have to use Wi-Fi for the second.
- 💰 Tariffs: For the Mi Max 3, it is better to choose tariffs with a large amount of traffic (from 15 GB / month), since the phone is often used for watching videos and games.
- 🌍 Roaming: If you travel frequently, pay attention to the rates with roaming enabled (e.g. MegaFon "All for Travel" or Beeline "Travel").
If you use your phone as your primary device for work, we recommend choosing a tariff with:
- No-limit calls to all networks.
- Large SMS package (if you send messages frequently)
- Support for VoLTE (voice over 4G) – this improves the quality of communication.
⚠️ Warning: Some carriers (e.g., Iota) may block the second SIM card from another provider.