Changing a carrier, moving to another country, or having to install a memory card are just a few of the situations when a smartphone owner is faced with the question of how to pull a SIM card from a Xiaomi phone. Despite the apparent simplicity of the procedure, modern devices have their own design features, ignoring which can damage the case or the tray itself, especially for models with waterproof or hybrid slots.
In this article, we will not only look at the standard algorithm of actions, but also look at the complex cases when the tray is jammed or it is not removed in the usual way. You will learn about the correct location of contacts, the types of SIM cards for different Redmi and Mi series, and also get valuable recommendations for the care of connectors to prolong the life of your gadget.
Before you start mechanically impacting the body, it is important to understand what design you are dealing with. The sim card tray in Xiaomi smartphones can be located in different places, but most often it is the bottom end of the device. Incorrect use of tools or excessive effort can cause breakdown, so carefully study the theoretical part before practicing.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
The first step in the extraction process SIM-The map is a safe space, and you need a flat, well-lit surface, preferably a soft surface, so that a randomly dropped SIM or tool does not scratch or roll into an inaccessible place. It is also crucial to turn off the device before manipulation, although modern phones support hot-swap, software failures during retrieval are still possible.
To retrieve the tray, you need a special key that comes with the box, which is a thin metal needle with a pointed end, and if the original tool is lost, you can replace it with a stationery clip straight up, or a thin needle, and the main thing is that the tool diameter should not exceed the diameter of the hole, otherwise you can damage the latch mechanism inside the case.
Do not use sharp objects like knives or wide-eyed sewing needles, as they can slip and pierce the body or damage the internal components. Also, prepare a microfiber wipe to wipe the contacts. Make sure your hands are dry and clean so that you do not bring dirt or moisture into the device through an open slot.
⚠️ Warning: Never use excessive force if the tray resists.Pressure can break the plastic mechanism inside, and then extraction will require disassembling the phone in the service center.
Check if your phone has a protective film or cover that blocks access to the extraction hole. Some tight cases have too narrow cutouts to allow you to insert the paper clip at the right angle, in which case the case must be temporarily removed.
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Use a phone flashlight or desk lamp to better view the marking near the SIM card hole – it often shows the size of the card you want (nano/micro).
Determination of the type of tray and slot location
Before inserting the tool, it is necessary to pinpoint the type of tray installed in your model. Xiaomi smartphones use several form factors. The most common is a hybrid tray, where one seat is dedicated to SIM, and the second can be used for either a second SIM or a microSD memory card. In newer flagship models, separate, independent slots are often found.
The slot’s location varies by series. In most Redmi Note and Mi/11/12/13/14 series models, the tray is on the lower end, to the left of the USB Type-C charging port. However, in some older models or specific versions (for example, for the Chinese market), the slot can be located on the upper end or even on the side, next to the volume buttons.
Take a close look at the end of the device, and you'll see an oblong frame with a small circular hole next to it, and often there's a phone-like micro-engraved tray or SIM card icon next to the tray, indicating which side the hole is on, which is critically important, because getting into the adjacent hole (like a microphone or speaker) will cause the hole to break.
| Xiaomi Series | Location of the tray | Type of tray | Support for maps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note (8-13) | Lower end (left) | Hybrid | 2 SIM or 1 SIM + microSD |
| Xiaomi Mi / 11 / 12 | Lower end (left) | Double (non-hybrid) | 2 SIM + microSD (separately) |
| Poco X/F Series | Lower end (left) | Hybrid/Double | Depends on the specific model |
| Xiaomi 13/14 Pro | Lower end (left) | Double. | 2 Nano SIM + eSIM |
If you are not sure about the type of tray, consult the technical documentation on the manufacturer's website or type the model of the device into the search. Understanding the design will help avoid trying to insert a memory card into a slot designed for only one SIM card, which is physically impossible without damaging the contacts.
Classic method of extraction with the help of a key
Now, let's get to the process directly. Take the extraction key or the appropriate replacement (clip). Make sure the end of the tool is flat and has no barbs. Hold the phone so that you can see the hole well, and position the tool strictly perpendicular to the plane of the end. An angled tilt can lead to slipping and scratching on the aluminum frame.
Put the tip of the tool in the hole and smoothly but confidently push inside. You should feel a slight click or spring resistance, after which the tray will extend a few millimeters. You do not need to push too deep — enough force of 1-2 millimeters to trigger the push mechanism. If the tray does not go out, check if you hit the hole correctly.
Once the tray is partially out of the case, gently tuck it in with a nail or tweezers with blunt ends and completely remove it. Keep the tray straight so that the SIM card does not fall out and get lost. Notice the orientation of the map: there is usually a schematic image on or near the tray showing how to put the chip correctly.
☑️ Safe extraction algorithm
When you put the tray back in, make sure it comes in easily. If you feel resistance, don't force it -- it's probably upside down or displaced. The tray should come in the same plane as the body, without gaps. After you install it, turn on the phone and check if the network is determined.
What to do if the tray is stuck or not removed
When the tray is stuck inside, it's not common, but it's a lot of trouble, and it can be because the tray is deformed after a fall, when dust is injected, or when contacts are oxidized. First, try repeating the extraction procedure, but with a more careful alignment of the tool, sometimes just push a little harder or change the angle of inclination by a fraction of a degree.
If the mechanical action doesn't work, you can try using a thin tweezer, and carefully spread the tweezers and insert them into the gap between the extended tray and the body, trying to hook the edge. Pull smoothly, without jerking. A sharp movement can break off the plastic part of the tray, and then you have to extract the residue with a needle, which is much more difficult.
In some cases, tapping your phone upright (top down) while you hold your finger on the extract button helps. Vibration can help the mechanism move if it's jammed due to dust. You can also try to slightly heat the end of the phone with a hairdryer (without overheating!) to expand the metal, but this method is risky and requires caution.
⚠️ Attention: If the tray is deformed and sticks out of the body, do not try to push it back with your finger. This will permanently jam the mechanism. Use tweezers to align the edges.
If nothing helps and the tray remains stationary, further independent actions can lead to serious damage, in which case it is more rational to contact an authorized service center, where specialists will open the phone and replace the slot without risking the motherboard.
Can I use the glue to extract?
Features of extraction from moisture-protected models
Xiaomi’s flagship models, such as the Mi 11 Ultra, 12S, 13 and 14 Pro series, are often IP68-standard water protection, meaning that the SIM card tray comes with an additional rubber seal that creates tightness, which can make the tray seal tighter than conventional models and require a little more effort.
When working with such devices, the condition of the seal is critical. Before removing, inspect the rubber gasket on the tray: it should be clean, without cracks and sticking dust. The dirt under the seal breaks the seal, and the phone ceases to be waterproof. After each replacement of the SIM card, wipe the seal with a dry wipe.
Putting the tray back into the waterproof phone, make sure it comes in with a characteristic tight click. If the tray is not pressed to the end, the water protection will not work. Some users recommend lubricating the seal with a microscopic amount of silicone lubricant for better elasticity, but this should only be done with special means.
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The tightness of IP68 is maintained only under the condition of the integrity of the rubber tray seal and its full installation in the housing before the click.
Cleaning contacts and slot maintenance
While the SIM card is removed, it's the perfect moment for preventive cleaning.Contacts on the card itself and inside the phone eventually become oxidized or dusted, which can lead to network errors ("No net", "Sim card not found"). Take a dry toothbrush with soft bristles or cotton swab lightly soaked in isopropyl alcohol.
Gently wipe the gold contacts on the SIM card with movements from center to edge. Do not use water or aggressive solvents. Inside the phone slot, you can gently blow (using a pear to clean the optics) to remove dust. Do not blow with your mouth, as moisture from the breath can settle inside and cause corrosion.
Also, check the tray itself for curvatures. If it's bent, the SIM card may not fit tightly with the phone's contacts. You can align the tray gently by placing it on a hard surface and putting your finger slightly on it, but be careful, the tray metal is thin and easily breaks.
⚠️ Note: Do not use metal objects (knives, pins) to clean contacts inside the phone slot.This can short-circuit or damage the tracks on the motherboard.