How to get out SIM-Xiaomi card without a key: from paper clip to hidden features MIUI

Why a standard key isn’t always at hand – and what to do about it

Many people know this: we need to change it urgently. SIM-The card is in Xiaomi, and the factory key for the tray is not available, it is easy to lose, break or just forget in another city, meanwhile, without access to the SIM, you can not activate the second number, move the card to another phone or even sell the device. Fortunately, there are at least 7 alternative ways to extract the tray – from improvised funds to hidden firmware features. MIUI.

In this article, we will break down all working methods for Xiaomi models from 2018 to 2026, including flagships (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro).+) and budget series (Poco) X6, Redmi A2). We will pay special attention to the risks of damage to the smartphone - some "people's" tips can lead to breakage of the connector or getting garbage inside the case. SIM What to do if the tray is jammed.

Method 1: Paperclip or stationery pin - classics of the genre

The most common method, which works on 90% of Xiaomi models, requires a regular paper clip or pin with a diameter of 0.7-0.8 mm. Importantly, do not use rusty or bent objects – they can scratch the tray or leave metal shavings inside the case.

Step-by-step:

  • πŸ” Find a hole to extract the tray (usually on the top or side of the case). 12T And newer it can be covered with a rubber cap.

Use only a flat metal object | Press smoothly, without jerks | Do not insert a paperclip deeper than 3-4 mm | Check the tray for damage after extraction-->

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 11, Poco) F4) The tray hole is too close to the volume buttons, and if you press it sloppy, you can accidentally fill the buttons with a paper clip (if it slips and falls into the gap between the body and the keys). To avoid this, stick a piece of tape on the area around the hole.

Method 2: Needle from sewing machine or thin nail

If you don't have a paper clip, you can use a sewing needle (better thick for jeans) or a nail up to 1 mm in diameter. The main advantage of this method is the strength of the material: the needle does not bend or break when pressed.

AdvantagesDeficiencies
High strength (not broken in the hole)Can scratch the paint of the body when used carelessly
Suitable for "stuck" trays (more pressure)Risk of piercing the O-ring (on models with IP53 protection)
There's one in every house.Requires accuracy – a needle thinner than a standard key

How to use the needle correctly:

  1. Wrap the tip of the needle with tape or tape, leaving open ~2 mm of metal. This will protect the case from scratches.
  2. Insert the needle perpendicular to the body, and not at an angle - so there is less chance of slipping.
  3. If the tray is not extended, slightly twist the needle inside the hole (10-15 Β°) to find the "trigger point" of the mechanism.

πŸ’‘

On Xiaomi models with a metal body (Mi 11 Ultra, Mix 4) use a plastic-tipped needle (sold in sewing sets) to prevent microdamage of antenna lines that run near the tray.

Method 3: Toothpicking or wooden skewer - for delicate cases

If you’re afraid of scratching the body or damaging the tray mechanism, a wooden toothpick is a safe alternative, a method that’s suitable for models with a plastic tray (Redmi 9A, Poco M4 Pro), but useless for flagships with metal guides.

Algorithm of action:

  • πŸͺ₯ Take a new toothpick (not brittle!) and sharpen its tip with a knife at an angle. ~30Β°.
  • πŸ”₯ Hold your toothpick for 10 seconds over the lighter flame so that the tip is harder (but not burned!).
  • πŸ“ Insert the toothpick into the hole and press with effort ~2-3 kg The tree should bend slightly, but not break.
  • πŸ”„ If the tray is not pushed out, repeat the tap with a little scrolling of the toothpick.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use matches instead of a toothpick - they are too fragile and can break off inside the hole. Also avoid wet or stratified wooden objects: the fibers can remain in the tray mechanism and block it.

Paperclip |Needle|Neathpick |Scissors |Another item-->

Method 4: Software extraction through engineering menu (for advanced)

Few people know, but Xiaomi based on MIUI 12-14 has a hidden feature of the software opening tray SIM. It does not work on all models, but can save if mechanical extraction is impossible (for example, a broken key inside the hole).

Instructions for MIUI:

  1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
  2. In the menu that appears, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
  3. Scroll down to the SIM Slot block and press Eject SIM (if the option is active).
  4. Confirm the action - the tray should be moved automatically.
Why doesn't this method always work?
Eject SIM functions depend on the firmware version and chipset model. On smartphones with Qualcomm Snapdragon (for example, Xiaomi 13), the success rate is ~70%, and on MediaTek (Redmi Note 12) - only ~30%, and the option can be blocked by the operator (on proprietary firmware).

⚠️ Attention: Do not attempt to use commands AT+ through the EngineerMode (engineering menu) for forced tray extraction. On Xiaomi models with Android 13+ This can lead to resetting of network settings and loss of IMEI!

Method 5: Heating the case (for "stuck" trays)

If the SIM tray is jammed due to moisture, dust or deformation of the body, it can be removed using local heating, a method suitable for models with a plastic case (Redmi 10, Poco X3), but is strictly forbidden for glass rear panels (Xiaomi 13 Lite, Mix Fold 3).

How to properly heat:

  • πŸ”₯ Use a hair dryer at minimum power (or a building hair dryer at a distance of 30 cm).
  • ⏱ Heat the area around the tray for 1-2 minutes (body temperature should reach the temperature of the body). ~40Β°C).
  • 🧊 After heating, immediately apply ice (wrapped in a fabric) to the body for 10 seconds - a sharp temperature drop will help to "stick" the mechanism.
  • πŸ“Œ Repeat the attempt to extract with a paper clip or needle.

⚠️ Please note: Do not use an open fire (lighter, matches) or heat above 50.°C! It can:

  • πŸ”‹ Damage to the battery (risk of bloating).
  • πŸ“‘ Break the soldering of antenna contacts.
  • πŸ–₯ To remove the screen on models with OLED-Matrix (Xiaomi 12 Pro, Black Shark 5).

Method 6: Disassembly of the body (extreme case)

If the SIM tray is broken or jammed so much that other methods do not help, only partial disassembly remains. This method requires accuracy and is suitable only for models with a removable rear cover (Redmi 9, Poco M3). For flagships with adhesive housing (Xiaomi 14, Mix 4), disassembly at home is not recommended - there is a high risk of damaging the plumes.

Step-by-step process:

  1. πŸ›  Prepare tools: plastic spatula (or mediator), suction cup for the screen, screwdriver. T3/T4.
  2. πŸ”‹ Turn off your phone and remove the battery (if possible). On non-removable models (Redmi Note 11 Pro), turn off the power plume.
  3. πŸ” Find the tray. SIM on the motherboard - it is attached to a metal holder with a spring.
  4. 🧲 Carefully put the holder on the shoulder blade and remove the tray!

πŸ’‘

If you are not sure about your disassembly skills, you should contact a service center. The cost of removing a SIM tray in Xiaomi is ~ 500-1000 rubles, which is cheaper than repairing a damaged board.

What to do if SIM-card stuck in the tray

Sometimes the tray is pushed out, but SIM-The card stays inside or gets stuck halfway:

  1. πŸ“΅ Do not try to pull it out with your fingers - you can break contacts or bend the card.
  2. πŸ“Ž Take pliers with thin sponges and gently grab the edge SIM. Pull parallel to the body without lifting up.
  3. πŸ”„ If the card bends, insert it into another phone and check it for work. SIM (Redmi Note 12 Pro+) You can use the second slot temporarily.

⚠️ Attention: If SIM-The card crumbled inside the tray, don't try to extract the fragments yourself! Small particles can get under the screen or into the speaker, which will lead to loss of warranty:

  • πŸ“± Turn off the phone.
  • 🚫 Don't shake the device.
  • πŸ”§ Please contact the service with the reference to "the hit of a foreign bodyΒ».

FAQ: Frequent questions about extracting SIM from Xiaomi

❓ Can I use a knife or a knife instead of a paper clip?
❌ Absolutely not! The blade of the knife or scissors is too thick and can: Cut the O-ring (on models with the same size). IP53). Damage the antenna tracks on the board, jam the tray mechanism, if you only have scissors on hand, use the blunt end (where the blades connect) and wrap it in tape.
❓ Why after extraction SIM phone doesn't see the network?
The reasons may be different: πŸ“Ά Damaged. SIM-Card (check it on another phone). πŸ”§ Network settings are lost - go to Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Network settings and select mode 4G/3G/2G (motor-car). πŸ”„ Failure IMEI (It's rare, but it happens after the software retrieval of the tray. IMEI via EngineerMode or contact the service.
❓ How to avoid re-jamming the tray?
Follow these tips: 🧼 Clean the dust tray once every 6 months (use a brush or spray of compressed air). πŸ’§ Avoid getting moisture - even IP53 Doesn't protect the 100 trays%. πŸ”„ Installation SIM press until you click, but do not apply excessive force.
❓ Does this method work for eSIM?
βœ… Yes, but only partially. The physical eSIM (built into the motherboard) can't be removed, but: πŸ“± You can turn off eSIM via Settings β†’ Mobile network β†’ ESIM management. πŸ”„ If you want to transfer eSIM to another Xiaomi, use the eSIM Profile Portability function (available on the site). MIUI 13+).
❓ Where to buy the original key for Xiaomi?
The original key is worth it. ~100-200 rubles. Where to look: πŸ›’ Official Xiaomi Store (Mi-Stor). 🌍 AliExpress (see "Xiaomi" for search) SIM ejector toolΒ»). 🏬 Cellular shops (Svyaznoy, MTS, Beeline). ⚠️ Beware of soft metal counterfeits – they bend when first used.