Xiaomi Redmi 9 has become one of the most popular budget devices due to its price-performance ratio. However, even a simple operation like replacing or removing a SIM- card can be difficult for a beginner, especially if you are first encountering a hybrid tray (where nano-SIM and microSD are placed simultaneously) or are afraid of damaging the mechanism.
In this article, we will look at all the ways to extract a SIM- card from the Redmi 9, including when the tray is jammed or there is no paper clip on hand, which tools are safe and which can spoil the slot, and what to do if the card is not recognized after installation, starting with the basic instructions and gradually moving to non-standard situations.
1.Preparation: What will be required to extract SIM-map
Before you start removing the tray, make sure you have everything you need. 90% of the time, a standard kit is enough, but sometimes additional tools are required.
The main tool is the SIM- card extraction paperclip, which comes with the Xiaomi Redmi 9. If it is not available, any thin metal wire or stationery clip, straight-lined, will do, the main thing is that the diameter does not exceed 0.8 mm - otherwise you risk damaging the tray mechanism.
Also prepare:
- ๐ฆ Flashlight โ Lighting will help you see the hole to extract, especially if the smartphone is in the case.
- ๐งฒ Magnet (optional) - useful if the paper clip falls inside the case.
- ๐ฑ The second device is for capturing the process (in case you need to show the wizard).
- ๐งด Alcohol wipes to wipe the tray and contacts of the SIM- card from dust.
Redmi 9 uses a hybrid tray of "2 nano-SIM + microSD" or "1 nano-SIM + microSD" depending on the modification. Check your model in Settings โ About Phone โ Model to avoid installation errors.
2. Standard method: extraction of the tray by paper clip
This is the most reliable and recommended method by the manufacturer, and follow the instructions Step-by-step to avoid damage.
Algorithm of action:
- Turn off the Xiaomi Redmi 9 (optional, but recommended for security).
- Find the hole to extract the tray on the right end of the case (near the power button).
- Insert the paperclip into the hole at a 45ยฐ angle and press until clicked.
- The tray will extend 2-3 mm - carefully pull it with your fingers.
If the tray doesn't come out:
- โ ๏ธ Do not apply excess force - it can break the spring mechanism.
- โ Try to sway the paperclip slightly left-right without removing it from the hole.
- โ Check if the tray is blocking the cover or film (especially if they are thick).
Make sure the phone is off |
Check if there is any mechanical damage to the hole|
Use only the original paper clip or a thin metal object |
Do not use force if the tray does not yield-->
โ ๏ธ Warning: If a paper clip bends or breaks inside the hole, don't try to pull it out with tweezers, it could push the debris deeper.
3. Alternative methods if there is no paper clip
There are different situations, like a paper clip that's lost, broken, or not available, and you can use the tools you can use, but with caution.
How to replace the paper clip:
- ๐ Office paper clip - unbend it and trim it to 3-4 length see.
- ๐ Hairpin - if it is thin and metallic.
- ๐๏ธ The rod from a gel handle is only if it is rigid and does not bend.
- ๐ A needle or pin is the riskiest option, as you can scratch the body.
What can't be done:
- โ Use toothpicks, matches or plastic items โ they will break inside.
- โ Use knives, scissors or other sharp tools โ a high risk of damage to the body.
- โ Insert objects at an angle of 90ยฐ โ this can bend the tray mechanism.
What if the tray is jammed?
If you use a non-original paperclip, after removing the tray, check:
- The integrity of the sealing gum on the tray (if it is torn, moisture can get inside).
- No scratches on the contacts of the SIM- card.
- Clean the hole for extraction (if necessary, blow it).
4 How to properly insert the SIM- card back
Remove the tray is half the battle, and it is equally important to properly install the SIM- card back to avoid network problems or damage to contacts.
Step-by-step:
- Place the tray on a flat surface with contacts upwards.
- Place the nano-SIM in the appropriate slot (usually signed with SIM1 or SIM2).
- If you use two SIM- cards, the second one is installed in the SIM2 slot (in hybrid trays it can be combined with a microSD).
- Carefully insert the tray back into the smartphone before clicking (do not apply force!).
Common mistakes:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to fix it |
|---|---|---|
| SIM- card inserted upside down | Phone can't see network, possible scratches on contacts | Turn the map (the skeet should be in the upper left corner) |
| The tray is not fully inserted. | SIM- card is not fixed, there may be interruptions with the signal | Press until the characteristic click |
| Used micro-SIM without an adapter | The card is not fixed in the slot, the phone does not recognize it. | Cut to nano-SIM or use an adapter |
| In a hybrid slot, two SIM + microSDs are simultaneously available. | One of the SIM- cards will not work (in Redmi 9 slot SIM2 and microSD are combined) | Select priority: either a second SIM or a memory card |
โ ๏ธ Warning: If after installing the SIM- card, the phone writes "No net" or "Impermissible card", check: 1) Correct placement of the card in the tray (skos must match the notch). 2) Cleanliness of contacts (wipe them with a lasticle or alcohol). 3) The performance of the SIM- card itself (try inserting it into another phone).
๐ก
If you frequently move the SIM- card (for example, between two phones), take a photo of the tray with the card installed correctly.
5 What to do if the tray is broken or stuck
One of the most frustrating situations is when the tray fails to move out of the way, or when it breaks down, you have to be careful not to make the problem worse.
Reasons for jamming the tray:
- ๐ง Mechanical damage (phone drop, impact).
- ๐ฆ Moisture or dust entering the mechanism.
- ๐ Deformation of plastic due to overheating or pressure.
- ๐ ๏ธ Incorrect installation of the SIM- card (e.g. with an adapter).
Solutions:
- Light tapping on the end of the phone (from the side of the tray) with a palm or rubber hammer.
- Heating the body with a hair dryer (temperature not higher than 50 ยฐ C) for 1-2 minutes - this can return the plastic elasticity.
- Using a vacuum suction (for example, from a phone mount in a car) โ if the tray protrudes a little.
- Disassembling the phone (for power users only!) โ requires removing the back cover and carefully removing the tray from the inside.
โ ๏ธ Warning: If the tray breaks inside the case, do not try to remove it yourself using improvised means. Contact Xiaomi Service Center โ the cost of replacing the tray usually does not exceed 500-1000 โฝ, whereas careless actions can lead to damage to the motherboard (repair will cost in 3000-5000 โฝ).
๐ก
If the tray is stuck, never use glue, superglue or other fixing compounds - this will finally disable the mechanism and complicate repair.
6 Frequent problems after extraction of SIM- cards and their solution
Even if you successfully retrieved and installed the SIM- card back, there may be problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
Problem 1: The phone can't see SIM-map
- ๐ Reboot the device โ sometimes it helps to reset the recognition error.
- ๐งน Clean the contacts of SIM- cards and tray with a stripe or alcohol.
- ๐ถ Check network settings in Settings โ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- ๐ง Update the software โ older versions MIUI had bugs with SIM recognition.
Problem 2: The network is constantly disappearing.
- ๐ก Check coverage area - it may not be the phone's problem, but the operator's.
- ๐ Turn on/off flight mode for 30 seconds.
- ๐ฑ Reset network settings to Settings โ System โ Reset settings โ Network settings reset.
3 problem: SIM- card heats up
- โ ๏ธ This may indicate a short circuit in the tray or card damage.
- ๐ Remove the card immediately and check it on another device.
- ๐ If the problem persists, contact the operator to replace the SIM- card.
โ ๏ธ Warning: If the phone stopped turning on after the SIM- card was removed or artifacts appeared on the screen, this may indicate damage to the antenna module (especially if you used metal objects with excessive force), in which case a diagnosis is required at the service center.
Video instructions and supplementary materials
For clarity, we recommend you to read the video instructions for extracting SIM- cards from Xiaomi Redmi 9. Official videos from Xiaomi are usually the most accurate, but there are also quality reviews from enthusiasts.
Useful videos (links open in a new window):
- ๐ฅ Official instructions from Xiaomi (subtitles)
- ๐ฅ Disassembly of Redmi 9 and replacement of the SIM- card tray
- ๐ฅ What to do if the tray is stuck (a beginner's guide)
If you prefer text guides, download the official user guide for Redmi 9 (PDF, 3.2 MB).
Tips for caring for the SIM- cart:
- ๐งผ Once in 3-6 months, clean the tray contacts from oxidation (use eraser or alcohol).
- ๐ซ Avoid moisture โ even if the phone has IP53 protection, the tray remains a vulnerable spot.
- ๐ If you do not use the second SIM- card, leave the slot empty (do not install the memory card in SIM2 if it is hybrid).