Why Redmi Note 8 owners are facing problems when retrieving SIM-map?
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8, released in 2019, is still a popular choice due to its balanced specs and affordable price. However, even such a reliable device has a weak spot – a tray for the market. SIM-Users often complain of difficulty in removing the tray, jamming it or even breaking the paper clip when handled carelessly.
The causes of problems lie in the design features of the model: 1) The tray is fixed by a spring mechanism, which over time can weaken or, conversely, “sour” from moisture. 2) The hole for extraction by the paper clip is located too close to the edge of the body - when pressing the tool slips off. 3) Many use inappropriate objects (needles, toothpicks), which deforms the groove.
In this article, we will analyze the unique for Redmi Note 8 nuance: the tray here is thinner than in the new Xiaomi models, so it requires delicate handling.
Before you start retrieving, make sure that the phone is turned off - this will prevent accidental button pressing or failure of the communication module. SIM-card stuck due to physical damage to tray, professional repairs may be required.
Preparation: What will be needed to safely extract?
To avoid scratches on the body or breakage of the tray, prepare in advance:
- 🔧 Paperclip for SIM-If you lose a card, you'll get a paper clip straight straight up.
- 📱 Lantern (for lighting the groove in a dark room).
- 🧴 Alcohol wipes – wipe your hands and tool to avoid leaving greasy marks on your body.
- 🔍 Loop (optional if you can't see the hole).
⚠️ Warning: Never use sharp objects (knives, scissors, needles)! They can damage the tray's O-ring, which will cause dust to enter the smartphone. Also avoid magnetic tools – they can disrupt the Hall sensor (responsible for the operation of magnetic lock cases).
If the tray has been pulled out with effort before, inspect it for deformation. Redmi Note 8 has a plastic tray with a metal insert - if it is bent, the cards will hang around or not be inserted until the end. In this case, order a replacement tray (article: MB04K for the version with 2 SIM + microSD).
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Before extracting, take a picture of the current position SIM-This will help you to set them back correctly, especially if you use two cards. + microSD.
Method 1: Standard paper clip extraction (official instruction)
This is the basic method recommended by Xiaomi, which is suitable if the tray is not damaged or jammed:
- Turn off the Redmi Note 8 (press the power button and select Turn off).
- Find the hole to remove the tray on the right end of the case (near the volume button).
- Put the paperclip in the hole at a 45-60 degree angle. It should be clicked.
- Pull the tray over yourself with a smooth movement - do not twitch!
⚠️ Attention: If the paperclip doesn't go in, don't push harder -- it's probably a tray shifted inside. Try moving the paperclip left-right slightly to catch the mechanism. 8 groove a little narrower than in the Note 9/10, The stain should be thin (diameter no more than) 0.8 mm).
If the tray is only halfway out and stuck, don't try to pull it out with your fingers, so you can break the lock.
Carefully squeeze the tray back before clicking |
Repeat the extraction procedure with the paper clip |
Check if the cover is disturbing (take it off)|
Use tweezers with silicone tips|-->
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The paperclip doesn't go in the hole. | Dust/mud in the groove | Clean the hole with compressed air or a soft brush |
| The tray is crooked | Deformed body after falling | Contact the service center for leveling the frame |
| No click, no tray moving. | Broken spring mechanism | Replacement of tray (cost ~300-500 rubles) |
| The tray falls spontaneously | Wear of the retainer | Put a thin rubber gasket under the tray |
Method 2: Alternative tools (if no paper clip)
If there is no firmware at hand, you can use improvised means, but with caution:
- 📎 Poster clip - unburden it so that the end is straight and smooth (without burrs).
- 🧷 The gel pen rod - trim to a length of 3-4 cm and sharpen the end with sandpaper.
- 🔑 Key for screwdriver (for example, from glasses) - suitable if its diameter does not exceed 0.9 mm.
- 🩹 Needle from the syringe (only with a blunt end!) – remove the cap and use the plastic part.
It is forbidden to use: pins (the sharp end will scratch the body), toothpicks (break inside the hole), knives / scissors (damage the seal).
If the tool is too thick, wrap it around the end with thin tape, leaving only the tip bare, which will help avoid widening the hole. In the Redmi Note 8, the slot for the clip is only 3-4 mm deep, so you need to press carefully - until you resist lightly.
What to do if the tool breaks inside the hole?
Method 3: Removing the tray without tools (emergency method)
If there is nothing suitable at hand, you can try to pull out the tray without a paper clip, but this method is risky and suitable only for experienced users:
- Turn off the phone and take off the case.
- With a nail or plastic card (for example, a bank card) press on the upper left corner of the tray (from the screen side).
- At the same time, pull the tray over yourself in a smooth motion.
⚠️ Note: This method may lead to:
- breakage of the tray locker (if pulled at an angle),
damage to the display plume (if pressed too hard from the screen),
- detachment of glue under the screen (in Redmi Note 8, the display is glued around the perimeter).
Use it only as a last resort!
If the tray is not amenable, try tapping the end of the phone with your palm slightly (from the tray side) — vibration can move the jammed mechanism. Do this on a soft surface (for example, on the couch) so as not to damage the cameras.
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In 80% of cases, the problems with the extraction of the tray in the Redmi Note 8 are due to the wrong angle of insertion of the paper clip. The optimal angle is 45 °, not 90 ° (perpendicular to the body), as many people think.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to a broken tray or case.
- 🔄 Removing the tray with the phone on → It can cause a malfunction of the modem (especially if it is not working). SIM-card is taken out during the call).
- 💦 Moisture entering the groove → Dry the hole with a hair dryer (cold air!) before extracting.
- 🔨 Use of force → It breaks the plastic guide tray. The Redmi Note 8 is thinner than Xiaomi's flagship models.
- 📱 Removal of the tray at low temperature → If you bring your phone in from the cold, wait 10 to 15 minutes.
Another common problem is the wrong installation. SIM-In Redmi Note 8, the tray has asymmetrical slots:
Left side for nano-SIM 1,
The right one is for nano-SIM 2 or microSD.
If you mix the sides, the cards will not be recognized, and the tray can jam.
Check if you're on SIM-scratch cards or chip cards, which can block contacts. Use eraser or alcohol to clean. Don't rub cards with abrasive materials!
What to do if the tray breaks down?
If, despite all the efforts, the tray is not removed or broken, you have several options:
- Xiaomi Service Center – official repairs will cost 500-800 rubles (replacement of the tray + diagnostics).
- Unofficial workshops are cheaper (300-500 rubles), but the risk of running into poor-quality spare parts (MB04K).
- Self-replacement - tray can be ordered on AliExpress (~150-250 rubles.). To replace you will need: Plastic blade for disassembling phones, Fryer (for softening the glue under the back cover), Screwdriver T3.
⚠️ When replacing the tray in Redmi Note 8 there is a risk of damage:
antenna cable (passes next to the tray),
waterproofing gasket (if it is torn, the phone will lose protection from splashes),
- plume of the power button (with careless removal of the cover).
If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to entrust the repair to professionals.
Temporary solution if the tray falls out spontaneously: wrap it around the perimeter with thin insulation (1-2 layers), which will increase the density of planting, but may complicate the extraction in the future.