Extraction SIM-Xiaomi's smartphone cards seem like a simple task -- until you're faced with a jammed tray, no key, or fear of damaging the device, POCO And Mi requires care: one wrong move can turn into a bent contact or a stuck tray. This article covers everything from standard procedure to emergency methods, when there is no special key at hand.
We'll look at not only the basic steps, but also the rare cases: what to do if the tray does not extend after the phone falls, how to remove the SIM without tools, and why some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Black Shark 5 Pro) require a special approach. We will focus on the common mistakes that cause users to break trays or lose cards inside the case. If your smartphone does not recognize SIM after extraction, at the end of the article there is a checklist to diagnose the problem.
Preparation: What will be needed to extract SIM-map
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need, and most of the problems are caused by improvised tools (clips, needles) that scratch the body or bend inside the hole.
- 🔑 Original tray key (company with phone) If you lose, use a metal replacement (e.g., a paperclip straight under 90).°).
- 📱 Smooth surface: table or other solid plane. Don't hold the phone on weight, it can slip out when pressed.
- 🔦 Good lighting: key opening on some models (e.g, POCO F5) You can hardly see without lighting.
- 🧲 Magnet (optional): Help if the key is stuck inside (more in the error section).
If you are using a double SIM-tray (for two nano-SIMs or SIM + microSD, note that the cards are in two levels, and take them out in turn, starting at the top, or the bottom one might get stuck. 12T And a newer tray often has a spring latch that fires when you press the key. If the spring weakens (for example, after a phone drops), the tray may not move out, read about this in the malfunction section.
Wherever SIM-tray in Xiaomi smartphones
The location of the tray depends on the model and year of production, in most cases it is on the right or left side, but there are exceptions:
- 📱 Budget models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3): tray on the right, next to the power button.
- 📱 Flagships 2020-2022 (Mi 11, Xiaomi 12 Pro): left, closer to the bottom corner.
- 📱 Smartphones (Black Shark) 4/5): squashing).
- 📱 Folding models (Mix Fold) 2/3): tray on the lower edge, but access to it blocks the screen loop - only remove when the phone is unfolded!
On some devices (such as the Xiaomi Civi 2), the key hole is barely visible — it is hidden under a rubber plug. If you can't find the tray, flash a flashlight along the end of the case: look for a small round hole with a diameter of ~1 mm. On the POCO X5 Pro and similar models, there is a microphone connector next to the tray — don't confuse them!
How to find a tray in Xiaomi with a non-standard design?
Step-by-step instructions: how to remove SIM-map
Follow this algorithm to avoid damage, and if you don't get a step, don't force it, but go to the error section.
- Turn off the phone (optional, but recommended) and prevent accidental touching of the screen and resetting if you touch the volume buttons.
- Put your smartphone on a flat surface with your screen upwards, so you can see if the tray is out.
- Put the key (or replacement) into the hole to the point. Press perpendicular to the body - not at an angle! The effort should be moderate: if the key does not go, do not push harder (risk of bend the mechanism).
- The tray should slip 2-3 mm. Carefully pull it with your fingers to the end. If it does not extend, see the section "The tray jammed."
- Extract. SIM-card(s), replace or clear contacts if necessary (as - read below).
- Put the tray back before you click. Make sure it sits flat, and the skews will lead to poor contact.
Make sure the phone is on a flat surface
Check that the key is inserted into the correct hole (not into the microphone!)
Press the key strictly perpendicular to the body
Do not make excessive efforts if the tray does not come out
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Note: On IP68-protected models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro) after removing the SIM, check the sealing gum on the tray. If it is torn or deformed, the phone will lose water resistance!
What to do if the tray is jammed or does not come out
If you don't push the tray out after you press the key, don't panic, and the causes can range from pollution to mechanical damage.
- Check the tool: if you use a paper clip, it could bend inside. Carefully swing it from side to side to pull it out.
- Blow the hole: sometimes dust or debris gets in. Use a spray of compressed air (for example, to clean the keyboard).
- Heat the case (only for phones without a phone) IP-Put your smartphone on a warm battery or under a lamp for 5-10 minutes. The heat will expand the metal, and the tray can be released.
- Use duct tape: if the tray is halfway out, stick tape to the end of the tray and pull it carefully. Don't use superglue - it can damage the body!
- Contact the service if the tray is bent or broken. Self-repair can damage the motherboard.
⚠️ Warning: Never use a knife or other sharp objects to extract the tray! the risk of scratching the body or damaging internal contacts is extremely high. 12S Ultra and similar models with ceramic scratch case will be especially noticeable.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The tray is not extended after pressing the key | Contamination of the mechanism or a bent key | Clean the hole with air, try another key |
| The tray comes out halfway and gets stuck. | Getting garbage between the tray and the case | Carefully tamper with a tape or plastic card |
| The tray falls out with a light press. | The locker spring weakened. | Replace the tray in the service (does not repair itself) |
| Phone does not see SIM after retrieval | Contacts on the tray or map are damaged | Clear contacts with a wipe, check the SIM on another phone |
How to Remove SIM Without a Key: Emergency Methods
If the original key is not available and the tray needs to be opened urgently, use one of the proven methods. Remember: these methods are risky and can damage the phone if done carelessly.
- 📎 Paperclip or pin: untighten it so that the end is straight and thin (not thicker than 0.5 mm). Insert into the hole without pressing - only to hook the mechanism.
- 🖊️ Ballpoint pen: Remove the rod and use a metal tip. Suitable for wide-hole models (e.g. Redmi Note 10).
- 💳 The edge of the plastic card: if the tray is slightly extended, carefully tuck it with a card (like an opener!
- 🧲 Magnet: If the key is stuck inside, hold a powerful magnet to the hole.
On the POCO F4 GT and other gaming smartphones, the tray often has an additional latch to protect against vibrations, in which case emergency methods may not work - it is better to find the original key or contact the service.
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If you lose your key often, buy a versatile metal tool for your key. SIM-trays (worth it) ~It is suitable for all Xiaomi models and has an ergonomic pen for easy pressing.
Cleaning contacts SIM-card and tray: when and how to do
If the phone stopped seeing SIM-Once you've extracted the map, the problem may be oxidized contacts. Cleaning helps 70 percent of the time:
- Extract. SIM-If you see the map, look at its contacts, if they're faded or covered with plaque, they need to be cleaned.
- Take an eraser (white, preferably without abrasives) and gently wipe the contacts. The movements should be parallel to the stripes, not across!
- For severe contaminants, use alcohol wipes or a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Do not use water or wet wipes!
- Dry the card for 5-10 minutes before installing it back, and moisture on the contacts can cause corrosion.
The contacts on the tray itself also need cleaning. Use a toothpick wrapped in a microfiber dipped in alcohol. Don't use metal objects - they can scratch the gilded coating. On Xiaomi 11T Pro models and similar contacts, the tray is often hidden under protective film - don't remove it unless you're sure of your actions!
⚠️ Warning: Never use acetone, gasoline or other aggressive solvents to clean your contacts! They destroy the protective coating and can damage the plastic parts of the tray. Also avoid "folk" methods like sandpaper - this will irrevocably ruin the contacts.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when extracting. SIM-Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:
- 🔧 Use of inappropriate tools: needles, knives or forks can bend the tray mechanism. Always use the original key or its exact replacement.
- 💦 Extraction SIM at high humidity: if the phone was in high humidity (bath, rain), before removing the card, dry it with rice or silica gel 12+ hours.
- 🔄 Forced tray closure: If the tray doesn't sit down until the end, don't press it, SIM-The map is curved. Take it out and try it again.
- 📵 Extraction SIM When the phone is on: although it doesn't break the machine, it can cause the network to crash. Always put the phone in flight mode before retrieving it.
- 🔥 Overheating of the phone before retrieval: if the case is hot (for example, after games), let it cool.The metal extended from heating can block the tray mechanism.
On models with a hybrid tray (SIM + microSD) frequent error - trying to insert two SIM-card SIM + This causes the tray to not lock. Always check the mapping pattern on the tray itself (it is engraved or printed).
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If, after extraction, SIM phone stopped seeing the network, first check if the settings are wrong APN. To do this, go to the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN) and select the operator manually.