Xiaomi Redmi 5 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2018, which is still actively used. SIM-The card, whether to replace the operator, install a new nano-SIM or clean the slot from dust, seems simple at first glance, but ignorance of the nuances can lead to jamming of the tray, damage to contacts or even break the body.
In this article, we will discuss all official and alternative methods of extraction. SIM-Redmi 5 cards, including a stuck tray, tooling and troubleshooting, highlight a unique feature of this model: a combined 2 nano-SIM slot. + MicroSD, which requires special care when manipulating.
Preparation: What will be needed to extract SIM-map
Before you start the procedure, make sure you have everything you need, and the lack of the right tool is the main reason why a plastic tray breaks or scratches on the body of a smartphone.
- 🔧 Special key for SIM-A tray (company with Redmi 5) if you're missing, a paper clip or stationery button will do, but with caution!
- 📱 Good lighting: work in daylight or with a flashlight to keep details out.
- 🧴 Alcohol wipes (optional): to clean the tray contacts from oxidation or dust.
- 🔍 Loop (optional): will help to see the small details of the slot, if SIM-map stuck.
If you are planning to replace SIM-map to new, cut it to nano-SIM format in advance (12.3 × 8.8 In Redmi. 5 It does not support micro-SIM or standard cards without an adapter. Using an inappropriate format can lead to jamming of the tray or damage to the contacts.
Where is the slot for SIM-Maps in Xiaomi Redmi 5
Unlike modern flagships, where the slot can be located in the upper or lateral part of the case, in Redmi 5 it is on the left end (if you look at the screen with the front side). SIM-card, or 1 SIM + memory-card.
Visually, the slot is a small hole with a metal rim. There are no inscriptions or clues nearby, so beginners often confuse it with a microphone or speaker.
- 🔹 Small hole with diameter ~0.8 mm - it is in it that the key is inserted to extract the tray.
- 🔹 Plastic insert (tray), which is slightly recessed into the body and does not protrude outwards.
- 🔹 No fasteners - in Redmi 5, the tray is fixed only by a spring mechanism.
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If you're not sure you've found the right hole, compare it to the official Xiaomi chart.Push the tray with your finger - it should play slightly when pressed.
Step-by-step instructions: how to remove SIM-map from Redmi 5
Follow this algorithm to remove the tray without risk of damage. If you have any problems at any stage, go to the section "What to do if the tray is stuck."
- Turn off your smartphone.This is not necessary, but it is recommended to avoid accidental screen taps or network failures when retrieving. SIM-map.
- Take the tray key (or paperclip) and insert it into the hole on the left end. Press with moderate force until you click.
- The tray will extend 1-2 mm, gently pull it with your fingers until it is fully removed. Do not use force if it does not yield!
- Delete. SIM-card from the tray, if necessary, clean the contacts with an alcohol napkin.
- Put the tray back in, make sure it's up straight and smooth. Press until you click.
☑️ Pre-extraction check SIM-map
If you extract SIM-The card to be replaced with a new one, make sure the new card is nano-SIM. Redmi 5 doesn't have eSIM support, so a physical card is mandatory. SIM Not scratched – this can lead to network problems.
What to do if the tray SIM-The cards are stuck in Redmi 5
One of the most common problems is that the tray doesn't extend after you press the key, and the reasons can be different, from dust to mechanical deformation, and we'll look at the solutions for each case.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The tray is not extended when pressed with a key | Clogging of the machinery with dust or dirt | Blow the hole with compressed air (balloon) or clean gently with a toothpick |
| The tray extends halfway and gets stuck. | Distortion due to improper installation SIM-map | Carefully tray plastic card, align and remove |
| The key falls into the hole without clicking. | Breakdown of the spring mechanism | Contact a service center (self-repairing can aggravate the problem) |
| The tray falls out of the body when removed | Wear of the latching latches | Replace the tray with a new one (Article: MB1135 for Redmi 5) |
⚠️ Warning: If the tray is stuck due to moisture (for example, after a phone falls into the water), do not try to remove it by force. This can lead to a short circuit.
As a last resort, if the tray fails, you can try to disassemble the Redmi 5 body and remove it from the inside, but this requires experience and special tools (plastic blades to detach the back cover). Without skills, you risk damaging the plumes or the battery.
How to disassemble Redmi 5 to remove the tray
How to insert it correctly SIM-map back to Redmi 5
Installation SIM-The cards in the tray seem simple, but many users make mistakes that then lead to the absence of a network or damage to contacts:
- Check the format SIM-maps: nano-SIM only (12.3 × 8.8 If you have a micro-SIM, trim it to the pattern or use an adapter.
- Map orientation: contacts (the golden part) should be face down, and the beveled angle should coincide with the cutout in the tray.
- The situation in the tray: 📶 Slot 1 (nearer to the edge of the tray - the main SIM (supportive 4G). 📶 Slot 2 — second-second SIM or microSD (only) 2G/3G).
Fixation
After installation, turn on your smartphone and check if you have a network.If Redmi 5 can't see SIM-map:
- 🔄 Reset the device.
- 🔧 Check the settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Choice SIM-map.
- 📡 Make sure the operator supports your model (Redmi 5 does not support some ranges). 4G, For example, Band 20).
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In Redmi 5, slot 2 (for the second SIM or microSD) only works in 2G/3G mode. If you need high-speed mobile communication, install the main SIM in slot 1.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when working with the Internet. SIM-Here's the most common ones and how to prevent them:
- 🚫 Using metal objects (needle, knife) instead of a key, which scratches the body and can damage the spring mechanism. ⚠️ Warning: If you bent the key or paper clip while removing the tray, don't continue - replace the tool.
- 🚫 Installation SIM-This leads to misorientation and lack of network.
- 🚫 Use force when you get stuck in a tray. Better to go to the service than break the mechanism.
- 🚫 Ignoring contact cleaning. Oxidation or dirt on SIM-The map can cause network failures.
Another common problem is that the smartphone can’t see. SIM-And this is a map after installation. 90 percent of the time, it's connected to this:
- 🔹 Wrong orientation of the map in the tray.
- 🔹 Damage to contacts (for example, after trimming micro-SIM with scissors).
- 🔹 Software failure (solved by resetting network settings to Settings) → SIM-map → Reset).
Caring for a SIM-tray: how to prolong its life
Slot for SIM-Redmi 5's cards don't last forever, and over time, the spring mechanism wears out, the contacts oxidize, and the plastic in the tray becomes brittle:
- 🧼 Clean the contacts of the tray and SIM-A card with an alcohol napkin every 3-6 months, which prevents oxidation and improves communication quality.
- 🚫 Avoid moisture. If your smartphone is wet, remove the tray immediately and dry it (do not use a hair dryer!).
- 🔄 Don't change. SIM-Every extraction/installation wears out the machinery.
- 📦 Keep the tray in a dry place if you do not use the second one for a long time. SIM-Plastic can be deformed by humidity.
If you notice that the tray has become stiff or does not fix during installation, this is the first sign of wear and tear, in which case it is better to order a replacement in advance (the original tray for Redmi 5 costs ~ 150-300 rubles).
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To clean the contacts of the tray, you can use an eraser (washing gum). Gently rub the golden contacts to remove oxidation, then wipe with alcohol.