How to Get a Stuck Slot Out SIM-Maps in Xiaomi: a step-by-step guide with photos and videos

Stuck tray for SIM-The cards in Xiaomi are a problem that even experienced users face, most often due to sloppy extraction, dust ingress or mechanical damage to the mechanism. Unlike iPhone or Samsung, where trays are pushed out with a characteristic click, in Redmi devices, POCO Or Mi mechanism can jam due to the design features. 12T Redmi Note 11 plastic fixture sometimes deforms when pressed hard.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to remove the tray without damaging the smartphone, from simple (using a paper clip or tape) to radical (partial disassembly of the case). You will also learn why 80% of the problems are solved without going to the service center if you act according to the instructions. Importantly, the methods are suitable for all modern Xiaomi models, including the POCO F5, Redmi 10 and Mi 11 Ultra, but there are nuances for devices with an aluminum body (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro).

Before you start, check to see if the tray is blocking the protective glass or the case — sometimes they press the mechanism, not letting it work. If that's not the problem, read on.

Causes of Slot Stucking SIM-maps in Xiaomi

Before you try to remove the tray, it's important to understand why it's stuck. 90 percent of the time, it's mechanical, but sometimes the problem is the firmware (like after the MIUI update).

• 🔧 Improper extraction: many users insert the clip not into the extraction hole, but into the tray itself, bending the retainer.
• 🌫️ Dust and dirt: in models without protection IP53 (Like Redmi. 9A) garbage gets into the slots of the mechanism.
• 💥 Hit or fall: Even a mild impact can displace internal details by blocking the tray.
• 🔄 Manufacturer's marriage: in batches POCO X3 Pro (2021) met trays with deformed springs.
• 📱 Cases with pressure on the body: for example, bumpers for Xiaomi 12 Lite sometimes clamping the area of the slot.

Less commonly, the problem is oxidation of contacts (relevant to devices exposed to high humidity) or software failure when the system blocks hardware components, the latter occurring after a failed firmware through Fastboot.

Method 1: Standard extraction with a paper clip or pin

Start with the simplest method, using a paper clip (or a special key from the kit), and 60 percent of the time, the tray gets stuck because you don't press the lock. Here's how to do it right:

1. Take a straight clip or a needle with a blunt end. The diameter should be 0.5-0.7 mm.
2. Find the hole to extract – it is located next to the slot (on some models, for example, Xiaomi Mi 10T, it is closed by a rubber cap).
3. Insert the paper clip perpendicular to the body and press with a force of 1-1.5 kg (do not be afraid - the mechanism is designed for this).
4. If the tray is not moved, try to swing the clip left-right without removing it.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use sharp objects (knives, toothpicks) - they can scratch the body or damage the internal parts. If the clip slipped and went deep into the hole, do not try to pull it out - contact the service.

The hole isn't clogged with dirt.|The paperclip is not bent or rusted.|The phone is on a flat surface.|No pressure on the body (removed case)-->

If the standard method didn't work, move on to the next one. On some models (like the POCO F4 GT), the extraction hole is at a small angle -- try pointing the clip slightly upwards.

Method 2: Removal of Scotch or Sticky Tape

This method is suitable if the tray is partially pushed out, but does not come out to the end.

• 📦 Scotch width 1-1.5 cm (preferably paint - it is less aggressive).
• 🔦 Lantern (to illuminate the gap).
• 🧴 Alcohol or wet wipe (to clean glue residues).

Instructions:

1. Cut off a piece of Scotch 5-7 cm long.
2. Stick it to the end of the tray so that the edge of the tape goes on the body.
3. Smoothly pull the scotch parallel to the body, without lifting up.
4. If the tray does not lend itself, try scrolling the tape around your finger, creating an additional effort.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use superglue or double-sided tape, which can damage the coating of the case.If after extraction there are sticky marks on the tray, wipe it with alcohol.

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If the tape doesn’t help, try a transparent sticky packing tape – it’s thinner and stronger, but requires care to avoid leaving glue on the case.

Method 3: Disassembly of the case (for experienced users)

If the first two methods fail, you'll have to resort to partial disassembly, which is suitable for plastic-enclosed models (Redmi 9, POCO M4 Pro) and requires caution. For metal-enclosed devices (Xiaomi 13, Mi 11), you'd better go to the service, because the risk of damaging antenna lines is too high.

You'll need:

• 🔧 Plastic mediator or guitar mediator.
• 🔨 Thin screwdriver (cross or flat, depending on the model).
• 🧲 Magnetic substrate (so as not to lose the screws).
• 📸 Camera (to capture the location of the parts).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and remove the memory card (if any).
2. Heat the back cover with a hair dryer (50–60°C) for 1-2 minutes to soften the glue.
3. Insert the mediator into the gap between the case and the cover (start with the corner next to the tray).
4. Carefully tuck the lid around the perimeter. Xiaomi models usually have 8-12 latches.
5. When you take the lid off, you'll see the tray mechanism, which is usually fixed with a metal bracket, put it in a screwdriver.

⚠️ Note: When disassembling Xiaomi 12S Ultra or other flagships with Loop LiquidCool cooling system be careful - damage to the tubes will lead to overheating of the processor.

Method 4: Using a vacuum cleaner (an unusual but effective method)

This life hack is suitable if the tray is half-out but does not come out completely. A powerful flow of air can suck it out of the nest. You will need a vacuum cleaner with a narrow nozzle (for example, for furniture).

Instructions:

1. Turn the vacuum cleaner on at maximum power.
2. Bring the nozzle to the slot of the tray at a distance of 1-2 mm.
3. Press the opposite edge of the tray (so that it does not fly into the vacuum cleaner).
4. Hold for 10-15 seconds – the airflow should pull the tray out.

⚠️ Note: Do not use this method for models with rubber plugs (for example, Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite with protection). IP53) — The vacuum cleaner can damage the seals. Also, don't bring the nozzle too close - it can damage the microphone or speaker.

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The vacuum cleaner method only works if the tray is already partially extended, and if it's stuck completely inside, it's useless and even dangerous for the phone.

Method 5: Software reset (if the tray is blocked by the system)

In rare cases, the tray may be locked at the firmware level, and this happens after:

• 📱 Failed update MIUI.
• 🔄 Resetting settings through Recovery.
• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader (Bootloader).

To unlock the tray programmatically:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → The MIUI version and tap it 7 times to activate the developer mode.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the Debugging by USB and turn it on.
4. Connect the phone to the PC and execute the command to ADB: adb shell settings put global sim_slot_lock 0
5. Reset the device.

If this method doesn’t work, try resetting your network settings:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Additionally. → Resetting network settings.
2. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB This method can cause system failure if entered incorrectly. Do not use this method on devices with unlocked Bootloader and custom firmware - it can cause a breeze (complete inoperability).

What do you do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods fail, you have three options:

1. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center: 📍 There are official centers in most major cities, and the cost of extracting the tray is 500-1500. ₽. ⏳ Repair period – 1-3 days (if there is no queue).
2. Find a private master: 💰 Cheaper (from 300) ₽), The risk of damaging the phone is higher. 🔍 Look for reviews on Yandex.Maps or 2GIS.
3. Replace the tray yourself: 🛒 Buy the original tray on AliExpress (cost - 100-300) ₽). 🔧 Replacement will require a complete disassembly of the phone.

If you decide to replace the tray yourself, consider:

• 📦 Complete with the new tray should go rubber seals (for models with water protection).
• 🔋 Before disassembly, discharge the battery to 20% - this will reduce the risk of fire in case of accidental circuit.
• 📸 Take a picture of the location of the plumes before disconnecting - this will help with the assembly.

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If you're afraid of damaging your phone when you disassemble, try heating the body with a hair dryer (as in method 3) and simultaneously pressing the tray with a paper clip. The heat will expand the plastic, and the mechanism may work.

FAQ: Frequent questions about stuck SIM slots in Xiaomi