Operation to remove the tray for SIM-Xiaomi’s smartphone cards, including the popular Redmi 9, are a basic skill that every owner needs, most often when initially configuring a device, replacing a mobile operator, or installing a memory card to expand internal storage. Despite the apparent simplicity, careless handling of the mechanism can lead to damage to the body or the tray itself.
Owners of budget and mid-budget models often face a tight movement of the mechanism or confusion in the orientation of the card, especially if previously used devices from other brands. SIM-Xiaomi Redmi 9 cards without damaging the case and internal contacts. We will also consider the typical mistakes that users make when trying to remove the tray by improvised means.
It is important to understand that the design of the tray in this model has its own features that distinguish it from the flagship lines. It uses a combined slot, which imposes certain restrictions on the sequence of actions. Xiaomi Redmi 9 is equipped with a hybrid connector that requires careful attention to the location of contacts.
Before you start physically affecting the device, you need to prepare the workplace, it needs to be well lit, and the surface is clean and slip-free, so that small parts, such as a paper clip or itself. SIM-The safety of the procedure depends on your attentiveness and the use of the right tools.
Tools and workplace preparation
To successfully retrieve the tray, you'll need a special tool that comes with the device, a thin metal paper clip with a plastic tip designed specifically to get into the miniature opening of the push mechanism, and if the original paper clip is lost, you can replace it with a paper clip, but you should be careful.
Using inappropriate items such as needles, pins or toothpicks can have serious consequences: Needles can break inside the hole, and wooden toothpicks can crumble, clogging the mechanism. Metal clip is the best choice due to its strength and diameter, corresponding to the calibration of the hole.
⚠️ Warning: Never use sharp objects such as sewing needles or knives to retrieve the tray.You risk damaging internal sensors or hurting your finger if the tool slips.
Besides the tool, make sure your hands are dry and clean. Fat marks can make it difficult to grab a slippery tray, and moisture can cause contact oxidation. SIM-It is recommended to wipe the side of the smartphone with a soft dry cloth before the procedure begins.
Place your smartphone down on a soft surface, like a microfiber wipe or a mouse mat, and it will protect the display from scratches if the device accidentally slips off while pressing on the mechanism. Good lighting will allow you to see clearly the clip hole and the markings on the tray.
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If the original paperclip is lost, it is better to buy a special set for opening electronics than risk the integrity of the smartphone using a sharpened match or knife.
Determination of the type of tray and its location
On the side of the Xiaomi Redmi 9 are two holes that often cause confusion among inexperienced users.It is important to correctly identify them so as not to damage the microphone or the mechanism of the volume button. SIM-The card is on the left side of the device, if you look at the screen.
The tray design in this model is hybrid, which means that it combines spaces for two. SIM-Nano-SIM cards and one microSD card or one microSD card SIM-A good understanding of this configuration is critical to the proper installation.
Below is a table showing the differences in slot configurations for different use cases:
| Configuration | Slot 1 (External) | Slot 2 (Internal) | Slot 3 (Internal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two. SIM-map | SIM 1 (Nano) | SIM 2 (Nano) | Empty. |
| One SIM + Memory Card | SIM 1 (Nano) | Empty. | MicroSD |
| Only a memory card. | Empty. | Empty. | MicroSD |
| Maximum memory | SIM 1 (Nano) | SIM 2 (Nano) | MicroSD (up to 512 GB) |
Notice the shape of the cutout in the tray. SIM-It's a truncated rectangle with one bevelled angle, whereas for microSD, the cutout is rectangular. The microSD card installed must not protrude outside the tray, otherwise the mechanism will be blocked when pushed in.
Next to the tray, on the same face, is the opening of the second microphone used for noise reduction, which is located above or below the tray (depending on the orientation), but has a much smaller diameter, and trying to insert a paper clip into the microphone will lead to permanent damage.
Step-by-step instructions for removing the tray
The process of removing the tray requires precise positioning of the tool and a confident but metered effort. Follow the algorithm of actions to avoid slipping and damage to the body.
- 📱 Take the smartphone in your left hand so that the left side of the device (where the tray is located) is facing you, and the screen looks down.
- 🔍 Find a small circular hole on the tray frame that is closer to the bottom or top of the tray, but not in the center.
- 🛠️ Insert the pointed end of the paper clip perpendicular to the surface of the hole. Make sure the tool enters smoothly, without distortion.
- 💥 Smoothly, but press hard on the paper clip. You should feel a slight click or resistance, which is replaced by the extension of the tray.
Once the tray is extended a few millimeters, remove the paperclip. Don't pull the paperclip itself, trying to pull the tray out completely, it can bend the tool or damage the mechanism. Grab the protruding part of the tray with your fingers and carefully remove it to the end.
⚠️ Warning: If the tray does not extend after heavy pressure, do not continue to press with double force.
When extracting, try to hold the smartphone horizontally so that the tray does not fall to the floor. In some cases, the tray can fly out quite sharply due to the inner spring, so keep your fingers ready.
☑️ Extraction algorithm
Analysis of tray design and map installation
The retrieved Xiaomi Redmi 9 tray is a plastic or metal frame with three seats. Two of them are designed for Nano-SIM, one for microSD. It is important to correctly orient the maps, as improper installation can lead to a lack of network or memory card readability.
SIM-The Nano-SIM card is the smallest of the existing standards. When stacked in a tray, golden contacts should look down (or up, depending on the tray model, usually on the tray frame itself.
The same principle applies to a microSD card: the contacts are down, the bevelled angle corresponds to the shape of the cutout. Hybrid slots often use double-sided stacking or stacking in the same plane as the separators. Redmi 9 cards are usually stacked in the same plane, but occupy different depth or zone levels.
- 🔸 Place the tray on a flat surface with marking upwards.
- 🔸 Make sure the cards sit tightly in their recesses and don't stagger.
- 🔸 Make sure that no card protrudes above the edges of the tray.
If you only use one of them. SIM-card and memory card, make sure the second SIM-The card does not interfere with the installation of microSD. SIM-The card in the second slot physically blocks the installation of the memory card.
What to do if the card is not suitable in size?
Returning the tray to the place and checking the work
Once the cards are successfully installed, the tray must be returned to the smartphone body, which also requires care, as inserting the tray at the wrong angle can cause the guides to break or the contacts inside the phone to bend.
Orient the tray so that it's completely the same shape as the hole in the case. Usually the tray has only one right side to insert. Don't use excessive force. If the tray doesn't enter easily, you may be inserting it upside down or skewing it.
⚠️ Warning: Never put a tray in without a tray SIM-cards or memory cards, if the design includes a lock, the empty tray may not lock and fall out, or damage the internal springs.
Push the tray carefully to the characteristic click, it should be level with the frame of the case and not protrude outwards. If the tray has entered, but not to the end, remove it and try again, checking for no debris or dust in the hole.
After installation, turn on the smartphone (if it was turned off) and wait for the operating system to boot. MIUI. Check the top of the screen for network icons and signal strength. If the network doesn't show up, go to Settings. → SIM-Maps and mobile networks and make sure you have the right SIM-card activated.
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Proper installation of the tray is characterized by the absence of gaps between the frame and the case, as well as instantaneous network determination after the system is loaded.
Typical problems and ways to solve them
Users may encounter various difficulties in the process of operation, and understanding the causes of these problems will help to quickly eliminate them without going to a service center.
One of the common problems is that the tray gets stuck, and this can happen because the tray itself is deformed (for example, if it was previously skewed) or because dust gets into the mechanism, and in such cases, you can gently sway the tray from side to side with a light pull, but without jerking.
If the phone can't see SIM-After installation, try the following steps:
- 🔄 Remove and re-insert. SIM-map, making sure the contacts are clean.
- 🧹 Wipe out the golden contacts SIM-cards with soft swallow or dry cloth.
- ⚙️ Check the settings in the Settings menu → The phone. → All specs → SIM-map.
In rare cases, you may need to reset your network settings. Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. This action will not delete your personal data, but will return network settings to factory values.
If the tray is broken or lost, don't try to use homemade plugs. Contact a Xiaomi authorized service center to order an original part. Using substandard counterparts can lead to poor contact and heating of the device.
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To prevent tray getting stuck, it is recommended to remove and insert it at least once every six months so that the mechanism does not “acidify” from oxidation or dust.