How to get a stuck tray out for SIM-Maps in the smartphone Xiaomi: all working ways

Stuck tray for SIM-The problems that even new device owners face in their smartphone are the ones that can range from factory defects to mechanical damage after a fall, and the key is not to panic or try to pull it out by force, risking breaking the mechanism or damaging the motherboard. In this article, we will analyze 5 proven ways to remove the tray, including methods without disassembling the body, and also tell you what actions can aggravate the situation.

Xiaomi’s design feature (especially the Redmi Note series, POCO and Mi flagships) is to use a spring mechanism with a miniature lock. If the tray does not extend after pressing the paper clip, the problem most often lies in contamination of the guides, deformation of the metal bracket or moisture. Before starting repairs, make sure that you are not dealing with a hardware malfunction – for example, after a phone drop or contact with water.

Reasons for SIM tray jamming in Xiaomi

Before you try to remove the tray, it's important to understand why it's stuck, so you can choose the right method to avoid breaking again.

• 🔧 Factory marriage: a curved mechanism or weak spring (often found in budget Redmi models) 9A, POCO M3).
• 💦 Moisture or dust: oxidation of metal parts after contact with water or accumulation of dirt in the grooves.
• 📱 Mechanical damage: impact, fall or pressure on the body (for example, if you sit on the phone in your pocket).
• 🔄 Incorrect installation SIM-cards: if the tray is inserted curved or skewed, the lock may not work.
• ⚡ Electrostatic discharge: rare, but it happens that static electricity blocks the mechanism (relevant for models with a metal body).

In 90% of cases, the problem is solved without disassembling the phone, but if the tray is jammed after a fall or contact with water, there is a high probability of damage to the internal components, in which case it is better to contact the service center, especially if the warranty is still valid.

Method 1: Standard method with a pin (clip)

The first thing to try is to use the extraction tool correctly, and many users make mistakes at this point, which leads to a spell. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Turn off your phone to avoid accidental taps on the screen.
2. Take a standard paper clip (or a special key from the kit) and unbend it so that the end is straight and thin.
3. Find the hole to extract the tray - it is located on the side (on Redmi - on the right, on POCO - on the left).
4. Insert the paperclip perpendicular to the body and press with force until you feel a slight click.
5. If the tray is not moved, do not press harder - try to shake the clip slightly left-right.

If after 3-4 attempts the tray fails, stop trying and move on to the next method. Excessive pressure can break the lock or bend the guides.

Is the phone off?

Do you use the original paperclip (not needle/toothpicking)?

Do you press strictly perpendicular to the hole?

Is there any visible damage to the hull near the tray?

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Method 2: Using Scotch or Sticky Tape

If the paper clip doesn't work, you can try the Scotch method, which works when the tray is slightly extended, but it doesn't come out to the end.

• 📏 A piece of scotch (width 1-1.5 cm) or tape.
• 🔍 Lupa (optional, for accuracy).

Instructions:

1. Stick the tape to the end of the tray so that it is tightly attached, but does not close the hole for the paper clip.
2. Carefully pull the scotch parallel to the body, without lifting it up.
3. If the tray has moved but not gone out completely, repeat the action by sticking the scotch closer to the edge.

This works 60 to 70 percent of the time, unless it's a mechanical failure, and the key is not to pull so you don't pull the tray off the rails.

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If there is no scotch on hand, you can use gum (pre-mixed) or bilateral scotch - it holds tighter, but requires caution not to leave traces on the case.

Method 3: Heating the body (for trays jammed after falling)

If the phone fell or was hit, the metal parts of the tray could deform, and in this case, the horny heating will help, it will expand the metal and weaken the fixation.

• 🔥 Hair dryer (at minimum power).
• ☕ Warm (not hot!) bag of salt or rice.
• 💡 Filament lamp (10-15 cm).

Algorithm of action:

1. Heat the area around the tray for 1-2 minutes (temperature should not exceed 40-50 ° C).
2. Immediately after heating, try to remove the tray with a paper clip or tape.
3. If it does not work, repeat heating 1-2 times.

⚠️ Warning: Do not heat your phone for more than 3 minutes in a row - it could damage the battery or screen.The method is not suitable for models with a plastic case (Redmi) 9A, POCO C3), Because plastic can be deformed.

Method 4: Disassembly of the body (extreme case)

If none of the previous methods worked, there's a partial disassembly, which requires care and is only suitable for users with experience in repairing equipment.

• 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (cross, flat, flat, T3–T5 for some).
• 🧲 Plastic blade or mediator for smearing the body.
• 📸 Camera (to capture the location of the parts).

The following is the example of Redmi Note 10 Pro:

1. Turn off the phone and remove the memory card (if any).
2. Heat the back cover with a hair dryer (to soften the glue) and gently tuck it with a plastic spatula, starting at the bottom corner.
3. Unscrew all the screws (usually 8-10) and remove the metal plate.
4. Find the tray mechanism, it's next to the clip connector, and you need to tuck it in with a spatula or tweezers.
5. If you are sliding, then you should put it in the right place.

⚠️ Warning: Disassembly will void warranty. If the phone is warranty, you should contact the service center!

Method 5: Software reset (if the tray is not recognized by the system)

Sometimes the problem is not mechanical, but software - the phone just "can't see" the trays, this happens after a firmware update or a malfunction of the SIM Toolkit module.

• 🔄 Reboot your phone (sometimes the system forgets to lock).
• 📱 Reset Network Settings: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
• 🔧 Clearing the module cache SIM: Open the Settings. → Annexes → All the applications. SIM Toolkit and click "Clear the cache».

If the tray is still undetectable after this, the problem is the mechanics, and then you just have to disassemble or call the service.

What not to do when removing the tray

Some actions can make the problem worse or damage the phone, and this is strictly forbidden.

• 🚫 Use a needle, toothpick or knife – they can bend the mechanism or scratch the body.
• 🚫 Pressing on the tray with force - this often breaks the fixture, and then you will have to disassemble the phone.
• 🚫 watering WD-40 or alcohol - the liquid can get on the motherboard.
• 🚫 Heating your phone in an oven or microwave is guaranteed to kill the battery.
• 🚫 Trying to pull out a tray with tweezers is so easy to damage contacts SIM-map.