Introduction: why SIM-The card may be “disappeared” inside the phone.
You got a tray for SIM-Xiaomi has a map, and it's not there, it's an empty slot, or it's just a nanochip with no plastic base, and it's a bad situation, but it's not critical. 90 percent of the time, it's not a "disappearance," but it's just stuck inside the case or it's shifted when it's not pulled out. The main thing is not to panic or try to solve the problem by force (for example, picking with a screwdriver or a needle). SIM-tray or even motherboard.
The most common problem occurs with Xiaomi models, which have a tray combined with the extraction button (for example, Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4 or Mi 11). When pressed, the mechanism can “shoot” the card inside the case, especially if it was inserted incorrectly (for example, cropped microSIM in the slot for nanoSIM), less often the factory fault is a weak spring or back tray.
In this article, we will discuss all possible scenarios, from basic checks to disassembling the phone (if you can not do without it), and we will also explain how to avoid blocking the network if you want to do so. SIM-The card is damaged, and what to do if the phone does not see it even after extraction.
First steps: Checking the obvious
Before you take your phone apart, make sure it's not the small stuff that's the problem.
Take out the tray completely (pressing the button should be clear, without jamming)|
Lighted a flashlight into the slot - sometimes the card gets stuck vertically and is not visible at first glance |
We tried to put another one in. SIM-card (working) – if it is also not defined, the problem is in the tray, not in the card|
Rebooted the phone – sometimes the system does not see» SIM temporary failure-->
If the tray is empty, and the second SIM-The card works, so the first one is exactly inside the case. Don't try to put the empty tray back in, it can push the stuck card deeper. Leave it taken out until the problem is solved.
Notice the status of the contacts in the slot, if they are bent or covered with oxide (green/black coating), this could cause the card to fall out, in which case, even after removing the SIM, the phone may not recognize it, you will need to clean the contacts with alcohol.
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If you have a Xiaomi with a hybrid tray (SIM + microSD), try to remove the memory card - sometimes it blocks the mechanism and does not give SIM-map.
If the card is stuck shallow (the edge is visible or it is sticking out at an angle), you can try to get it without opening the case.
- 🔦 Lantern (better with cold light)
- 🧲 A small magnet (for example, from headphones)
- 📎 Paperclip or needle (but not metallic!
- 🧴 Plastic card (bank or discount card)
Method 1: Magnet. Bring the magnet to the area SIM-The tray (not to the slot itself, but a little deeper where the motherboard is located) Sometimes the metal base of the card is pulled enough to be picked up by a paper clip. Don't use powerful neodymium magnets, they can damage the phone's sensors!
Method 2: Plastic card: Carefully insert the edge of the card into the gap between the case and the screen on the tray side. Move it parallel to the body, trying to tamper with the SIM. Don't push hard - you can damage the sealing gum (if the phone has IP53 protection).
⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal objects (knives, screwdrivers) - they can close contacts on the board or leave scratches on the case. If the card does not respond, stop trying and proceed to disassemble.
Yes, a model with protection |
No, a regular case.|
I don't know, I haven't checked |
Phone Disassembly: Step-by-step instructions
If SIM-The map is stuck deep, you have to take the phone apart. Xiaomi models have a similar process, but there are nuances depending on the series. Below is a universal guide for most smartphones (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO F3, Mi 11 Lite).
What you need:
- 🔧 A set of plastic mediators (or guitar mediators)
- 🔩 Cross screwdriver (usually) PH00)
- 🧴 Screen suction cup (can be replaced with wide scotch)
- 🔥 Hair dryer (to soften glue if screen is glued)
Steps:
- Turn off the phone and remove the tray (if it is not already taken out).
- Heat the screen edge with a hair dryer (temperature) ~50°C) for 1-2 minutes - this will soften the glue.
- Place the suction cup at the bottom of the screen (near the tray) and pull up. Put the mediator in the resulting slit.
- Carefully swipe the mediator around the perimeter, separating the screen from the body.
- Unscrew the screws that fix the metal plate above the battery (usually 6-8 screws).
- Take off the plate and find it. SIM-The card can be under the plate or next to the contacts.
If you find a card, pull it out with tweezers (not your fingers, you can leave greasy marks on your contacts); if not, check the space under the battery (sometimes the cards fall there).
What if the screen doesn't separate? If the mediator hits an obstacle, don't push harder -- it's probably a plume. Try starting at the other end or slightly heat the problem area with a hairdryer again. In Xiaomi models, the plumes are usually located at the top (next to the speaker).--> Model Xiaomi Type of screen mounting Complexity of parsing (1–5) Risk of damage to Redmi Note 10/11 Clay. + latch 3 Battery plume, screen connector POCO X3/X4 Perimeter glue. 4 Fragile plastic case Mi 11/12 Clay. + metal-frame 5 Redmi's thin camera plumes 9A/9C Latches (no glue) 2 Minimum ⚠️ Attention.
When you disassemble the phone, you may lose water resistance (if you had it), you'll need to replace the adhesive seal to restore the protection, and check the leakproofness. SIM-If you can get the card out, but it's bent, scratched, or broken, don't put it back in, it can damage your phone contacts. Instead, look at the card in the light. If the chip is intact, you can straighten it neatly and trim it down into a nanoSIM pattern (if it was a microSIM). Try inserting it into another phone. If it's not identified, ask the operator for a duplicate. If the chip is damaged, do not throw away the card - in the communication salon can transfer the number to a new one. SIM (if any) the remaining portions of the IMEI phone). If the phone stopped seeing anything SIM-After the incident, the problem may be: 🔌 Damaged tray contacts (need to clean with alcohol or replace the tray). 📡 Damaged communication module (requires diagnosis in the service center). 🔄 Software failure (will help reset settings or flashing). To check the communication module, enter the engineering code: ##4636## In the menu, select Phone Information and check status. SIM. If it says Unknown or No Service, the problem is hardware. Prevention: how to avoid the problem in the future SIM-The card is not stuck again, follow these rules: 📏 Use the right size card. For Xiaomi, it's usually nanoSIM (12.3 × 8.8 If you have a microSIM, trim it to the template or order a new one from the operator. 🔄 Put the tray in before you click. Don't press it after you fix it, it can shift the map inside. 🧴 Periodically clean the contacts of the tray with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol (at least 90%). 📱 Don't remove the tray when the phone is on, it can cause the communication module to malfunction. SIM-maps (e.g., on trips), consider the option with eSIM.Many Xiaomi models (starting with the Mi 12 and the other two are the ones that are the most popular). POCO F4) It supports virtual cards, it eliminates the risk of physical damage, for models with hybrid trays (SIM + microSD) use only branded memory cards – cheap “no-name” can be incorrectly thick and block fixation SIM. When to contact the service center Self-repair is not always possible: 🔧 SIM-card stuck under the battery or other components (risk of damage when retrieved). 📵 The phone stopped turning on after parsing (possibly the plume broke off). 🔌 Tray contacts are damaged or oxidized (sweatering or replacement is required). 📡 The communication module does not work even with another SIM-card (to diagnose the fee) cost of extraction SIM-The service usually has low cards (from 500 to 1500 rubles), but if you need to change the tray or clean contacts, the price can rise to 3000 rubles. In official Xiaomi service centers, the procedure will cost more, but gives a guarantee for work. Back up your data (if the phone is still working). IMEI (dial *#06# or check the box. Check with the operator if you can block the old one. SIM and issue a duplicate. ⚠️ Attention: If the phone is warranty, a self-disassembly will cancel it. In this case, immediately contact an authorized service center. SIM-cards if they are stuck inside? Yes, the phone will work in Wi-Fi mode, but mobile communication and SMS If the card doesn't block the contacts of the tray, you can insert a second one. SIM (However, prolonged use with a stuck card inside is not recommended - it can shift and cause a circuit. SIM-Does the phone see the network? First check: Is the plane mode on (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks: Is the network manually selected (Settings) → Mobile network → Network operators? Have you had any setups? APN (If that doesn't work, the problem is the hardware, go to the service. How do you trim microSIM to nanoSIM so it doesn't get stuck? Use a template (there's a phone repair kit) or print it out on thick paper. Cut the card strictly on markup, without touching the chip. After pruning, treat the edges with fine sandpaper (grain). 1000+), Don't use scissors, they leave burrs. Can a stuck one SIM-The card itself won't hurt the phone, but if it closes the contacts on the board, it can disable the communication module. If you unscrupulously extract it, you can damage the plumes or connectors. IP53/IP68 The risk is minimal if you don't use force and metal objects. SIM-Price depends on model: Budget models (Redmi) 9/10): 800–1500 ruble + (a) Mid-segment (POCO X3/X4, Redmi Note 11): 1500–2500 Flagships (Mi) 11/12, Black Shark): 2500–4000 RUB (due to complexity of analysis). In official services, the price is higher by 20-30%, but a guarantee is given for 6-12 months.