How to open a slot for SIM on Xiaomi smartphones: a step-by-step guide

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the need to replace the SIM card when changing operators or switching to a tariff with a large amount of traffic. Despite the apparent simplicity of the procedure, inexperienced users can damage the case or mechanism of the tray if they do not know the design features of a particular device. Modern gadgets have a sealed case, and access to internal contacts is only through a narrow hole.

In this article, we will discuss in detail where the paperclip for extraction is located, how to determine the type of tray and correctly install the communication module. We will look at the nuances of working with combined slots and hybrid designs, which are often found in the budget and mid-range devices of the Chinese brand.

We'll focus on process safety, because careless handling of the tool can cause mechanical damage, and it'll take you just a few minutes and a minimal set of tools to replace it, and let's figure out how to avoid the typical errors and keep the warranty on the device.

Tool preparation and tray type determination

Before you start any manipulation of the case of the smartphone, you need to make sure that there is a suitable tool. 99% of the time, a special metal clip comes with the device, but it is easily lost. If the original key is lost, you can use a regular stationery clip, straightening one of the ends of it, or a thin needle.

It is critical to choose the right thickness tool. A needle that is too thin can bend and get stuck in the hole, and a needle that is too thick can damage the latch mechanism. The ideal diameter of the pin is about 1 mm. Also make sure that the tip of the tool is not serrated or rust.

The next step is to visualize the ends of the device. On modern Xiaomi models, the tray for the device is designed for the purpose of the device. SIM-cards are most often located on the lower end, next to the connector USB Type-C or microphone, but in some older or specific models, it may be on the upper or lateral edge.

⚠️ Warning: Never try to use toothpicks or plastic cloves to extract a tray. The tree may crumble inside the mechanism, and the plastic is not strong enough and will simply bend without activating the ejection tray.

Determine the type of tray by looking at its shape. It can be designed for one nano-SIM, two nano-SIMs, or have a combined SIM + microSD design. A hybrid slot requires a choice between two SIM cards or one SIM and a memory card.

Step-by-step instructions for removing the tray

The process of tray extraction is standardized for most mobile devices, but requires care. Put your smartphone on a taut, flat surface with the screen down, pre-laying the soft cloth so as not to scratch the display or camera.

Find a small circular hole on the end face next to the rectangular contour of the tray, insert the prepared tool (clip or needle) strictly perpendicular to the plane of the body. You don't need to push too hard; the mechanism will work with a small but confident effort.

Once you feel a slight click and the tray is pushed a few millimeters, remove the tool. Take the tray with your fingers over the visible edge and smoothly stretch it completely. Don't pull sharply so as not to damage the internal contacts.

If the tray is not being removed, make sure you've confused the SIM card hole with the noise-canceling microphone hole. They're often located nearby, but the microphone hole is usually smaller and deeper. It's strictly forbidden to insert a clip into the microphone.

Proper installation SIM-microSD cards

Once the tray is removed, the SIM card must be correctly orientated. The Nano-SIM standard is the most common and has a rectangular shape with one angle cut off, and this cut should match the corresponding ledge in the tray's pad.

Take a close look at the tray, which often has a schematic hint showing how the map should lie. If there is no hint, remember the rule: the gold contacts always point down (to the phone screen), and the cut corner is on the outside.

When installing a microSD card in a hybrid slot, make sure it is not thicker than standard.Some memory cards have increased pin height, which can cause the tray to not enter the case to the end or jam.

Carefully insert the tray back into the body. Notice the guides: the tray must enter smoothly, without effort. If you feel resistance, don't press, take out the tray, turn it over and try again. Wrong orientation can break the inner pins.

Solving problems with the definition of the SIM card

After installing the card and turning on the device, a situation may arise when the smartphone does not see the network or writes"SIM-First thing you do is check if the tray is sitting tight, sometimes it doesn't snap fully when you install it.

The second step is to clean the contacts. Take a soft dry cloth or eraser and gently wipe the golden contacts on the SIM card itself. Finger fat or oxidation can prevent normal contact. Also blow out the tray to remove dust.

If the physical setup is correct but the problem persists, go to system settings. Go to Settings menu → About Phone → All specs (or a similar path depending on the MIUI/HyperOS version) and check for IMI status. If the IMI fields are empty, there may be a software glitch.

⚠️ Note: If after replacing the SIM card, the phone requests PUK-code, do not enter random combinations. PUK-The code will permanently block the SIM card, and it can be restored only by re-releasing the operator.

In rare cases, the problem lies in the tray itself, and if the contacts inside the tray are blackened or oxidized, they can be cleaned with alcohol, but you need to do this with the phone and battery off if the design allows, or just very quickly so that moisture does not get inside.

Software setting up two SIM cards

After successfully installing two SIM cards, Android will suggest customizing their use, an important step because the default settings may not be optimal for your use case.

Settings menu → SIM-You can prioritize your cards and mobile networks, and you can usually choose the main SIM card for calling and the main one for mobile Internet, and you can use the card for the Internet where the tariff provides more traffic or higher speeds. 4G/5G.

• 📞 Default calls: Choose a SIM with cheaper minutes or one whose number is known to colleagues and friends.
• 🌐 Mobile Internet: Assign a card with a large GB package to avoid paid add-ons.
• 💬 SMS: You can choose a specific SIM to send messages or leave a choice at each sending.

You should also pay attention to the switch "Use". SIM-Make sure both SIM cards are activated. Sometimes, after installation, the new card remains in the "Switched Off" status until manually activated by the user.

💡

Set up different tunes for each SIM card in the Sound and Vibration section, which will help you instantly know which number you are calling without looking at the screen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

💡

Proper installation of the SIM card is not only a physical match of contacts, but also the correct software setting of communication priorities for comfortable use.