You just bought a new Xiaomi smartphone, Redmi or POCO, But you can't figure out how to insert SIM-Or is the old tray jammed and the paper clips are not on hand? This problem is familiar to many users — according to statistics, one in five Xiaomi owners have at least once encountered difficulties in retrieving. SIM-Unlike the old button phones, where it was enough to remove the back cover, modern smartphones require accuracy and knowledge of nuances.
In this article, we will discuss all possible ways of opening. SIM-The tray on Xiaomi devices, from the classic paper clip method to emergency solutions if the tray is stuck, you will learn which tools will work instead of the brand key, how to avoid damage to the slot, and what to do if the smartphone does not recognize the device. SIM-We also collected unique data on the most problematic models (for example, Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra or the most problematic ones). POCO F3), where the tray often jams due to design features.
1. Standard method: use of a key or a paper clip
Most Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with a special metal key for extraction SIM-If you lose it, no problem: any thin metal clip, needle, or even toothpick will do (but with caution!) The main rule is: do not use plastic or too thick objects, so as not to damage the mechanism.
Instructions:
- 🔍 Find a small hole near the tray on the case of the smartphone (usually on the upper or lateral face).
- 📍 Insert the key or unbended clip into the hole to the point - a slight click should be heard.
- 🖐️ Carefully pull the tray over yourself without putting excessive effort.
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi Mi Mix models 2S And the Mi 9 extraction hole is on the bottom of the tray, not the side, which often confuses users. Also avoid using magnets: they can damage the sensors of the smartphone.
Turn off your smartphone (recommended, but not required)|
Make sure the paperclip is not bent |
Find the hole to be extracted (usually marked with a pictogram) SIM-map)|
Put your smartphone on a soft surface (so as not to scratch the screen)-->
2. Alternative tools: what to use if there is no paper clip
No paper clip or key on hand, so here's what you can use instead:
- 🧷 Paper clips are the most reliable option. Spread them so that the end is straight and thin.
- 🪡 Needle or pin – suitable for most models, but be careful: too thin needle can break inside the hole.
- 📎 The handle bar, if it's metallic and thin enough, plastic bars won't work!
- 🪛 Small screwdriver - only if its end is thinner than 1 mm!
⚠️ Warning: Never try to open the tray with a knife, scissors or other cutting objects! This will damage the body or jam the mechanism. POCO X3 Pro and Redmi Note 10 plastic case is particularly vulnerable to scratches.
If you use a toothpick, break the tip of the toothpick so that it becomes sharp, but not too thin. The tree can crumble and clog the tray mechanism, so after extracting, check the hole for debris.
Brand key from the set |
Paperclip |
Needle or pin |
Something else (write in the comments)|-->
3.What to do if the tray is stuck or does not come out
Sometimes the tray stops moving even if you press the mechanism correctly, and the reasons can be different.
- 🔧 Getting dust or dirt into the mechanism (often happens after the fall of the smartphone).
- 💧 Corrosion after contact with moisture (even if the smartphone has not drowned, high humidity can cause oxidation).
- 🔄 Incorrect installation SIM-card that caused the tray to get crooked.
Solutions:
- Try to push the key harder, sometimes it sticks and requires more effort. But don't overdo it!
- If the tray is moved halfway, gently swing it left-right, while pulling on yourself.
- For models with a retractable mechanism (for example, Xiaomi Mi 10T), you can try a light tap on the body near the tray - vibration sometimes helps to move the stuck element.
⚠️ Warning: If the tray doesn't come out even after a few tries, don't use brute force! on Redmi Note 9 Pro models and POCO F2 Pro plastic guide tray can break, and then you need to disassemble the smartphone in the service center.
What if the key breaks inside the hole?
4. Features of the opening SIM-tray on popular models Xiaomi
Not all Xiaomi smartphones are the same — some models have their own nuances.
| Model | Location of the tray | Features | Frequent problems |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 12/12 Pro | Lower facet | The tray is pushed out with a characteristic click | It jams when dust gets into the USB-port |
| Redmi Note 11 | Left face | The hole for the key is almost not visible - look for the pictogram | The tray may fall out on impact |
| POCO X4 Pro | Upper edge | The mechanism with the spring - is pushed sharply | Often gets stuck when the SIM is installed incorrectly. |
| Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra | Lower edge (near the camera) | The tray is combined with a mount for the cover | It is difficult to get without a corporate key. |
On Xiaomi Black Shark, the tray is placed under a special plug that you need to tamper with first, a plastic card or a mediator will do this. Don't use metal objects, the body of these smartphones is covered with a soft anti-reflective layer that is easy to scratch.
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If you change often SIM-card, buy a magnetic key for the tray — it is sold in official Xiaomi stores and costs about 200 rubles.
5 How to insert correctly SIM-map-in-the-tray Xiaomi
Removing the tray is only half the job, and it's just as important to put it in the right way. SIM-Errors at this stage can result in the smartphone not catching the network or the tray getting stuck when trying to close it.
Step-by-step:
- Place the tray on a flat surface with the pictogram upwards.
- If you have a nano-SIM, insert it into the appropriate slot (usually smaller).
- Make sure the card bevel matches the bevel on the tray (usually it is in the upper right corner).
- Carefully squeeze the card before clicking - it should sit tightly, but without backlash.
- If the tray supports two SIM-cards, the second is set similarly, but in a different slot (usually it is signed as SIM2).
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi Mi models A3 and POCO M3 The tray has an asymmetrical shape - if you insert it incorrectly, the smartphone will not recognize SIM-Always check the matching shape before pushing the tray back in!
After installation SIM-The smartphone says “No network” or “Unidentified” SIM-map, try it out:
- 🔄 Reset the device.
- 📶 Manually select the operator in the settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Choice of network).
- 🔧 Wipe your contacts. SIM-cards with dry cloth (sometimes oxidation interferes with communication).
6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when working with the Internet. SIM-Here are the most common of these and how to prevent them:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Use of a too thick object (knife, fork) | Damage to the body or tray mechanism | Use only thin metal objects |
| Use of force in a jammed tray | Broken guides, the need for repair | Contact the service center at the first sign of jamming |
| Installation SIM-slop-sided | The smartphone can't see. SIM-card or tray not closed | Always check the matching shape of the card and slot. |
| Getting moisture into the key hole | Corrosion of the mechanism, jamming of the tray | Avoid using your smartphone in the rain without a cover |
Another common mistake is trying to open the tray with the smartphone on, and while it won’t hurt the device, modems can rarely fail, especially on Qualcomm Snapdragon models. 8xx. It is always better to turn off the smartphone before removing it. SIM-map.
If you plan to change frequently SIM-For example, when traveling abroad, consider buying a dual tray with an adapter.It allows you to use two nano-SIMs or one nano-SIM. + microSD, which is especially important for models without a memory card slot (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro).
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Never try to open the tray if the smartphone has been submerged in water or fallen from a height - first check it for damage. moisture or cracks in the case can make the extraction process possible. SIM-smack-card.
7. Xiaomi Service Centers: When to Turn to Professionals
If all attempts to open the tray on your own have failed, it is time to contact the service center.
- 🔧 The tray does not extend even with a strong press on the key.
- 💔 Mechanical damage to the body around the slot is visible.
- 🌊 The smartphone fell into the water or was exposed to moisture.
- 📵 After removing the tray, the smartphone stopped recognizing SIM-map.
Xiaomi’s official service centers in Russia and CIS countries offer the following types of repairs:
- 🔄 Cleaning or replacing the tray mechanism - from 800 to 1500 rubles.
- 🔧 Repair of a damaged slot SIM-cards from 1500 to 3000 rubles.
- 💧 Elimination of the consequences of moisture ingestion - from 2000 rubles (depending on the degree of damage).
Before visiting the service center:
- Make a backup copy of the data (if the smartphone is still working).
- Write down the device's IMEI (located on the box or in About Phone settings).
- Check whether the warranty is maintained after repair (in official centers - yes).
The average repair time is from 1 to 3 days, and some services offer express repairs (2-3 hours), but the cost can be higher by 30-50%.