How to open the tray for SIM-Maps Xiaomi: 5 ways + What to do if it's jammed

You just bought a new Xiaomi smartphone – be it the Redmi Note 13 Pro+, POCO X6 Mi 14 and faced the first technical problem: how to insert SIM-It's a very complicated thing to do, but it's been shown that even a simple operation like this raises questions for users, especially if the SIM tray is jammed, the paper clip is lost, and the instructions are in Chinese.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways of opening. SIM-Xiaomi smartphones have a tray that goes from the standard paper clip method to emergency solutions if the mechanism is stuck, and we also need to figure out why the tray might not open, and what to do to avoid breaking the smartphone when you try to insert a SIM. All instructions are relevant for 2020-2026 models and have been tested in practice.

1. Standard method: how to open the tray for SIM-paper-clip

Most Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO and Mi line) are equipped with a retractable tray for two nano-SIM or one nano-SIM + microSD. To open it, the manufacturer provided a special hole on the side of the case.

• 📍 Find a hole to extract the tray, usually on the top or right side of the smartphone (on some models, on the left), and above the hole may be an inscription. SIM card-pictogram.
• 🖇️ Take a paper clip or a tool to extract, and the phone comes with a special metal key (if you lose it, you'll get an unbended paper clip or needle).
• 🔄 Carefully insert the paperclip into the hole to the point, then slightly press. The tray should jump 1-2 mm - after that it can be pulled out with your fingers.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use toothpicks, spokes or other fragile objects to open the tray, as they may break inside the hole. If the paperclip is too thin, wrap the tip of the tray with tape to increase the diameter.

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If the tray does not come out the first time, try to slightly sway the clip left-right inside the hole - sometimes the mechanism will catch up due to dust.

Some models (such as the Xiaomi 12T or Redmi K60) don’t have the tray fully extended, you need to tuck it with a nail or a plastic card. Don’t put too much effort into it: if the tray doesn’t go, you’re doing something wrong.

2. Alternative ways to open the tray without a paper clip

There is no paper clip at hand, and the SIM card needs to be inserted urgently? Here are 4 proven methods that will help open the tray without special tools:

• 💳 Plastic card: insert the edge of the credit card into the gap between the case and the tray (if it protrudes even by 0.5 mm) and gently dent.
• 📎 A paper clip from a notebook, spread it so that you have a straight metal rod, and use it as a standard tool.
• 🔑 Key or screwdriver. A thin blade of a clock screwdriver or a key for glasses will do (mainly so that the diameter does not exceed 0.8 mm).
• 🧲 If the tray protrudes a little, hold a strong neodymium magnet to it, and the metal mechanism can move under the influence of a magnetic field.

⚠️ Warning: Never use a knife, scissors or other sharp objects - they can scratch the body or damage sealing gums (if the smartphone has protection to the standard) IP53/IP68).

On Xiaomi models with a retractable mechanism (for example, Mi Mix 3 or Mi 9 Explorer) trays for the mobile device. SIM-The card opens automatically when you press the button. If the button doesn't work, try pulling the tray over yourself a little bit, sometimes it gets stuck because of the accumulated dirt.

3.The tray jammed: causes and solutions

If the tray is for SIM-The card does not open despite all efforts, the problem may lie in one of 5 common defects:

🔧 Emergency method: If the tray is stuck halfway, try to heat the case with a hairdryer (temperature not higher than 50)°C) for 1-2 minutes. Thermal expansion can ease friction.Do not use this method on models with a glass back panel (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) - risk of damage to the adhesive layer.

4 How to insert SIM-Map in Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

When the tray is successfully removed, it remains to be correctly installed. SIM-Mistakes at this point can cause the phone to not catch the network. Follow the algorithm:

Step 1: Put the tray on a flat surface with the chip up. Notice the bevelled angle, which should match the angle on the phone.

Step 2. Set it up. SIM-slot-card:

For one SIM: Use the SIM1 slot (usually closer to the edge of the tray).

For two SIMs, insert the first card into SIM1, the second into SIM2 (can only support 4G).

For microSD: use the SD slot (on some models it is combined with SIM2).

Step 3. Carefully insert the tray back into the phone before the click. Make sure it sits straight - if the tray is skewed, remove it and try again.

⚠️ Note: On models with support 5G (For example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G) slot SIM1 It is usually reserved for the main card 5G-If you put it in. 5G-SIM into SIM2, Internet speed may be limited 4G.

5. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when working with the Internet. SIM-Here's the top.-3 Failures that may lead to failure:

• 🚫 Use of force. If the tray doesn't go, don't push hard, so you can break the lock or bend the card.
• 🔄 Misdirectional orientation SIM. Installing the card "upside down" can cause damage to contacts.
• 💦 If the phone is wet, do not try to open the tray until it is completely dry (at least 12 hours).

📱 Xiaomi owners’ advice with hybrid tray: If you use two SIM-Both cards and microSD at the same time, make sure your model supports this configuration. POCO X5 Pro slot SIM2 It can be used either for the second SIM, It’s a memory card, but not both at the same time.

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Always turn off the phone before removing the tray – this prevents short circuits from accidentally touching the contacts.

6. What to do if the tray breaks?

If the tray extraction mechanism fails (for example, a spring broke or guides jammed), you have 3 options:

1. Self-repair (for experienced users): - Disassemble the phone, remove the tray and replace the spring mechanism (details can be ordered on AliExpress at the request of "Xiaomi SIM tray mechanism"). - The cost of spare parts: 100-300 rubles.
2. Contact the service center: - Official repair will cost 500-1500 rubles (depending on the model). - Under the guarantee, the tray will be replaced for free, if the breakdown is not through the fault of the user.
3. Using the phone without using SIM-Cards: - Connect eSIM (if the model supports, for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro). - Use the phone as a tablet with Wi-Fi and instant messengers (Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram).

🔧 Temporary solution: If the tray falls out, fix it with a piece of tape on the inside (without closing the contacts.

7. Xiaomi models with non-standard trays

Some Xiaomi smartphones have unique tray designs that require a special approach:

• 📱 Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 and Mi 9 Explorer: the tray extends mechanically when you press the button on the back. If the button does not work, check the magnetic mechanism.
• 📱 Xiaomi Black Shark (Game Smartphones): the tray can be hidden under a decorative cover - it must be tampered with a mediator.
• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra and newer: a tray with a rubber seal (for protection from water.

🔍 How do you find out the type of tray in your model? Type the name of the smartphone into a search engine asking "[model] SIM tray type." For example, "Redmi Note 12 Pro+ SIM tray type. Usually, the results show pictures of the tray indicating the supported configurations (SIM + SIM, SIM + microSD, etc.).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions