You just bought a new Xiaomi — whether it’s the flagship Mi 14 Ultra or the budget Redmi Note 12 — and faced the first technical challenge: installing a new Xiaomi. SIM-What would be easier, but suddenly a tray for the SIM It doesn't respond, it bends, and the instructions in the box are written in a language that you don't understand?
In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to open a slot for SIM In Xiaomi smartphones, including models with hybrid slots (SIM + microSD), and how to avoid failure of the extraction mechanism, the most common problem in careless handling, will pay special attention to the nuances for devices with protection. IP53/IP68, where the design of the slot may differ.
Important: the procedure seems elementary, but statistics of service centers show that up to 15% of warranty applications are related to damage. SIM-So don't miss our safety tips!
1. Standard method: paper clip or tool from the kit
Most Xiaomi smartphones (including the POCO X5 Pro, Redmi 12C, Mi 11 Lite) feature a classic tray extraction mechanism using a thin metal rod.
- 🔍 Find the extraction hole on the side of the device (usually on the right or top). IP68 (for example, Xiaomi 13T Pro) it may be covered by a rubber cover.
- 📍 Insert a paper clip (or a special tool from the kit) into the hole to the point. Entry angle is strictly 90° case-wise!
- 💪 Press with a force of 1-2 kg (the equivalent of pressing the keyboard mechanical.
- 🖐️ Take the tray out with your fingers, effortlessly. If it doesn't come out, don't pull it out!
⚠️ Warning: If the paperclip bent the first time you press it, don't try to straighten it and reuse it. Metal shavings can get inside the device and cause a short circuit. Take a new paperclip or buy a branded Xiaomi Mi Extract Tool. K5903ZM).
Turn off your smartphone (optional, but recommended)
Make sure the hole is not covered with dust
Use a paper clip with a diameter of 0.5-0.7 mm
Press strictly perpendicular to the body-->
In Xiaomi Black Shark models, the extraction hole can be located on the top edge next to the headphone jack. In Xiaomi Mix Fold 2/3, the tray is on the bottom when the device is decomposed.
2. Alternative methods: if the paper clip is not at hand
Situation: you are on a business trip, there is no paper clip, and SIM-You need to insert the card urgently. Here are 3 proven life hacks that will not damage the smartphone:
- 🧲 A twisted paper clip (not straightened!) bend it in the shape of an "L" -- a short part (3-4 mm) goes into the hole, a long one becomes a handle.
- 📎 Syringe needle (diameter 0.6-0.8 mm) is perfect, but wipe with alcohol before use.
- 🔑 The key to the watch (metal rod from the strap) is that it is not magnetic!
⚠️ Warning: Never use toothpicks, matches or plastic items - they crumble and clog the mechanism. Also avoid knives, scissors and other sharp objects: the risk of scratching the body or damage the sealing gum (in models with the same equipment). IP68) more than 70%.
A paper clip from the kit
Office paper clip
Special tool Xiaomi
Improvised means
Never opened it.-->
For Xiaomi smartphones with a hybrid slot (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G, where one slot under SIM + microSD), the tray can be pushed tighter due to the dual mechanism.
Features for models with IP68 protection (Xiaomi 13/14, Mix 4)
Certified devices IP68 (Dust and moisture protection) have additional rubber seals around SIM-This makes it difficult to extract, but you can't ignore the nuances, because the risk of moisture getting inside increases 5 times.
| Model | Slot location | Features of extraction | Risks of careless treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13 Pro | Left face (upper third) | Sealing gum, requires a force of 1.5-2 kg | Displacement of the seal → loss of tightness |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | Lower face (with the phone unfolded) | Double mechanism, tray extends to 3 mm | Damage to the hinge mechanism |
| POCO F5 Pro | Right edge (near the power button) | Standard tray, but with a reinforced spring | Bending of the paper clip with excessive force |
| Redmi K60 Ultra | Top edge (left of IR port) | The hole is covered with a decorative stub. | Loss of stub → ingress of dust |
After extracting the tray in models with IP68:
- Check the integrity of the sealing gum (it should be smooth, without cracks).
- Wash the tray with a dry lilaless napkin (wet wipes are prohibited!).
- Installation SIM-Make sure the contacts do not touch the elastic band.
What to do if the seal breaks?
4. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
According to the service centers, 6 out of 10 breakdowns SIM-The trays in Xiaomi smartphones are caused by common user errors:
- 🔄 Re-press without retrieving. If the tray didn't come out the first time, don't press the paper clip again -- the mechanism might jam. Instead, pull the tray slightly with your fingers.
- 🔧 Blunt objects, toothpicks, matches and plastic crumble, clogging the machine, and 30 percent of the time, that means you have to disassemble the phone.
- 💦 Wet hands or tools. Drops of water, when they get into the clip hole, oxidize the contacts of the tray. IP68 It voids the warranty.
- 🔋 Removal when the phone is on, although it is not dangerous for the device, in 5% of cases, the network crashes (reboot is required).
⚠️ Note: If you have noticed after removing the tray that SIM-The card is not determined, do not rush to carry the phone for repair:
- Reset the device.
- Check if the card is correctly installed (the chip should be directed downwards, the beveled corner should be directed to the body).
- Clean the contacts of the tray with a stripe (not metal objects!).
💡
If the tray is jammed and it does not extend even when pressed hard, try to heat the body slightly with a hairdryer (temperature not higher than 50 ° C) for 10-15 seconds. Thermal expansion can weaken the mechanism. Do not use this method for models with IP68 - risk damage to the seal!
5 How to insert SIM-slot-card (SIM + microSD)
Many Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro, POCO X5) equipped with a hybrid slot, where the second slot can be used either under the second SIM-It's a card, or a microSD card. It's got its own nuances:
- 📱 Installation order. If you use two SIM-Nano-SIM 1 is always placed in the top slot, nano-SIM 2 in the bottom slot.
- 🔄 Switching modes. In settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → In addition, priority may be selected SIM call-to-internet.
- ⚡ Speed: With a microSD, read/write speeds can drop by 10 to 15 percent because of bus-to-communication module busses.
Important: Hybrid slots don’t support memory cards larger than 1TB (maximum 512GB) and avoid using A1 (application-optimized) cards, which wear out the slot contacts faster.
| Configuration | SIM 1 | SIM 2 / microSD | Supported standards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two. SIM-map | nano-SIM (4G/5G) | nano-SIM (up to 4G) | Dual VoLTE, VoNR (in 5G-model) |
| SIM + microSD | nano-SIM (4G/5G) | microSD (up to 512 GB) | Only the main SIM is active. |
💡
In the hybrid slots Xiaomi second SIM-The card only works in mode. 4G, Even if the phone supports 5G. This is a hardware limitation and cannot be circumvented by software.
6 What to do if the tray is stuck or broken
If you don't have the tray moving after all the manipulations, don't panic.
- Check for foreign objects in the paper clip hole (dust, dirt). Use a flashlight and toothpick (careful!).
- Try to remove the tray manually: Turn off the phone. Place the device on a soft surface (like a towel). With a nail or plastic card, gently tuck the tray on the side (not on top!).
Contact the service.
800-1500 rubles
⚠️ Warning: If the tray is not fully out (e.g., 1 mm and stuck), do not try to pull it out with pliers. This will lead to deformation of the guides:
- Carefully press the tray inside before clicking (it should stand in place).
- Repeat the extraction procedure with the paper clip.
Solution: Try pressing harder (but without jerking), cleaning the hole with a toothpick or contacting the service.