How to open a tray of SIM-cards in Xiaomi phones: instructions with photos and life hacks

You just bought a new Xiaomi or decided to change operator, but can not remove the tray for the new Xiaomi. SIM-This problem is familiar to many smartphone owners of the brand — especially if you used to use devices with retractable rear covers. POCO The tray is hidden inside the case, and you need a special key or a tool to extract it?

In this article, we will discuss all ways of opening. SIM-tray - from a standard key to improvised tools (clips, needles, pins). You will learn how to avoid typical mistakes (for example, breaking a latch or jamming the tray), what to do if the slot is not pushed out, and how the mechanisms differ in different models - from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 14!

1. Where is the tray located SIM-Xiaomi maps and how to find them

In 90% of models Xiaomi trays for SIM-The map is located on the right end of the case (if you look at the screen), the exceptions are some old models (for example, Mi). A1 Or Mi Max 2, where the slot can be on the top end, so you don't make a mistake:

• 🔍 Look at the right side of the phone and look for a small hole (≈1 mm) with a metal rim. This is a key socket.
• 📏 The hole distance from the bottom edge varies: in the Redmi Note 12 it is closer to the center, and in the Xiaomi 13 Pro – almost at the corner.
• 🎨 In some models (for example, POCO F5) the hole is illuminated by a colored mark - green or red.

If you can't find a slot, check the phone's hardware -- there should be a diagram in the box that shows all the connectors, or search the FAQ model.

⚠️ Note: Do not confuse the hole for SIM-The microphone hole is usually smaller (≈0.5 mm) and closer to the bottom end. By inserting the key into the microphone, you risk damaging the membrane.

2. Standard method: how to open the tray with a key from the kit

In the box of every Xiaomi smartphone, there is a small metal key (sometimes plastic) that looks like a paper clip with a curved end.

1. Turn off your phone (optional, but recommended for safety).
2. Put the key in the tray hole with the bent end forward to the end.
3. Press with a force of ≈1-1.5 kg - a click should be heard.
4. The tray will be pushed out by 2-3 mm - pull it with your fingers to the end.

If the key is lost, it's okay, it can be replaced by means at hand, but remember, using the wrong tools (like a toothpick or a knife) in 30% of cases leads to a break in the latch of the tray.

The phone is switched off (optional, but safer)|

Is there any dirt in the key hole |

Do you use the original key or analogue?|

Keep your phone horizontally (so that the tray doesn't fall out)-->

3.Than to replace the key: 5 working alternatives

No key at hand? Here's what you can use instead (from best to worst):

Whatever tool you choose, make sure you:

• 📏 Its diameter did not exceed 1 mm (otherwise it will get stuck in the hole).
• 🔧 The tip was flat, without burrs (so as not to scratch the body).
• 🤏 Pressed strictly perpendicular to the body (not at an angle!).

The original key from the set |

Paperclip |

Needle/pin |

Something else (write in the comments)|-->

4.What to do if the tray is not pushed: 4 reasons and solutions

The tray is jammed and it doesn't respond to the key press, and here are the most common causes and ways to fix them:

Reason 1: Dirt or dust in the machine

If the phone was often carried in your pocket or used without a cover, dust could get into the key hole.

1. Blow the hole with compressed air (a canister for cleaning equipment).
2. Carefully clean it with a toothpick soaked in alcohol.
3. Try to put the key back in.

Reason 2: A deformed key or tool

If a paper clip or needle bends inside the hole, it can block the mechanism.

• 🔧 Take tweezers and carefully remove the debris.
• 🔄 Try another tool (such as an earring).

Reason 3: Breaking the latch tray

If you don't hear a click when you press the key, you may have broken the spring inside the mechanism.

⚠️ Warning: Don't try to pull the tray out with pliers or other tools - this could damage the motherboard! Better contact the service center. The average cost of fixing the latch in 2026 is 800-1500 ₽.

Reason 4: The phone fell or was deformed

After the impact, the body could bend a little bit, blocking the tray.

• 🔨 Carefully press the case next to the slot (for example, wrapping the phone with a cloth and pressing against the table).
• 📱 If it doesn’t help, bring it to the service (maybe you will need a disassembly).

5. Features of trays in different models of Xiaomi

Not all trays are the same! Depending on the Xiaomi model, they may differ:

• 📱 Budget models (Redmi) 10A, POCO M4): Plastic tray, latch weak - easily breaks with strong pressing.
• 📱 Mid-segment (Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 11 Lite): a metal tray with a reinforced spring - requires more effort when extracting.
• 📱 Flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, MIX Fold 3: a rubber seal tray (to protect against moisture) and the characteristic "cotton" can be heard when extracted".
• 📱 ESIM-enabled models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi) K60): They can have a combined tray (nano-SIM). + eSIM).

In some models (for example, Black Shark 5) the tray is located under a removable lid - it must be opened first, and then removed. SIM-And in the Xiaomi Civi 3, the slot is combined with the power button, you press the key at an angle of 15.°.

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If you have Xiaomi with support 5G, Check that the tray is installed correctly – some models require specific orientation SIM-Maps for working in the fifth generation network.

6 How to insert SIM-Map back: step-by-step instructions

You took out the tray, and now you don't know how to insert the card correctly?

1. Place the tray on a flat surface with contacts upwards.
2. Place the nano-SIM in the appropriate slot (usually marked with a symbol) 📱 or SIM1).
3. If the tray supports two cards, insert the second card into the SIM2 or MicroSD slot (if you plan to use a memory card).
4. Carefully press the tray back into the case before you click. Don't force it -- it must enter smoothly!

Please note:

• 🔄 In some models (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) The tray has an asymmetrical shape - it can be inserted only in one position.
• 📶 After installation SIM-The card is not determined, try restarting the phone or checking if it is properly cropped (should be nano-SIM format).

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Never insert a tray with a skew - it can damage contacts SIM-maps and result in network loss.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when working with the Internet. SIM-Here are the most common ones:

• 🔨 Using inappropriate tools (knife, fork, screwdriver) - this leads to scratches on the body or breakage of the latch.
• 🔋 Removing the tray when the phone is turned on – in rare cases, can cause a modem malfunction (especially in models with Qualcomm Snapdragon).
• 📱 Installation SIM-cards on the wrong side - contacts should be directed downwards (to the phone body).
• 💦 Getting moisture into the slot - if the phone is wet, before removing the tray it must be dried (otherwise the contacts will oxidize).

To avoid problems:

• 🧴 Regularly (every 3-6 months) clean the hole for the dust key.
• 🔄 Before traveling abroad, check if your Xiaomi supports local frequencies (for example, the US uses different bands than in Russia).
• 📱 If you change often SIM-Cards, buy a spare tray (worth it) ≈200–400 ₽ AliExpress).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions