Finding the location of the operator’s card often turns into a real quest, especially when there are no instructions at hand and the device’s body is made in a monolithic style. Many owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco for the first time face the lack of a removable back cover, which creates the illusion of tightness and inaccessibility of internal components. In fact, the tray for the Xiaomi card is always located on the end edge, but its exact position varies depending on the series and year of the release of the smartphone.
Incorrect attempts to open the case can damage the volume buttons or even depressurize the moisture protection, if it is provided by the design. It is important to understand that modern flagships and public sector companies use a unified extraction standard that requires the use of a special paper clip. In this material, we will analyze in detail the anatomy of various models so that you can quickly and safely install the communication module.
Before looking for a tool to extract, you need to visually inspect the perimeter of the device in good light.The slot is a narrow slit about 2-3 centimeters long, often hidden level with the frame.If you don't see the obvious hole, it may be masked by the color of the frame or located near the infrared port, which is often confused with the SIM card connector.
Standard slot location on different series
Traditionally, Xiaomi engineers have placed a communication compartment on the top or bottom of the case. Most Mi and Redmi Note models of the previous generation had a tray on the top edge, which was convenient for access when the phone was upright. However, in modern devices such as the Redmi Note 12 or Poco X5, manufacturers have shifted the connector to the bottom end, next to the USB Type-C charging port and speaker.
This change is driven by optimizing the interior space to accommodate more capacious batteries and improved antenna modules. If you hold your phone in your hand with a screen to your side, the bottom end of the charging connector is usually a microphone, and the right side is a speaker and the same tray for the Xiaomi SIM card. In some cases, especially in versions for the Chinese market, there may be an additional memory card slot nearby that looks identical to the main one.
It's worth noting that in ultra-budget models or older devices, the location may be off-the-shelf. For example, in some versions of the Redmi Go or Redmi 9A, the slot may still be on top. Always look for a thin slot that interrupts the antenna line or is between buttons and ports. If you find two identical holes next to each other, chances are one is for a second SIM card and the other is for a microSD memory card.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to insert a paper clip into a round hole of the microphone or speaker, this will cause permanent damage to the speaker system or board, and the warranty will not work in this case.
For a better understanding of the differences in design, consider the summary table of slots in popular series:
| Device series | Slot location | Type of tray | Support for microSD support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi 9 / Mi 10 | Lower end (right) | 2 SIM (Nano) | No (only 2 SIMs) |
| Redmi Note 10 / 11 | Lower end (left) | 2 SIM + microSD | Yeah, separate slot. |
| Poco F3 / F4 | Lower end (left) | 2 SIM (Nano) | No. |
| Redmi 10 / 11 / 12 | Lower end (left) | 2 SIM + microSD | Yes, hybrid or separate. |
| Xiaomi 13 / 14 | Lower end (right) | 2 SIM (Nano) | No. |
How to properly remove the tray: step-by-step instructions
The extraction process requires a minimal set of tools, but must be done with a certain amount of care: you will need a special metal clip that comes with the phone, or a regular stationery clip that is straight-lined, the key is to find the right hole inside the oval or circular recess on the frame of the case.
Insert the tip of the clip perpendicular to the plane of the end into the opening of the mechanism. Don't be afraid to press hard enough: inside is a spring mechanism that requires confident, but not excessive, effort. Once you feel a slight click and see that the tray has moved a couple of millimeters, you can remove the tool and reach the plastic platform with your fingers.
☑️ Pre-installing check
After extraction, carefully examine the plastic frame, it has diagrams showing how to correctly orient the chip. Usually, the bevelled corner of the card should coincide with the bevelled angle on the tray. If you install the memory card, make sure that the contacts are pointing down to the screen, unless otherwise indicated by the pictogram. Inserting the card at random can lead to short circuits.
You need to put the tray back in smoothly, without skewing. If you feel resistance, don't push it, take it out again and check the position correctly. The tray for the sim of the shaomi card should enter easily and completely, after which its edge will equal the frame of the body. The characteristic click when pressed back should not be, the mechanism is fixed due to the friction and density of the landing.
Nuances of hybrid slots and memory cards
Many users face confusion when using hybrid slots that allow you to choose between a second SIM card and a microSD memory card. In such designs, typical of the Redmi Note series and some Poco models, the tray has two positions for SIM and one for memory, but physically fit three elements simultaneously without special adapters.
If your smartphone only supports a hybrid version, installing a memory card automatically disables the second SIM card. This restriction is due to the architecture of the power controller and is not a defect. For those who need two SIMs and a flash drive at the same time, there are special adapters that turn one SIM card into a microSD format, but their use can lead to overheating or unstable network operation.
Risks of using SIM-microSD adapters
In separate slot models, which becomes the standard for the mid-to-high segment, you don't have any problems with the installation. You just insert the SIM cards into the designated space and the memory card into your own compartment, which may be on the same tray on the other side, or on the opposite end of the device. Always check the icons on the plastic holder itself.
⚠️ Note: Hybrid slot does not support hot replacement. Removal or installation of memory card and SIM card is possible only after the device is completely turned off, otherwise there is a high risk of software errors and data loss.
What to do if the tray is stuck or broken
When the tray for the Xiaomi sim card is not removed even with a strong press, it is rare, but requires composure. Often the cause is deformation of the plastic frame or getting dirt into the mechanism. The first thing you should try is to use a thinner and tougher tool, such as a special sting from the repair kit, to make sure that you are pressing into the center of the mechanism, and not into the edge of the plastic.
If the tray is out, but stuck halfway through, don't pull it with your nails or tweezers abruptly -- the plastic can burst. Try gently wiggling it from side to side, while gently pressing inward to unlock the latches, and then pulling again. Sometimes using sticky tape helps: stick a piece of tape to the end of the tray and pull over it, creating a uniform force across the area.
In the worst case, if the mechanism is broken inside the case, you'll need to disassemble the phone, which is a complicated procedure that requires heating the back cover and using suction cups. If you don't have the skills to repair, you'd better go to the service center, because a self-opening is guaranteed to take you out of the warranty.
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If the tray is stuck due to oxidation of the contacts, drop one microscopic drop of alcohol (not water!) into the slot and wait a few minutes. This can dissolve the contamination and release the mechanism.
Problems with definition SIM-postcard
You can do it right, physically, but the phone says, "No SIM card," or "Put the SIM card in." First of all, check if you've removed the security film from the gold contacts of the SIM card itself, which is a common but common mistake, especially with new Nano-SIM cards, where the chip is very small.
The second reason might be a loose fit: make sure the map is right in the recess and doesn't hang around. If the tray is loose, you can gently put a tiny piece of paper or tape on the back of the card (not on the contacts!) to provide better pressing, but it's a temporary solution, and it's better to replace the tray itself.
It's also worth checking if the phone is locked to a specific operator. If you bought the device abroad or from hand, it can be software lock Sim Lock. In this case, you need to unlock through a code or a programmer, just repositioning the cards will not help.
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90% of problems with the definition of a SIM card are solved by the correct trimming of the card to the Nano format and cleaning contacts with an alcohol napkin.