Changing the carrier or replacing the SIM card with a version with a large amount of memory is a standard procedure that every smartphone owner faces. In Xiaomi devices, this process usually does not cause difficulties, but the design features of different models can confuse the inexperienced user. Wrong actions when removing the tray can lead to mechanical damage to the case or break the communication module itself, so it is important to clearly understand the algorithm of actions for your particular gadget.
Modern smartphones, whether the flagship Xiaomi Mi or the budget Redmi, most often use combined trays, where one or two Nano-SIM SIM cards are installed. In some cases, the second slot can be reserved for a microSD memory card, which requires special care when installing and extracting. Before starting any manipulations, it is strongly recommended to completely turn off the device to avoid software failures in determining the network after turning on.
In this article, we will take a look at all the possible options for retrieving a SIM card, including the complex cases of waterproof cases and models without a physical tray. You will learn what tools are best to use, how to proceed if the paper clip is lost, and what to do if the tray is stuck inside the case. The right approach to the hardware of your smartphone will prolong its life and preserve its warranty.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before you start to physically affect the body of the smartphone, you need to organize the right workspace. The surface should be flat, well lit and, preferably, covered with soft cloth or a special mat. This will prevent the device from slipping and protect the screen and back cover from scratches in the event of an unintentional fall.
The main tool for retrieving the tray is a special metal clip that comes complete with most Xiaomi and POCO smartphones. It has a pointed end, ideal for getting into the micro-hole of the ejection mechanism. If the original paper clip is lost, you can use a regular stationery clip, straightening one of its ends, however, you should be careful not to scratch the phone frame.
⚠️ Warning: Never use needles, pins or objects that are too thin to remove the tray. Needles may break inside the mechanism, and pins are often not rigid enough, which will only deform the hole without resulting in a result.
In extreme cases, when there are no metal fixtures at hand, some users try to use a sharpened pencil or toothpick, but this is an extreme measure. Wooden or plastic items can crumble inside the case, creating an even bigger problem. It is best to find any thin metal object with a blunt but durable end, such as a cloves earring or a special tool from the electronics repair kit.
- 🔍 Find the original paperclip in the box from your smartphone or use a high-quality stationery.
- 💡 Provide bright lighting to clearly see the hole to extract.
- 📱 Put soft cloth on the table so as not to damage the screen glass when working.
- 🔋 Be sure to turn off your phone before starting the procedure for electronic safety.
Tray search and standard extraction procedure
The first step in the process is to localize the SIM card tray, which is located on one of the side faces of the device in the vast majority of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models, most often on the upper or lower end, a tray that is a narrow metal or plastic frame that is inserted into the body fluently, and next to it there is always a tiny circular hole that serves to activate the ejection mechanism.
Once you've decided on the location, hold the instrument in your hand confidently, like a writing pen. Hold the tip of the paper clip perpendicular to the hole. It's important to hold the phone with your other hand firmly, but without putting too much pressure on the buttons, so that the device doesn't twitch at a critical moment. With a sharp but controlled movement, press the paper clip inward until you have a characteristic click or feel elastic resistance.
☑️ Pre-extraction check
Once the mechanism is activated, the tray will extend a few millimeters, allowing it to be grabbed by your fingers. Don't pull it right away if the tray doesn't come out - you may not have pressed the hold deep enough. Carefully pull the frame over yourself, trying not to stain it so as not to damage the internal contacts or the rubber seal that provides moisture protection.
Once removed, notice the location of the contacts. On the back of the tray, there's often a schematic hint showing you how to properly orient the chip. SIM-The angle of the cut sector on the map should match the same cutout in the tray. If you're planning on just pulling out the card, just push it out of the frame with your finger or nail, trying not to touch the golden contacts.
Features of extraction in protected and complex models
Owners of flagship models with increased moisture protection, such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro or some versions of the Redmi Note labeled IP68, may face a tighter tray. Manufacturers use denser rubber seals to guarantee protection from water and dust. In such cases, standard effort may not be enough and requires a little more pressure, but this should be done extremely carefully so as not to break the mechanism.
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the tray is removed, but the SIM card is stuck inside it or partially dropped out and jammed. In this case, you can not use sharp metal objects to pick through the inside of the phone. The best thing is to gently flip the device and lightly tap the edge of the palm on the soft surface, allowing gravity to do its job.
⚠️ Attention: If the tray is not removed after pressing hard, do not continue pushing with force.This may cause the inner lever to break.Try to sway the paperclip slightly or use a tool with a wider but still thin end.
The hybrid slot models deserve special attention, and in these, the second compartment can be either for a second SIM card or for a memory card. When you remove this tray, if you press your finger on it after removing the tray, it can "shot" and fly away in an unknown direction, so keep your finger ready while holding the card.
For models with a fixed back cover, but without moisture protection, sometimes there is an option where the tray of the SIM card is combined with the battery, but in modern Xiaomi this is rare. It is important not to confuse the microphone hole, which is also on the ends, with the tray hole. The microphone hole is usually located closer to the edge or in the corner and does not have a metal tray around it.
The eSIM situation: when there is no physical tray
With the development of technology, some new smartphone models, especially the American versions or specific configurations, may not have a physical tray for a SIM card at all, relying solely on eSIM technology. In such devices, the question of how to get a SIM card is transformed into “how to remove the operator profile.”
To manage a virtual SIM card, you need to go to the device settings. The path usually looks like this: → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Choose the eSIM. → Delete your profile. This process is completely software-based and requires no physical tools. However, if you need to get rid of eSIM completely before selling your phone, simply removing your profile may not be enough - you need to reset your network settings.
| Type SIM | Physical presence | Extraction method | Possibility of transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nano-SIM | Aye (plastic + chip) | Mechanical (clip) | Easy (to move to another phone) |
| eSIM | No (sweetened chip) | Software (settings) | Difficult (needed) QR-code) |
| Micro-SIM | Aye (old format) | Mechanical (clip) | Lightweight (needs adapter) |
| Hybrid Slot | Got it (combie) | Mechanical (clip) | Depends on the slot (SIM or SD) |
It's important to understand the difference between deactivation and deletion. Deactivation just disables the profile but leaves it in the phone's memory. Deletion erases the profile data, and you'll have to contact the carrier for a new one to reuse it. QR-Be careful when performing these actions, so that you do not lose access to the number.
What to do if the eSIM is not removed?
Solving Problems: A Stuck Tray and Other Difficulties
One of the most frustrating things is that the tray is jammed, and it can be caused by dirt getting in, by the bezel deforming, or by the contact oxidation inside the smartphone. If the tray is pushed a millimeter and stuck, don't try to pull it with your nails, you're just going to bend the thin metal, and you can try using a thin tweezer with blunt ends, gently grabbing the edges of the tray.
If the tray doesn't move out at all, despite the effort, it's possible that the ejection mechanism has shifted or broken, and then you can try to gently sway the phone in your hands, tapping it slightly on the palm of your hand around the tray, while pressing the paper clip, sometimes it helps the "get in place" mechanism. However, if you feel a metal crunch, you better stop trying so as not to damage the motherboard.
⚠️ Warning: It is strictly forbidden to use glue (superglue, epoxy) to glue a paper clip to the tray! glue will flow inside the mechanism and permanently disable the phone, making repairs in the service expensive.
Another common problem is that the SIM card loses orientation when installed, and then it gets stuck. If the card is inserted upside down or skewed, the tray may not close to the end or get stuck inside. In this case, if the tray looks even a little bit out, try using a thin needle to fit the edge of the SIM card and level it without taking the tray out completely.
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To prevent getting stuck, regularly wipe the SIM card tray and hole in the case with a dry soft brush, removing dust and pile that accumulate there over time.
Completion of procedure and verification
After successfully removing the SIM card or replacing it with a new one, you need to properly install the tray back. Make sure the cutouts on the map and in the tray match, and the card lies flat, not protruding beyond the edge of the frame. The tray is inserted only in one position - if it does not enter easily, do not press, but flip it over with the other side.
Put the tray in the case before the characteristic click, it should be equal to the frame of the phone and not protrude out. Then turn on the smartphone. If you change the operator or SIM card, the phone may request PIN-code PUK-Enter the data that is usually on the plastic card holder issued when you purchase a SIM card.
Check the connection status at the top of the screen. Signal level icons and network type (4G, LTE, 5G) should appear there. If the SIM icon is crossed out or the "No network" sign appears, try rebooting the device again. If the problem persists, remove the tray again and wipe the SIM card contacts with a soft dry wipe or wipe.
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Proper orientation of the tray and clean contacts are key to stable mobile communication. Don't be lazy to check the boarding of the card before closing the tray.