The situation when you urgently need to replace a SIM card or install a memory card, and the corporate paper clip is lost, is familiar to many smartphone owners. In Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices, the tray usually has a very tight fit to protect against moisture, so you can not tamper with your fingers.
The main rule to remember before starting the procedure is to be careful: do not use excessive force so as not to damage the mechanism of the spring inside the case or scratch the frame of the device. Mechanical damage to the trawler can lead to expensive repairs in the service center.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to replace a special key, which tools can not be used categorically and how to safely remove the tray without leaving a single scratch on the gadget. You will learn about the nuances of working with different models and understand why some methods are more risky than others.
Suitable alternatives for extracting the tray
The most obvious and safest replacement is a regular paper clip, which has the necessary stiffness and diameter, almost identical to the original key, and to use it, you need to unbend one end to get a straight stretch of about 2-3 centimeters, and the metal clip fits perfectly into the hole and transfers sufficient force to the lever of the mechanism.
If you don't have a paper clip, you can use a sewing needle. But here's an important caveat: needles are often too thin. When you press hard, a thin metal can bend or, worse, break inside the hole. Use only strong needles for denim or leather, after making sure that they are as thick as a standard paper clip.
⚠️ Warning: Never use sharpened objects such as scissors or knives to pick the tray.You can slip and seriously damage the screen or body of your smartphone.
Another great option is carnation earrings. If you or someone you know has a long, straight leg jewelry, it can be the perfect replacement. Gold and silver are soft metals, but if the leg of the earring is thick and strong, it will do the job without scratching the metal around the hole.
- 📌 Office paperclip - the classic and most reliable option.
- 🧵 Strong sewing needle – suitable if it is not too thin.
- 💍 Carnation earring - safe for the body if the leg is straight.
- 📎 Paper clip (small size) - sometimes fits in diameter.
Categorically Prohibited Instruments
The desire to solve a problem quickly often pushes people to rash actions. In pursuit of a tool, Xiaomi owners can grab the first thing that comes to hand. It is important to understand that some materials can cause irreparable harm to the electronics and mechanics of the device.
Toothpicks are one of the most popular but dangerous tips: The wood or plastic they're made of can't withstand the pressure needed to open a tight Redmi Note or Poco F tray. The toothpicks will just break, and a piece of it will get stuck inside the mechanism, locking it completely, and it will be extremely difficult to remove the wreckage without disassembling the phone.
Nor should you use handle rods. The rod's plastic is too soft and flexible. When you try to press it will bend, and a sharp plastic edge can scratch the inside of the hole. The spring mechanism requires a rigid, unbending rod that will transmit the pulse exactly to the target.
What to do if the tip of the tool is stuck inside?
Step-by-step: how to properly remove the tray
The process of extracting a SIM card is technically simple, but requires a certain sequence of actions to ensure security. First, find a hole on the end of the smartphone. In most Xiaomi models, it is located on the bottom or upper end and has a characteristic round shape.
Take a prepared tool (a paper clip or needle) and insert it perpendicular to the body. It is important to hold the tool strictly at a 90 degree angle. If you tilt it, there is a risk of scratching the frame or not getting into the lever. Press confidently, but without jerking, until a characteristic click.
☑️ Pre-extraction check
Once the tray is extended a few millimeters, remove the tool and slap the tray with your nail. Don't pull it sharply so as not to damage the contacts. Carefully remove the plastic platform, replace the SIM card or memory card, and return everything back before you click.
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The key to success is to keep the tool strictly perpendicular to the body to avoid slipping and scratching.
Features of different models Xiaomi and Redmi
Xiaomi’s smartphone lineup is extensive, and the design of the trays can vary depending on the series and year of release. In budget models such as the Redmi A series or the old Redmi Go, the tray is often combined: one side for the SIM card, the other for the microSD card.
Flagship models like the Xiaomi 13 or Xiaomi 14 are often IP68-standard waterproof. The trays in these devices have additional rubber seals that create resistance. They may take a little more effort than usual to extract, but be careful not to damage the rubber circuit.
In some models that support two SIM cards and a memory card (hybrid slot), the design can be complex. A reverse build error can cause the phone to fail to see the network. Always pay attention to the shape of the notch in the tray - it corresponds to the shape of the card chip.
| Xiaomi Series | Type of tray | Location. | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note (10-13) | Hybrid | Lower end | Tight landing, need care. |
| Poco (M, X, F series) | Separate/Hybrid | Lower end | Often combined with an IR port |
| Xiaomi (Flagships) | Two SIMs + eSIMs | Lower end | The presence of moisture protection, tight seals |
| Redmi (Budget) | Standard. | Upper/Lower | Simple design, easy to extract |
Risks of self-intervention
Despite the ease of operation, self-removal of the tray by improvised means always carries certain risks. The most common problem is the appearance of micro scratches on the aluminum or plastic frame of a smartphone. Even a thin needle can leave a trace that will be noticeable in certain lighting.
The bigger problem is damage to the internal contacts, because if you use a too thick object, you can warp the contacts inside the slot, which will cause the phone to stop seeing the SIM card, even if everything looks whole, and reconnecting requires soldering and microelectronic skills.
⚠️ Warning: If after removing the tray, the phone stops seeing the network, do not rush to disassemble it. Try gently wipe the SIM card contacts with a lastic and insert it again.
There is also a risk of damaging the button if the extraction hole is paired with a microphone (found in very old or specific models). In modern Xiaomi, the holes are separated, but mindfulness is good. Always look at the end diagram before you start work.
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Before you insert the tool, wrap the tip of the tool in a thin layer of insulating tape or tape, which will create a slight thickening and protect the walls of the hole from scratches.
What to do if the tray is stuck or broken
Sometimes it happens that the tray is removed, but stuck halfway through, or the plastic platform breaks inside, and if the tray is pushed out but jammed, try rocking it from side to side while pulling it out slightly at the same time. Don't use brute force.
If you have a piece of plastic or a tool inside, it gets complicated, and in this case, you can use tweezers with thin sponges, and if the object is metal and magnetized, you can try a powerful neodymium magnet wrapped in fabric so you don't scratch the body.
If nothing works and the tray is jammed, the only right solution is to go to an authorized service center, and the specialists will open the case without damage and replace the slot if necessary, in which case, self-disassembly will deprive you of warranty service.
- 🔍 Visually inspect the hole for the presence of foreign objects.
- 🧲 Use a magnet only for metal debris.
- 🛠 Do not pick inside screwdrivers – widen the hole.