Replacing a carrier or switching to a high-volume internet fare often requires physical access to a card slot. Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphone owners may encounter different tray designs, especially if the device has been released in recent years. Understanding the type of your slot is the first step to a successful and secure module replacement.
Incorrect retrieval actions can damage the mechanism or the card itself. Modern models often use combined slots or are completely devoid of retractable trays, which is confusing for users who are accustomed to the classic circuit.
Before you pick up a paper clip, it's important to determine what design you're going to work with, and that's what the toolkit and the sequence of actions depend on, and data security and enclosure integrity depend on following simple technical rules, which we'll talk about later.
Determine the type of slot in your device
The first thing you need to do is to look carefully at the ends of your smartphone. SIM-The map is located on the lower or upper end of the case next to the noise reduction microphone. However, in some Xiaomi models, engineers hide the slot under the back cover, which requires partial disassembly.
There are three main types of designs found in the Chinese manufacturer's lineups: the classic retractable tray is the most common and easy to maintain. SIM-card and memory card, and the built-in tray requires removal of the back panel.
To accurately determine the type of your device, you can use the following reference point:
- 📱 Retractable tray: a small hole next to the frame on the end of the body is visible.
- 🔒 Built-in tray: no holes on the ends, the back cover is removable (often found in budget Redmi models).
- 💾 Hybrid slot: There is room for only one card in the second compartment of the tray (SIM microSD).
⚠️ Warning: Never force a paper clip into the microphone hole, it's located next to the slot, but deeper and smaller, and the error will cause permanent damage to the noise reduction system.
If you are not sure about the design of your gadget, you should first find the exact model name in the settings. Go to Settings → About the phone and write down the full name. This will help you find the specification for your device.
Required tools for extraction
You'll need a minimal set of tools to do the surgery, and ideally, you'll need to use the original metal clip that comes with the box, and it's precisely shaped and sized to provide safe pressure on the locking mechanism.
If the original paperclip is lost, which happens often, alternatives can be used, such as a regular paperclip that is straight straight, or a thin needle from a sewing set, the main requirement is that the object must be metallic and strong enough not to bend when pressed.
It is not recommended to use the following items:
- 🚫 Dental cleanses: They often break down inside the mechanism, blocking the extraction.
- 🚫 Stepler braces: too thin and can scratch internal contacts.
- 🚫 Scissors or knives: high risk of damage to the body or injury.
Also prepare a soft fabric or microfiber. Put the phone down on a clean surface to avoid scratching the display or glass during manipulation. Cleanness of the workplace is important, as dust can get inside the case when the slot is opened.
Instructions for models with retractable tray
This is the most common scenario for Mi flagships and most Redmi Note models, and you can find a small hole at the end of the case, which can be surrounded by a thin metal frame or be placed right in a plastic insert.
Insert the tip of a paper clip or needle into the hole perpendicular to the body. Hold the tool strictly straight, without tilting it up or down. Press inwards with a sharp but steady motion until the characteristic click. The tray should extend a few millimeters.
Take the edges of the tray that appears, and gently stretch it out to the end. Don't pull it so as not to damage the spring mechanism. At this point, you'll see the map pad.
☑️ Extraction algorithm
Notice the shape of the cutout in the tray. Modern models use a bevelled angle to help you map correctly, the orientation of the map should match the pattern on the tray, the gold contacts always look down, and the cut angle should match the shape of the nest.
⚠️ Warning: Do not push the tray out completely unless absolutely necessary. The spring of the mechanism is designed for a certain number of cycles, and unnecessary movements can ease its tension over time.
How to remove the SIM if there is no tray (built-in slot)
In budget models such as Redmi 9A, Redmi 10C Or older versions, often missing a hole on the end. SIM-The card is located under the back cover, next to the battery.
First, remove the back panel, find a small protrusion or notch on the bottom or side of the case, designed to lick the lid, carefully insert the nail or plastic card (mediator) into the gap and swipe around the perimeter, snapping the locks.
Once the lid is removed, you will see an internal device that opens up in front of you. If the battery is removable, it may have to be carefully removed to access the slot, although in modern models the slot is usually located next to you.
Act according to the following algorithm:
- 🔓 Relax the locking screw or push the plastic latch aside (usually marked with an arrow).
- 📤 Carefully lift or push the metal frame of the slot.
- 💳 Remove the card with your finger so it doesn’t pop out too far.
When assembly, make sure that all plumes and cables, if affected, fall into place. The back cover should snap around the perimeter without gaps. The tightness (if claimed) or just the dust protection depends on the density of the cover.
What to do if the lid is not removed?
Working with hybrid slots and microSD
Many users face a situation where they have to leave two. SIM-In these trays, the second compartment (usually the outer one) is designed for either the second SIM or the microSD card.
If you need to get out SIM-If you want to use two SIMs and a memory card at the same time, you can't use a standard tray to make room for the flash drive. There are adapters, but they're not always stable.
Comparison of slot capabilities:
| Slot type | SIM 1 | SIM 2 | MicroSD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual slots | There is. | There is. | There is. |
| Hybrid | There is. | or | or |
| Single-symbol | There is. | No. | There is. |
When working with hybrid systems, frequent replacement of memory cards through a retractable mechanism can lead to wear of the contacts of the tray itself.
💡
Use cloud storage or Wi-Fi data transfer to change memory cards less often, which will prolong the life of your smartphone’s mechanical slot.
Installation of a new SIM-mapping
Once you have taken out the old card, the new card is installed in reverse order. Make sure the size of the card is consistent with the Nano-SIM standard used in 99% of modern Xiaomi smartphones. If your card is larger, carefully break out the extra parts along the cut lines or contact the communication salon.
Put the card in the tray, keeping the orientation. The cut corner should match the shape of the notch perfectly. You don't have to push the force, the card should lie flat. If it doesn't lie down, flip it over or check if you're putting it on the right side.
Carefully insert the tray back into the phone. It should go in smoothly. If you feel resistance, don't push, take it out and check the orientation again. The tray should slam flat on the body.
Turn on the device. The system must identify the new network. If that doesn't happen, check the status in the Settings menu. → The phone. → Background → SIM-It'll show you the status and signal strength.
⚠️ Note: If the phone is writing "SIM-card not found" after installation, try to wipe the gold pins of the card with a soft dry cloth.
Frequent problems and their solution
Sometimes it doesn't go smoothly. The tray may get stuck, or the phone may stop seeing the network. One of the common problems is that the tray doesn't come out. In this case, make sure you push right into the center of the hole and hard enough. The mechanism can be tight on new devices.
If the tray pops out, but the map doesn't read, it may be crooked. Remove the tray again and correct the position. It may also be a software problem. Try restarting your smartphone after you install the card.
In rare cases, network resets help. Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. This action will not delete your personal data, but will return network settings to factory values.