Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the need to replace the carrier or install an additional memory card. The Redmi 5, despite its age, remains popular due to its reliability, but the design of the device has its own characteristics. Unlike newer models, where the tray is combined, it is important to understand what type of slot is installed in your instance, so as not to damage the mechanism.
The process of retrieving a card looks simple only at first glance, but careless actions can lead to a reader breakage or a tray getting stuck. In this article, we will analyze the algorithm of actions in detail, examine possible problems and answer frequent questions. The right approach ensures that contact areas and the device body are safe.
Preparation for map extraction
Before you start to physically affect the body of the smartphone, you need to protect the device from software failures. Although modern operating systems are able to handle hot extraction, in the case of Redmi 5, it is better to be safe. Shutting down the device will prevent possible data loss or software conflict in the event of a sharp communication break with the module.
You'll need to find a tool, a paper clip that came with the phone, and if the original one is lost, a regular paper clip or a thin needle will do, and the main requirement is that the object must be thin enough to enter the hole, and strong enough to withstand the pressure, but not sharp enough to scratch the case.
Make sure your hands are dry and clean, fat or moisture can make it difficult for your fingers to grip the tray after it is extended, and it is also recommended to perform the procedure in good light to clearly see the location of the holes and markings on the tray.
Location of the slot for SIM-map
The search for a slot is the first step where users sometimes make mistakes. In the Redmi 5, the SIM card tray is located on the top end of the device. This is the standard location for smartphones from that release period. On the side side, you will see a small oblong hole.
It's important not to confuse this hole with a noise-cancellation microphone, which can also be on the top end, but usually looks like a tiny round dot rather than an elongated oval. Redmi 5 uses a combined slot, which means you can install two SIM cards or one SIM card and one microSD memory card.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to insert the tool into the headphone jack (if it is on the model) or into the microphone, which will cause permanent damage to internal components and loss of warranty.
Look at the end carefully. The extraction hole should be clearly visible. If you can't find it, use a flashlight to illuminate the end of the smartphone at an angle.
Step-by-step extraction instruction
Now, we're going to go to direct extraction, which requires precision, not extreme force, and follow the algorithm to avoid damage.
- 📱 Turn off the smartphone completely, holding the power button and selecting the appropriate item in the menu.
- 🔍 Find a hole on the upper end of the case, next to which a micro-icon of the SIM card can be applied.
- 📎 Insert the tip of the clip or needle perpendicularly into the hole to the end.
- 💪 Smoothly but confidently press the tool until the tray jumps and exits the body.
After the tray is extended a few millimeters, remove the tool. Take the edges of the tray with your fingers and completely remove it from the body. Don't pull too sharply so as not to damage the spring mechanism.
If the tray doesn't come out right away, don't put too much effort into it. Try changing the angle of the needle or pushing a little harder, but control the process. A sharp jerk can break the plastic lock inside the mechanism.
☑️ Pre-extraction check
Tray design and card types
The tray in Redmi 5 is a very specific design, a plastic frame with metal contacts, and it's important to have the map correctly in place so that you don't damage the chip.
The tray usually has two positions. The first one is for the main Nano-SIM SIM card. The second position can be used for either the second Nano-SIM or the microSD card, depending on the modification and version of the firmware. In some regions, versions with only one SIM slot and a separate memory slot were sold, but hybrid versions are more common.
| Position in the tray | Type of card | Format | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slot 1 | SIM-map | Nano-SIM | The main slot, supports 4G/LTE |
| Slot 2 | SIM-map | Nano-SIM | Additional slot, can work in 2G/3G |
| Slot 2 (alternative) | Memory map | microSD | Up to 128GB, expands memory |
| Contacts | - | - | Golden color, require careful handling |
When removing a memory card or SIM card from the tray, be careful. The cards may stick slightly to the plastic base. Do not use metal objects to pick the card in the tray, you should shoot it with a nail or a plastic card.
What is a hybrid slot?
Possible problems and solutions
Sometimes the extraction process is complicated by technical difficulties, and the most common problem is that the tray is stuck and does not extend even when pressed hard, which can be caused by contamination of the mechanism, oxidation of the contacts or deformation of the tray.
If you don't get a standard press, try wiggling the needle inside the hole slightly, changing the angle of impact, sometimes the mechanism jams because of dust, and you can try to blow the hole with compressed air, but you need to do it carefully.
⚠️ Warning: It is strictly forbidden to use glue to glue the tray to the needle! The glue will flow inside the phone and disable the motherboard.
In extreme cases, when the tray is damaged and not removed, it may be necessary to disassemble the smartphone to access the mechanism from the inside, a complex procedure that requires electronics repair skills and special tools.
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If the tray is extracted tightly, lubricate its side faces with a minimum amount of graphite lubricant or simply grind a soft pencil with a griffle.
Correctly installing the card back
Once you have removed or replaced the SIM card, you need to properly install the tray back, and errors at this stage can result in the phone not seeing the network or memory card.
Make sure the card is in the tray straight and doesn't protrude beyond. If the card sticks out, when the tray is closed, it can damage or damage contacts inside the phone. The bevelled corner of the card should match the bevelled angle in the tray.
Put the tray in the phone in just one correct position. It usually matches the way the tray came out. If you feel resistance, don't push. Turn the tray over the other side and try again. A properly installed tray enters smoothly and before clicking.
After you turn on your phone, check the status of the network. If you see operator icons and signal level in the corner of the screen, then the procedure was successful. If you see the word "No SIM card", try to wipe the SIM card contacts with a soft dry cloth.
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The tray enters the phone in only one position, and if you have to push, you're doing something wrong.