Changing a mobile operator or installing a new SIM card is a standard procedure that every smartphone owner faces. However, in devices from Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, the design of the trays can vary depending on the year of release and the price segment of the model. Wrong actions when extracting can damage the mechanism or the card itself, so it is important to know the exact algorithm of actions.
In this article, we will look at all the nuances, from finding a hole for a paper clip to solving problems with a stale tray. SIM-map without damaging the body of the gadget, and where exactly is the slot in various series of devices.
Whether you have a flagship or a budget model, the principles of working with a physical slot remain similar, but have their own characteristics. It is important to understand the difference between combined trays and individual memory card slots to avoid errors in installation.
Finding the place of installation of the tray on different models
The first step is always to visually inspect the case. In most modern Xiaomi smartphones, the SIM card tray is located on one of the side faces, most often the lower right or left side, if you look at the screen of the device. On older models or specific versions, the location can vary.
Notice a thin metal or plastic strip that protrudes slightly from the body or has a barely noticeable junction with the frame. That's what a tray is. There's always a tiny opening on the end of this element that's designed to be mechanically opened. In some protected models, the hole can be hidden by a rubber plug.
It is important to distinguish the SIM tray from other elements. For example, on the upper or lower end can be a microphone hole, speaker or USB Type-C connector. Do not try to influence them with tools. The card tray is always elongated and clearly delineated boundaries.
- 📍 Inspect the lower third of the side faces of the device in good lighting.
- 🔍 Look for an oblong insert with a micro hole on the end.
- 📏 Make sure it is not a noise-cancellation microphone hole.
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Use a phone flashlight or bright lamp to better view tray joints on black cases where they are almost invisible.
If you can’t find a tray on either side, it’s possible your device supports eSIM technology or has a hidden slot under the back cover (which is typical of very old models with a removable battery, but these are rare). 99% of the time on current models of the Redmi Note or Mi series, the tray is on the side.
Required tools for extraction
So for the operation, you'll need a special tool that's usually bundled with a new smartphone, which is a small metal needle clip that has the optimal thickness and a pointed end, so you can gently press the internal mechanism of the lock without damaging it.
If the original paper clip is lost, you can use a regular paper clip to straighten one of its ends, and the key is to make sure that the end is thin enough to go into the hole, but strong enough to withstand the force, and thin nail earrings or sewing needles will also work, but you need to be extremely careful with them.
⚠️ Warning: Never use thick objects such as toothpicks (they break inside), blunt-ended pins, or knives.This can lead to tool getting stuck or damage to internal contacts.
In some rare cases, when the tray is jammed, users try to use tweezers, which is only permissible if you are professionally skilled in the tool, as slippery metal sponges can slip and scratch the body or on-screen plume if you hit the joint.
☑️ Preparation for extraction SIM
Step-by-step extraction instruction SIM-map
The extraction process is quite simple, but requires care. First, make sure the smartphone is turned off or at least the screen is turned off to avoid accidental taps or short circuits, although modern power controllers are well protected.
Place the phone so that the tray looks at you. Insert the tip of the paperclip strictly perpendi!
Why can't you push the curve?
You don't have to pierce the device right through. You have to feel a slight click or a resistance that changes into a motion. Smoothly but confidently push in.
Once the tray is extended a few millimeters, remove the paperclip. Don't pull the tray over the edge with your nails unless it comes out easily. Take it over the side edges with your fingers and smoothly stretch it out to the end. Put the extracted element on a hard surface so you don't lose it.
- 📱 Place your smartphone side by side with a tray to yourself.
- 📌 Insert the needle into the hole at right angles.
- 💪 Press until characteristic click and pull out.
- 👐 Carefully remove the tray with your fingers.
On the back of the tray, you'll see notches for cards. Depending on the model, it could be a combined Hybrid SIM slot (one SIM + memory card or two SIMs) or separate slots. Notice the diagram drawn on the tray itself - it shows the correct orientation of the chip.
Features of the design of trays Xiaomi and POCO
Xiaomi engineers use different types of trays. Redmi series budget models often feature plastic trays that are more flexible but also more fragile. The Mi and Xiaomi series use metal trays with rubber seals to protect against moisture on IP53 or IP68.
In such designs, the second slot can work either as a second SIM or as a microSD card, but not simultaneously. If you want to use two SIM cards and a flash drive, you will have to choose one or use cloud services.
| Type of tray | Slot 1 | Slot 2 | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triple (Dedicated) | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM | A separate microSD space, you can use everything at once. |
| Hybrid (Hybrid) | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM / microSD | You need to choose: two SIMS OR SIMS + memory |
| Single | Nano-SIM | - | It is available in some versions for the United States or very old models. |
When installing a new card, make sure it is Nano-SIM. The older Mini and Micro formats won’t work without a special adapter, which is also Nano-SIM in size. Adapters can get stuck in the tray, so it’s better to cut out or order the correct size from the operator right away.
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Always check the circuit on the tray before installing the card. Incorrect upward orientation of the chip can lead to no network or damage to contacts.
What to do if the tray is stuck or not taken out
When the tray fails, it's not common, but it causes panic, most often because the hole is polluted with dust or because the tray is skewed inside the case, and don't use excessive force, it's a direct route to breakage.
Try to gently wobble the paperclip inside the hole, changing the angle of inclination by several degrees, while simultaneously slightly pressing. Sometimes it helps to lightly tap the edge of the palm on the side of the smartphone near the tray to shake off the inner spring.
⚠️ Warning: If the tray is out but stuck halfway, don't pull it sharply.Try to tamper with the edge with a thin plastic card or nail, but avoid metal tools to avoid closing contacts.
As a last resort, if the tray is deformed and not removed, it is better to contact the service center. Self-disassembly of the case to access the tray from the inside requires special skills and tools, and leads to loss of warranty.
Frequent mistakes when working with SIM-tray
One of the most common mistakes is to place the card "by eye" without checking the circuitry: the chip must look down (or up, depending on the model), and the cut corner of the card must match the shape of the tray. If the card does not lie perfectly flat, do not press it.
Another mistake is trying to shove non-standard sized cards or sticker cards into the slot. Even a thin phone number sticker glued to the back of the SIM can increase the thickness and jam the extraction mechanism.
Also, users often forget about rubber seals on moisture-proof models, when you remove the tray under water or in a dusty environment, protection is lost, always press the tray tightly until you click to ensure that it is leakproof.
- ❌ Do not use force unless the card is easily entered.
- ❌ Do not leave the tray open in a dusty environment.
- ❌ Do not insert cards with stickers or damage.
Proper operation of the slot prolongs the life of the device. Regularly check if there are holes inside for the paper clip pile or dust, and if necessary, carefully remove them with compressed air.
Network settings after SIM replacement
Once you've successfully pulled out an old SIM and inserted a new one, turn on your smartphone. An Android system with a MIUI or HyperOS shell usually automatically detects a new network. However, if the network doesn't appear, check the settings.
Go to the Settings menu → SIM-maps and mobile networks. Make sure the switch is for the right one. SIM-If you use two cards, check which one is chosen for mobile internet and default calls.
In some cases, manual settings of APNs (access points) are required, especially if you use virtual carrier cards or roaming.The operator usually sends settings automatically as an SMS, but these can be found on the service provider's website.