Changing a carrier or installing a new SIM card is a routine procedure that every smartphone owner faces. However, in Xiaomi and Redmi devices, this process has its own features that can confuse an inexperienced user.
In this article, we will discuss in detail where the slot is located, how to safely remove it and what to do if the tray does not lend itself. We will look at the nuances for different models, including those where the slot for the second SIM and memory card are combined.
Modern Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with combined or separate trays, and it is important to understand the difference before starting the procedure.
Tools and workplace preparation
Before you start removing the tray, you need to prepare the workspace. You will need good lighting to clearly see the thin holes on the body of the device. Also make sure that your hands are dry and clean so that there is no trace of fat on the contacts.
You'll need a special tool to work with, which is usually bundled with a smartphone, and if the original paper clip is lost, you can use a thin needle or a paper clip, but you need to be extremely careful.
- 📌 Original paperclip from the kit or a thin needle to extract the tray.
- 📌 Soft fabric or a wipe made of microfiber for a smartphone substrate.
- 📌 Lantern (if the lighting in the room is not bright enough).
- 📌 Tweezers with thin tips (in case the SIM card gets stuck inside).
⚠️ Warning: Never use thick objects, toothpicks or scissors to extract the tray.The toothpicking may break inside the hole and the scissors will damage the latch mechanism.
Finding a tray extraction hole
The location of the tray extraction hole can vary depending on your Xiaomi or Redmi model.In most modern devices, it is located on the bottom end of the smartphone, next to the Type-C charging port or headphone jack.
However, in some models, especially those with moisture protection or a specific design, the slot can be located on the side of the device. Carefully inspect the perimeter of the device, looking for a narrow slot with a tiny hole in the middle or on one side.
If you can't find the hole, use a flashlight and look at the case from an angle. The hole is often barely noticeable and merges with the color of the frame.
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If you have a Redmi Note model with a side-finger scanner, take a close look at the top end – in rare cases, the slot can be there, although this is more of an exception than the rule.
It is important not to confuse the SIM card hole with the noise reduction microphone.The microphone is a round hole without a metal edging around, whereas the SIM card slot always has a clear oval or rectangular tray shape around it.
Step-by-step: how to remove the tray
The process of removing the tray requires accuracy and the correct angle of inclination of the tool. First, place the smartphone screen down on the prepared soft surface to avoid scratching on the display.
Insert the tip of the paper clip or needle strictly perpendicular to the hole. Don't tilt the tool to the sides. Press moderately until the characteristic click. The tray should extend a few millimeters.
☑️ Extraction algorithm SIM-map
Once the tray is pulled out, hook its edge with a nail or tweezers and smoothly pull out. Do not pull sharply so as not to damage the contacts inside the smartphone.
| Model of the device | Slot location | Type of tray | Support for MicroSD Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | Lower end | Combined | Yes (instead of SIM 2) |
| Xiaomi Mi 11/12/13 | Lower end | Separate | No (only 2 SIMs) |
| Redmi 9/10/11 | Lower end | Combined | Yes (instead of SIM 2) |
| Poco X3/X4/X5 | Lower end | Combined | Yes (instead of SIM 2) |
If the tray is not extended after the first press, do not use excessive force. Try to slightly change the angle of the needle or press a little harder, but control the effort so as not to push the mechanism inwards.
Features of combined slots
Many of Redmi’s budget and mid-budget models come with a combined slot, which means you can use either two SIM cards, or one SIM card and a MicroSD memory card.
These trays typically have two niches of different sizes, one for the nano-sim map, and the other has a specific shape that allows you to install either a second SIM or flash memory, and it is important to correctly orient the maps when you install them.
⚠️ Note: In combined slots, you can not use two SIM cards and a memory card at the same time.
When installing a memory card, make sure the contacts are downwards (to the smartphone screen, if you look at the tray from the side), and the bevelled angle matches the shape of the tray.Incorrect installation can cause the tray to not enter the end or damage the contacts.
What happens if you insert the memory card incorrectly?
What to do if the tray is stuck or not removed
When the tray fails, it is not common, but can cause panic, most often the problem lies in the sticking of the mechanism due to dust, moisture or deformation of the tray itself.
The first thing to do is make sure you're using a tool that's thin and strong enough, and a dull or thick needle can just slide through the mechanism without pressing on the hold.
Try tapping your smartphone body slightly against your palm in the slot area, holding it down with a hole. Sometimes this helps to displace the stuck mechanism. You can also try to gently tuck the edge of the tray with a thin blade if it moves even slightly.
If the tray is deformed and doesn't come back in, don't try to push it by force, it can damage the motherboard, in which case you should contact the service center.
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If the tray is stuck due to moisture, try drying the phone with a dryer (warm, non-hot air) for 5-10 minutes, directing the flow to the end of the device.
Installation and inspection SIM-map
After successfully removing and replacing the card, gently insert the tray back. Make sure it enters smoothly and to the end. If the tray enters with difficulty, remove it and check the orientation of the cards.
Turn on your smartphone and wait for the MIUI or HyperOS operating system to load. Pay attention to the top status bar: signal level icons and operator designation should appear there.
If the SIM card is undecided, go to the settings along the Settings path → SIM-Check if the SIM card is activated in the control menu, sometimes you need to manually select the operator or restart the device.
- 📶 Make sure that the golden SIM card contacts are clean and scratch-free.
- 📶 Check if the SIM card is blocked. PIN-(if any) if installed).
- 📶 Make sure the tray is inserted before the click and does not protrude beyond the body.
In some cases, you may need to set up APN access points to run the mobile Internet, which is usually automatically set, but you can manually enter them through the menu of mobile networks.