Replacing a carrier or switching to a new tariff often requires a physical replacement of the media in your device. - Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and smartphones POCO face the need to extract SIM-The card is regularly used, whether for travel or for breaking the module itself, and despite the seemingly simple procedure, careless actions can damage the tray or even the smartphone itself.
Modern models of the Chinese brand are equipped with combined slots, where the space for the SIM card is combined with a microSD memory card. This requires special attention when extracting, so as not to confuse the installation side or damage contacts. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the nuances of working with the tray, extraction methods without a standard tool and actions in non-standard situations.
Before you start mechanically impacting the body, you need to make sure you understand the design of your particular device. Different Mi series may have slight differences in the location of the holes and the type of trays used. Proper preparation and knowledge of the theory will help avoid common mistakes that often lead to service repairs.
Preparation of the workplace and tools
The first step is to create a safe space for manipulation, and you'll need a smooth, well-lit surface, preferably with a soft coating, such as a silicone mat or folded fabric, to prevent the gadget from slipping and to protect the screen from scratching in the event of an accidental fall.
The main tool is a special metal clip that comes with the box. If the original key is lost, you can use a paper clip by straightening one of the ends, or a thin needle. It is important that the tool is strong enough and does not bend under pressure, but it is not too sharp to damage the mechanism.
- 🔦 Bright light source for viewing tray opening.
- 🧵 Microfiber wiper for cleaning contacts.
- 📱 Cover (if it is not removed, it must be removed before the work begins).
- 🪡 Alternative tool (needle, thin pin) in case of loss of paper clip.
⚠️ Warning: Never use scissors, knives or other objects with a wide flat blade to retrieve the tray.You risk damaging the internal mechanisms of the ejection button or scratching the frame of the body.
It is also worth preparing the new one in advance. SIM-card or make sure that the retrievable card you will not need in the coming minutes to log in to applications. If you are changing the card, make sure it has the correct Nano-SIM format, as the older Mini and Micro formats in modern Xiaomi slots don’t install without adapters that can get stuck.
☑️ Readiness for extraction SIM
Extraction algorithm SIM-maps from Xiaomi
The extraction process is standardized for most models, but it requires care. First, find the end face of the device. Usually the tray is located on the upper or lower end, less often on the side side side side side side side next to the volume buttons. There is often a micro hole next to the hole, which is the target of your exposure.
Insert the prepared tool (clip or needle) perpendicularly into the hole. The movement should be confident, but smooth. You don't have to push with all your strength; the mechanism is triggered by a little pressure on the inner spring. As soon as you feel a slight click and the tray is pushed out a little, remove the tool.
Force direction: strictly perpendicular to the hull edge
Pressure force: moderate, until the first clickAfter the tray is pushed a few millimeters, gently tuck it with a nail or tweezers and remove it completely. Pay attention to the orientation of the map: Xiaomi trays often have a notch under the size of the card, which tells you how to put it properly. SIM-The cards should always match the angle in the tray.
| Phase | Action. | nuance |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Search. | Find the hole on the end | Use a flashlight in bad light |
| 2.Puncture. | Put the paper clip in the hole | Hold the instrument strictly perpendicular |
| 3.Pushing | Push until you click. | Not to use excessive force |
| 4. Extract | Pull the tray with your fingers | Don't pull on yourself. SIM-map |
⚠️ Attention: If the tray does not extend after pressing, do not try to pick the hole wider. You may not be hitting the ejection mechanism, but the plastic part of the housing next to the hole.
On one side is the first SIM, on the back is the second or memory card, and be careful when you remove the tray, so you don't lose the small cards that you might get when you're not moving.
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Before installing a new one SIM-wipe its metal contacts with dry soft cloth. Fat contamination can lead to unstable signal or errors in reading the network.
What to do if the tray is stuck or broken
The situation where the tray SIM-It gets stuck inside the body, it's infrequent, but it can be a serious problem, most often it's due to the deformation of the tray itself, getting dust inside the mechanism, or using a needle that's too thick to jam the spring.
If the tray is only a millimeter out and it's not going anywhere, try using a thin tweezer with sharp ends. Carefully grab the edge of the tray and, swaying from side to side, try to pull it out. The main thing here is not to damage the rubber seal, which is often glued to the end of the tray to protect against moisture.
In more complicated cases, when the tray does not respond to the pressing of the paper clip, the internal ejection lever may have broken, and in this situation, you can try using glue, and a drop of super glue is applied to the end of the flattened paper clip, which is then carefully applied to the end of the stuck tray.
- ⏳ Wait for the glue to dry completely (usually) 1-2 minute).
- 🧲 Carefully pull the tool on yourself, trying not to pull sharply.
- 🧹 Clean the glue residue from the tray before re-installing.
⚠️ Warning: Use of glue is a method of last resort, there is a risk that the glue will leak into the case and damage the motherboard or battery. Use this method only if other methods do not help and you are ready to take risks.
If the tray is deformed (bent), it may not be possible to install it back without alignment. Trying to shove the bent metal inside will damage the reader's contact group, in which case it is better to order a new tray at the service center or on the marketplaces, indicating the exact model of the smartphone.
Can I use my phone without a tray?
Features of extraction in different models Xiaomi
Xiaomi’s lineup of devices is extensive, and the design of slots may differ. The budget models of the Redmi Note and Redmi series often use plastic trays, which are more prone to deformation, and they can be less sensitive, requiring a slightly stronger, but tidy press.
The flagship Mi and Xiaomi series (e.g., series 11, 12, 13, 14) are often equipped with metal trays with rubber seals around the perimeter for IP68 or IP53 protection. When removing such trays, it is important not to damage the rubber rope, as its violation will lead to loss of moisture protection of the device.
The eSIM-enabled models are worth noting, and in such devices, the physical tray can be combined with software settings, and while the physical extraction procedure remains the same, the user should remember that deleting the physical card will not disable the virtual profile if it is activated.
Some older or specific models (such as the Redmi 4X or Redmi Note 3) may have had a modern-day removable tray, or require the removal of the back cover.
Programmatic aspects and data security
Although extraction SIM-It's a physical action, it has programmatic consequences. MIUI HyperOS can respond to card retrieval with a notification, and if the card contains contacts (which are rare, but sometimes), they need to be stored in the cloud or in the phone's memory before being retrieved.
The issue of security is also important. SIM-map may be installed PIN-If you re-instal the card on your phone or other gadget, the system will require you to enter it. Make sure you remember the code, or turn off the request in the password and security settings. → Protection SIM-pre-extract.
If you are retrieving a card for use on another device, check if the card is locked by the operator via IMEI (in rare cases of theft or loss).It is also worth remembering that retrieving the card does not delete the history of calls and SMS if they are stored in the phone's memory, not on the SIM.
- 📲 Backup contacts before extraction.
- 🔒 Check the lock status. SIM-card-card.
- ☁️ Sync your data with your Mi Account or Google.
⚠️ Attention: Don't pull out SIM-the card at the time of recording a conversation, transferring data or updating the operator's system files, this can lead to a software failure in the communication module, requiring a reboot of the smartphone.
For users who change cards frequently, it is recommended to use adapters carefully. Cheap plastic adapters can get stuck in the Xiaomi tray due to the slightest thickness mismatch. It is better to use Nano-SIM cards directly or professionally cropped from the operator.
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Regular cleaning of contacts SIM-maps and trays from oxidation and dust prolong the life of the reader and provide a stable network signal.
Frequent errors in SIM extraction
One of the most common mistakes is trying to remove the tray when the phone is on and in active use. While the Hot-Swap standard is supported, in rare cases it can cause a short-term failure of the radio module, it is safer to perform the procedure on the device turned off or in flight mode.
Another mistake is to use excessive force, and the ejection mechanism is designed to be forceful, and if the tray doesn't come out, it means something is in the way of dirt, warping, or marriage, and the pressure "to the point" can cause the clip needle to bend inside the machine, and it's extremely difficult to get it out without disassembling the phone.
Users often confuse the microphone hole with the tray hole SIM-There are often several holes on the bottom of Xiaomi smartphones, and if you put a paper clip in the microphone and press it, you will irrevocably damage the sensitive membrane, which will lead to a deterioration in the sound quality of conversations.
If you see burrs, cracks or corrosion, you should replace it, and if you see a damaged tray, it can scratch the contacts inside your phone or get stuck at the wrong time.