Owners of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco often face the need to replace the operator or install a memory card. SIM-The card is located on the end of the case and requires careful handling. Standard procedure involves the use of a special clip that comes with the package, but what to do if it is lost or lost in the bowels of the box?
The wrong actions when removing the tray can damage the locking mechanism or even the motherboard itself. It is important to understand the design of your device, since different types of slots can be used in different series of smartphones (for example, Mi Note vs. Redmi Note): combined or separate. Before you start active actions, you need to assess the situation and choose a safe tool.
In this article, we will discuss not only the standard algorithm of actions, but also non-standard, but safe ways to solve a problem. You will learn how to open a SIM card if you do not have a regular key at hand, and what you can not do to avoid turning a simple process into an expensive repair in the service center.
Standard tray extraction algorithm
The most common and safe method is to use a regular ejector, a plastic-thick metal pin specifically designed to get into the micro-hole of the mechanism, and find the end of the smartphone where the elongated tray is located, usually on the bottom or top of the device, next to a microphone or an IR port.
Insert the tip of the paper clip perpendicular to a small circular hole on the surface of the tray. Don't be afraid to press with moderate force - the mechanism is calculated to be pressured. You should feel a slight click or spring stroke, after which the tray will extend a few millimeters.
☑️ Pre-extraction check
After pulling out, gently pull the tray with your fingers. In some models, the Xiaomi waterproof tray may have a rubber seal that creates additional resistance on the first extraction. Don't pull sharply so as not to tear the seal. Remove the card, replace it and insert the tray back until the characteristic click.
How to replace paperclips: safe alternatives
If the paper clip is lost, many users panic and start looking for any sharp objects, but the use of inappropriate tools is the main cause of breakdown. The ideal replacement should be thin, durable and not bend under pressure. Consider the list of acceptable tools that can be found in the home.
- 📌 A safe pin is ideal if it is thick enough and does not bend. Use only the closed part, without the plastic head.
- 📎 Paper clips are classic, but you need to straighten them beforehand, so make sure the end is not too sharp to damage the internal contacts.
- 🧷 Carnation earring – A thin rod of earrings often has the right diameter and strength to open the tray.
- 🪡 Sewing needle – use with caution as it is very thin and can bend or damage the mechanism if you press the curve.
It is strongly recommended not to use toothpicks, wood or plastic can crumble inside the hole, and then it will be almost impossible to remove the tray without disassembling the phone, and avoid using knives or sewers, as their thickness often exceeds the permissible norms for Xiaomi micro-holes.
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If you use a straightened paperclip, slightly round its tip on a hard surface so as not to scratch the plastic around the hole.
What to do if the tray is stuck or broken
It's not common to have the tray not extending even when using the right tool, but it requires composure, and it's often because of a simple sticking of the mechanism due to dust or deformation of the body after a fall. At first, try pressing the paperclip harder, while putting your nail on the edge of the tray slightly.
⚠️ Attention: If you feel that the mechanism has hit a hard obstacle and does not move, do not use excessive force. 5-7 kg can lead to breakage of internal sleds or damage to the motherboard.
In the case where the tray is out, but stuck halfway through and not being pulled out by your hands, you'll need thin tweezers or pliers with narrow sponges. Carefully grab the visible part of the tray and sway from side to side, pull on yourself. The main thing is not to loosen the tray too much so as not to damage the contacts inside the smartphone.
If the paperclip falls in or the tray doesn't respond at all, the locking mechanism may be broken, so you can tilt the phone slightly down and knock on the end so that gravity can help push the mechanism, and if that doesn't work, you can trust the professionals to do the next thing.
Design features of slots in different models
Xiaomi smartphone range is extremely diverse, and the approach to organizing slots for SIM-Understanding the type of slot you have will help you avoid errors when installing cards. Budget and mid-range models often have combined slots, whereas flagships can have a separate space for the memory card.
In combined slots (Hybrid) SIM tray) second place is reserved for or second place SIM-You can't use two SIMs and a memory card at the same time. Flagship models like the Xiaomi 13 or 14 often don't have a memory card slot at all, and the tray is only designed for two nano-SIMs.
| Smartphone series | Slot type | Support for microSD support | Location. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note (budget) | Combined (2 SIM + SD) | Yes (instead of SIM 2) | Lower end |
| Xiaomi Mi (flagships) | Double (2 SIM) | No. | Lower/Left end |
| Poco X/F Series | Combined/Double | Depends on the model. | Lower end |
| Xiaomi Lite Series | Combined | Yes. | Lower end |
It's important to navigate the map correctly when you install it. There's always a notch on the tray that replicates the shape of the nano-SIM. If you try to insert the card with the wrong side, it just won't fall into the slots. Don't force it -- the card should lie level with the edges of the tray.
Why are there no new models for cards?
Problems with SIM recognition after installation
There are times when you successfully opened the tray, you installed a map, but your smartphone can't see it. SIM-Take the card and gently wipe the soft metal part with a stripe or dry soft cloth.
The problem can also be a software glitch: After a physical card change, it is recommended to completely reboot the device. If this does not help, check if your SIM is properly trimmed. Micro-SIM or standard-SIM cards, cropped manually, are often thicker than normal and may not fully immerse in the slot, which causes the contact to not close.
- 🔄 Reboot is the first step for any network problems.
- 🧹 Cleaning contacts – remove dust and oxides from the card and tray.
- ✂️ Trimming Check – Make sure the card is no thicker than the nano-SIM standard.
- ⚙️ Network settings - check in the Settings menu → SIM-Maps and mobile networks, whether the SIM is activated.
If the phone is writing"SIM-No card found or No service, try installing the same card on another phone, if it works there, it means the problem is in your Xiaomi slot.
What to do categorically can not be done
In pursuit of quick results, users often make fatal mistakes, the most common being the use of glue. Never try to stick a paper clip or toothpick to a tray to pull it out. The glue can leak into the mechanism, permanently locking the phone.
⚠️ Warning: Attempting to open the tray with a knife or blade inserted into the gap between the tray and the body is guaranteed to cause chips on the frame and may damage the screen or plumes passing near the end.
Another mistake is to use excessive force when stuck, a metal tray is stronger than the plastic rails inside your phone, and if you push too hard, you can break the plastic mechanism, and then the tray will stop fixing or extending.
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The best tool to open a SIM is the original paperclip, and if it's not there, it's better to buy a new one from an electronics store or ask someone you know than risk the integrity of your smartphone with the tools at hand.