Change of operator or installation of a new SIM-The cards are a basic operation that every smartphone owner faces, but in the case of flagship models like the Xiaomi Mi 11, the process requires care due to the tight layout and design of the case. Improper removal of the tray can lead to damage to the mechanism or violation of the tightness of the device.
In this article, we will discuss in detail where the slot is located, how to use the clip correctly and what to do if the tray is not removed. SIM-cards and memory cards so that you can make the most of your gadget.
Before you start physically affecting the device, make sure your hands are dry and clean. Any moisture or dust that gets inside the case during card replacement can adversely affect the electronics.
Slot location and tool preparation
The first step in the process of installing a sim card on the Xiaomi Mi 11 is to find the tray itself. Unlike older smartphone models where the slot could be located under the back cover, it uses end placement. The tray is located on the top end of the case, if you look at the screen of the device.
To extract, you'll need a special key that comes with the phone, which is a thin metal brace. If the original paper clip is lost, you can use a regular paper clip, straightening one of its ends, or a thin needle. The main requirement is that the tool must be thin enough to enter the hole, and strong enough to withstand pressure.
⚠️ Note: Do not use sharp objects such as knives, wide-base pins or toothpicks to remove the tray. A knife can damage internal mechanisms, and a wooden toothpicking can crumble and get stuck inside the hole.
Visually, look at the top end of the smartphone, and you'll see an oblong oval element that has a micro-hole embedded in it, and that's where you're going to press, and it's important not to confuse this hole with a noise-cancellation microphone, which is also on the top end, but has a circular mesh structure and is located closer to the corner of the case.
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Before inserting the paperclip, lightly wipe the end of the smartphone with a dry cloth to remove the villi that can get inside when opening the tray.
The tray extraction process SIM-map
Technically, the extraction process is simple, but requires the right angle of inclination of the tool. Take a clip or key perpendicular to the end of the device. Put the tip of the tool into the hole on the tray to the end. You should feel the slight resistance of the spring.
Press with effort, but no fanaticism. The mechanism will work, and the tray will extend a few millimeters, then it can be tweezed with a nail or tweezers and completely removed from the body. Do not try to pull the tray with your fingers before it pops out, this can lead to injury to the nail or slipping tool.
The tray in Xiaomi Mi 11 is a combined one. It has two notches for Nano-SIM cards. In some regional versions, one of the positions can be combined with support for a microSD memory card, but the global version often supports only two SIM cards without expansion of memory.
| Position | Type of card | Features of installation |
|---|---|---|
| Slot 1 | Nano-SIM | The main number can be used for 5G |
| Slot 2 | Nano-SIM | Second number or memory card (depending on region) |
| Form factor | 4FF (Nano) | The smallest standard of SIM cards |
Notice the shape of the notches. They have a bevel on one side, which prevents the card from being placed incorrectly, and if the card doesn't lie flat, don't push it, flip it or turn it 180 degrees.
☑️ Pre-installing check
Installation and replacement of SIM-card
Once the tray is removed, you need to place the SIM card correctly. Take the new carrier card or your current Nano-SIM. Make sure it is free of damage, scratches on contacts or chips. Dirty contacts can lead to network read errors.
Put the card in the appropriate notch of the tray. The cut corner of the card should match the bevel on the tray. The SIM card contacts should be directed down to the smartphone screen when you insert the tray back. This is critical, because the face-up setting will cause the phone to fail to see the network.
If you use two SIM cards, place them in the appropriate slots. Xiaomi Mi 11 supports Dual SIM Dual Standby mode, which allows both numbers to remain active at the same time. You can take calls to one number while the second number is busy, or redirect calls programmatically through the MIUI settings.
⚠️ Attention: Insert the tray in only one correct position. If you feel strong resistance to pushing the tray back into the body, stop. Check the orientation of the tray - trying to push it by force will break the mechanism or damage the motherboard.
Carefully push the tray into the body until the characteristic click or complete disappearance of the edge, it should stand level with the frame of the body without protruding outside, and violation of the tightness in this place can reduce the effectiveness of moisture protection.
What to do if the SIM card is old format?
Network settings after installation
After you physically install the card, turn on your smartphone. MIUI It will automatically detect a new SIM card, and you may see input requests on the screen. PIN-code, if you have previously installed card protection, or suggestions for setting up mobile Internet.
To manage your SIM cards, go to the settings menu. The path usually looks like this: Settings → SIM-You can set a priority card for calls and the Internet, and turn on or off specific slots. This is convenient if you need to temporarily deactivate the second number to save battery power.
The preferred network type is available in the same section. The Xiaomi Mi 11 is designed to support 5G networks. Make sure that the preferred network type is chosen for 5G preferably if your carrier supports this standard and you are in coverage.
If the network does not appear automatically, you may need to prescribe the APN hotspot settings. These usually come in the form of SMS from the operator, but they can be manually entered into the mobile network settings menu. Incorrect APN settings are a common cause of "No Internet" issues despite having signal bars.
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Automatic APN setup occurs 90% of the time, but manually checking the access point settings solves problems with unstable internet.
Possible problems and solutions
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users can face a number of difficulties, most often the phone says "Sim card not detected" or "no network", the first thing to check whether the tray is tightly sitting, sometimes it may not fully enter the case due to dust or villi.
Another common problem is contact oxidation, and if you haven't changed your SIM card for a long time, it could have plaque on its gold contacts, wipe them with a soft dry cloth or a swallow, and check the contacts inside the tray itself on your smartphone in good light.
- 🔄 Restart the device after installing the card – this will update the registration in the operator’s network.
- 📶 Check if the data roaming service is active if you are abroad.
- 🔧 Make sure that the SIM card is not blocked by the operator due to an unpaid bill.
If the tray is stuck and not being removed, don't use excessive force. Try gently wiggling the phone horizontally, holding the paper clip in the hole. Sometimes it helps to tap the end of the phone on the palm (screen up) to move the mechanism from the spot.