How to insert a SIM card in Xiaomi Redmi: step-by-step instructions

Installing a mobile operator card is the first and most important step after buying a new smartphone: Owners of Xiaomi and RedmiNano-SIM devices, which requires care when extracting and installing the chip.

Installation may cause the device to fail to see the network, or at worst, damage the contacts inside the slot. In this article, we will take a closer look at how the SIM card is installed in different Redmi models, explain the difference between tray types, and answer the frequent questions users have when they first get acquainted with the MIUI or HyperOS interface.

Before you start physically affecting the body of your smartphone, you need to make sure that you have all the necessary tools. Usually, a special paper clip is included with the phone, but if it is lost, a thin needle or even a nail earring will fit, the main thing is to act without excessive fanaticism, so as not to scratch the frame of the device.

Definition of tray type and preparation of tools

The first thing you need to know is what type of SIM card slot is used in your Redmi model. Depending on the year of release and the price segment, the manufacturer applies different engineering solutions. Most often, there are combined slots where one of the seats is intended for either a second SIM card or a MicroSD card.

On the side of the case, usually on the bottom left or right (depending on the orientation of the screen), you will see a small hole, which is where you need to insert the tool to extract. Important: never use thick objects such as toothpicks or pins, as they can break inside the mechanism or damage the extraction sensor.

There are three main types of trays that can be found in the Redmi line:

• 📱 Type 1: Separate slots for two Nano-SIMs and a separate slot for MicroSD (found less frequently, usually in flagships).
• 💾 Type 2: Combined slot where the second place is divided between the second Nano-SIM and the memory card (the most common variant).
• 🔒 Type 3: A lock tray where the card is inserted before clicking (typical of older moisture-protected models).

Make sure the phone is turned off before the procedure, although modern smartphones support hot replacement, but to correctly determine the network and avoid software failures in the operation of the radio module, rebooting after installation will be mandatory.

Step-by-step instructions for removing the tray

The process of removing the tray requires minimal effort, but it is important to follow the correct path of the tool. Take the paper clip in your hand so that the sharp end protrudes about 5-7 millimeters, this distance is enough to activate the mechanism, but not enough to damage the internal components.

Find a hole at the end of the body. It can be round or it can be shaped like an elongated oval. Put the tip of the clip perpendicular to the plane of the body. You should feel the lightweight spring rest. Press confidently, but not sharply, until the tray pops out a few millimeters.

Once the tray has jumped, gently pull it over the edge with your fingers. Don't pull sharply so as not to damage the plastic rails. If the tray comes out tight, try swaying it from side to side with minimal amplitude. Inside, you'll see metal contacts and notches under the cards.

⚠️ Note: If the tray is not removed after pressing the paper clip, do not use excessive force. Check whether you have exactly hit the mechanism hole, and not the microphone or noise reduction hole, which are often located next to the microphone or noise reduction hole.

Orientation and installation of Nano-SIM cards

The most important thing is to get the chip right. Nano-SIM cards are the smallest and don't have a bent angle in some versions, which can be confusing. But gold contacts should always look down to the motherboard, and the bevelled corner of the card should match the bevelled angle in the tray.

Look at the diagram drawn on the tray itself (if any) or on the body of a smartphone. Most Redmi models have downward contacts, and if you put the card incorrectly, it just won't get into the slots or protrude above the tray surface, so it won't close the case.

To install, perform the following actions:

• 🔽 Place the tray on a flat surface with contacts upwards (for convenience).
• 🧩 Insert Nano-SIM into the appropriate notch, combining the beveled angle.
• 👆 Easily press the card with your finger so that it “sits” in the frame.
• 🔄 Turn the tray downwards and check if the card falls out.

If you use a combined slot and want to install a MicroSD card, make sure it doesn’t block the SIM card’s contacts. In some models, the memory card is installed on top of the SIM card or in a separate compartment on the back of the tray.

Installation of two SIM cards and memory card

Many users choose Xiaomi for the ability to use two numbers at once. In models with a hybrid slot, the choice is between the second number and the expansion of memory. If you need both SIM cards, you will have to abandon the use of microSD or use cloud services.

When installing two cards, usually the first slot (SIM 1) It supports a wider range of frequencies and technologies, such as, 5G or frequency aggregation, whereas the second slot can only operate in mode 4G/LTE. Therefore, the main SIM card with a tariff for the Internet is better to install in the first slot.

The process of installing the second card is similar to the first:

1. Insert the first Nano-SIM into slot 1.
2. Insert the second Nano-SIM into slot 2, keeping the contacts in alignment.
3. Make sure both cards sit tightly in their nests and don't protrude beyond the edges of the tray.

If you use a memory card, insert it into the MicroSD bay. Note that in some low-end Redmi models, the contact of the memory card can be combined with the contacts of the second SIM card, which physically prevents you from using them simultaneously.

💡

Use Xiaomi Cloud or Google Photos cloud storage to free up space on your phone and use two SIM cards instead of one SIM and memory card.

Turning on the phone and initial setup

Once the tray is returned to its place (until the characteristic click), you can turn on the smartphone. MIUI It will automatically detect new SIM cards, and a notification will appear on the screen about the carriers found, if the SIM cards are protected. PIN-the system will request input before allowing access to the network.

Next, you need to set preferences for each card. Go to the Settings menu → SIM-Maps and mobile networks. Here you can assign which card will be used for mobile Internet by default and which for voice calls.

It is recommended to give cards clear names, such as “Work” and “Personal”, so as not to get confused when making calls, and in this menu you can adjust the traffic restriction or disable the second card if you need it only for receiving SMS.

Solution: the phone does not see the SIM card

There are times when, after installation, the device says, "No SIM card" or "Only emergency calls." First of all, check if the card is correctly installed. Sometimes the contacts oxidize. Wipe the golden part of the SIM card with a soft wipe or a napkin dipped in alcohol, and insert again.

If you're physically OK, the problem may be in the software part. Try resetting the network settings. → Connection and sharing → Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth, which will not delete your personal data, but will return network settings to factory settings.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone shows a request PUK-In the code, do not enter random combinations. PIN-The code blocks the card, but ten incorrect inputs PUK-The code will irrevocably block the SIM card, and it will be possible to restore it only at the operator.

In rare cases, the problem lies in the tray or antenna plume itself. If the card is not detected in any of the slots, and on other phones it works properly, you may need to change the tray or diagnose the communication module at the service center.

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90% of SIM card problems are solved by installing the chip correctly (contacts down) or simply restarting the device.