Insertion SIM-The cards in Xiaomi’s smartphone are a simple procedure, but even that can be a bit of a challenge for a beginner, especially if you’re talking about hybrid trays that hold two nano-SIMs and a microSD card at the same time, or models that support eSIM. Installation errors can result in a lack of network, damage to contacts, or even a tray breakage.
In this article, we will analyze all the nuances: from choosing the right tool for extracting the tray to checking the operability SIM We'll focus on the different features of the series after installation, POCO, Xiaomi 13/14 and budget models like the Redmi A2 or POCO M6. You will also learn how to avoid typical problems, such as when your phone can’t see. SIM-card after rebooting or gives an error "No service».
Types. SIM-Maps and trays in smartphones Xiaomi
Before you start installing, it is important to determine which type SIM-The cards support your model. Xiaomi's current smartphones use three basic standards:
- 📱 Nano-SIM (4FF) — most common format (12.3 × 8.8 Suitable for all models produced after 2016 year-end.
- 🔄 Hybrid tray – allows you to install either two nano-SIMs or one nano-SIM + MicroSD (up to 1TB) found in Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 etc.
- 📶 eSIM - virtual SIM, Available in flagships (Xiaomi 13 Pro, 14 Ultra) and some models for the European market.
To find out which tray you have on your phone, check the specifications on Xiaomi’s official website or look at the tray itself — it usually has icons with supported combinations. For example, if you see the icon SIM1 + SIM2 and SIM1 + SD, then it is a hybrid option.
Not all Xiaomi models support eSIM, such as Redmi 12 or X-ray. POCO M5s This feature is not available, while Xiaomi 13T Pro is available. Also note that in hybrid trays, when you install a MicroSD, you lose the ability to use the second tray. SIM-The card is a hardware limitation and it cannot be circumvented.
Preparation: What will be needed for installation SIM-map
Before you open the tray, prepare everything you need. Here's the full list:
- 🔧 A paper clip or key to extract the tray (combined with the phone) will do, and an unbended paper clip, but it should be thin enough.
- 📱 SIM-If you have an old micro-SIM, you can cut it to nano-format with a special stapler).
- 🔍 Good lighting – the tray is small and the contacts are small SIM-The cards are easily damaged if you act in the dark.
- 🧲 Magnet or tweezers (optional) – will help if the tray is stuck or dropped out SIM-card.
If you install a MicroSD, make sure it is formatted in FAT32 or exFAT (for cards larger than 64GB). Also check the speed class - UHS-I Class 10 or higher is recommended for recording 4K video.
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If you don’t have a tray key, you can use a thin needle or toothpick, but act carefully – the plastic mechanism is easy to break.
Step-by-step instruction: how to insert SIM-map
Now, let's get to the process. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid mistakes.
- Turn off your smartphone.This is not necessary, but it is recommended to avoid accidental taps or failures when removing the tray.
- Find a tray for SIM-It is usually located on the top or side of the phone (in Redmi models, more often on the right, in the right). POCO — On some flagships (e.g. Xiaomi 13), the tray may be at the bottom.
- Insert the paperclip into the hole next to the tray and press until you click.The tray should move out a little bit - pull it with your fingers.
- Put it down. SIM-You can put a card in the tray, pin down, match the notch on the map with the ledge in the tray. SIM microSD.
- Carefully insert the tray back before the click. Make sure it sits straight -- if there's still a gap, it's a good sign, SIM-card installed incorrectly.
☑️ Pre-installing check
If the tray is not inserted to the end, do not apply force - check if the location is correct. SIM-A common mistake is that users turn the card upside down or insert it on the wrong side.
Features of installation in different models Xiaomi
Despite the general principle, some Xiaomi models have nuances. Let's look at them in the table:
| Model | Type of tray | Support for eSIM | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/14, 13T Pro | Hybrid (2 nano-SIM or 1 nano-SIM + microSD) | Yes. | A tray with a spring-loaded mechanism does not require strong pressing. |
| Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 | Hybrid | No. | The tray is on the right. When you install the MicroSD, the second SIM turns off. |
| Redmi A2, POCO M5 | Normal (2 nano-SIM + microSD) | No. | It supports three slots at once, but MicroSD only works in slot 2. |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | 2 nano-SIM | Yes. | The tray is located at the bottom of the case. eSIM is activated via Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks. |
In models with eSIM (for example, Xiaomi 13 Lite) SIM-You don't have to use a virtual card to activate it:
- Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Add a mobile fare.
- Choose Use eSIM and scan it. QR-operator.
- Confirm activation – the phone will restart and the eSIM will be ready to go.
What to do if the eSIM is not activated?
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes face problems with installation. SIM-Here are the most common mistakes and their solutions:
- 🚫 The phone can't see. SIM-map: Check if the card is inserted correctly (contacts should be directed downwards) Also clean the tray contacts from dust using a dry brush or compressed air. If the problem persists, try another one SIM-Map - possibly old damaged.
- 🔄 The tray is not fixed: This happens if SIM-If the machine is broken, go to the service center, if you have a self-repair, you can damage the motherboard.
- 📵 Error "No Service" or "Emergency Calls Only": Check if activated SIM-The card is with the operator. → SIM-maps and mobile networks and select the correct network (e.g, 4G/LTE instead 3G).
- 🔋 The phone overheats after installation SIM: This could be due to a malfunction in the communications module. SIM-If the heat stops, ask the operator to change the card.
⚠️ Attention: If after installation SIM-The phone stopped turning on or gives an error SIM-The card is damaged, remove it immediately, and it may be that the card's contacts are closed, and this may damage the phone's communications controller.
Another common problem is the conflict between the two. SIM-If one of them is not catching the network, try swapping them in the tray. Also check the network priority settings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network priority.
How to get stuck SIM-card
If the tray is jammed or SIM-The card fell inside the case, don't panic:
- Try to remove the tray with a magnet, and hold a powerful neodymium magnet to the tray's location, which sometimes helps to move the mechanism.
- Use tweezers if the tray is out, but not out. Carefully tuck it over the edge without pressing the tray itself. SIM-map.
- If SIM-The card is stuck inside, don't try to get it out with a paper clip, it can damage your contacts.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal objects (knives, screwdrivers) to remove the tray - this can scratch the body or damage the antenna lines inside the phone. If the tray breaks, it will cost less to replace it than repairing the motherboard.
As a last resort, you can try to blow through the tray hole with compressed air (for example, a canister for cleaning equipment), which sometimes helps to move the stuck mechanism. But if nothing works, do not take risks - contact the professionals.
Checking after installation
After installation SIM-You need to make sure that everything works correctly:
☑️ Verification SIM-postcard
If something's not working:
- 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes it helps the system to initialize correctly SIM-map.
- 📶 Check your network settings: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Name of the access point (APN) Make sure that the parameters meet the requirements of your operator.
- 🔧 Update the firmware: go to Settings → The phone. → Update the system and install the latest version MIUI.
If the problem persists, try inserting it. SIM-A card to another phone will help determine if the card or the smartphone is to blame. SIM-controller on the motherboard (for example, after falling or getting moisture).
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If the phone doesn't see any of them SIM-map, but they work in other devices, this is an excuse to contact the service center - the communication module may have failed.