Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones have become the standard in the mobile industry, offering cutting-edge technology at an affordable price.However, despite the complexity of the software, basic activities such as installing a communication module sometimes cause difficulties for users who are first faced with bezel-less screens and compact housings.
Unlike older phones, where the battery was removed and the memory card was inserted into the side hole, modern devices require accuracy and understanding of the design of the tray. Wrong actions can damage the recovery mechanism or even fail the motherboard.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to insert a SIM card in Xiaomi Redmi, consider the differences between models with combined slots and individual compartments, and also answer frequent questions that arise during the initial configuration of the device.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before you can physically affect the body of your smartphone, you need to prepare your workspace, light enough to allow you to see the fine details of the tray and the contacts, and the organization of the workplace minimizes the risk of losing small components.
You'll need a special paperclip to extract, which comes with the device. If the original one is lost, a thin needle or straightened stationery clip will do, but beware: an object too thick can get stuck in the mechanism.
It is also recommended to wipe the SIM card contacts with dry soft cloth if it has been previously used.Gold spots or dust can cause network recognition problems by the operator.
- 📱 Xiaomi or Redmi smartphone with the screen off
- 🔧 Paperclip for extracting the tray (comes complete)
- 💳 Active SIM card of Nano-SIM format
- 🧹 Dry walnut wipe for cleaning contacts
⚠️ Warning: Never use sharp objects such as a knife or pin with excessive force.This can damage the internal sensors detecting the extraction of the tray.
Determine the type of tray in your Redmi model
The design of a SIM card slot depends on the model and year of the device. Budget and mid-budget models often have a combined slot that requires a choice between a second SIM card and a memory card.
Xiaomi’s flagship models are more often equipped with a triple tray or a separate microSD slot, allowing you to use two SIM cards and expand memory at the same time.
Visually, you can distinguish the types of trays by the number of contacts and the shape of the cutout. A combined slot usually has one large area for a memory card and one small one for a SIM card, or one universal area.
Below is a table that helps identify the tray type by visual features and patterns:
| Type of tray | Visual signs | Supported models | Opportunities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combined | One large and one small notch | Redmi Note 8, Redmi 9, Redmi 10C | 2 SIM or 1 SIM + microSD |
| Triple (3-in-1) | Two small holes and one large one | Redmi Note 10 Pro, Xiaomi Mi 11 | 2 SIM + MicroSD at the same time |
| Hybrid | One notch that changes size | Older Mi series models | Only one choice. |
| eSIM | Lack of physical tray (rarely) | Global versions of flagships | Virtual SIM card |
Understanding the architecture of your device is key: Trying to insert a memory card into a slot designed only for a SIM card of a certain size can lead to a jamming mechanism.
The process of removing the SIM card tray
Find the extraction hole on the end of the smartphone. In most Redmi models, it is located on the bottom edge, next to the USB Type-C charging port or 3.5 mm connector. In some older models, the slot can be on the top edge.
Insert the tip of the paper clip perpendicular to the hole. You don't need to push at an angle, it can scratch the body. Press until you click lightly and spring resistance.
Once you click, the tray will extend a few millimeters. Carefully tuck it in with a nail or tweezers with blunt ends and completely remove it from the body. Place the tray on a flat surface with contacts up.
☑️ Checklist for safe extraction
Notice the orientation of the tray. There's often a diagram on the outside of the tray showing how to place the cards correctly, and if there's no diagram, remember which side of the tray was inserted into the phone.
⚠️ Attention: Do not push the tray out sharply and with great force. The mechanism of the spring is very small, and if a sharp jerk it can fly out and get lost in the carpet or grass.
Proper installation of Nano-SIM and memory cards
Modern smartphones use the Nano-SIM format, which is the smallest of the existing standards. If your card is larger, you need to carefully trim it along the circuit or replace it with a carrier.
Put the SIM card in the appropriate recess of the tray, the bevelled corner of the card should coincide with the beveled angle of the notch in the tray, the card should lie tight and not wobbly.
If you use a combined slot and want to install a microSD card, place it in a large notch.The contacts of the memory card should be directed downwards (to the tray contacts), and the bevelled angle should also match the marking.
What to do if the SIM card is not held?
Make sure the cards don't protrude beyond the edges of the tray. If the memory card is thicker than the standard or has a non-standard shape, it can damage the contacts when closed.
The point is to keep the contacts polarized. The golden contacts should look down at the inside of the tray, and if you flip the card, the phone won't see it.
Inserting the tray back into the smartphone
Once you've successfully placed the cards, take the tray and make sure it's oriented correctly. Usually, the bevelled corner of the tray matches the shape of the case at the installation site.
Put the tray in the hole all the way. Don't put too much effort. If the tray doesn't come in easily, flip it over or check if the cards are in the notches correctly.
When the tray enters the case, press it with your finger until the characteristic snap of the fixation. The upper face of the tray should be in the same plane as the phone body.
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If the tray is tight, try to sway it slightly from side to side until it is in place.Do not use a hammer or heavy objects to clog the tray!
Once installed, turn on the device. MIUI will automatically detect new SIM cards and suggest setting up network settings. If there are two cards, you will be asked to choose which one will be used for mobile Internet by default.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone says "No SIM card" after you turn it on, turn off the device and check the density of the contacts.
Network setting and troubleshooting
After the physical installation, you need to check the software part. Go to the Settings menu → SIM cards and mobile networks. Here you will see the connection status for each slot.
If the SIM card is undecided, try to clear the contacts with a wiper or an alcohol wipe. Also make sure that the card is activated with the operator and there are funds in the account.
In rare cases, manual operator selection is required. Go to Settings → Mobile Networks → Operators and turn off automatic selection, then select your provider from the list.
- 📶 Check if the network indicator is on in the status bar
- 🌐 Make sure mobile traffic is enabled for the right slot
- ⚙️ Check the access point settings (APN) internet-based
- 🔄 Reboot your phone after changing your SIM card
APN settings are often required when you first connect, and usually come automatically in the form of SMS, but you can enter them manually by taking data from the operator's website.
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The correct physical installation of the SIM card solves 90% of communication problems, and if the network does not appear after the correct installation and reboot, the problem may be in the card itself or a malfunction of the smartphone antenna.