Modern smartphones Xiaomi, whether budget Redmi or flagship Xiaomi 14, are distinguished by thoughtful ergonomics and high-quality assembly. However, the first step to full use of the gadget — installing the operator card — often raises questions for beginners. Mishandling the tray for the SIM can lead to damage to contacts or mechanical failure of the case, so it is important to know the exact algorithm of actions.
Unlike older phones with removable batteries, where the card was inserted under the battery, all modern models require the removal of a special miniature container from the end of the device. The process seems trivial, but has its own nuances related to the type of tray (combined or separate) and the format of the plate itself. It is important to know that the trays in Xiaomi are not universal for all models, even within the same brand.
In this article, we will discuss how to correctly install the communication card, what tools to use and what to do if the phone stopped seeing the network after replacing, you will learn about the differences between the Nano-SIM and Micro-SIM formats, and also understand how to safely remove the jagged mechanism without risking damage to the case.
Tool preparation and tray type determination
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need on hand. Most Xiaomi and Poco smartphones come with a special paper clip to remove the tray. If the original tool is lost, you can use a thin needle or stationery clip, before straightening it.
The main requirement for the tool is its strength and sharpness of the end. Dumb or too thick objects can slip and scratch the frame of the device, as well as damage the pusher mechanism inside the body. It is strictly recommended not to use knives or blades, as there is a high risk of injury or damage to electronics if accidentally slipped.
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If the original paper clip is not, use the needle from the sewing machine - it has a perfect thickness and does not bend under load, unlike stationery clips.
The next step is visual inspection of the smartphone's ends. In most Xiaomi models, the tray is located on the bottom edge, next to the USB Type-C charging port or headphone jack, but in some protected models or devices with moisture protection, it can be on the top edge.
So, look carefully at the hole next to the tray, and it's often micro-engraved with a little phone or a dot, and that's where you put the tool in, and make sure you don't confuse it with the microphone hole, which is usually on the opposite end or is shaped differently.
Determine the type of tray of your device. In the budget models of the Redmi Note series, you often find combined trays, where the second cell is designed for a microSD memory card. In the flagships of the Xiaomi Mi and Xiaomi Number series, trays are most often designed for only two Nano-SIM cards, without support for memory expansion.
Tray extraction and preparation SIM-map
The extraction process requires precision, but not excessive effort. Put the tool in the hole perpendicular to the body of the smartphone. You should feel the light support of the mechanism. Press confidently, but without jerking until the tray pops out a few millimeters.
Once the container is pulled out, gently tuck it with your fingers and remove it completely. Place the device on a flat, soft surface to prevent falling or scratching the screen. Now carefully examine the shape of the carved space in the tray.
⚠️ Attention: If the tray is not removed by pressing, do not apply excessive force. Try to slightly change the angle of the needle or push slightly deeper.
Xiaomi’s current smartphones are exclusively Nano-SIM. It’s the smallest card standard, with little to no plastic frame around the chip. If your larger card (Micro-SIM or standard), you’ll either need to replace it from the operator or gently trim it around the circuit using a special stencil.
Pay attention to the location of the chip and the notch (skos) on the map. There is always a schematic image on the tray showing which side the card should lie. Usually the golden contacts point down, and the bevel of the card coincides with the bevel in the tray. Incorrectly installing the map can lead to short circuit or no signal.
- 📱 Check that the Nano-SIM card is the smallest).
- 🔍 Find a schematic drawing of the map location on the tray.
- 🧹 Wipe your contacts. SIM-maps with dry soft cloth from dust and fat.
- 🔒 Make sure the card sits tightly in the notch and doesn't stagger.
If you use a combined tray, remember that installing a microSD card in the second socket often blocks the ability to use a second SIM card. You will have to choose which is more important to you: two active communication lines or an extension of internal memory.
Installation of the map and assembly of the device
Once all the components are ready, you can start installing them, and then you can put the map in the appropriate tray notch, keeping the orientation indicated on the metal frame, and you can put the map exactly on the same level as the edges of the tray, without protruding over them.
If the Memory MicroSD card is the same, the pins are down, the bevel is the same. Make sure the card is locked in the slots. Some Xiaomi models with moisture protection on the tray have a rubber seal that you need to check for integrity before installation.
☑️ Installation checklist
Now, put the tray back in the case of the smartphone, and you need to insert it in exactly the same position it was removed from. Usually, the tray has only one correct orientation, and if you try to insert it upside down, it just won't go in until the end.
Push the tray carefully inside until you click it, it should be level with the frame of the case and not protrude out. If the tray enters with difficulty, do not press, check if you have turned it around correctly. The forced installation can bend the contacts inside the slot.
After installation, turn on your smartphone. If the device has already been turned on, the Android shell system MIUI or HyperOS should automatically identify a new card, a notification of a found network or a suggestion to configure a new one will appear on the screen. SIM-map.
Network setting and SIM selection by default
Once the physical installation is successful, you need to configure the software part, and the system will ask you to prioritize maps, and you can choose which SIM will be used for mobile Internet and which for default voice calls.
To change settings, go to the Settings menu → SIM-Maps and mobile networks. This shows both cards, if installed, and you can rename them (e.g., "Work" and "Personal") and assign colors for easy identification in the dialing interface.
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile data | Map through which traffic is carried | Choose a tariff with a large package of GB |
| Default calls | Map for outgoing calls | A card with cheap minutes or unlimited |
| SMS default | Message map | Any active card |
| 4G preferably preferably | Network Priority for a Specific SIM | Insert for the main map |
An important parameter is the inclusion of VoLTE (Voice over LTE) mode, which allows voice calls over a 4G network, providing high audio quality and simultaneous data transfer. On Xiaomi smartphones, this feature is often turned on by default, but some operators require activation.
What to do if VoLTE is not working?
Also in this section, you can configure roaming if you are abroad. Be careful: enabling data roaming without a connected tariff can lead to significant costs.
Solution: the phone does not see the SIM card
Sometimes after installing the card, the smartphone writes No SIM-"Put in the cards" or "Put in" SIM". This is a common problem that can be caused by a software failure or poor contact.First of all, try restarting the device.
If the reboot didn't work, retrieve the tray again. Wipe the SIM card contacts with a wipe or an alcohol napkin. Make sure the gold chip doesn't have scratches or oxidation. Sometimes, light polishing of the contacts with a soft eraser helps.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use wet wipes with a high content of liquid. SIM-cards can cause corrosion of contacts and the output of the communication module from the.
Check the card on another phone, if it doesn't work there, the problem is the card itself or the operator has blocked it, maybe the contract has expired or the card is blocked due to a long absence of activity, in which case contact the salon.
In rare cases, the problem is software. Try resetting your network settings. Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. This action will delete stored Wi-Fi passwords, but can fix the communication module errors.
- 🔄 Perform a full reboot of the smartphone.
- 🧼 Clear the contacts. SIM-cards and wipe the tray.
- 📞 Check the card on another device.
- 🛠 Reset network settings in the phone menu.
If nothing works, it could be the tray itself or the reader inside the phone that's damaged, and you need to be diagnosed at the service center. SIM-Reader without experience is not recommended.
Features of different models Xiaomi and Redmi
Xiaomi’s lineup is huge, and there are designs in different series, such as the Redmi Note series (starting with version 8), which often uses a hybrid slot where the second card shares space with the memory card.
In flagship models such as the Xiaomi 13 or 14 Pro, trays often have increased waterproofing. Removing such trays may require a little more effort, and installing them may require more pressing before the click to ensure that the body is tight.
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Always check the specification of your particular model before buying adapters or trimming the card, as the bevel location may vary depending on the region of issue.
Some Chinese versions of smartphones (Global ROM may differ) have three card trays: two Nano-SIM and one MicroSD. Global versions are less common, and it is worth noting that the US versions of Xiaomi may not have a card tray at all, as they only use eSIM.
Models with a side unlock button (the fingerprint scanner in the power button) often have a tray on the bottom edge so as not to disturb the ergonomics of the grip. whereas devices with a screen scanner can have a tray in any convenient place.Always look for a small hole about 1 mm in diameter.