Changing a mobile operator or installing a new memory card are standard procedures that every smartphone owner faces. However, in the Xiaomi Redmi 9 model, the company’s engineers placed the tray differently from most modern gadgets, which often causes confusion among users. Finding a hole to extract can take longer than replacing the SIM card itself, if you do not know the exact location of the mechanism.
Incorrect actions when trying to get a tray can damage the case or even break the locking mechanism inside the device. In this article, we will discuss in detail where the slot is located, which tools are best to use and what to do if the tray does not want to leave the socket.
Location of the slot and design features
The first thing that surprises you when you see Redmi 9 is the unusual place to install the tray. Unlike most modern smartphones, where the slot is on the bottom end next to the bottom end. USB-And in this model, it's on the top of the housing, and this is because of the interior layout and the IR port, which is also on top.
The tray is made on a combined type of SIM 1 + SIM 2 / microSD. This means that you can use two SIM cards at the same time, or one SIM and a memory card. The mechanism is spring-loaded, it is fixed by a special lock that is released only when the correct mechanical effect on the end.
Technical feature of the design
It's important to understand that the top edge is not just a slot, and next to it is an infrared port for controlling household appliances and a noise reduction microphone, and that erroneous insertion of a tool into the microphone hole can cause damage, so visual identification of the hole is mandatory before the procedure begins.
Required tools for extraction
You don't need a sophisticated technical arsenal to do this, you need one specialized or handy item, and the basic requirement for the tool is that it's thin enough to go in the hole, and strong enough to withstand the force of the spring.
The Xiaomi Redmi 9 usually comes with a special metal clip (key). If the original key is lost, it can be replaced with a regular sewing needle, paper clip (unwinding one of the ends) or a thin pin. It is strongly recommended not to use toothpicks, as they can break inside the mechanism, or thick objects that will widen the hole.
- 🔑 Original key-clip from the smartphone delivery kit.
- 📎 A regular stationery clip, straight-angled.
- 🪡 Thin sewing needle or pin (use with caution).
The tool must be straight. Using bent or deformed objects can result in you not getting into the arm of the mechanism or scratching the frame of the body.
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If there are no metal tools at hand, a fine tip of a mechanical pencil (without a slate) can be used, but a metal tool is always more reliable because of the lower probability of breakage.
Step-by-step: how to open the tray
The process of removing the tray is simple, but requires a certain sequence of actions. First, make sure that the smartphone is lying on a flat surface or securely held in the hand. The screen can be kept on, but it is better to lock it to avoid accidental pressing.
☑️ Tray extraction algorithm
Take the tool in a comfortable hand. Bring it to the hole at the top of the body. Put the key strictly perpendicular to the face plane without tilting it up or down. You should feel a light stop. Smoothly but confidently increase the pressure. At some point, the spring of the mechanism will work, and the tray will pop out a few millimeters.
Once the tray is out, remove the tool. Grab the protruding part of the tray with your fingers and gently pull it on yourself until completely removed. Don't pull sharply so as not to damage the contacts or the plastic frame itself.
⚠️ Warning: Never use force unless the tray is removed after pressing. Excessive force can break the internal plastic lock, and then it will be impossible to remove the tray without disassembling the smartphone.
Proper installation of SIM and microSD cards
Once the tray is removed, you need to place the cards correctly. Redmi 9 uses a hybrid slot. One of the compartments is universal: you can put either a second one in there. SIM-card, or microSD card. It's important to keep your contacts in alignment.
SIM cards should be placed tightly in the recesses of the tray. If the memory card is inserted incorrectly, it may not be determined by the system or, worse, damage the reader when the tray is closed. The gold contacts should always look down, and the cut corner of the card should always match the shape of the tray.
| Position in the tray | Type of card | Orientation of contacts | Features | 4G support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slot 1 (external) | Nano-SIM | Contact down. | Main number | Yes. |
| Slot 2 (internal) | Nano-SIM | Contact down. | Number two. | Yes. |
| Slot 2 (alternative) | microSD | Contact down. | Up to 512GB | No. |
Once the cards are installed, carefully insert the tray back into the case. Make sure it enters smoothly, without skewing. The tray should close level with the body. If it protrudes, don't push harder, pull out and check that the cards are installed correctly.
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A hybrid slot means you won’t be able to use two SIM cards and a memory card at the same time – you’ll have to choose a 2 SIM or 1 SIM+ memory card combination.
What to do if the tray is jammed
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the tray is not removed in the standard way, this can be caused by contamination of the mechanism, oxidation of the contacts or deformation of the tray itself, in which cases a special approach is required.
First, try tapping the end of your smartphone slightly against your palm (screen up) to shift any possible dust inside the mechanism. Then try to retrieve the tool slightly by swaying it from side to side, but without removing it from the hole. This can help find the right angle of impact on the latch.
- 🧹 Check the hole for dust and pile, use compressed air.
- 🔄 Try using another, more subtle tool to get a precise hit.
- 🌡️ Easy heating of the upper face with a hairdryer (without overheating!) can expand the plastic and release the jammed mechanism.
If the tray is out but stuck halfway through a swollen memory card, try to carefully remove the card with tweezers without closing the tray back, and if the mechanism is broken inside, further attempts may lead to a breakage of the case.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use glue (superglue, epoxy) to stick the tool to the tray! glue vapors can get inside the smartphone and irrevocably damage the electronics or camera.
Checking after installation
Once the cards are successfully installed, you need to make sure that your smartphone recognizes them correctly. Turn on the device or unlock if it already works. Pay attention to the top of the screen (status bar).
In MIUI, which is installed on Redmi 9, the status of SIM cards is displayed as icons with operators. If you see network icons or signal levels, then everything went well. If you see an icon crossed out SIM card or the inscription "No SIM", you need a diagnosis.
For a detailed check, go to the settings. → About the phone or settings → SIM-Maps and mobile networks show the full details of the connected operators, and you can rename the cards or choose which one is used for the Internet by default.