Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphone owners often face the need to replace a carrier or install a memory card. However, in modern models, the tray for a SIM card is hidden in such a way that finding it the first time is difficult. Manufacturers strive for a monolithic design, removing any visible holes on the case, which creates the illusion of no slot.
The wrong actions when trying to remove the tray can lead to damage to the body or damage to the mechanism itself. In this article, we will examine all the nuances of the procedure, from finding a hidden hole to solving problems with a jammed tray, you will learn what tools to use and what to do categorically not.
Search for tray and preparation of tools
The first thing you need to do is look carefully at the ends of your device. In the vast majority of Xiaomi models, the slot is located on the top or bottom end, less often on the side, look for a narrow oblong slit, next to which there is a tiny circular hole, and this is where you have to act in order for the mechanism to work.
The tray is normally retrieved with a special key-clip that comes with the phone. If the original tool is lost, it can be replaced with a regular paper clip, straightening one of the ends, or a thin needle. The main requirement for the tool is that it must be thin enough to enter the hole, but stiff enough to press the inner spring.
It is important not to use sharp objects such as knives or pins for this purpose, as they can damage internal contacts or get stuck in the mechanism. Make sure that your hands are dry and the phone is securely fixed to avoid slipping the tool and scratching the case.
- 🔍 Carefully examine all facets of the smartphone in good lighting.
- 🛠 Use only thin and durable metal objects to open.
- 📱 Make sure the device is turned off or the screen is locked to avoid accidental pressing.
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If the tray is not extended with a light press, do not press harder - try to slightly change the angle of the needle to get exactly into the center of the mechanism.
Step-by-step extraction instruction
The process of extracting a SIM card is technically simple, but it requires care. Take a prepared tool and insert it perpendicularly into the hole next to the tray. The movement should be confident, but smooth. You will feel a slight click and spring resistance - this is a signal that the mechanism is unlocked.
Once clicked, the tray should extend a few millimeters out of the case. Now you can gently pull it over the edge. Don't pull sharply so as not to damage the contacts of the SIM card itself or microSD, if it is installed. In some models, the tray can be double-sided, so pay attention to which side it is mounted.
☑️ Procedure for extraction
After extraction, inspect the tray. It usually has grooves of a certain shape that tell you how to navigate the card correctly. If you change the SIM card, make sure the new chip matches the size of the slot (usually Nano-SIM). Older Mini and Micro formats require cropping or the use of adapters, which can lead to a jamming.
Features of different Xiaomi models
The design of the trays can vary depending on the series and year of release of the smartphone. In budget models of Redmi, a combined slot is often found, where one position is intended for a SIM card, and the second one is for a microSD memory card. In such cases, installing a second SIM is impossible without a memory card.
The flagship models of Xiaomi and Poco F and X series are more often equipped with a full-fledged double or triple tray, allowing you to use two SIM cards and a memory card at the same time. Also in some devices, such as the Xiaomi Mi Mix, the tray can be recessed into the body and have no visible bezel, which requires special care when extracting.
Hidden features of the design
Special attention should be paid to waterproof models, which often have an additional rubber seal in the tray, and when removing such a tray, it may take a little more effort at the moment of initial click to overcome the resistance of the seal.
Solving problems: the tray is stuck or not open
When the tray does not respond to a pressing paper clip, it is not common, but it can be confusing. Most often the reason is that the tool did not hit the right point on the lever of the mechanism. Try to slightly shift the needle up, down or to the sides with minimal force.
If the tray is out, but stuck halfway through, the SIM card may have become ribbed or damaged, in which case you can't pull the tray with pliers or other rough tools, because you risk tearing off the plastic frame. Try to gently poke the edge of the tray with a thin blade or a stationery knife, trying not to damage the body.
⚠️ Attention: If the tray is not removed by any means, do not use excessive force. The mechanism can be blocked by factory defects or dirt.
Sometimes the tray can "boil" due to oxidation of the contacts or moisture, in which case it helps to gently sway the tray from side to side after pressing the opening mechanism to stir it up.
Comparison of tray types in Xiaomi devices
Understanding the type of tray in your device helps avoid errors when installing cards. Different series of smartphones use different slot configurations, and knowing these differences will save time.
| Type of device | Slot configuration | Memory support | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Redmi | Hybrid (2 in 1) | One SIM + MicroSD or two SIMs | You can’t use 2 SIMs at the same time. |
| Middle class (Redmi Note) | Triple slot | 2 SIM + microSD | Separate slot for memory card |
| Flagships (Xiaomi Mi) | Double Nano-SIM | 2 SIM (without microSD) | Often there is no memory card slot |
| Poco F/X Series Series | Double Nano-SIM | 2 SIM (without microSD) | Compact tray without expansion |
As you can see from the table, owners of budget devices often have to choose between a second SIM card and a memory extension, while flagship models usually lack a microSD slot, relying on cloud services and built-in storage.
What to do if the tray falls out on its own
The reverse problem is that the tray is not held in the body and falls out at the slightest shaking, which often indicates wear of the locking mechanism or damage to the plastic "tooth" on the tray itself, and in some cases, the culprit is pollution inside the hole.
If you notice that the tray is not sitting tightly, try to clean the hole carefully with compressed air. If the problem is physical wear, you can try to paste a tiny piece of paper tape on the edge of the tray (on the outside without disturbing the contacts) to increase the thickness, but this is a temporary solution.
A more radical but effective method is to replace the tray itself, which is inexpensive and sold on marketplaces, and it's important to find a tray that is identical in shape and size to yours, because even a millimeter mismatch can cause your phone to break.
Frequent errors and precautions
Many users make mistakes that cause the slot to break, and one of the most common is trying to insert the tray on the wrong side or with a skew. If the tray doesn't come in easily, don't push it. Take it out, check your orientation, and try again.
Another mistake is using tools that are too thick, which can cause the paper clip to jam in the hole and make it impossible to remove it without disassembling the phone. Always check the thickness of the tool before using it.
⚠️ Warning: Never insert the tray back until the SIM card is installed correctly.An empty tray without a card may not snap or damage internal contacts when pressed in.
It’s also worth remembering that hot SIM card replacement (on the phone turned on) in older Android models could have caused crashes.In modern Xiaomi with MIUI and HyperOS, it’s safe, but the system will still ask for a reboot to determine a new network.
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Proper SIM card orientation and the use of a thin tool is 90% of the success when removing the tray without damage.