Replacement or installation operation SIM-The cards in the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus seem elementary, but inexperienced users often face difficulties, the main cause of problems is confusion between slots or trying to use inappropriate tools, which can lead to damage to the case. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the anatomy of the device so you can safely replace the carrier or install a memory card.
The Redmi 5 Plus, also known as the Redmi Note 5 on the global market, features a classic hybrid tray, meaning that the physical space inside the body is distributed between the two. SIM-Understanding this design is critical before you start any manipulation of your gadget’s hardware.
Mishandling the extraction mechanism can cause sensors to break or the contacts to shift, and to avoid costly errors, we need to follow the algorithm of actions described below, and we will look at not only the standard procedure, but also the methods of solving problems if the tray refuses to go out.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before you start physically affecting the body of the smartphone, you need to provide adequate lighting and prepare the desktop. Dust and small particles, getting into open connectors, can cause oxidation of contacts or mechanical jamming. Wipe the surface with a soft cloth and make sure that it is free of pile.
The key to a successful operation is a special key-clip that comes bundled with the device. If the original tool is lost, it can be replaced with a paper clip straightening one of the ends, or a thin needle. Importantly, do not use sewing needles with an eye or thick pins, as their diameter can damage the internal latch mechanism.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to remove the tray while the smartphone is on if you are planning a hot replacement, but for complete security and correct network definition by the Android system, it is better to pre-turn off the device via the power menu.
It's also worth preparing for yourself. SIM-Nano-SIM card. Standard Mini or Micro size cards require trimming or adapter use, which is not recommended as the adapter may get stuck inside the slot.Make sure the card chip is clean and has no visible damage or corrosion.
☑️ Readiness for extraction SIM
Localization of the slot for SIM-cardboard
Unlike older smartphone models, where the battery was removable, the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus has slots access through the end face. The tray is on the top end of the device. If you hold the smartphone screen facing you, the connector you need will be located on the left.
It's a narrow hole, structurally, surrounded by a metal frame, and you can often see a micro hole next to it, and it's a little bit of a visually imperceptible, so it's a good idea to look at the top facet in good light so you don't confuse it with the microphone hole.
Some body revisions next to the slot may have a subtle engraving or pictogram indicating the direction of installation, but you shouldn't rely on it, because the erosion of paint over time makes such labels unreadable, and the main reference is the shape of the tray itself and the location of the holes.
Understanding the exact location eliminates chaotic pumpkins with sharp objects to other parts of the body, which could damage the volume buttons or switches located in the immediate vicinity.
Technology of safe extraction of tray
The extraction process requires precision and moderate effort. Take the key-clip in your hand so that it is securely fixed between your thumb and index finger. Point the sharp end strictly perpendicular to the surface of the hole. The angled tilt of the tool can slip and scratch the aluminum frame.
Push the tool inside the hole to feel a little bit of resistance, which is contact with the internal spring mechanism, and then you have to make a confident, but not a sharp press, and you have to feel the characteristic click and see that the tray has moved out a few millimeters.
⚠️ Attention: If the tray does not extend after pressing, do not use excessive force. Perhaps the mechanism is jammed, or you did not insert the key deeply enough.
Once the tray has emerged from the body, gently tuck it in with a nail or tweezers with blunt ends. Don't pull sharply, as there may be residue of glue or dust inside, creating additional friction. Smooth movement ensures the integrity of the plastic frame of the tray.
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If the tray is removed with great difficulty, try to slightly tap the end of the smartphone (opposite the slot) on the palm of the other hand - vibration can help to free the stale mechanism.
Anatomy of the tray and the correct installation of maps
The retrieved item is a plastic platform with metal contacts. The Redmi 5 Plus uses a hybrid circuit. Usually the tray has two seats: one is designed exclusively for the purpose of using a single machine. SIM-cards (Slot 1) and the second is combined (Slot 2) - either for the second SIM, or for a microSD card.
The shape of the cutouts on the tray corresponds to the contours of the cards. Nano-SIM has a characteristic rectangular shape with one angle cut off. When laying the card, it is important that it lies perfectly in the recess. If the card dangles or protrudes beyond the edges, it means that it is installed incorrectly or has the wrong format.
| Position on the tray | Type of card | Features of installation | Work in Dual SIM mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal slot (closer to the center) | SIM 1 (Nano) | The main slot, preferable for 4G/LTE | It always works. |
| External slot (closer to the edge) | SIM 2 (Nano) or microSD | Hybrid slot, the choice of one of two | Unless you have a memory card. |
| Contacts | - | Must look up (on the screen) | - |
The gold pins on the map should be pointed down to the smartphone’s inner board unless otherwise indicated (usually in Redmi 5 Plus, the contacts look down when the tray is inserted, but when stacked on the table they often appear on top, depending on the design of the particular tray – focus on the pictogram on the tray itself). In most cases, for the Redmi 5 Plus, the chip should look down, on the phone’s body, when you insert the tray.
What to do if the memory card is not readable?
Return of the tray to the body and the initial setting
Once the cards are successfully laid, you need to put the machine back in place, make sure that the cards do not protrude beyond the plastic frame, otherwise you can damage them or the tray itself when pressed in, or orient the tray so that its bevelled angle matches the shape of the hole in the case.
Push the tray smoothly, without skewing. It should enter easily, with little or no resistance. If you feel a hold, don't push, take the tray out, turn it over, or check for orientation. The final effort is only required at the very end when the tray is snapped level with the body.
After switching on the smartphone, the system must automatically determine a new one. SIM-The map will show the network status, the operator icon and the signal level. If this does not happen, go to the Settings menu. → SIM-Maps and mobile networks and make sure the slot is activated.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure the tray is completely sealed.A loose fit can disrupt the moisture protection (if claimed) and cause dust to enter the device, which is especially dangerous for contacts.
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Proper orientation of the bevelled corner of the tray is a guarantee that you will not damage the internal contacts when closing.
Solving common problems and malfunctions
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the tray gets stuck or SIM-The card is not identified. One of the common causes is oxidation of the contacts, in which case you can gently wipe the card chip with an alcohol napkin or a blower, and it's worth checking if the tray is villi or dusty.
If the tray is jammed and it is not retrieved in the standard way, try using a thin tweezer to grab the edge if it protrudes even a little. In extreme cases, when the mechanism is broken, it may be necessary to disassemble the smartphone to access the slot from the inside, but this is a task for the service center.
- 📱 Network Error: Check if activated SIM-The card is with the operator and whether there is coverage in your area.
- 🔧 Mechanical unit: If the tray is not removed, do not use glue or superpower - this will lead to breakage of the body.
- 💾 Card conflict: Make sure the microSD card is in good working order and formatted to a compatible file system.
Software-wise, network resets sometimes help. Go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Restore and Reset → Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile Internet, and Bluetooth settings. This action will not delete your personal data, but will return network settings to factory values.