Changing a carrier or installing a new SIM card is one of the most basic operations a smartphone owner faces. However, in Xiaomi devices, this process is sometimes difficult due to the design of the tray or its location. Users often confuse the extraction hole with the noise reduction microphone, which can damage the case if you apply excessive force, which is why it is important to clearly understand where the desired connector is and which tool is best to use.
In this article, we will take a look at all the details of the procedure so that you can safely replace the operator card. We will look at not only standard scenarios, but also difficult situations when the tray gets stuck or breaks the paper clip. The right approach to the hardware of your gadget will prolong its life and save you from expensive repairs.
Before you start taking action, you need to make sure that you are dealing with a tray for the SIM, not a technical hole. On modern models of Redmi Note or Poco, the design can be different from budget series such as Redmi A or Go. Let's figure out how to avoid errors and get the task done quickly.
Determination of the type of tray and its location
The first step is to visually inspect the end faces of the device. In most modern Xiaomi smartphones, the SIM card tray is located on the upper or lower end of the case. It is important not to confuse it with the opening of an infrared sensor or microphone. The tray is always a narrow slot, often framed by a metal frame, next to which a small card or phone icon can be applied.
There are two main design types that are used by the manufacturer: the first type is a classic retractable tray that is extracted perpendicular to the edges; the second type, less common in budget models, involves the card being inserted under the battery, but in current Redmis it is the retractable mechanism that dominates. Understanding the type of your tray is critical to choosing a tool.
- 📍 The tray is located on the upper end - typical of the Redmi Note series and many Poco models.
- 📍 The tray is on the lower end - often found in old models or tablets of the brand.
- 📍 Combined slot - allows you to install two SIM-microSD cards and memory cards at the same time or instead of one of the sims.
Notice the size of the hole. It should be perfectly round and match the diameter of the pin of the clip or key in the kit. If you see a grid next to the hole or it's sideways, you might be looking at the microphone, and then trying to push the tool in there could damage the microphone membrane.
In some rare cases, especially in protected or specialized versions of smartphones, the tray can be hidden under a decorative stub. However, for 99% of Xiaomi devices, the open access rule through the side hole applies.
⚠️ Warning: Never attempt to retrieve the tray if the phone is connected to a charger or is enabled in active data mode, although modern power controllers protect against short circuit, the risk of software failures in the communication module remains.
Required tools for extraction
To do this successfully, you'll need a minimal set of tools, and the ideal option is a special metal clip (key) that comes with the phone when you buy it, and it has the optimal thickness and length calculated by Xiaomi engineers to affect the internal lever of the lock.
If the original key is lost, which happens often, you can use a regular paper clip. It is important to choose a paper clip made of hard enough metal so that it does not bend in the process. You can also use thin cloves earrings or special electronics repair kits that have needles of the right diameter. The main requirement is that the tool should not be too thick to not loosen the mechanism, or too thin to break through the lock.
- 🔧 Original paper clip out of the box - the best choice in ergonomics.
- 🔧 Office paperclip - an affordable alternative, requires straightening.
- 🔧 Sewing needle – suitable for very thin holes, but requires caution.
It is strongly discouraged to use toothpicks, matches or plastic cards. Wood can split inside the hole and get stuck, blocking the mechanism forever. Plastic is usually too soft and will not create the necessary pressure on the mechanical fixator. Metal is the only suitable material for this task.
Before you start, make sure your hands are dry and clean. Fat or moisture can make it difficult to grab the slippery metal tray side after it is removed. SIM-The card did not roll into a hard-to-reach place and was not damaged when falling.
💡
If there is no metal clip at hand, and you urgently need to pull out the SIM, you can use a thin pin, but you should act extremely carefully so as not to puncture the mechanism deeper than laid.
Step-by-step instructions for removing the tray
The process of extracting the tray is technically simple, but requires precision of movement. Take the tool in your hand so that it is securely fixed between your thumb and index finger. This will give you control over the force of pressing. Put the tool's point perpendicular to the plane of the smartphone body exactly in the center of the hole.
You have to push it with confidence, but not too much pressure. You have to feel a little click or resistance, which will be replaced by free-roaming. At that point, the tray will move out of the body a few millimeters. You don't have to push it to the point or try to prick the phone through, because the mechanism works on the principle of lever, and a little effort is enough.
☑️ Checklist before extraction
Once the tray has popped out, remove the tool. Now, with your fingers, gently pull over the visible part of the tray. The movement should be smooth, without jerking. If the tray is not moving, do not pull it by force — you may not have fully unlocked the mechanism the first time you pressed it. Put the key back in and repeat the procedure.
When the tray is fully removed, note its orientation. On the inside there is usually a schematic image showing how to position the card correctly. Make sure you don't confuse the side when you reverse install. After replacing the card, insert the tray back to the characteristic click, making sure it's level with the body.
| Action. | Sensations/Result | Possible mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Pressing the instrument | Light accent, then click. | Too much pressure, risk of damage |
| Finger extraction | Smooth stroke, no friction | Draw, fall SIM-map |
| Installation back | Fixing level with the body | Upside-down insertion or skewing |
When you remove it, try not to damage or lose it, because it protects the internal components from dust and splashes, and if the gasket is unstuck, it's better to gently glue it back with a thin layer of glue or replace it.
⚠️ Warning: If you feel no resistance or click when pressing, stop acting immediately.You may have hit the wrong hole or the mechanism has already broken and further pressure will cause the inner walls of the body to collapse.
What to do if the tray is stuck or broken
Situations where the tray gets stuck inside the case are rare, but they are extremely unpleasant. This can occur due to deformation of the SIM card itself, getting dust inside the mechanism or banal manufacturing defect. If the tray is pushed only a fraction of a millimeter and jammed, do not try to pull it with nails or tweezers with force - you risk breaking off the plastic part.
Try pushing and pulling. Put the paper clip in the hole and, with a little pressure to unlock the lock, try to grab the edge of the tray with your second hand or tweezers, sometimes by swaying the tool from side to side when you press it to find a position where the lock will be freed completely.
In more complex cases, when the tray is deformed, a thin blade (such as a stationery knife) may be required to be carefully inserted into the gap between the tray and the body to create a grip space, but this method requires jewellery precision and risks scratching the screen or frame of the phone.
Gluing method for extraction
If the tray broke and the part was left inside, it is almost impossible to remove it without disassembling the phone, in which case the only safe solution is to go to the service center.
To prevent getting stuck in the future, always check. SIM-It should be in the tray straight, not protrude beyond the edges and have no chips. Mud on the contacts can also create additional friction, so wipe the map with a soft cloth before installing it.
Features of models with a combined slot
Many Redmi and Poco models feature a hybrid slot, which means there are two seats under the tray. SIM-card and one microSD card, or one place that can take a second SIM, Designably, these trays are often two-part or more complex in shape.
When you remove this tray, you need to be particularly careful, and you need to pull it out strictly perpendicularly, because because of the greater area of contact with the body, skewing can lead to jamming, and inside the tray you will see two recesses of different sizes or shapes.
- 📱 Slot 1 – usually designed for the primary SIM-Nano-SIM maps.
- 📱 Slot 2 – can accept a second Nano-SIM or MicroSD card.
- 💾 Combined option - allows you to use either two SIMs, or one SIM and flash drive.
If you use two of them SIM-maps, make sure they're placed in the right slots according to the pattern on the tray, the entangled cards may not be determined by the system, or the phone will only see one of them. MIUI HyperOS can be programmed to prioritize SIM cards, but physically they should be in their place.
A feature of hybrid trays is that the microSD memory card is often fixed less rigidly than the microSD card. SIM-So when you take out this tray, you run the risk that the flash drive will pop out and get lost, and it's recommended that you hold the cards with your finger when you pull them out, or you do a table surgery.
💡
A hybrid slot is a trade-off between body thickness and functionality. Use quality, low profile memory cards to avoid putting pressure on your contacts.
Frequent errors and precautions
Despite the ease of operation, users often make mistakes that lead to breakdowns. The most common of these is the use of inappropriate tools. As mentioned, toothpicks and needles can break inside. Another common mistake is trying to extract the tray without finding the hole accurately, which leads to scratches on the case around the slot.
It's also important to remember static electricity. Although the risk of electronics being damaged by statics when replacing the SIM is minimal, it is. Before touching the inner contacts of the card or tray, it's advisable to touch a grounded metal object, such as a heating battery or a computer case, to take the charge off.
Don't ignore the state of your own. SIM-If it's old, hand-cut, or has damaged contacts, it can get stuck in the tray because of rough edges. In the Nano-SIM era, the size of the card is minimal, and any error in the trimming leads to problems. It's better to replace the old cards from the operator with new ones that meet the standard.
If the phone can't see the network after you've removed and installed the tray, don't rush to re-assemble the device. Try restarting the device. Sometimes the system takes time to re-initialize the communication module after physical intervention. If the problem persists, check if the map is installed correctly and if its contact area is clean.