Owners of the legendary Xiaomi Redmi 3 often encounter a custom design of the memory card slot, which raises questions when you first install. Unlike many modern models, here the tray is combined, and its correct location requires care. Incorrect installation can lead to the fact that the phone will not see the network or can not read the data from the drive.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to prepare the device, where the socket is located and which side to place the chip. SIM-You will understand why the hybrid slot requires a special approach, following the instructions will help to avoid mechanical damage to the contacts and ensure a stable connection.
Before you start physically affecting the body, you need to completely turn off your smartphone, which is a critical safety condition that you can't ignore. After you turn off, make sure your hands are dry and clean, and you have an original paper clip or a special needle to remove the tray at hand.
Preparation of the workplace and tools
The Redmi 3 SIM card does not require complex hardware to be installed successfully, but having the right tool will make it easier.The main element is a thin metal key that usually comes with the box. If it is lost, you can use a stationery clip, first straightening one of the ends of it.
It is important to choose a well-lit place with a flat surface. Cover the table with a soft cloth or use a special mat to prevent the phone from slipping and protect its screen from scratches during operation. The light should fall so that you can clearly see the marking inside the tray.
Prepare the Nano-SIM cards yourself. This is the size required for this model. If your cards are larger (Micro or Mini), they should be carefully trimmed along the circuit or replaced with new ones from the carrier, and the use of adapters is not recommended, since they can get stuck inside the case.
☑️ Preparation for installation SIM
Slot location and tray extraction
In the Xiaomi Redmi 3, the SIM card slot is located on the top end of the device.This sets it apart from many other smartphones, where the connectors are often on the side.
Insert the tip of the paper clip or key into the hole perpendicular to the body. You don't have to push too hard, but the force must be sure. Once you feel a slight click and see that the tray is a little out, gently pull it with your fingers until fully removed.
⚠️ Warning: Never attempt to remove the tray with sharp objects such as a knife or a needle with a wide ear, as it can damage internal mechanisms or scratch the body.
Notice the design of the extracted element. This is a combined slot, which consists of two parts: one for the SIM-So, the cards and the other ones are for the microSD card, and they're on the same plate, but they have different seats.
Installation of Nano-SIM and MicroSD
The most critical thing is to put the chip in the pad. Take the Nano-SIM and look at it: the golden contacts should look down, and the cut angle usually matches the marking on the tray. Redmi 3 often has a schematic image indicating the correct position.
Place the card in the appropriate compartment. It should be tight and not wobbly. If you use a microSD card, it should also be installed in the slot for it. The contacts of the memory card also go down to the contacts of the phone.
What to do if the card is not flat?
Make sure that neither card overlaps the other or protrudes beyond the metal frame. The tray must be filled in full or at least one of the cells if the other is not used. The empty slot must also be closed with a plastic stub or card so that dust does not get inside.
- 📱 Make sure that the golden contacts are SIM-downward.
- 📐 The cut corner of the card must exactly match the shape of the cutout in the tray.
- 💾 The microSD memory card is installed in the adjacent compartment, also with contacts down.
- 🔒 The tray should be snapped when entering the enclosure without requiring excessive effort.
Inserting the tray back into the smartphone case
Once the cards are in place, take the tray with two fingers behind the edges. Hold it to the hole on the upper end of Redmi 3. It is important to observe the angle of entry: the tray should run parallel to the ground, without skewing up or down.
Push the tray carefully inside until you click it, or it will be completely equal to the body. If you feel resistance early on, don't push. Take the tray out again and check if you hold it correctly relative to the groove. The mechanism is designed to run smoothly.
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Wash off the golden contacts SIM-cards with dry soft cloth before installation to improve connection and avoid network reading errors.
Once installed successfully, you can turn on your smartphone. Press and hold the power button until the screen lights up. The system starts loading, and within a minute, an indication of the signal level at the top of the screen should appear.
Setting up two SIM-card MIUI
After the Xiaomi Redmi 3 system is turned on MIUI It automatically detects the cards that you have installed. If you have two SIMs, you'll see two network icons. To manage them, go to the settings menu. The path usually looks like this: Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
In this section, you can assign which card will be used for calls by default and which for mobile Internet, which is especially convenient for separating personal and work contacts or to save traffic using tariffs of different operators.
Setting is also available here. 4G LTE. Make sure that for active SIM-Redmi 3 supports modern communication standards, but sometimes requires manual selection of operator or network mode for stable operation in areas of uncertain reception.
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Slot 1 | The main slot for Nano-SIM | It is better to use for a card with the main Internet tariff |
| Slot 2/microSD | Hybrid slot | Select: Second SIM or Memory Extension |
| Type of network | Preferred type | Install “Preferred to be 4G” for high speed |
| roaming | Transfer of data | Turn off when traveling abroad to avoid unnecessary expenses |
Typical problems and their solution
Sometimes after installing the card, the phone writes No. SIM-"Put in the cards" or "Put in" SIM". First, check if the tray is sitting tight, try to remove it and re-insert it, making sure the contacts are clean, and rebooting the device will also help.
If the problem is not solved, it may be a software failure or carrier frequency incompatibility. Try resetting the network settings to factory settings. Go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Recovery and Reset → Reset settings Wi-Fi, mobile Internet and Bluetooth.
⚠️ Note: If the phone is detecting SIM-The card is unstable (it appears, it disappears), it is possible that the contacts on the tray itself have oxidized or damaged, in which case professional cleaning or replacement of the module at the service center is required.
Another reason may be the card lock by the operator due to a long-unused number or debt.Call your operator's support from another phone to check the status of the number.
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In 90% of cases, the problem with SIM detection is solved by simply restarting the phone or re-installing the tray with a thorough cleaning of the contacts.