Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the need to quickly replace or install a new communication module. the Redmi 8 model is a popular budget device, but the design of its tray has its own features, different from the flagship lines. Installation of the chip can damage contacts or complete failure of the communication module to work.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the process of installing nano-sim cards in the slot of your gadget. You will learn about the location of the socket, how to extract the tray without damage and the subtleties of adjusting the two active numbers. Careful follow the instructions will help to avoid typical mistakes of beginners.
Before you start physically affecting the body of the device, you need to prepare the workplace, make sure that your hands are dry and clean, and the surface on which the phone is lying is free of pile or small metal particles, these are basic but critical precautions to maintain the warranty and performance of electronics.
Slot location and tool preparation
Unlike many modern models, where the SIM card tray is located at the bottom of the body, in Redmi 8, the company's engineers made a different decision: the nest is on the top of the device, on the left, if you look at the screen, this placement is dictated by the internal layout of the elements and the presence of an infrared port on the upper end.
To retrieve the tray, you'll need a special metal clip that comes with the phone. If the original tool is lost, you can use a regular stationery clip by straightening one of its ends, or a thin needle. The main requirement is that the tool must be thin enough to enter the hole, and strong enough to withstand the force.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use knives, toothpicks or other sharp objects to extract the tray. Metal tools can scratch the body, and wooden tools can break inside the mechanism, which will require disassembling the phone.
Find a small circular hole on the top end next to the rectangular circuit of the tray, and that's where you press the tool perpendicular to the body, the force should be sure, but not excessive, you will feel a slight click and spring resistance, after which the tray will extend a few millimeters.
After removing the tray, carefully examine its design. Xiaomi Redmi 8 uses a combined or hybrid slot, which means the ability to install two nano-sim cards or one SIM card and a microSD memory card. The orientation of the contacts must strictly follow the scheme, otherwise the device will not see the network.
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If the tray is not removed after pressing the paper clip, try to slightly change the angle of inclination of the tool or push a little harder, but avoid jerks so as not to break the pusher mechanism.
SIM card format and correct orientation
Modern smartphones, including the Redmi 8, work exclusively with the Nano-SIM format. This is the smallest existing SIM card standard, which is a chip without plastic edging around the contacts. If you have an old-format card (Mini or Micro), it must be replaced in the operator's cabin or carefully cut out according to the template, although the latter is not recommended due to the risk of damage to the chip.
When you put a card in a tray, the key is to position it correctly, and on the plastic base of the tray, there's a cutout in one of the corners that corresponds to the bevelled corner of the SIM card, which is a mechanical key that prevents the card from being placed upside down.
Place the tray on a flat surface and place the SIM card in the appropriate socket, the contacts of the card should be directed down to the contacts of the tray, and the bevelled angle should coincide with the cutout of the plastic, the map should lie tightly, without staggering or rising above the edges of the tray.
- 🔹 Make sure that the golden SIM card contacts are pointing downwards.
- 🔹 The beveled corner of the map must exactly match the shape of the nest in the tray.
- 🔹 The card should not protrude beyond the edges of the tray, otherwise you can damage the mechanism when inserted.
- 🔹 If a memory card is used, it is installed in the second compartment over or next to it (depending on the type of tray).
In the Redmi 8, there is often a tray type where the second position can be used either for the second SIM card or for the memory card. In such cases, there may be special limiters on the tray. If you insert only one SIM card, place it in a slot designated as SIM 1, to ensure maximum compatibility with 4G networks.
Step-by-step installation of the tray in the device
Once the SIM card is properly stacked in the tray, you can start placing the module back into the smartphone body. Take the device in your hand so that the upper end is pointed away from you or up, providing a good view of the hole.
Carefully enter the tray into the nest. Notice the tray profile: it must enter smoothly, effortlessly. If you feel resistance, don't press. Take out the tray and check orientation again. Forced insertion can cause the contacts inside the phone to bend.
Move the tray until it is a characteristic click or until it is flush with the body. In Xiaomi Redmi 8, the tray must enter completely, leaving no gaps. This is necessary to ensure tightness (although this model does not have full water resistance) and reliable contact.
☑️ Checking the installation of the SIM card
Once installed, turn on the device. MIUI will automatically detect the new SIM card and suggest setting the network settings. If the phone is on, you will see the signal level icons appear in the upper right corner of the screen.
Setup of two SIM cards in MIUI
Redmi 8 supports two active SIM cards at the same time, and once the phone is turned on, the system will suggest adjusting their priorities, which is an important step, because it depends on which card will be used to access the Internet and which will be the default calls.
To manage your SIM cards, go to the settings menu. Find the SIM card and mobile network section. Here you will see a list of installed cards. You can rename them for convenience, such as "Worker" and "Personal", or specify the operator to avoid confusion.
Pay special attention to mobile Internet configuration. Budget models sometimes have a restriction where only one SIM card can work in 4G/LTE mode, while the second one will use 2G or 3G. Choose the main card for data transfer if the tariff on it is more profitable or coverage is better.
| Setup parameter | Description of function | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Default calls | Selecting a SIM card for outgoing calls | Choose "Always Ask" or the main one |
| Mobile Internet | Data Transfer Card (4G/3G) | Map with unlimited traffic |
| SMS default | Message map | A card with cheap SMS or basic |
| VoLTE | Voice communication via LTE network | Enable if the operator supports |
Also in this section, you can activate VoLTE (Voice over LTE) if your carrier supports this technology, which allows you to make high-quality calls while using the Internet without switching to 3G.
Solving problems with the definition of the SIM card
Sometimes, after installing a SIM card, the phone may not see the network or write "No SIM card." First of all, you need to make sure that the card is active and not blocked by the operator.
If the card is working, the problem may be contamination of the contacts. Gently wipe the golden SIM chip and contacts in the tray with soft dry cloth. Even a microscopic layer of fat or dust can disrupt the connection.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use liquids, alcohol or cleaning products to wipe the SIM contacts.This can damage the protective coating of the chip and lead to its irreversible failure.
Another reason could be a software malfunction in the radio module: Try turning on and off In-flight mode or restarting the device. In rare cases, resetting the network settings to factory values through the Settings menu → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth helps.
If the phone says "Sim card not found" after a fall or impact, it is possible that the tray itself or the antenna plume inside the case has been damaged, in which case self-repair is not recommended, it is better to contact the service center for diagnosis.
Security and SIM card retrieval
While modern smartphones support hot SIM card replacement, it is not recommended to remove them without turning off the phone, which can lead to a short-term power surge or software conflict, after which the phone will stop seeing the card before rebooting.
To safely extract, first turn off the device or use the software to turn off the SIM card in the settings. Then, using the paperclip, press the tray hole and remove it. Hold the SIM card with your fingers behind the plastic edges, trying not to touch the contacts.
Store the SIM cards in the special plastic holder in which they were sold. This will protect them from scratches, static electricity and loss. Xiaomi Redmi 8 is a reliable device, but careful handling of peripheral elements will prolong its life.
What to do if the tray is stuck?
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Safe SIM card extraction is possible only after the device is turned off or the slot is software disabled in the settings to avoid damaging the card file system.
Following these simple guidelines, you can easily manage your SIM cards in the Xiaomi Redmi 8 smartphone. Proper installation and configuration will ensure stable communication and fast mobile Internet at any time.