6 Ways to Open the SIM Card Tray When There's No Paperclip Nearby

Using a paperclip

Before opening the SIM card slot of a Xiaomi smartphone, you need to find a special device in the smartphone box, which is called a paper clip. It is used to remove SIM cards and microSD. It is made of durable metallized wire, and its shape is similar to a paper clip topped with a long end.

The paperclip is in a separate paper bag, which is placed in the box with the device. If you lose it or throw it away with the box, the user will still be able to remove the SIM card, but it will be more difficult to do so.

On a note!

If a SIM card clip is not available, it can be replaced with a wire of the appropriate size. It is not recommended to use sharp objects: their sharp ends can break the mechanism.

SIM cards for Xiaomi phones

To insert a card into Xiaomi Redmi 4, Xiaomi Mi A3 or any other Xiaomi smartphone released in recent years, you just need to know how to use a special paperclip. Using this “key” you can open a smartphone from any Xiaomi line. But the SIM cards inserted into them may be different.

There are currently three types of SIM cards:

1. Mini-Sim. This is a standard SIM card that was used in older models. It is larger in size than other types of cards. Its dimensions: 25x15x0.76 mm. Before installing this card, it must be trimmed.
2. Micro-SIM. This card appeared later than the mini-sim. It was created to save space in smartphones. Its dimensions: 15x12x0.76 mm.
3. Nano-SIM. This is the smallest SIM card. This is what is used in all the latest models.

Modern smartphones usually have two SIM cards installed. There are models with cards of the same type, but there are also versions that use different SIM cards. So, for example, Xiaomi Redmi 4 has a slot for Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM.

How to remove the SIM card slot

Before inserting another SIM card into a Xiaomi smartphone, the user must first remove the SIM card slot. It is usually located on the left side. On the right side of Xiaomi models there are control buttons.

On a note!

To protect the display from various types of damage, Xiaomi offers protective glass with an oleophobic coating that prevents dirt, tarnishing and scratching.

How to open the SIM card tray in Xiaomi smartphones:

1. Turn off the power to your smartphone. This is a prerequisite for installing SIM cards.
2. Place the phone on a soft surface with the screen facing down. If you place it on something hard, the display may be scratched.
3. Find the tray - it is usually located on the left, but there are still models in which it is located on the right panel - next to the power and volume buttons. The tray pushed into the body has an oval shape. There is a small hole next to it.
4. Carefully insert the tail of the paper clip into the hole. Do not move it to the sides or make any unnecessary movements. Push the paperclip forward until you hear a soft click. Please note that the tail of the paperclip must be at right angles to the side of the phone.
5. As soon as you hear a click, the SIM card slot will slide forward. But a very small part of it appears outside; you need to grab it with your fingers and gently pull it towards you until it extends completely.

The slot in Xiaomi phones is a thin plate that can be removed entirely from the smartphone. It is important not to lose this plate, since it is quite difficult to find such a part.

How to open the SIM card slot on a tablet

Tablets, like smartphones, are popular modern gadgets. They have millions of users around the world.

At the same time, many tablets support SIM cards, which opens up access to the use of mobile Internet, cellular communications and more. This slot is also often used to install additional storage in the tablet in the form of a microSD memory card.

To install or remove a card or SIM card, you first need to open the corresponding slot. It is usually located on the top or side of the device, depending on the model. And here some users have difficulty gaining access to this element of the tablet.

How to use a special key correctly

The very first tool you should pick up will be a special key. It always comes complete with the device itself, and therefore every user should have it.

But even here there are some nuances regarding how to open the SIM card slot with this key, since not everyone understands what it is and how it works. If you figure it out, everything will become clear right away, and there will be no problems with removing SIM cards in the future.

Some users ignore a key rule before removing a slot. It indicates that you must first turn off the device.

Instructions for opening elements for placing SIM and memory cards in the tablet, using the key included in the package, can be described as follows:

• Turn off your device. To do this, press the power key. Some tablets turn off simply after long pressing this button. On other models, a menu appears asking you to disable or restart the device.
• Wait until the tablet turns off completely. Removing a slot while the device is running is dangerous. The device may freeze or malfunction. Partial or complete loss of data on the cards is also possible.
• Find the compartment where the cards are located on your tablet. They are usually located on the side or top.
• There is a small hole on the outside of the slot. It is into this that a special key is inserted.
• Press the key and the compartment will open. Remove the SIM card, insert the card and the device can be turned on.

That's all. There will be no problems if you have a key.

In most cases, these keys are universal. If the original instrument is missing, you can ask friends or acquaintances who still have it in their kit.

But it happens that the key is missing. There is nowhere to get it. Then we have to look for alternative solutions.

How to open a slot without a key

Now let's look at situations and tell you how you can open the tray for a SIM card and memory card when a special key is missing.

There is no need to panic because of this. There are several alternative devices that will cope with the task no worse than the key included with the tablet. You just need to be smart and think about what size objects are potentially suitable for such a small hole.

Suitable tools include:

• paper clips;
• needles, pins and pins;
• staples from a stapler;
• nails;
• pencils;
• toothpicks;
• women's earrings, etc.

Now it’s worth looking at how certain devices are used, and what is important to know before using them.

Using paper clips

To solve the problem, a regular paper clip will do. A great replacement for a missing or lost slot key on tablet computers.

The sequence of the procedure is extremely simple. Here you need:

• take a suitable size paperclip;
• straighten one end;
• find the hole on the slot;
• insert the straightened end of the paper clip inside;
• press lightly;
• wait for the slot to open automatically.

Do not apply too much force under any circumstances. Brute force will not help here.

Sometimes the user chooses a paperclip that is too large, or its end may be too thin. Try to pick up a different paperclip and do the same manipulations.

If the slot does not budge, it is possible that the problem is a malfunction and not a paper clip. It’s worth trying a few more methods and still finding the key. When none of the options helps, it is better to contact the service.

Earrings, needles, pins or studs

If you don’t know how you can open SIM card slots on tablets without having a key at hand, don’t despair. An ordinary needle, pin or hairpin can come to the rescue. There are such devices in literally every home. In a pinch, it won’t be difficult to buy them or borrow them from someone.

You can use needles, pins and pins using the same principle.

Now let’s learn more about how you can open the SIM card slot on Xiaomi, Samsung and other tablet computers:

• Take a thin tool and insert it into the hole to open the tray with a special key.
• Gently press the tool into the hole.
• Wait for automatic opening.
• If it does not happen, you should try to change the pressure point a little and repeat the procedure.

It is not recommended to use objects that are too thin or sharp. They can damage the SIM card, memory card or internal components of the tablet.

Therefore, in this case, to eliminate possible troubles, take wire cutters or pliers and carefully bite off the sharp edge of the needle. Then follow the extraction procedure.

Or, to open the slot for installing a SIM card and flash drive in the tablet, you can turn the needle over to the other side where the eye is located. Then you won’t have to worry about possible damage to the insides of the device, or look for something to bite off the sharp edge with.

By analogy, the same procedures are carried out using pins, women's earrings and hairpins of suitable sizes. The advantage of hairpins and earrings is that its edge is not as sharp as that of a needle. But you still need to be extremely careful.

Staples from a stapler

An excellent substitute for a key that allows you to quickly remove the plastic slot for SIM cards from the tablet. These are accessible staples for a stapler, a special office tool for joining sheets of paper.

There shouldn't be any problems finding the bracket. To begin with, many office workers have whole boxes of these staples at work, since they regularly use staplers as part of their job. They are also present in the homes of students and schoolchildren.

If you don't have a box of staples, find any notebook or album you don't need. In their production, staples are used to connect sheets.

Having obtained the necessary device, you can figure out how to get the SIM card tray yourself on Lenovo, Xiaomi tablets and other models.

• Get one staple of the appropriate size. It is not necessary to bend it;
• Insert one end of the U-shaped element into the slot;
• Gently press down on the staple from the stapler;
• In this case, a working slot should snap open and open;
• Remove it completely, insert the SIM card, remove the flash drive and carry out other necessary manipulations.

There shouldn't be any problems here.

As in previous cases, the brackets are selected to match the size of the slot opening on the tablet. Some staples are not round, but rectangular. Because of this, the latter may not be suitable for opening the tablet. Often, after trying several types of braces, one of them is sure to fit.

Staples from a construction stapler will probably not work because they are too large.

And these are not the only ways you can remove a SIM card slot from your Honor, Xiaomi or Lenovo tablet. There are several other alternative solutions.

Toothpicks

If you can’t find the key to use it to remove the SIM card slot on your Lenovo, Honor or other brand tablet, just take a regular toothpick.

While this may be surprising to some, in reality a toothpick can do the job just fine.

Toothpicks come in plastic and wood. In both cases, it is important to try not to break or leave the tip of the device inside the slot. Therefore, be careful and attentive. And the extraction procedure is similar to the use of paper clips, pins and other devices discussed.

Pencils

Basically, a mechanical pencil is suitable, the lead of which can gradually increase by pressing the corresponding button on top of the pencil pen.

There are 2 ways to do this:

• Initially, click on the pencil several times so that the lead increases to the required size. Then insert it into the hole and press lightly on the slot so that it opens.
• Insert a mechanical pencil into the hole, then gradually press down on the lead enlargement mechanism. When the stylus reaches the slot open button, the device will work, and you will get the long-awaited access to the contents of the tablet.

IMPORTANT! Some leads on such pencils are too thin or larger in size than the slot hole. Plus, certain leads are very fragile, and their force is not enough to open the SIM tray.

In terms of reliability, a mechanical pencil is not the best option. It may crumble and particles will fall into the tablet. But if there are no alternative options, you should take advantage of this.

Nails

A DIYer will probably have several nails of different sizes. This device is quite suitable for solving the task.

The advantages of nails include the fact that their ends are not as sharp as those of needles. They are durable, do not break, fit comfortably in the hand due to the cap, and allow you to create the necessary force.

The main thing here is not to overpress it if there are problems with the tray opening mechanism. Otherwise, a small nail can help out a tablet user.

What to do if the slot does not open

There are several recommendations if the SIM card slot on your tablet does not open and cannot be pulled out.

Please note that some recommendations may potentially harm your device. Therefore, be careful and use them as needed.

If the slot opening mechanism malfunctions, the best solution is to contact a service center, where specialists will solve the problem.

If you want to solve everything yourself, but don’t know what to do if the SIM card is stuck inside, you can try the following methods:

• Just try to press the wrench or other device a little harder. Sometimes the problem is simply that the user is afraid of ruining the tablet and presses too lightly.
• Use a thin paperclip, trying to pick up the tray as if with a hook, pulling it towards you.
• You can glue an appropriately sized object to the stuck tray using superglue. Let it set thoroughly and then pull. Sometimes it helps.
• Seek help from specialists. Often this is the best decision.

Please note that sometimes the tray itself breaks, its contacts bend and catch. Sometimes on tablets the SIM card falls out of the slot, clinging to the inside of the gadget. If you pull too hard, you can seriously damage the device.

In rare cases, you have to disassemble the tablet to solve the problem. But such a scenario should not be ruled out.

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Re-insertion of the SIM card tray

Inserting the SIM card tray in Xiaomi is as easy as pulling it out. First, insert the SIM card into the tray into the recess specially provided for it, and then install the slot with the card/cards back into the slot from which it was removed. Push the tray all the way until you hear a characteristic click.

When inserting the tray into place, the phone should be face down and the SIM card should be on top. There is no need to turn the device over after removing the slot, so as not to get confused which way to insert it. The phone must remain turned off while installing the tray. It is turned on only after a click.

Simultaneous placement of two cards and an SD drive

If the manufacturer has not provided such an option, you can get out of the situation yourself.

1. Remove the chip from the SIM card. To do this, you need to carefully heat the plastic around the edges until it becomes pliable, and then use tweezers to pry and remove the golden chip. A hair dryer or lighter will do.
2. Carefully sand the chip from the bottom and sides with sandpaper, remove 1-2 mm of plastic.
3. Glue the chip to the SD drive with superglue. In this case, you need to additionally search for information specifically on your SIM card. The correct position of the chip differs between carriers.

Gluing two cards together is an unsafe procedure; there is a high risk of damaging the flash drive, internal contacts of the reader, or even completely losing the ability to remove the tray from the phone. It’s easier and safer to buy a model that has a separate memory slot instead of a hybrid slot.

Inserting a SIM card into a new smartphone is no more difficult than inserting it into an old one. Xiaomi devices are unified and open in the same way. If you have not found or lost the supplied paper clip, use a simple paper clip, having first straightened one end.

Installing a second SIM or microSD

Today, most users are not limited to one SIM card. The second SIM card is added in the same way as the first. If the smartphone has a hybrid or combined slot, instead of a second SIM card, the user can install a memory card of a certain size - the number of supported GB depends on the Xiaomi smartphone model.

How to install microSD:

1. The flash drive has its own characteristic shapes that will not allow you to place it incorrectly - it fits exactly into the slots provided for it. Place the microSD so that its contacts are on top.
2. Insert the slot back into the smartphone. Make sure that the cards do not move or go beyond their boundaries.
3. Push the tray in until it clicks and turn on the machine's power. After switching on, 2 antennas with the names of operators will appear on the screen. In the smartphone settings, you can check whether the flash drive is in place by going to the “Memory” section.

There are Xiaomi models that have a separate slot for microSD. Its removal and installation is carried out similarly to the SIM card tray.

Side outer slot with sliding tray

This option is found in the most modern tablet models. We proceed exactly as in the case of a smartphone:

1. We look for the edge of the tray with slots on the case.
2. We insert the supplied key (or something similar) into the recess on the side, apply light pressure and immediately release.
3. The side of the tray will extend slightly beyond the body. We grab it with two fingers and pull it (completely) out.
4. Place the SIM card in the slot on the tray.
5. We push the tray into the slot until the side is level with the surface of the body.

Installing a memory card

Please note that not all smartphones are equipped with a separate slot for a memory card. Moreover, there are models that do not support flash drives. In the latter, an SD card cannot be inserted even instead of one of the SIM cards. As a rule, smartphones that do not have a memory card installed have a large amount of ROM. Obviously, the developers believe that 128 or 256 GB should be enough for all urgent needs.

If the model provides support for a flash drive, it is installed in a special or hybrid slot. In the second case, the tray has two recesses of different shapes. The user must choose whether to install an SD card and a SIM card or just two SIM cards.

How to get it out if it's stuck

It often happens that if installed or removed incorrectly, simka becomes tightly stuck in the device. Removing it becomes problematic. Recommendations for this case:

Shake

First of all, try shaking the tablet properly. If the card is not secured tightly in the case, it can fly out. But there are more serious cases.

Tweezers or angle

If you fail with the first option, use tweezers or a needle. If the edges of the card are visible, try to carefully grab it with tweezers and pull it towards you.

Be careful. Do not damage the fragile chip.

Disassemble the case

The most radical method. Having disassembled the “tablet”, you will be able to free the SIM card without any problems. You can find out how to disassemble the tablet here.