Installing an operator card is the first and most important step after purchasing a new smartphone in the series Xiaomi Redmi. Despite the apparent simplicity of the procedure, incorrect installation of the chip can lead to a lack of network or damage to the contacts of the module itself. Device owners often encounter difficulties in determining the type of slot or the correct orientation of the plastic card in the tray.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of physically installing the media, as well as the software configuration of the network on the shell MIUI or new HyperOS. We will pay attention to the nuances of working with hybrid slots, where you have to choose between a second SIM card and a memory card, and we will analyze typical errors due to which the device does not see the operator.
Before you begin mechanical actions, you need to make sure that you have everything you need at hand. You will need the original paperclip (ejector) that came with the box, or a thin needle. It is also important to cut your SIM card to Nano-SIM format in advance if it is large, since modern Redmi smartphones only support this standard.
Preparation for installation and types of slots
Before removing the tray, carefully inspect the ends of your smartphone. In the vast majority of Redmi models, the SIM card slot is located on the upper or lower end of the case. It is a narrow slot with a small hole next to it. It is important to determine the type of tray you have, as this will determine the strategy for installing additional storage media.
There are two main types of designs. The first is a classic dual slot designed exclusively for two carrier cards. The second option, which is often found in budget and mid-range models, is hybrid. In such a tray, the second place can be used either for a second SIM card or for a memory card format MicroSD, but not for both media at the same time.
⚠️ Attention: Under no circumstances try to insert a memory card into a slot intended only for SIM, and vice versa. Mechanical mismatch of contacts can lead to a short circuit and failure of the motherboard.
Before removing the tray, place the phone face down on a soft surface so as not to accidentally drop it and scratch the display during manipulation.
Make sure that the smartphone is turned off before starting the procedure. Although modern devices support “hot swapping,” software initialization of a new communication module when the device is turned off is more correct and guarantees that there are no failures in determining the network upon first startup. This is especially true for older firmware versions.
Physically installing the card into the tray
The process of removing the tray requires care. Insert the tool into the hole next to the slot and press until you feel a slight click. The tray should extend a few millimeters, after which it can be removed with your fingers. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the ejector mechanism inside the housing.
After removal, inspect the tray. It usually has a diagram showing how to place the chip correctly. The gold contacts on the card should be facing down, and the cut corner of the plastic should line up with the cutout in the tray. The card must be placed in the recess so that it does not protrude beyond the edges of the frame.
- 📍 Find the clip from the kit or a thin needle to open the tray.
- 📍 Determine the location of the slot on your body Redmi.
- 📍 Turn off your smartphone for safe installation equipment.
- 📍 Make sure the card contacts are clean and free of oxidation.
If you are using a hybrid slot and want to install a memory card, make sure you select the correct slot. Often the second slot has a spring mechanism or a specific shape for fixing the microSD. After you have loaded all the media, carefully push the tray back into the chassis until it stops. You should hear or feel a characteristic click of fixation.
☑️ Checking the installation
Primary network setup in MIUI and HyperOS
After turning on the smartphone, the system will automatically detect new modules. A notification about found SIM cardswill appear on the screen. If this does not happen, you will need to go into the settings manually. The path to the menu may differ slightly depending on the version of the shell, but the logic remains the same for all devices Xiaomi.
Go to the section Settings, then select item SIM cards and mobile networks. Here you will see a list of installed cards. The system will offer to give them names, for example, “Work” and “Home”, so as not to get confused in the future. This is a convenient feature that allows you to quickly identify the source of a call or the Internet.
In the same menu, connection priorities are configured. You can choose which card will be used for mobile data by default, and which one will be used only for voice calls. For active data transfer, it is recommended to choose a card with an unlimited tariff or the greatest coverage in your area to ensure stable connection speed.
Pay attention to the mode switch VoLTE. If your operator supports this technology, be sure to activate it. This will allow you to make high-quality calls simultaneously using 4G Internet, without switching the network to 2G or 3G mode during a conversation. This option significantly saves battery power and improves communication quality.
Setting up APN access points
Sometimes after installing the card, the Internet does not work, although the network icon is displayed. In 90% of cases, the problem lies in the absence or incorrect configuration of access points APN. Typically, the smartphone loads these settings automatically via SMS from the operator, but in some cases, especially when using old cards or specific tariffs, manual configuration is required.
To check and edit the parameters, go to menu Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → select the desired SIM card → Access points (APN). If the list is empty or the Internet does not work, click the "New access point" button or the plus icon. The data to be filled in (name, APN, authentication type) can be found on the official website of your telecom operator.
| Operator | Point name (Name) | APN value | Authentication type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTS | MTS Internet | internet.mts.ru | PAP or CHAP |
| MegaFon | Megafon Internet | internet | Not specified |
| Beeline | Beeline Internet | internet.beeline.ru | PAP or CHAP |
| Tele2 | Tele2 Internet | internet.tele2.ru | Not specified |
After entering all the parameters, be sure to save the new access point and activate it by checking the appropriate box or selecting it from the list. Reboot your device for the changes to take effect. If the Internet appears, but is unstable, try clearing the browser cache or resetting the network settings to factory settings.
What to do if the settings are reset?
If after rebooting the APN access points are reset or disappear, there may be a PIN code on the card that blocks changing the settings. Try disabling the PIN code request in the SIM card security menu.
Solving problems with card identification
The situation when the phone writes “No SIM card” or “Insert SIM” can occur even with correct physical installation. Before you panic, try rebooting your device. Sometimes a failure occurs at the radio module level, and a simple system restart helps restore the connection with the chip.
If the reboot does not help, remove the tray and wipe the SIM card contacts with a soft eraser or dry cloth. Often oxidation or greasy finger marks prevent normal electrical contact. Also check to see if the card itself is not deformed - if it is cut out in a homemade way, the edges may prevent a tight fit in the tray.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use alcohol or harsh chemical solutions to clean the SIM card contacts, as they can damage the protective coating on the chip. Use only a dry, soft cloth.
Try moving the card to a different slot. If the phone sees the network in the second slot, then the problem may be mechanical damage to the first connector. If the card is not detected in any slot on this phone, but works in another device, it may be a software conflict in the firmware Redmi.
If the SIM card is not detected in any slot on your phone, but works properly in another device, the problem is most likely a hardware malfunction of your smartphone's reader.
Features of working with eSIM on Redmi
Modern flagship Redmi models are beginning to support technology eSIM (built-in SIM card). This allows you to connect to an operator’s tariff without using physical plastic media. The operator's profile is loaded directly into the device's memory by scanning the QR code provided by the communication store.
To activate eSIM, go to the mobile network settings and select "Add mobile tariff". The camera will open to scan the code. After successful reading, the profile will load and you can switch between the physical card and the virtual one directly in the settings menu. This is convenient for travelers, allowing you to quickly change operators without purchasing local SIM cards.
It is worth noting that eSIM support is not available in all regions and not on all models. Before purchasing a phone, check the availability of this module in the specifications of the specific version for your market. Software blocking of this function may be due to regional sales characteristics.
Is it possible to transfer an eSIM to another phone?
No, the eSIM profile is linked to a unique device identifier (EID). To use it on another phone, you need to request a new QR code from the operator and reactivate the profile.
Frequently asked questions about connection and setup
Why does the phone see the card, but not register on the network?
This may be due to the wrong choice of network mode. Go to the settings and make sure that the "4G/LTE Preferred" mode is selected. Also check whether the card is blocked by the operator for non-payment or whether it has expired.
Can you use two SIM cards and a memory card at the same time?
Only if your Redmi model has a separate third slot for a memory card. Most budget models have a hybrid slot, so you have to choose: either two SIM cards, or one SIM card and one memory card.
What to do if the SIM card tray is broken?
Do not try to insert the card directly into the hole without a tray - you will damage the contacts inside the phone. Contact the service center to replace the tray, this is an inexpensive and quick procedure.
How to disable the PIN code request when you turn on the phone?
Go to Settings → Device protection → Privacy → SIM card lock. Enter the current PIN code and turn off the "SIM card lock" switch.