Oops! Pixel 9 owners are accidentally poking the mic with SIM ejector pins

A lot of Pixel 9 series users have made a frustrating mistake while setting up their shiny new phones. With the SIM card slot and the microphone hole placed side by side, many users have accidentally jammed their SIM ejector tool into the mic hole. The results have been panic-inducing for some, but not all hope is lost.

One user on Reddit shared their story, explaining how they inserted the SIM tool into the wrong hole. At first, they felt resistance, which they assumed was normal, but then came the dreaded “pop.” This led to immediate concerns about potential damage to the microphone or the phone’s waterproofing. Another user chimed in, saying they made the same mistake because their previous phone’s SIM tray was on the opposite side.

The good news? It’s not as bad as it sounds. Judging by a teardown video of the Pixel 9 Pro XL, Google seems to have anticipated this kind of mix-up. The microphone in the Pixel 9 series is positioned at a right angle to the mic hole, making it almost impossible to directly damage the component with a SIM ejector tool. In fact, most smartphone manufacturers design microphones this way, because accidental jabs are so common, as noted by a Redditor too.

The video shows that the mic is protected by a sturdy barrier and is slightly offset, which acts as a safeguard. Some users described feeling much better after seeing this, realizing their phones were likely fine despite the scare.

Still, there are lingering concerns. A few users worry about compromising the phone’s waterproofing. Others pointed out that even if the microphone isn’t damaged, poking the wrong hole could tear the dustproof mesh or other protective layers. However, most users who tested their microphones found them working perfectly after the mistake.

The placement of the SIM slot and mic hole has left many people scratching their heads. Some joked about “autopilot mode” taking over during setup, while others criticized Google for not providing better guidance. One user even suggested Google include visual aids to warn users during unboxing. It seems like a simple fix could prevent a lot of headaches.

This isn’t the first time a smartphone design has caused this kind of confusion. A few Pixel 9 users pointed out that Samsung phones also have their SIM slots near the mic hole, leading to similar mishaps. One user recalled doing the same thing with their Galaxy S22 and noted their phone was fine afterward.

The best advice? Double-check before inserting the SIM tool, especially if you’re used to a different phone layout. If you’ve already made the mistake, don’t panic. Test your microphone by recording audio or making a call. If everything sounds normal, you’re probably in the clear. And if you’re worried about waterproofing, keep the phone away from moisture just to be safe.

That said, let us know if you too mistook the microphone hole for the SIM card tray ejector on your Pixel 9 device in the comments below.

Featured image credit: iFixit