How to Put a SIM Card Into an iPhone: Step-by-Step Guide

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Quick tutorial for switching your iPhone’s SIM card
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This wikiHow guide shows you how to insert a SIM card into your iPhone. In order for a new SIM card to work with your phone, you'll need either a SIM card that corresponds to your current carrier or a SIM-unlocked iPhone. The installation process itself is easy and can be done in a few steps.

Quick Steps

  1. Turn off your iPhone.
  2. Press a SIM eject tool or straightened paperclip into the indent on the SIM tray to open it.
  3. Remove your old SIM card.
  4. Insert the new SIM card, making sure the indentation on the card fits your tray.
  5. Put the SIM tray back into your phone.
  6. Power your phone on to ensure the SIM card is recognized.
Section 1 of 2:

Putting a SIM Card in Your iPhone

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  1. If you're using an iPhone with a Home button, simply press the power button on the side of the phone until you see the power down screen. If you have an iPhone without a Home button, you'll need to press and hold the power button and one of the volume buttons. The power button is on the top of the right side of most iPhones, though you'll find it on the very top edge if you're using an iPhone 5 or older.
    • Once you see the power down screen, drag the slider to the right to shut down your phone.
    • If your iPhone isn’t responding, you can perform a hard reset .
  2. SIM cards have gotten smaller over the years, and older iPhones may not support newer SIM cards (and vice versa). Make sure that your SIM card will fit in the iPhone you are using. [1]
    • If you have an iPhone 14 or later that you purchased in the US, your phone uses an eSIM instead of a physical SIM card. Contact your carrier for instructions to activate an eSIM.
    • iPhone 5 to iPhone 13, as well as the non-US versions of iPhone 14 and up, use a Nano SIM (12.3mm x 8.8mm).
    • iPhone 4 and 4S use a Micro SIM (15mm x 12mm).
    • iPhone 3G, 3GS, and original use a Standard SIM (25mm x 15mm).
      • Note that all iPhone 14s and newer (all models) from the US don't have a SIM card tray. They use an eSIM built-in to the phone.
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  3. The SIM card lies flat in the SIM card tray, facing toward the screen. If you hold your iPhone screen-side down, the SIM card will fall out when you remove the tray.
  4. For iPhone 12 and later, the SIM card tray is located along the left side of the iPhone. For iPhone 11 and earlier, the SIM card tray is on the right side. [2]
    • iPhone 3G, 3GS, and original have SIM card slots along the top of the iPhone.
    • Every iPhone model except the iPhone 4 CDMA (A1349 Verizon/Sprint) and US iPhone 14-16e (all models) have a SIM tray.
  5. Many phones come with a SIM eject tool, which is a tool with a small pointy end that allows you to release the SIM tray. If you don't have this tool anymore, you can straighten a paperclip instead. [3]
  6. With a little force, the SIM tray should pop out a little bit.
  7. Do so gently, since both the SIM card and its tray are fragile. [4] Never force the SIM tray out of your device.
  8. Because of the indentation on the card, you should only be able to place the new card in the tray in one way. If you aren't sure, just insert it the same way the original card was, with the gold contacts facing down. [5]
    • The indentation is typically one corner that has been made into a flat 45 degree edge. This edge will line up with the slot in the SIM card tray.
  9. The tray will only insert one way. [6]
    • Make sure the tray is all the way back in the iPhone before continuing. The tray’s outer edge should be flush with the rest of the iPhone.
  10. Doing so will turn your iPhone back on. Your iPhone should connect to its new network automatically, though you may first be prompted to activate it. Now you’re ready to share your internet connection or make a few phone calls!
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Section 2 of 2:

Troubleshooting

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  1. Depending on your carrier's data plan, you may not see the activation prompt until you connect to Wi-Fi. [7]
  2. If your iPhone isn't activating over Wi-Fi, using a computer with internet access may invoke the activation process. To do so:
    • Plug your iPhone into your computer using the USB charging cable. If it doesn't automatically launch, open the Finder (on a Mac) and locate your iPhone in the left side panel, or launch iTunes (on a PC) and find your phone in the menu at the top.
    • Wait for Finder or iTunes to activate your SIM for you.
  3. In the event that your iPhone simply won't recognize the SIM card, restoring your iPhone may prompt the SIM to activate upon restarting. [8]
  4. Provided your phone still won't activate the new SIM card, calling your carrier (e.g., AT&T, Verizon, or Sprint) may be your only option. Once they verify your account ownership, you'll be able to ask your carrier about the new SIM; if the problem isn't simple enough to diagnose over the phone, you'll probably have to take your phone into a carrier store to have it examined or set up for you.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    where is the sim card on on iphone SE?
    Kyle Smith
    wikiHow Technology Writer
    Kyle Smith is a wikiHow Technology Writer, learning and sharing information about the latest technology. He has presented his research at multiple engineering conferences and is the writer and editor of hundreds of online electronics repair guides. Kyle received a BS in Industrial Engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
    Kyle Smith
    wikiHow Technology Writer
    Expert Answer
    The SIM card tray is on the right side of the iPhone SE, below the power button.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Yes No
    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 2
  • Question
    Will my phone lose anything saved, like pictures, when I insert a new SIM card?
    Community Answer
    No. A new SIM card will just change your phone number. Your phone keeps everything if your iCloud account is still on it.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 28
  • Question
    How do I put the SIM card in tray?
    Community Answer
    Use something like a paperclip or sewing needle and stick it in the small hole to open the tray, and then sit the SIM card into it until it sits flush with the metal.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 14 Helpful 29
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/118569
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/109357
      3. ↑ https://www.xda-developers.com/how-to-insert-sim-iphone/
      4. ↑ https://www.xda-developers.com/how-to-insert-sim-iphone/
      5. ↑ https://www.xda-developers.com/how-to-insert-sim-iphone/
      6. ↑ https://www.xda-developers.com/how-to-insert-sim-iphone/
      7. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/109326
      8. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/118107

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Turn off the iPhone.
      2. Locate the SIM slot on the side or top edge.
      3. Find the SIM tool or straighten a paperclip.
      4. Insert the SIM tool or paperclip into the hole next to the slot.
      5. Pull out the SIM tray.
      6. Replace the old SIM with the new SIM.
      7. Slide the SIM tray back in.
      8. Turn the phone back on.

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Melanke Dunseph

        Jun 17, 2017

        "I was able to know how to open a tray, as well as what SIM cards name and how they fit so I wouldn't break my ..." more
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