Where the SIM card slot is and what you need
The SIM card slot on an iPhone is a small tray on the side of the phone. On newer iPhones (iPhone XS and later), it is on the right edge. On older models, the location varies — iPhone 8 and earlier have it on the right side, while some very old models have it on the left. You will see a tiny hole next to the slot.
To open the slot, you need the SIM ejector tool — a thin metal pin that comes in the box with your iPhone. If you have lost it, a straightened paperclip or a small safety pin works just as well. You do not need any other tools or technical knowledge.
Before you start, power off your iPhone completely. This is not strictly required, but it prevents any accidental interruption while the slot is open. Once the phone is off, you are ready to remove the old SIM card.
Key Takeaways
- The SIM card slot is on the side of your iPhone, marked by a small hole next to a thin rectangular outline.
- Use the SIM ejector tool (or a paperclip) to push straight into the hole until the tray pops out — do not twist or angle the tool.
- Lift the tray out gently, remove the old SIM card, and slide the new one in with the gold contacts facing down and the cut corner matching the tray's shape.
- Push the tray back in until it clicks flush with the phone's edge, then power the iPhone back on.
- Your iPhone will search for the carrier network and may ask you to enter a PIN if your SIM card is locked — contact your carrier if you do not know the PIN.
How to eject the SIM tray
Locate the small hole next to the SIM slot on the side of your iPhone. Insert the SIM ejector tool (or paperclip) straight into the hole — not at an angle. Push gently but firmly until you feel resistance, then push a little more. The tray will pop out slightly.
Do not force it. If the tray does not pop after gentle pressure, you may be pushing in the wrong spot. Look for the small hole right next to the rectangular outline of the slot. Once the tray begins to come out, use your fingernail or the tool to pull it the rest of the way out. The tray is small and straightforward to lose, so do this over a table or surface where you can see it clearly.
Removing the old SIM card and inserting the new one
The SIM card sits in the tray and will lift out easily — it is not glued or locked in place. Lift it straight up and set it aside. If you are keeping the old SIM card (for example, if you are switching phones temporarily), store it somewhere safe where it will not bend or get wet.
Take your new SIM card and look at its shape. One corner is cut at an angle. Line up that cut corner with the cut corner of the tray — this prevents you from inserting it backwards. The gold contact area on the SIM card should face downward, toward the tray. Slide the SIM card into the slot until it sits flat and flush with the tray.
Now push the tray back into the phone. Align it with the slot opening and push straight in until you hear or feel a click. The tray should sit completely flush with the edge of the phone — if it sticks out, it is not fully seated. Once it clicks into place, your iPhone is ready to power back on.
What happens after you power the phone back on
Turn your iPhone back on by pressing and holding the side button (or top button on older models) until the Apple logo appears. The phone will boot up and search for your carrier's network. This usually takes one to three minutes.
You may see a message asking for a SIM PIN — a four-digit code that locks the SIM card itself. If you know the PIN, enter it. If you do not know it or have never set one, leave the field blank and tap OK. The phone will connect to the network.
Once connected, you should see your carrier's name in the status bar at the top of the screen, and you will have cellular service. If the phone shows "No Service" or "SIM Not Valid" after five minutes, try restarting the phone again. If the problem continues, contact your carrier — the SIM card may be damaged, or there may be an issue with your account.
Switching between two SIM cards on newer iPhones
If you have an iPhone XS or newer, your phone may support Dual SIM — meaning it can hold two SIM cards at once (one physical SIM and one eSIM, or two eSIMs depending on the model). The physical SIM slot works exactly as described above. The second SIM is digital and does not require a physical card.
To add a second SIM, go to Settings, then Cellular, then Cellular Plans, and follow the prompts to scan a QR code or enter details provided by your carrier. You do not need to open the phone or touch the SIM slot. Both SIMs can be active at the same time, and you can choose which one to use for calls, texts, and data.
Common problems and what to do
If the tray will not pop out, you may be pushing in the wrong hole. Look very carefully at the side of your phone — there should be a small circular hole right next to a thin rectangular outline. The hole is straightforward to miss. Try pushing in a slightly different spot, or use a magnifying glass if you have one. If you still cannot find it, check your iPhone's manual online by searching for your specific model number.
If the SIM card is not recognized after you power on, the card may be dirty or damaged. Remove the tray again and gently wipe the gold contacts on the SIM card with a clean, dry cloth. Reinsert it and power on again. If it still does not work, the SIM card itself may be faulty — contact your carrier to request a replacement.
If you see "SIM Not Valid" or "Invalid SIM", the card may be locked or there may be a problem with your account. Call your carrier's customer service number (usually on the back of your bill or on their website) and explain that you just switched SIM cards. They can check whether the card is active and whether there are any blocks on your account.
When to call your carrier
You should contact your carrier if the phone shows "No Service" after 10 minutes, if you see repeated "SIM Not Valid" messages, or if you are asked for a SIM PIN and do not have one. Your carrier can confirm that the SIM card is active, check for account issues, and send you a replacement card if needed.
You do not need to call if you straightforward want to move a SIM card between two of your own phones — that is a normal use and requires no carrier involvement. You also do not need to call if you are adding a second SIM via eSIM; the carrier's website or app will walk you through that process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my SIM card without turning off my iPhone?
Technically yes, but it is not recommended. Turning off the phone first prevents any data loss or software glitches while the SIM slot is open. If you do change it while the phone is on, turn it off when ready after reinserting the tray, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. This gives the phone time to recognize the new SIM properly.
What if I lose my SIM card after I remove it?
SIM cards are small and straightforward to misplace. If you lose it, contact your carrier and request a replacement. They will deactivate the old card and mail you a new one, usually within three to five business days. Until it arrives, you will not have cellular service on that line. Store old SIM cards in a small envelope or plastic case to prevent loss.
Do I need to do anything on my carrier's website after changing the SIM?
No. Once the new SIM is in your phone and the phone connects to the network, your carrier's system recognizes it automatically. You do not need to log in or make any changes online. If you are switching to a new phone entirely, some carriers ask you to set up it on their website first — check your carrier's instructions before you start.
Can I use any SIM card in my iPhone?
Any SIM card from any carrier will physically fit in your iPhone's slot. However, your phone will only work on that carrier's network if your iPhone is not locked to another carrier. If your phone is locked, contact your original carrier to request an unlock before switching SIM cards. Most carriers unlock phones for free after a contract ends or the phone is paid off.
What is the difference between a physical SIM and an eSIM?
A physical SIM is the card you insert into the slot. An eSIM is digital and built into the phone — you set up it through your carrier's app or website without inserting anything. Newer iPhones support both. A physical SIM is useful if you travel internationally or switch carriers frequently; an eSIM is convenient because you cannot lose it or damage it.