How to Change the SIM Card in Your iPhone

Where to find the SIM tray and what you need

The SIM card slot on an iPhone is a small tray on the side of the phone, not inside the battery compartment. You will need a 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 sewing needle works the same way. You do not need to power off your phone, though some people do for peace of mind.

The location of the SIM tray depends on your iPhone model. On iPhone 14, 15, and newer models, it is on the right side. On iPhone 13 and earlier, it is typically on the right side as well, though some older models like the iPhone 6s have it on the left. Look for a small pinhole or a thin rectangular outline on the edge of your phone.

Key Takeaways

The SIM tray is accessed from the side of the phone using a thin metal ejector tool or a straightened paperclip.
Push the tool straight into the pinhole next to the tray until the tray pops out — do not angle or force it.
Remove the old SIM card, insert the new one with the gold contacts facing down and the notched corner matching the tray slot, then push the tray back in until it clicks.
Your phone will search for a network signal after the new SIM is installed; this usually takes a few seconds to a minute.
If your new SIM does not work, restart your phone or contact your carrier to confirm the SIM is active on their network.

How to eject the SIM tray

Locate the pinhole on the edge of your iPhone next to where the SIM tray sits. Insert the tip of your ejector tool or straightened paperclip straight into the hole — not at an angle. explore gentle, steady pressure until you feel the tray pop out slightly. Do not force it or twist the tool; if it does not move, you may be pressing in the wrong spot.

Once the tray begins to slide out, use your fingernail or the tool to pull it the rest of the way. The tray will come out completely and can be held in your hand. Set it on a clean, flat surface where you will not lose it.

Removing the old SIM and inserting the new one

The SIM card sits in a small slot on the tray. Gently lift or slide it out — it is not glued down and should come free with minimal pressure. Look at the new SIM card and note the small notch cut into one corner. This notch must align with the matching notch or slot in the tray; this prevents you from inserting it backwards.

Place the new SIM card into the tray with the gold contact side facing down. The notched corner should line up with the tray's slot. The card should sit flat and flush with the tray. If it does not fit smoothly, stop and check the orientation — forcing a SIM card can damage both the card and the tray.

Reinserting the tray and checking for signal

Hold the tray level and slide it back into the slot on the side of your phone. Push it in slowly until you hear or feel a click, which means it is fully seated. The tray should be flush with the edge of the phone when it is fully inserted. Do not force it; if it resists, remove it and check that the SIM card is positioned correctly.

Your iPhone will begin searching for a network signal within a few seconds. You should see the carrier name appear in the status bar at the top of the screen. This process usually takes less than a minute. If the phone shows "No Service" or "Emergency Calls Only" after a few minutes, the SIM may not be active yet on your carrier's network, or there may be a connection issue.

Troubleshooting when the new SIM does not work

If your phone does not show a signal after a few minutes, restart it by powering off and back on. Press and hold the power button until the "slide to power off" prompt appears, then slide to shut down. Wait 10 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. This often resolves temporary connection issues.

If the phone still shows no signal, contact your carrier to confirm that the new SIM card is active on their network. Some carriers require you to call or visit a store to set up a SIM before it will work. If you are switching carriers, make sure the old carrier has not locked the phone to their network — your new carrier can check this for you.

If you see an error message saying the SIM is not supported, the card may be damaged, or your phone may not be compatible with that carrier's network technology. Remove the SIM, inspect it for visible cracks or scratches, and reinsert it. If the problem persists, request a replacement SIM from your carrier.

Differences between standard, micro, and nano SIM cards

iPhones from iPhone 6 onward use a nano SIM, which is the smallest standard size. Older iPhones used micro SIM (iPhone 4 and 4S) or standard SIM (original iPhone and iPhone 3G/3GS). If you are upgrading from an older phone, your old SIM will not fit in a newer iPhone's tray.

If you have a standard or micro SIM and need a nano SIM, contact your carrier and request a replacement. Most carriers will mail one to you at no cost, or you can visit a store to get one when ready. Some carriers also offer eSIM, a digital SIM stored on the phone itself, which does not require a physical card — check with your carrier to see if this option is available for your plan.

What to do with your old SIM card

Once you have removed your old SIM, you can keep it as a backup or return it to your carrier. If you are switching carriers, your old carrier may ask you to return the SIM; check your account or call them to confirm. If you are keeping the same carrier and just replacing a damaged SIM, you can safely throw the old one away or keep it in a drawer.

Do not leave an old SIM card lying around where it could be found and misused. If you are concerned about security, you can cut it in half or destroy it before discarding it. The data on a SIM card is tied to your carrier's account, so the card itself is not a security risk once it is deactivated, but destroying it is a safe practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to turn off my iPhone before changing the SIM?

No, you can change the SIM while the phone is on. However, some people prefer to power it off to avoid any potential connection issues during the swap. Either way works fine.

What if the SIM tray is stuck and will not pop out?

Make sure you are pressing straight into the pinhole, not at an angle. If it still will not budge, try a different tool — sometimes the ejector tool that came with the phone is slightly different in thickness than a paperclip. If the tray remains stuck, stop and contact Apple or visit an Apple Store rather than risk damaging the slot.

Can I use my old SIM card in a new iPhone?

Only if both phones use the same SIM size. iPhones from iPhone 6 onward all use nano SIM, so a SIM from an iPhone 8 will work in an iPhone 15. If you are upgrading from an iPhone 5s or older, you will need a new nano SIM from your carrier.

How long does it take for the new SIM to work after I insert it?

Usually a few seconds to one minute. Your phone searches for the carrier's network and registers the SIM. If it takes longer than five minutes, restart the phone or contact your carrier to confirm the SIM is active.

What does it mean if my phone says "SIM not supported"?

This usually means the SIM card is damaged, the phone is locked to a different carrier, or the SIM is not compatible with your phone's network bands. Remove the SIM, check it for cracks, reinsert it, and restart the phone. If the error persists, contact your carrier or Apple.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.