How to Change the SIM Card in Your iPhone

Remove the SIM tray with the ejection tool

Your iPhone holds the SIM card in a small tray on the side of the phone. To remove it, you need the SIM ejection tool — a thin metal pin that comes in the box with your iPhone. If you no longer have it, a straightened paperclip or a small safety pin works the same way.

Locate the small hole next to the SIM tray on the side of your iPhone. The exact location depends on your model: on iPhone 14 and newer, it is on the right side; on iPhone 13 and earlier, it is usually on the right side as well, but check your phone's physical layout to be sure. Push the ejection tool straight into the hole with gentle, steady pressure until the tray pops out slightly.

Pull the tray out the rest of the way by hand. The tray itself is not spring-loaded, so you may need to wiggle it slightly or use your fingernail to get a grip. Do not force it — if it does not move, you are pushing in the wrong spot.

Key Takeaways

The SIM tray is on the side of your iPhone and opens with the ejection tool or a straightened paperclip.
Push the tool straight into the hole until the tray clicks out, then pull it the rest of the way by hand.
The SIM card sits in the tray with the gold contacts facing down; slide it out and replace it with your new card in the same orientation.
Reinsert the tray by pushing it straight in until it clicks flush with the phone's edge.
Your iPhone will search for the network once the SIM is installed; this usually takes a few seconds to a minute.

Slide the old SIM card out and the new one in

Once the tray is out, you will see a small rectangular slot with your current SIM card sitting in it. The card has gold contacts on one side — those must face downward into the tray. Slide the old card out gently toward you.

Take your new SIM card and orient it the same way: gold contacts down, the notched corner matching the notch in the tray. Slide it in until it sits flat and flush with the tray. The card should not stick up or sit at an angle. If your new SIM is a different size (for example, if you are switching from a full-size SIM to a nano SIM), make sure it is cut to the right dimensions before you insert it — your carrier can provide the correct size, or you can use a SIM cutter if you have one.

Reinsert the tray into your iPhone

Hold your iPhone so you can see the SIM tray slot on the side. Line up the tray with the slot and push it in straight, explore gentle, even pressure. You will feel it click when it is fully seated. The tray should sit flush with the edge of the phone — if it sticks out, push it in a bit more.

Do not force the tray. If it resists, pull it out and check that the SIM card is sitting flat in the tray and that the tray itself is not bent or damaged. Once the tray clicks into place, your iPhone will begin searching for the network.

Wait for the network connection to appear

After you insert the tray, your iPhone will take a few seconds to a minute to detect the SIM card and connect to your carrier's network. You will see the signal bars appear in the top left corner of the screen, and the carrier name will display next to them. If you have a dual-SIM iPhone (iPhone XS and newer), both SIM cards will show in the status bar once they are both installed and active.

If the network does not appear after a minute, restart your iPhone by powering it off and back on. Go to Settings > General > Shut Down, wait a few seconds, then press and hold the side button to turn it back on. The network should appear once the phone restarts.

Troubleshoot if your iPhone does not recognize the SIM

If you see "No SIM" or "SIM Not Supported" after waiting and restarting, first check that the SIM card is the correct size for your iPhone model. Nano SIM cards are the standard for all modern iPhones; if you have an older full-size or micro SIM, it will not work. Contact your carrier to request a nano SIM.

If the card is the correct size, remove the tray again and inspect both the card and the tray for dirt, scratches, or bent contacts. Gently clean the gold contacts on the SIM card with a soft, dry cloth. Reinsert the card and restart the phone. If the problem persists, the SIM card itself may be damaged — ask your carrier to send a replacement or visit a carrier store to swap it in person.

Understand dual-SIM iPhones and eSIM

iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, and all newer models support two SIM cards at once. One is a physical nano SIM in the tray; the other is an eSIM, a digital SIM stored on the phone itself. You do not need to physically insert an eSIM — your carrier sends it to you digitally, and you set it up through Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan.

If you are switching carriers and want to use both SIMs, you can keep your old physical SIM in the tray and add your new carrier as an eSIM, or vice versa. If you want to use only one SIM, straightforward leave the tray empty or remove the eSIM through Settings. Your iPhone will work with either one alone.

What to do if you lose the ejection tool

The SIM ejection tool is small and straightforward to misplace. If you cannot find yours, a straightened paperclip, a small safety pin, or even a thin earring post will work — anything that fits the hole and is sturdy enough not to bend. Some people keep a spare tool in their wallet or glove compartment for this reason.

If you do not have anything suitable at home, visit an Apple Store or your carrier's retail location. Staff can open the tray for you in seconds, and many will give you a replacement ejection tool for free. You can also order a replacement tool online from Apple or third-party retailers for a few dollars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my SIM card without turning off my iPhone?

Yes. Removing and reinserting the SIM tray does not require you to power off the phone. However, restarting your iPhone after you insert a new SIM can speed up the network connection process, so it is worth doing if the network does not appear within a minute.

What happens to my data when I change the SIM card?

Your data stays on your iPhone. The SIM card only holds your phone number and carrier information, not your photos, messages, contacts, or apps. Changing the SIM does not erase anything on the phone itself.

Do I need to tell my carrier before I change my SIM?

Not always. If you are switching to a new SIM from the same carrier, they usually set up it automatically once it is in your phone. If you are switching carriers, contact the new carrier first — they will send you a SIM card and walk you through set up before you insert it.

Why does my iPhone say "SIM Not Supported" even though the card is new?

This usually means the SIM card is locked to a different carrier or the phone is locked to a carrier that does not recognize the new SIM. Contact your original carrier to unlock the phone, or ask the new carrier whether the phone is compatible with their network. Some older iPhones may also show this message if the SIM is not a nano SIM.

Can I use a SIM card from a different country in my iPhone?

Yes, as long as your iPhone is not locked to a specific carrier. Insert the international SIM card the same way you would a domestic one. Your iPhone will connect to the local network once it recognizes the SIM. Check with your carrier or the international SIM provider about roaming rates and data plans before you travel.

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.