How to change the SIM card in an iPhone
Here are simple instructions for those who want to replace or remove the SIM card in an iPhone.
eSIM
eSIM is a digital SIM card standard that allows you to activate a mobile subscription without a physical SIM card. With eSIM, you can have multiple (eight or more) eSIMs installed on your iPhone and use two phone numbers at the same time. To use eSIM, you need an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR or later model, and a mobile operator that supports eSIM. Also, your iPhone must be connected to Wi-Fi to set up the eSIM.
Contact your mobile operator for more information.
Physical SIM card
Use the SIM tray (and the correct size SIM card) that is specific to your model, they are not universal between different models.
Remove or insert a physical SIM card into your iPhone
Use the SIM eject tool that comes with your iPhone (or a paper clip for example) and insert it into the hole by the SIM tray. Press gently without using force.
If you have problems, seek help from your operator.
When inserting a new SIM card, make sure it is the correct size and oriented with the notch.
The size of the SIM card may vary between models
If you change SIM cards from one model to another, you may need a different size of your SIM card.
If you have a smaller model of the SIM card and you need a larger model, you need to ask your operator for a new SIM card.
If you have a larger model of the SIM card and you need a smaller model, it is usually easy to print a smaller model directly on the SIM card.
For questions or ordering a new SIM card, contact your mobile operator.
The location of the SIM tray depends on the iPhone model
The SIM tray is on the left side for newer iPhone models, such as iPhone 15 and iPhone 16. For slightly older iPhones, like the iPhone 11 and the XS series, the tray is instead on the right side. If you have an iPhone 3GS, you will find the SIM tray on the top of the phone.
