How to Change a Sim Card in an iPhone

Last Updated: September 25, 2022

Unlike the old mobile phones where the SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards are easily accessible through the unit's back panel or the battery bay, SIM cards in iPhones are rather interestingly placed. Since the battery of an iPhone is generally factory locked into place, its SIM card is located somewhere else. But don't let this stop you. Changing an iPhone SIM card is actually really simple to do.

Steps

1
Get an iPhone SIM card opener. A SIM card opener is a small tool with an oblong body and a pointy metal tip. Every iPhone package comes with one, but if you managed to lose yours or you no longer have your iPhone's box, a simple paper clip is a great substitute.
2
Insert the opener into the SIM tray. Look around the sides of your iPhone and you should find a small hole no larger than the tip of a pencil.
- Take your SIM card opener tool, or your paper clip, and insert its pointy end into the small hole.
- Keep pushing the clip or the opener until a small tray pops out of your iPhone's side containing the SIM card.
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3
Change the SIM card. Pull out the SIM tray from your iPhone and pry off the card out of it to empty the tray. Take the new SIM card and place it onto the empty tray.
4
Place back the tray. Slowly press the SIM tray back into the slot on the side of your iPhone following the same orientation when it slid out. Gently push the tray until you hear a “click” inside and it's locked into place.
- After changing the SIM card on your iPhone, the device should automatically detect the new mobile network.

Community Q&A

Question

What should I do if the sim tray will not pop open?

Community Answer

Try something that wont harm the circuts, like a pencil popping it up, or take it to your nearest repair shop.
Question

How can I change my ringtone for incoming calls?

Community Answer

If you have an iPhone on the current iOS, go to the Settings app. Then find "Sounds and Haptics". Click on "Ringtones" and there will a list of them to choose from. You can also purchase more ringtones from Apple's ringtone store.
Question

Will I lose my contacts when I change my SIM card?

Felix Vincent

Community Answer

You will not because your contacts are saved to your iCloud account or whatever other account you have selected.