How to change or remove a SIM card from an iPhone yourself

Operating systems iOS

07/05/20191548 1 comment

Before thinking about how to upload your photos or, the user should take care of ensuring the main function of the device: the ability to make voice calls and send text messages. Both are impossible without installing a SIM card in the iPhone - not only an Apple specialist, but also the owner of the phone can insert it correctly into the slot. Let’s try to figure out how to insert a SIM card into an iPhone or change an existing one.

Preparing for the first launch of iPhone

Immediately after purchase, you should remove the phone from the box and inspect it. First of all, you need to pay attention to the equipment, which will always be the same if the phone was legally purchased from official dealers. The box should contain:

• smartphone in protective polyethylene form;
• Charger;
• USB cable for media synchronization;
• needle to open the slot;
• original Apple Airpods headphones;
• headphone adapter;
• decorative details (optional).

Also inspect the device for external controls. For example, the screen lock button on iPhones 5 and 5s is on the top, while on the 6 and 7 it is located on the right side of the phone. On the left are volume control keys and a quick switch to silent mode button. The main way to control the device is the central button, located at the bottom of the front side of the smartphone.

Different models have different types of headphone inputs. The 5, 6 and SE models have a standard 3.5mm input, while the iPhone 7 and all subsequent models connect to the headphones via the charging jack. You can use ordinary headphones left over from old models only if you have an original adapter from the manufacturer.

Change your iPhone's default mobile plan settings

By design, your iPhone uses your physical SIM card as your primary phone number for things like iMessage, FaceTime, and calling and texting people who aren't in your contacts.

For people using iOS 13, both of your phone numbers can make and receive Phone and FaceTime app calls, and send and receive messages using iMessage, SMS, and MMS. iOS 13 uses Dual Standby (DSDS) Dual SIM technology, allowing your phone to use both SIM cards to receive and receive calls.

However, as with previous versions of iOS, your iPhone can only use one cellular data network at a time.

Change default settings to use eSIM

1. Go to Settings > Cellular
2. Scroll down to your default voice line (you can also tap Cellular Data to make changes to your mobile plan number)
3. Mark the desired line as default (for iOS 13+)
4. During setup and for iOS 12 versions, go to the phone line you want to use by tapping "Use (line label) as default line" You can also specify whether you want to use the line for cellular data only
5. "Use primary line as default line" means that your primary line is used for SMS, data, iMessage and FaceTime, and your secondary line is only available for voice and SMS
6. "Use secondary line as default line" means that your secondary line is used for voice, SMS, data, iMessage and FaceTime, and your primary line is available for voice and SMS.
7. “Use secondary data for cellular data only” is great for people who travel outside of their own country or region. It sets up your Primary line for voice, SMS, iMessage and FaceTime, plus an eSIM line for cellular data only (charges may apply, so check with your carrier)

What size do you need?

Standard large SIM cards (rarely used in modern smartphones) are suitable only for first generation 3G and 3Gs models. Owners of second generation iPhones (4 and 4s) can use a micro sim. All subsequent models use a nano-SIM - the smallest of all existing ones. Its dimensions:

• length – 12.3 mm;
• width – 8.8 mm;
• thickness – 0.67 mm.

It is best to obtain SIM cards of the required size from the official center of the mobile operator, so as not to unknowingly damage the chip in an attempt to do it yourself. Perhaps this is only for receiving a micro-SIM. Nano-SIM is a different type of SIM in which the chip itself is smaller, so even if you completely cut off the plastic part, you won’t be able to insert it into the iPhone. Although there are craftsmen online who managed to cut a standard SIM card with scissors or a special stapler. It is not recommended to repeat their experience if you are unsure of your abilities.

Cards of the required size are issued on the same day without changing the number. Depending on your mobile operator, a replacement fee may apply.

Answers from experts

Adam Tomas:Picture to top

Dmitry Vladimirovich: Phone5 has a special SIM card

Dasha Merzlyakova: ohhohohohoho, yes you got it, if there is no slot on the side or on top, this is the work of the Chinese) I sympathize) Bigi quickly go to the store where I bought it) let them return the money before it’s too late

Yana Shumeiko: if I'm not mistaken, you can buy an original slot here. dial and find out for sure, because I think I saw such a service in the price list, but a long time ago) />Every mobile phone has a SIM card, without which the phone’s network operation is impossible. In this article we will help you learn how to insert a SIM card.

How to insert a SIM card into Nokia? Very simple! In Nokia phones, the SIM card is located inside the phone - so to insert it you need to:

Turn off your mobile phone with a button specially designed for this purpose. Open the cover on the back panel of the device. Pull out the battery by prying it with your fingernail or something sharp. Insert a SIM card in several ways, depending on the model of your Nokia: pry off the small cover of the SIM card compartment with something sharp and insert SIM card into the grooves of this cover, if the SIM card slot is located deep in the case itself, then you must also pry the slot cover with a paper clip or toothpick and pull it out of the case. Having pulled out the plastic slot, put the SIM card in it and just put it back Insert the battery Turn on the phone How to insert a SIM card into an iPad? Even easier than in Nokia! On the side of the iPad there is a special compartment with a tray for a SIM card. When removing the SIM card, this allows you to avoid disassembling the device itself.

In order to pull out the SIM card tray, you can use a special tool or a paper clip (toothpick). Using a needle is not recommended, as it can damage the phone device.

Due to the fact that the device only accepts micro-SIM, our standard card cannot be inserted into it. To insert a SIM card into an iPad, you need to cut it manually or buy a SIM card cutting kit that will turn your SIM card into a micro-SIM.

Now you need to insert the SIM card back into the tray, and the tray into the device.

Rosa Ovsyannikova: picture to top

Kinstly: Go to a salon, they’ll cut it for free, but in general, where the chip is, you can’t cut it

Swerow: Look on the Internet, they generally cut it to fit a chip, there even seems to be an outline there

HE T0T K0T: insert it as it is drawn.

89881121777: you need an old cropped case from a SIM card, you put it in it and insert it like a regular one, they should have given it to you when they cut it from a regular SIM card for a micro

Alexander Wagner: If you wanted to know how to insert a miniSIM into a normal SIM slot, then use an adapter. And, if you want to cut the SIM card yourself, then the Internet is full of instructions. I also once saw a trimming machine in a store.

Stepeecoyote: Make a SIM adapter from an old unwanted SIM card by cutting a hole inside!

How to open the SIM card tray on iPhone

Users of smartphones and regular push-button phones are accustomed to the SIM card being located under the battery, but even the design of the iPhone is different. The SIM card here is inserted into a slot in the middle of one of the edges.

Apple's main priority is protecting the device and user data. The design of the smartphone protects it from any malicious attempts to steal user data and compromise the integrity of the device.

It is this method of fixing the SIM card, different from other smartphones, that protects it from unwanted penetration, and only the owner can do this. This also minimizes the likelihood of losing the SIM card even if the phone falls or receives mechanical damage.

Only in iPhone 3G and 3Gsm the slot for inserting a card is located at the top of the phone. At the same time, the iPhone 4 CDMA does not have a slot for installing a SIM card at all.

It is important to use only the SIM card tray that comes with the phone, since this part differs in different models, and trying to use the tray from the five to the seven can damage the device.

Interestingly, the new iPhone XS plans to use eSim, a new type that is a small chip (smaller than a nano-SIM) that is built into the device. It will save users from having to open the slot, and will also allow them to use another number without replacing the SIM card. The main catch is that the function is supported by the cellular operator.

Results and comments

Apple's key priority is the security of the device and user data. The design features described above make it difficult for malicious users to gain access to phone components. This technology gives developers hope that installing/removing a SIM card from a device will be under the control of the owner.

With such a locking mechanism, the SIM card does not fall out of the gadget and is not lost, even if the phone falls or receives other mechanical damage. In the case of iPhones, this tray arrangement was a distinctive feature of the company. No one has done this before.

How to put a SIM card in an iPhone

To access the slide on which the card is installed, use the special opening key located in the thick envelope.

Opening the slot

If there is no device, there is no need to panic; you can use a straightened ordinary paper clip or any other thin and long object, such as a needle, as a key. Don't be afraid of damaging your phone; if you act carefully, nothing will happen to it.

You should be wary of using fragile elements; they may remain inside the device, after which you cannot do without the help of a specialist to remove them. Try not to scratch the side of the smartphone.

The key for any model will fit all others. Therefore, even if the phone is broken, lost, stolen, etc., but you do not plan to stop using Apple smartphones in the future, you should not get rid of the key.

The paperclip is inserted into the hole without any effort; it just needs to be pushed in a little without tension. Be careful not to damage the tray.

It’s easy to open the slot and take it out from the inside of the slide, but if independent attempts do not yield results, you can contact the mobile operator’s showroom or the official Apple Store in your locality.

Installing a SIM card

After removing the tray from its slot, place it on a flat, horizontal surface for ease of installation. Please note that on iPhones the SIM card slot can be completely removed from the device, which means that when inserting it back you need to be careful so that the slide does not fall out or get lost.

Each SIM card has notches on one of the corners, which you need to navigate during installation. The notch in the slot will prevent the card from being installed incorrectly. The contacts (chip) should face down. You can return the tray to its original place in only one position; carefully push it in until it stops.

Turn on the smartphone

Then immediately hold down the power button to turn on the device. Although it is not necessary to turn off your iPhone to perform the procedure, it will be more convenient to do this with the device turned on. Usually the network is detected automatically, only in rare cases it is necessary to additionally activate the SIM card.

Interestingly, in the iPhone XS Max model, released specifically for the Chinese market, the slot is designed for 2 nano SIM cards at once.

A few items you can use if you don't have a paper clip

You don't have a paper clip at home and you lost your iPhone key? No problem, don’t panic and run to the store for paper clips. You can use other items as an alternative. Here are the most common of them:

• Stapler staple. It can also be found in notebooks or notepads, as manufacturers staple the sheets together with them.
• Needle. An iPhone needle can be dangerous if you are not careful. The main thing is not to use needles that are too thin; there is a risk that they will bend inside the phone and break, leaving one end in the hole. It is most convenient to use a safety pin (a needle with a tip).
• Toothpick. Even though the device is made of wood, it can help you just as well as a paper clip. The main thing is not to break the tip or leave it inside the hole.

Possible problems with reading SIM and ways to solve them

The SIM card does not always work correctly, even after successfully opening the device. In rare cases, users may encounter problems. To solve them, it is first necessary to determine the cause.

In some cases, to activate the SIM card, you will have to connect to the Internet via a wireless connection (Wi-Fi). If this is not possible, you can also connect your phone to i-Tunes using the included cable. The program automatically activates the card.

If everything worked, the screen will display the name of the cellular network and signal strength. If even after this the screen shows that “Network not detected,” it means that there are technical problems or the SIM card was inserted incorrectly.

Incorrect installation

Problems can arise if the SIM card tray is in the wrong position - skewed to the right or left. Or the card was inserted incorrectly. You will need to open the slot again.

If the problem arose due to unevenly installed slides, it will be enough to pull them out and insert them back, carefully locking them in the correct position.

When the SIM card is facing the wrong way (with the metal chip facing up or the notch on one of the corners does not match the shape of the slot), it will be enough to place the SIM card in the correct position.

If you cut the chip yourself, you may encounter the fact that there will be no serifs on it and you will get confused about which side it will be easy to install. To avoid this, make notes on the SIM card yourself, for example, using a marker.

Installation process

The general algorithm is shown using the example of the Apple iPhone 5S, but is also relevant for newer models):

1. We take the device out of the case.

1. We take out the SIM card connector key from the envelope - it has a large oval eye and is similar to a paper clip.

1. We find the SIM slot on the right side panel of the iPhone or the top edge (the outline and lock cylinder are clearly visible).

1. We insert the key into the hole, press lightly - access is open. On most devices, the holder with the SIM card pops out of the connector on its own. On used phones, the slide may be difficult to move due to wear or contamination.

We take out the slot and place it on a flat surface. The SIM card is simply inserted into the slot from above

Please note that it is placed on top and not below. Make sure that the position of the SIM card matches the hole in the tray.

1. you need to place the card in your smartphone. It’s more convenient to do this this way: turn the phone with the right side towards you and hold it with one hand in this position. With your other hand, insert the mount with the SIM installed in the working position, simultaneously holding the card with your index finger.

1. We insert the slides into the hole, push them all the way so that they do not stick out from the body. Installation completed.

All the described manipulations are easier to carry out with the gadget turned on. If the device does not have a SIM card, then the diagnostic message “SIM card not inserted” will be displayed on the notification screen, and the network indicator will be absent (instead, the message “No network” will appear).

If all the above manipulations are performed correctly, then after a minute the message will disappear, and the name of the cellular operator and a signal strength indicator will appear on the display.

Rules for extraction

Until recently, almost all smartphones had a removable battery, under which there was a SIM card slot. To insert a SIM card, you had to remove the back cover and take out the battery. The card itself was installed in a special slot, which was not detached from the case.

With the advent of iPhones, the situation has changed. The housings of the devices have become monolithic, the battery can no longer be removed, and the SIM card is installed in a pull-out tray. Since the chip itself is modest in size, the slot is not very large and is therefore highly susceptible to external influences

Before removing the tray, you should familiarize yourself with the following precautions to help avoid damage:

• Remove the tray only after removing the iPhone from the case. Third-party material may make it difficult to access your SIM card.
• To avoid system failure, do not remove the slot while the smartphone is powered on. Disconnect the device, and only then proceed with the operation.
• Remove the tray as carefully as possible to avoid damaging it.
• Complete all stages of the algorithm without skipping. This will help avoid losing parts.
• Try to remove the SIM card using the included key. Check the smartphone box. Perhaps he lies right there.

Now you are completely ready to remove the SIM card or special tray on any iPhone model. Next, we will look at different ways to perform the operation. We have specifically divided them into 2 types:

• Using the supplied key.
• Without him.

In both cases, precautions must be taken. But, if you have lost the complete key, carefully select the appropriate element for removing the tray. If the device is chosen incorrectly, you will not only not be able to remove the SIM card, but also damage your smartphone

In this case, you will have to contact the service center, where they may ask for a fairly large amount of money.

If the device is chosen incorrectly, you will not only not be able to remove the SIM card, but also damage your smartphone. In this case, you will have to contact the service center, where they may ask for a fairly large amount of money.