Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

This wikiHow teaches you how to insert a new SIM card for iPhone or Android phones. The SIM card helps your phone connect to a specific carrier, such as Viettel, Mobiphone or Vinaphone. To use a new carrier's SIM card different from your current one, your phone must have network unlocked.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Prepare to exchange SIM

1. 

   Check if the phone is unlocked. Many phones are "network locked", which means we won't be able to use the device with another carrier's SIM card.
   • You can unlock your iPhone or Android phone if you qualify (this is carrier-specific).
   • If the phone is unlocked, you'll be able to insert another carrier's SIM card to use it.

2. 

   
   
   Buy a new SIM card. SIM cards of carriers (such as Viettel, Mobiphone, Vinaphone) are usually sold at their respective transaction centers, most phone stores and online.
   • Almost all phones only accept a certain size of SIM card, so you need to check this before buying a SIM.
   • If you are not sure what SIM card you are using, take your phone to the carrier's store and have it checked by a staff. They can even insert a SIM card for you!

3. 

   
   
   Power off the phone. It is important that the phone is powered off before attempting to remove the SIM card:
   • With iPhone - Hold down the Lock button on the side of the phone, then swipe the switch slide to power off (slide to power off) to the right when prompted.
   • With Android Hold down the Power button on the side of your phone, then tap Power off (Power Off) when prompted.

4. 

   
   
   Remove the phone cover. If your phone has an outer case, you need to remove it first to find the SIM tray because the SIM tray is integrated directly into the phone frame. advertisement

Method 2 of 3: On an iPhone

1. 

   Find the SIM tray. On any active iPhone, the SIM tray is below the Lock button on the right edge of the phone; You will see a thin oval tray with a small hole in the top.
   • To get the SIM card on the iPad, you need to find the SIM tray at the bottom right edge of the device, but iPad 3 and 4 will have the SIM tray near the top left corner.

2. 

   Remove the SIM tray. Insert a straightened paperclip, needle, or similar sharp object into the hole near the bottom edge of the SIM tray, and press in slowly until the tray pops out.

3. 

   Remove the old SIM card from the tray. Gently remove the SIM card from the tray, or you can turn the tray over so the SIM card falls onto a soft surface (eg towel).
   • Avoid touching the yellow connector on the bottom of the SIM card.

4. 

   Insert a new SIM card in the tray. The SIM card will fit in only one direction on the tray: the corner of the card faces the upper right corner of the tray.

5. 

   Reinsert the SIM tray in the phone. You will hear a click when the SIM tray pops into place, the back of the tray connects to the phone case.

6. 

   Power on iPhone. Press the Lock button to open. After your iPhone restarts, you may be prompted for your Apple ID password.
   • If your phone has a PIN code set for the SIM, you'll need to enter a passcode before you can use your new carrier.
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Method 3 of 3: On Android

1. 

   Find the SIM slot on the Android device. The SIM slots on Android phones are located in different places depending on the manufacturer, so it's best to learn about the specific model to determine the SIM slot. Common locations include:
   • On Samsung - On the side on the phone.
   • On Huawei - On the bottom right or bottom left edge of the phone.
   • On LG - On the top, left or right edge of the phone. Some LG phones, such as the G4, have a SIM card hidden underneath the memory card, under the battery behind the back of the case.

2. 

   Take out the battery if necessary. If the Android device requires taking out the battery to get the SIM, remove the back cover and gently pry the battery out.
   • The SIM card may be hidden under the memory card behind the phone cover.

3. 

   Remove the SIM tray. Insert a straightened paperclip, needle, or similar sharp object into the hole near the bottom of the SIM tray, and press in slowly until the tray pops out.
   • If the SIM tray is behind the phone, gently push the SIM card out of the slot with your fingernail.
   • If there are no holes near the bottom of the SIM tray, try pushing the SIM tray into the phone and releasing your hand to let it pop out.

4. 

   Remove the old SIM card from the tray. Gently remove the SIM card from the tray, or you can turn the tray over so the SIM card falls onto a soft surface (eg towel).
   • Avoid touching the yellow connector on the bottom of the SIM card.

5. 

   Insert a new SIM card in the tray. The SIM card will fit in only one direction on the tray: the corner of the card faces the upper right corner of the tray.
   • You should refer to the specific phone's manual or online documentation if encountering any other details than the one described above.

6. 

   Reinsert the SIM tray in the phone. You will hear a click when the SIM tray pops into place, the back of the tray connects to the phone case.
   • If the SIM tray is below the battery, it locks into place after it's placed deep enough.
   • With a phone with the SIM inside, you need to reinsert the battery (and sometimes the memory card) in the back of the phone before continuing.

7. 

   Power on the phone. Press the power button to open. Your phone will automatically work with the carrier, but you may need to enter your password or SIM PIN (if set up) before you start using it. advertisement

Advice

• Some Android phones allow you to insert 2 different SIM cards, you will be able to switch between two phone numbers without changing phones or SIM cards.

Warning

• If you are not eligible to unlock your carrier's phone, you will not be able to unlock the network.