How to Use a SIM Card to Switch Phones

Co-authored by Mobile Kangaroo and Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: January 9, 2024 Fact Checked

SIM cards make it easier than ever to transfer your phone service from one phone to another. When you insert your SIM card into a different compatible or unlocked phone, you can instantly use your existing phone number and cellular service on your new phone. We'll show you you how to make sure your SIM card is compatible with your new phone, and how you can easily transfer the SIM card between phones.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Preparing to Transfer

Download Article

1
Check the size of the SIM card each phone uses. SIM cards come in three major sizes, and your phones may use different sizes. This is especially true if the phones were made several years apart. Most carriers will provide you with the correct size SIM card for free.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- A Standard SIM is 15mm by 25 mm.
- A Micro SIM is 12mm by 15mm.
- A Nano SIM is 8.8mm by 12.3mm.
- You can cut larger SIMs down with a special SIM cutter tool, or just ask your carrier for the correct size.
- If the SIM you have is too small to fit into the new phone, you can get an adapter card—these cars let you place a smaller SIM (such as a Nano SIM) inside a card that's larger (Micro or Standard).
2
Get a new SIM if you are switching carriers. If the phone you're switching to is from the same carrier or it's unlocked, you shouldn't need a new SIM. But if you're switching from one carrier to another, you'll need a SIM card for your new carrier. The SIM card is free when signing up for a new plan, and some carriers may even provide all three sizes of your SIM card just in case.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Phone carriers used to operate only two types of networks: GSM and CDMA. It used to be true that most CDMA phones didn't require SIM cards, but that's no longer the case—unless you're using an older CDMA model, you'll definitely need a SIM.
- If the new phone is from a different carrier than the SIM you have, the SIM may still work if the phone is carrier-unlocked. But if the phone is locked to a specific carrier or account, you'll need to have the carrier unlock the phone.
Advertisement
3
Back up your contacts (optional). The most convenient way to back up your contacts on an Android or iPhone is to sync them to your Google account or to your iCloud account.^{[3]
X
Research source} This way, the same contacts will be available on any phone you use upon logging in with the same Google or Apple account. But if you're using an Android, have contacts save to your phone's memory, and would rather save them to your SIM card so they will already be on your new phone, you can export them to your SIM card on many Androids.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- It's no longer possible to transfer contacts directly to a SIM on an iPhone.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Transferring a SIM Between Phones

Download Article

1
Remove the phone's case if there is one. If you're using a protective phone case or cover, you'll need to remove it to get the SIM card out. There's no need to remove your glass screen protector (if you have one)—just the case.
- Although it may not be required depending on the models, turning off both phones before you begin can help ensure that removing and inserting a SIM card goes smoothly.
- If your phone has an eSIM (and electronic SIM card), you can't physically remove it from a phone. If you need to transfer your eSIM to a new phone, your carrier will need to do the swap. Give your carrier a call for assistance.
2
Locate the SIM card. Depending on the type of phone you have, the SIM card can be located in different spots:
- iPhone: iPhones have SIM trays, which are located in different places depending on the model.^{[5]
  X
  Research source} Look for the small hole on a rectangular panel:
  - Left side: iPhone 12 (all models).
  - Right side: iPhone 11 (all models), iPhone XS & Max, iPhone XR, iPhone X, iPhone SE (all models), and all models of iPhone 8, 7, 6, 5, and 4.
- Android: If your Android has a removable battery, you'll usually find the SIM card behind the battery or otherwise inside the battery cover. If not, you'll have a SIM tray on one of the phone's edges. The location is different depending on your Android, but you can identify the SIM tray by locating the small round hole on a rectangular panel.
3
Remove the SIM card from the old phone. Removing the SIM is pretty easy once you figure out where it is. When removing the SIM, try to avoid touching the gold contacts on the bottom side.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- If there is a SIM tray, you should have a SIM tool that came with your phone. It's usually a small oval-shaped tool with one pointed protruding end that's has the diameter of a paperclip. If you don't have the original tool, you can use a paperclip—just extend one end of the paperclip so it's pointed outright, and then insert it into the hole on the SIM tray. Push in gently until the tray pops out. Then, lift the SIM card from its place inside the tray, or just flip the phone over so it falls onto a soft surface.
- If the SIM is behind your battery, you can either slide it out or press it in a little to pop it out, depending on your phone.
- If you wind up damaging your SIM card during the swap, you can usually get a replacement SIM at no cost from your provider.
4
Insert the SIM card into the new phone. If the new phone also has a SIM tray, open it now. If there's a battery cover, remove the cover and locate the SIM slot. The SIM has a small notch at one corner that acts as a guide—this means it will only fit into the tray or slot one way, making it simple to insert properly. Slide the tray back in or replace the battery and cover when finished.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- If the SIM is too small for the tray or slot in the new phone, get an adapter card kit—these kits are cheap and come with adapters that accommodate all three SIM sizes.
5
Turn on the new phone and go through the setup process. If you're setting up a new smartphone, you'll be taken through an initial setup process. During this process, your SIM will typically be activated for your new phone automatically.
- When activating a new phone, you'll be asked to sign in with a Google or iCloud account/Apple ID.^{[8]
  X
  Research source} If you backed up your contacts from your old phone to your Google or iCloud account, make sure you sign in with the same account info as you used on the old phone. This ensures that your contacts sync to your new phone.^{[9]
  X
  Research source}
- If your phone was already set up, you'll usually get service a few moments after you insert your SIM card. Just insert the SIM card, power it on if it wasn't on already, then wait to see if you connect. You'll see the signal bars appear in the phone's notification area, and you'll usually see the carrier name next to them.
If your SIM is still not activating in the new phone, you'll likely need to contact the carrier. Since the phone isn't connected, you'll need to either call from another line or visit a carrier store to have the phone activated.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How do you transfer SIM cards from one phone to another?

Mobile Kangaroo
Computer & Phone Repair Specialists
Mobile Kangaroo is a full service repair shop and Apple Authorized Service Provider headquartered in Mountain View, CA. Mobile Kangaroo has been repairing electronic devices such as computers, phones, and tablets, for over 19 years, with locations in over 20 cities.

Mobile Kangaroo

Computer & Phone Repair Specialists

Expert Answer

iPhones, iPads and many Android devices have a slide out tray on the side. To release it, insert a SIM card removal tool and press straight in until the tray pops out. If you don't have a tool, it's safe to improvise with a paperclip, earring, or anything else that fits in the hole, as long as you remember to push straight in and not to pry. On devices with removable batteries, the SIM card is usually located under the phone's battery.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 19 Helpful 15
Question

How do I transfer a SIM card to a new phone?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Follow the steps outlined in the article above to transfer a SIM card to a new phone. These will explain why and how to do backups first, then how to remove the SIM card from the old phone and reinstall it into the new phone.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 24 Helpful 75
Question

Can you just switch SIM cards in iPhones?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

If both iPhones you’re switching from and to are not locked and your SIM cards are not prevented from being used in another phone, then you can switch the SIM cards around your different iPhones. If it doesn’t work, then it means either the SIM card cannot be switched around (something your carrier or provider determines) or one or both of the iPhones are locked to a specific provider or the SIM card is not the right size.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 24 Helpful 36