iPhone XInserting and removing the Nano SIM card

Learn how to insert and remove a SIM card from your device. Your cellular service is activated through your SIM card which can be activated through your carriers account portal or through contacting your carrier directly; without it you cannot use cellular features. Note that a SIM card tray removal tool may be needed.

Steps List - Interactive list of steps. Select a step to read its corresponding text, and to see its Product Image and the Indicators necessary to complete the step.

Current Step: 1 - Locate the nano SIM card tray on the left or right side of your device.

Don't touch the gold contacts on your nano SIM card, as that could damage your card. If you're using a new SIM card, you can activate it by contacting your carrier.

1 - Locate the nano SIM card tray on the left or right side of your device.
- Note: For iPhone 12 models and later, the SIM tray will be located on the left side of your device. Whereas for iPhone 11 models and earlier, the SIM tray will be located on the right side of your device.
2 - Press the card insertion/removal tool or paperclip into the nano SIM card tray pinhole and push until the tray releases.
- Note: The card insertion/removal tool is included in iPhone's box.
3 - Slide the nano SIM card tray out of its slot.
- Note: A nano SIM card may already be inserted in iPhone.
4 - Insert or remove the nano SIM card into or from the tray.
- Note: When inserting, carefully line up the notched edge of the SIM card to the SIM tray's notch. Correctly aligning this notch will ensure a proper insertion takes place regardless of the iPhone model in use.
5 - Push the nano SIM card tray back into iPhone.
6 - You've completed the steps!

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Steps List - Interactive list of steps. Select a step to read its corresponding text, and to see its Product Image and the Indicators necessary to complete the step.

Current Step: 1 - Locate the nano SIM card tray on the left or right side of your device.

Don't touch the gold contacts on your nano SIM card, as that could damage your card. If you're using a new SIM card, you can activate it by contacting your carrier.

Locate the nano SIM card tray on the left or right side of your device.

Note: For iPhone 12 models and later, the SIM tray will be located on the left side of your device. Whereas for iPhone 11 models and earlier, the SIM tray will be located on the right side of your device.

Product Image and Indicators - Image of the current step and indicators demonstrating the interactions necessary to complete the step.

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