How Use a SIM Card to Switch Phones

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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.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 thats larger (Micro or Standard).Get a new SIM if you are switching carriers. If the phone youre switching to is from the same carrier or its unlocked
you shouldnt need a new SIM. But if youre switching from one carrier to another
youll 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. Phone carriers used to operate only two types of networks: GSM and CDMA. It used to be true that most CDMA phones didnt require SIM cards
but thats no longer the case—unless youre using an older CDMA model
youll 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
youll need to have the carrier unlock the phone.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. 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 youre using an Android
have contacts save to your phones 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.Its no longer possible to transfer contacts directly to a SIM on an iPhone.Remove the phones case if there is one. If youre using a protective phone case or cover
youll need to remove it to get the SIM card out. Theres 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 cant 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.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. 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
youll usually find the SIM card behind the battery or otherwise inside the battery cover. If not
youll have a SIM tray on one of the phones 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.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. If there is a SIM tray
you should have a SIM tool that came with your phone. Its usually a small oval-shaped tool with one pointed protruding end thats has the diameter of a paperclip. If you dont have the original tool
you can use a paperclip—just extend one end of the paperclip so its 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.Insert the SIM card into the new phone. If the new phone also has a SIM tray
open it now. If theres 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. 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.Turn on the new phone and go through the setup process. If youre setting up a new smartphone
youll 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
youll be asked to sign in with a Google or iCloud account/Apple ID. 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.If your phone was already set up
youll usually get service a few moments after you insert your SIM card. Just insert the SIM card
power it on if it wasnt on already
then wait to see if you connect. Youll see the signal bars appear in the phones notification area
and youll usually see the carrier name next to them.Contact your carrier if you cannot connect. If your SIM is still not activating in the new phone
youll likely need to contact the carrier. Since the phone isnt connected
youll need to either call from another line or visit a carrier store to have the phone activated.