How to install or change a SIM or SD memory card on Galaxy phone

Depending on your Galaxy device, it may be able to take SIM cards and memory cards. New smartphones and 4G compatible tablets take nano-SIM cards, while the maximum memory card capacity differs by model. Find out more about what cards your device accepts.

The location of the SIM and memory card slots will change depending on your model but can be easily located by carefully looking at the sides of your device.

If you are inserting a new memory card you can find out more about how to use it and how to move files and images.

Please note: to prevent damage to any information stored on a memory card, make sure that it is unmounted before taken out

The steps below explain how to insert a SIM or memory card, no matter what type. Before you insert a SIM or memory card you should make sure you are inserting the right size card to ensure it does not get damaged or get stuck in your device.  Find out more about what cards your device accepts.

Devices with a fixed battery

1 You will have received an ejector PIN in the box with your new device. Insert the pin gently into the hole in the SIM tray. It will click open
simcard
2 Take a look at the tray. The image below shows a dual SIM tray where you can use either two SIMs, or a single SIM and a memory (SD) card

Your SIM tray may differ depending on your model, but you will be able see where each card goes by looking at the markings and symbols on the tray. Not all devices allow for two SIMs, or a memory card.

Please note: the SIM tray provided with S21 models is a new design that takes one SIM card on the front and another on the back. Find out more about installing a SIM card on an S21

simcard
3 Place the SIM or memory card with the gold-coloured contacts face down in the tray

Please note: if your SIM card is the wrong size for your SIM tray, please contact your network provider for more assistance

simcard
4 Gently push the tray back into your device. It will sit flush against your device if inserted correctly

Devices with a removable battery

1 Lift the back cover off your device. There is a release latch on the side to make this easier
Remove the back cover
2 Remove the battery
3 Carefully slide your SIM or microSD card into the slot at the top of the device

Please note: the SD card slot is on the bottom and the microSD card slot is directly above it. Make sure you are using the correct slot.

Insert your SIM or microSD into the slots
4 Replace the battery by sliding it back into the device before pressing down gently. Make sure that the contacts on the battery and device align
Replace the battery
5 Place the back cover back onto your device and gently press down around the edges until it clicks into place

Before removing a memory card, you should first unmount it to prevent any damage and loss of data. This is not required when removing a SIM card.

Unmounting an SD card

1 Open the Settings, then tap Device maintenance or Device care
2 Tap Storage
3 Tap SD Card

If you do not see this option, tap the More options icon, it will appear as three dots. Then tap Storage settings. You should now be able to tap SD card.

4 Tap Unmount

Then, remove the SIM or memory card from the slot. For devices with a removable battery, follow the steps in 'Inserting a SIM or memory card.'

Removing a SIM or memory card

1 You will have received an ejector PIN in the box with your device. Insert the pin gently into the hole in the SIM tray. It should click open
2 Gently pull out the tray from the tray slot
3 Remove the SIM or memory card
4 Carefully insert the tray back into the tray slot

Nano SIMs are the most used SIM in newer (2014 and onwards) smartphones. Micro SIMs were most used before that.
 

The main difference between a Nano and a Micro SIM is the size of the plastic around the microchip. Most mobile networks now provide a single adjustable card that you can snap out of the plastic to the correct size. 

type of sim

An SD or memory card is a digital storage card you can use to expand storage space on your device. SD is short for Secure Digital.

SD cards come in different sizes. The most common are standard SD cards and micro SD cards.

Most smartphones and tablets with expanded storage capability take micro SD cards. Find out more about how to use an SD card with your device.

Memory cards are available to purchase from most digital retailers, online, or in supermarkets. Be aware that while cheaper memory cards can save you money in the short term, they are more likely to become corrupted and lose your data and images.

You can look online at memory cards available from Samsung.

What is the difference between SDHC and SDXC?

SD cards come in a range of storage capacities including SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) and SDXC (Secure Digital Extended Capacity).

Class transfer speed refers to the speed of reading and writing images. The transfer speed will be designated by a class and not whether it is SD, SDHC or SDXC.

If you're experiencing unusual behaviour on Samsung mobiles, tablets or wearables, you can send us an error report or ask us a question in the Samsung Members app.

This allows us to take a closer look at what is happening. The data is anonymised and only held for the duration of the investigation. Find out more about sending an error report through the Samsung Members app.

 

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