SIM cards for your Galaxy phone or tablet

SIM card in the tray on Galaxy Note 20

SIM cards give you access to your wireless service provider's mobile data network so you can make calls, send messages, and more. They are a vital part of your Galaxy phone or tablet - otherwise, you wouldn't be able to do anything! It's important to know how to insert and remove a SIM card just in case you ever need to change it for a new one.

Note: Available screens and settings may vary by wireless service provider, software version, and device model. SIM cards are provided by your carrier or the retailer where you purchased the device.

Use the eSIM

An eSIM is an embedded version of the physical SIM card on the device. The eSIM provides connection to your carrier's network, however instead of inserting a card, you will activate it with your carrier account information. You can also use the eSIM alongside a physical SIM to add a second phone number or carrier to your device.

  1. Navigate to and open Settings, and then tap Connections.

  2. Tap SIM manager. From here, you can tap the switch next to your physical SIM or activated eSIM to enable or disable their connections. You can also tap Primary SIM to change the default connection for making calls, sending texts, and using data.

    3. To start using the eSIM, you will need to follow your carrier's instructions:

Using eSIMs in the Settings

Note: Some carriers may not yet support the eSIM capabilities of your Galaxy device. Contact your carrier if you have any questions about their plans to support eSIM.

eSIM Activation Options:

    Carrier Discovery Server

  1. Existing eSIM profile is found. Tap Add.

  2. eSIM profile is downloaded.

  3. Restart device to apply eSIM profile.

    Carrier Push Notification

  1. eSIM ready Notification appears. Tap the notification and then tap Add.

  2. eSIM profile is downloaded.

  3. eSIM profile added to device. Restart to apply.

Add an eSIM Options:

    Carrier QR Code

  1. Navigate to and open Settings, then tap Connections, then tap SIM manager and finally tap Add eSIM.

  2. Tap Scan QR code from service provider, then Scan QR code from carrier.

  3. Restart device to apply eSIM profile.

    Carrier Discovery Server

  1. Navigate to and open Settings, then tap Connections, then tap SIM manager and finally tap Add eSIM.

  2. Device searches for carrier plan. Once found eSIM profile will download.

    Note: You may need to select your carrier depending on software version and device.

  3. Restart device to apply eSIM profile.

Insert the SIM card

Note: If you are changing carriers, you may need to have your device SIM unlocked. Please contact your original carrier for details on their unlocking policies and procedures.

If you are upgrading to a new device or changing carriers, you'll need to install your SIM card to activate service. Your carrier may require additional steps to get your service started, so get in touch with them to make sure your account is ready for the new phone.

  1. Power off your device and then insert the ejector tool that came with your device into the hole on the SIM card tray.

    Important: Be careful not to insert the ejector tool into any of the microphone or speaker holes along the edge of your device. Look for the outline of the tray to make sure you're in the right place.

    Pin ejector being inserted in the SIM Tray hole

  2. Next, you will want to push the tool until the tray pops out.

  3. Carefully line up your SIM card with the smaller cutout on the tray.

  4. Verify the card is flush with the tray, and then insert the SIM tray back into the slot on your device.

  5. Now, power on your device and you’re good to go! If you are prompted for an unlock code, contact the phone's original carrier.

If you have any issues removing or inserting the SIM card tray, service may be necessary. If you need a replacement SIM ejector tool, you may be able to get one from your carrier or an electronics retailer.

Remove the SIM card

If you ever need to take out your SIM card for any reason, just reverse the steps we mentioned earlier.

  1. First, insert the ejector tool into the hole on the SIM card tray, and then push it until the tray pops out.

  2. Remove the SIM card from the tray, and then insert the SIM tray back into the slot.

    3. If you have any issues removing or inserting the SIM card tray, service may be necessary.

Galaxy Note 20 sim tray being removed

Insert and remove the SIM card on the XCover6 Pro

Note: The XCover6 Pro includes dual SIM card functionality.

Changing out the SIM card on your XCover6 Pro is different from inserting and removing it on other phone models.

  1. Remove the phone’s back cover, and then remove the battery by lifting it up from the bottom.

  2. Next, insert the SIM card in its designated slot. 

    Note: You can also insert a memory card above the SIM card slot if desired.

    Galaxy XCover6 Pro with Simcard

  3. Then, replace the battery by sliding it into its slot. Replace the back cover and make sure it snaps into place.

  4. To remove the SIM card, first remove the phone’s back cover and then the battery.

  5. Remove the SIM card from its slot. Then, replace the battery and the back cover.

SIM card sizes

Important: Some carriers may provide all three SIM cards. Be sure to remove the one you need from the pre-scored plastic before inserting it into your phone.

Learn the differences between SIM card sizes below.

  • Standard SIM: The largest SIM size, sometimes called mini-SIM and found in older phones.

  • Micro-SIM: A medium sized SIM card, popular in previous models. 

  • Nano-SIM: The smallest SIM size and used by most new phones.

SIM card sizes for a Standard SIM, Micro SIM, and Nano SIM

Dual SIM compatibility

Dual SIM features are made available on the device by either a physical SIM and eSIM (Hybrid eSIM) or two physical SIM cards (Dual Physical SIM).

The following Hybrid eSIM devices support dual SIM features.

  • Galaxy XCover6 Pro

  • Galaxy S24 Series

  • Galaxy S23 Series

  • Galaxy S22 Series

  • Galaxy S21 Series

  • Galaxy S20 Series

  • Galaxy Note 20 Series

  • Galaxy Z Fold5, Z Fold4, Z Fold 3, and Z Fold2

  • Galaxy Z Flip5, Z Flip4, Z Flip3, and Z Flip 5G

  • Galaxy A54 5G, A25 5G, A15 5G

  • Galaxy Tab S9 series

Two different SIM card trays

The following Unlocked Dual Physical SIM devices support dual SIM features.

Note: Carrier devices do not support these features. Only devices unlocked by Samsung can support dual physical SIM.

  • Galaxy S20 FE, and S21 FE

  • Galaxy A14 5G, A15 5G, and A25 5G

  • Galaxy A03, A13 LTE, A13 5G, and A53 5G

  • Galaxy A02, A12, A32, A42, and A52

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