SIM cards for your Galaxy phone or tablet

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.
SIM card in the tray of a Galaxy phone
SIM card in the tray of a Galaxy phone

SIM cards for your Galaxy phone or tablet

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

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.
An eSIM is an embedded version of a physical SIM card within your device, providing connectivity to your carrier's network without the need for a physical card. Activated using your carrier account information, it allows you to use the eSIM alongside a physical SIM to add a second phone number or carrier. This setup offers flexibility to transfer or convert your SIM configuration, as well as switch between SIMs for calls and messages, enhancing convenience and efficiency in managing multiple numbers or carriers on a single device.

Primary SIM Set Up:

  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.
    Using eSIMs in the Settings

To start using the eSIM, follow your carrier's instructions.

eSIM Activation Options:

Carrier Discovery Server

  1. Existing eSIM profile is found; tap Add.
  2. eSIM profile is downloaded.
  3. Restart the device to apply the 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 the device. Restart the device to apply.

Add an eSIM Options:

Carrier QR Code

  1. Navigate to and open Settings, then tap Connections, then tap SIM manager, and then tap Add eSIM.
  2. Tap Scan QR code, and then scan your carrier's QR code.
  3. Restart the device to apply the eSIM profile.

Carrier Discovery Server

  1. Navigate to and open Settings, then tap Connections, then tap SIM manager, and then tap Add eSIM.
  2. The device will search for a carrier plan. Once it’s found, the eSIM profile will download.

    Note: You may need to select your carrier depending on the software version and device.
  3. Restart the device to apply the eSIM profile.

Transfer your SIM:

Transfer SIM

  1. On your new device, navigate to and open Settings, and then tap Connections.
  2. Tap SIM manager, then tap Add eSIM, and then tap Transfer SIM from another phone.
  3. On your old device, tap Transfer. Enter the code displayed on your new device into your old device.
  4. On your new device, select the SIM you want to transfer, then tap Transfer. Next, tap Transfer on your old device. 
  5. Once the transfer is complete, tap Done on your old device. The SIM in your new device will be activated.

Convert SIM

  1. Navigate to and open Settings, and then tap Connections.
  2. Tap SIM manager, then select the SIM card, and then tap Convert to eSIM. 
  3. Your information will be transferred from the physical SIM (pSIM) to the phone's eSIM.

Switch between SIMs for Calls and Messages:

Phone app

  1. Open the Phone app, and then enter a phone number.
  2. The active SIM will be displayed below the screen.
  3. Tap the SIM option to switch between your physical SIM and eSIM.

Messages app

  1. Open the Messages app, and then select an existing message or start a new one.
  2. Tap the SIM icon in the chat box, and then select your preferred phone number and SIM card.
Note
  • Depending on the country of origin, eSIM may not be supported.
  • Wi-Fi-only tablet models do not support eSIM functionality.

Network Carriers that may Support eSIM:

Africa

Asia-Pacific and Australia

Europe

Central and South America

Middle East

North America

Read less

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, push the tool until the tray pops out.
  3. Carefully line up your SIM card with the smaller cutout on the tray.
    Close-up of a SIM card tray alongside a dual slot SIM card while next to a SIM ejector tool
  4. Verify the card is flush with the tray, and then insert the SIM tray back into the slot on your device.

    Note: The orientation of the metal contacts will vary by device. The SIM card will only fit correctly in one direction. It should be flush with the tray when correctly inserted.
    SIM card tray with a SIM card partially inserted to a Galaxy S24 Ultra alongside a SIM ejector tool
  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.

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Remove the SIM card

Galaxy Note 20 SIM tray being removed

If you ever need to take out your SIM card, 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.

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

Read less

Insert and remove the SIM card on the Z Fold7, Z Fold6, and Z Fold5

Note
If the SIM card is inserted backwards, or if the SIM card tray is forced into the phone when it is not positioned properly, the tray may bend or break.
If you have a Galaxy Z Fold7, Z Fold6, or Z Fold5, you can use the instructions below when inserting and removing the SIM card.

Galaxy Z Fold7

SIM card tray being inserted into the Galaxy Z Fold7 with the screen facing up.

  1. The Galaxy Z Fold device should be placed on a flat surface with the screen face up and the camera side down.
  2. Insert the ejector tool into the hole in the SIM card tray.
  3. Remove the SIM card tray when it pops out from your phone.
  4. Place the SIM card into the SIM card tray with the metal chip facing down. Ensure the card is aligned and level.
  5. Insert and press the SIM card tray into the SIM card slot on your phone.
  6. To remove the SIM card, insert the ejector tool into the hole in the SIM card tray, and then push it until the tray pops out.
  7. Remove the SIM card from the tray, and then insert the SIM tray back into the slot.

Galaxy Z Fold6

Close-up of a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 showing the SIM card tray being inserted

  1. The Galaxy Z Fold device should be placed on a flat surface with the screen face down and the camera side facing up.
  2. Insert the ejector tool into the hole in the SIM card tray.
  3. Remove the SIM card tray when it pops out from your phone.
  4. Place the SIM card into the SIM card tray with the metal chip facing down. Ensure the card is aligned and level.
  5. Insert and press the SIM card tray into the SIM card slot on your phone.
  6. To remove the SIM card, insert the ejector tool into the hole in the SIM card tray, and then push it until the tray pops out.
  7. Remove the SIM card from the tray, and then insert the SIM tray back into the slot.

Galaxy Z Fold5

Close-up of a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 showing the SIM card tray being inserted

  1. The Galaxy Z Fold device should be placed on a flat surface with the screen face down and the camera side facing up
  2. Insert the ejector tool into the hole in the SIM card tray.
  3. Remove the SIM card tray when it pops out from your phone.
  4. Place the SIM card into the SIM card tray with the metal chip facing down. Ensure the card is aligned and level.
  5. Insert and press the SIM card tray into the SIM card slot on your phone.
  6. To remove the SIM card, insert the ejector tool into the hole in the SIM card tray, and then push it until the tray pops out.
  7. Remove the SIM card from the tray, and then insert the SIM tray back into the slot.
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Insert and remove the SIM card on the Z Flip7, Z Flip7 FE, Z Flip6, and Z Flip5

Note
If the SIM card is inserted backwards, or if the SIM card tray is forced into the phone when it is not positioned properly, the tray may bend or break.
The instructions below will help you insert and remove the SIM card on the Galaxy Z Flip7, Z Flip7 FE, Z Flip6, and Z Flip5.

Galaxy Z Flip7 and Z Flip7 FE

Galaxy Z Flip7 and Z Flip7 FE with SIM card trays partially ejected, shown side by side on a light background.

  1. Make sure your phone is closed. Insert the ejector tool into the hole in the SIM card tray.
  2. Remove the SIM card tray when it pops out from your phone.
  3. Place the SIM card into the SIM card tray with the metal chip facing down. Ensure the card is aligned and level.
  4. Insert and press the SIM card tray into the SIM card slot on your phone.
  5. To remove the SIM card, insert the ejector tool into the hole in the SIM card tray, and then push it until the tray pops out.
  6. Remove the SIM card from the tray, and then insert the SIM tray back into the slot.

Galaxy Z Flip6

Close-up of a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 showing the SIM card tray being inserted

  1. Make sure your phone is closed. Insert the ejector tool into the hole in the SIM card tray.
  2. Remove the SIM card tray when it pops out from your phone.
  3. Place the SIM card into the SIM card tray with the metal chip facing down. Ensure the card is aligned and level.
  4. Insert and press the SIM card tray into the SIM card slot on your phone.
  5. To remove the SIM card, insert the ejector tool into the hole in the SIM card tray, and then push it until the tray pops out.
  6. Remove the SIM card from the tray, and then insert the SIM tray back into the slot.

Galaxy Z Flip5

Close-up of a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 showing the SIM card tray being inserted

  1. Make sure your phone is open to the main screen. Insert the ejector tool into the hole in the SIM card tray.
  2. Remove the SIM card tray when it pops out from your phone.
  3. Place the SIM card into the SIM card tray with the metal chip facing down. Ensure the card is aligned and level.
  4. Insert and press the SIM card tray into the SIM card slot on your phone.
  5. To remove the SIM card, insert the ejector tool into the hole in the SIM card tray, and then push it until the tray pops out.
  6. Remove the SIM card from the tray, and then insert the SIM tray back into the slot.
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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 SIM card
  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.
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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.

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

There are three types of SIM cards:

  • 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.
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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.

An illustration of a Dual SIM tray and a Single SIM tray

  • Galaxy XCover6 Pro
  • Galaxy S25 Series
  • Galaxy S24 Series
  • Galaxy S23 Series
  • Galaxy S22 Series
  • Galaxy S21 Series
  • Galaxy S20 Series
  • Galaxy Note 20 Series
  • Galaxy Z Fold7, Z Fold6, Z Fold5, Z Fold4, Z Fold 3, and Z Fold2
  • Galaxy Z Fip7, Z Flip7 FE, Flip6, Z Flip5, Z Flip4, Z Flip3, and Z Flip 5G
  • Galaxy A56 5G, A54 5G, A36 5G, A35, A26 5G, A25 5G, and A16 5G
  • Galaxy Tab S9 series
  • Galaxy Tab S10 series
  • Galaxy Tab S11 series
Note
Carrier devices do not support these features. Only devices unlocked by Samsung can support Dual Physical SIM.
The following Unlocked Dual Physical SIM devices support dual SIM features.
  • 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
Read less
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