Yes, you can switch SIM cards between phones, and it takes about a minute. Turn both phones off, pop out the SIM tray with the eject tool, move the SIM card into the new phone, then turn it on and enter your SIM PIN if it asks. Your number and plan move with the SIM. It works as long as the new phone is unlocked, takes the same SIM size and has a SIM tray. This guide covers the checks to do first, the steps for iPhone, Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy, how to keep your contacts, how to change carrier, and how to handle SIM cards when you travel.
What to check before you switch SIM cards
A quick check now saves you a "SIM not supported" message later:
- The new phone is unlocked, or locked to the same carrier as your SIM. On iPhone, open Settings > General > About and look for Carrier Lock. "No SIM restrictions" means it's unlocked (Apple: Unlock your iPhone for a different carrier). On Android, the simplest test is to try a SIM from another carrier. More detail in can I put my SIM card in another phone?.
- The SIM fits. Almost all current smartphones take a nano-SIM. Older phones may use a micro-SIM. If the size doesn't match, ask your carrier for a new SIM rather than cutting one. See the different types of SIM cards.
- The phone has a SIM tray. Some phones are eSIM only, for example iPhone 14 and later models bought in the US (Apple: Remove or switch the SIM card in your iPhone). If yours has no tray, see how to switch from SIM card to eSIM.
- You know your SIM PIN. If your SIM has a PIN, the new phone asks for it. Don't guess: too many wrong tries lock the SIM and you'll need a PUK code from your carrier (Apple: Use a SIM PIN for your iPhone or iPad).
- Your contacts are backed up. Contacts saved on the old phone don't move with the SIM. See the contacts section below.
Do you need to turn off your phone to change the SIM card?
Yes, it's best to turn it off. Google says to insert a SIM in a Pixel "with your phone off" (Google Pixel Help), and Samsung tells you to power off your Galaxy before you insert the SIM (Samsung: SIM cards for your Galaxy phone or tablet). Apple's iPhone steps don't mention it, but turning the phone off costs you nothing.
If you swap the SIM while the phone is on, the phone may not detect the new card until you restart it. Turning it off first also keeps the card and the phone safe while you handle the tray.
How to switch SIM cards between phones, step by step
These steps work on most phones with a SIM tray:
- Turn off both phones.
- Find the SIM tray. It's a thin slot on the side or top edge with a tiny hole next to it. Don't confuse it with the microphone or speaker holes.
- Eject the tray. Push the SIM eject tool that came with the phone, or a straightened paper clip, straight into the hole until the tray pops out. Don't force it.
- Take out the SIM card and put it in the tray of the new phone. The notched corner shows you which way it goes. It only fits one way.
- Slide the tray back in the same way it came out, until it sits flush.
- Turn on the new phone and enter your SIM PIN if asked.
- Test it. Make a call, send a text and open a web page on mobile data. No signal? Restart the phone.
Keep the SIM you just took out somewhere safe and dry, like the card holder it came in. Before you put it away, see how to clean a SIM card and the SIM slot safely.
iPhone
The tray is on the left side, right side or top, depending on the model. Only use the tray that came with your iPhone, because trays from other models don't fit (Apple Support). If the tray won't come out, Apple says to take the phone to your carrier or an Apple Store rather than force it.
Google Pixel
With the phone off, push the eject tool into the small hole on the left edge, place the nano-SIM in the tray and push it back in. You may need to restart to get service. Pixel 8 and later don't accept some older SIM cards and show "This SIM is no longer supported". In that case, ask your carrier for a new SIM. Pixel 10, 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL phones in the US can't use a physical SIM at all (Google Pixel Help).
Samsung Galaxy
Power off, then use the ejector tool in the SIM tray hole, not in a microphone or speaker hole. Place the SIM with the metal contacts facing down, push the tray back and turn the phone on. On Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip models, Samsung's steps say to keep the phone flat or closed. If the phone asks for an unlock code, contact the carrier it was bought from (Samsung Support).
Older phones and rugged models
Some phones have no side tray. On these, you take off the back cover, and sometimes the battery, to reach the SIM slot. Samsung's Galaxy XCover6 Pro works this way. Check your phone's manual if you're not sure.
How to keep your contacts when you change SIM cards
Your SIM carries your number, not your phone's content. Photos, apps, messages and most contacts stay on the old phone or in your account. Here's how to make sure your contacts follow you:
- iPhone: iPhones don't save contacts to the SIM. Turn on iCloud contacts and they appear on your new iPhone once you sign in. If an old SIM has contacts on it, import them in Settings > Apps > Contacts > Import SIM Contacts (Apple: Import contacts from your SIM card to your iPhone).
- Android: to copy SIM contacts to your Google Account, open the Contacts app, tap Organize > Manage SIM, choose the contacts and tap Import (Google Contacts Help). You can also turn on Backup device-only & SIM contacts automatically under Google Contacts sync in your phone's settings (Google: Back up and sync device and SIM contacts). Menu names can differ by brand.
- Abroad: contacts saved in iCloud or your Google Account stay on your phone when you put in a local SIM. Nothing to export.
How to change carrier and switch to their SIM card
Changing carrier usually means a new SIM card or eSIM from the new carrier. To keep your number, ask the new carrier to transfer it. Don't cancel your old plan first, or you could lose the number.
- Check the phone is unlocked, or ask your current carrier to unlock it.
- Get your transfer details. In the UK, text "PAC" to 65075 to get your free switching code. In the US, the new carrier usually asks for your account number and a number transfer PIN from your old carrier. Elsewhere, ask the new carrier what it needs.
- Order the new SIM or eSIM and give the new carrier your transfer details.
- Swap the SIM cards with the steps above once the new carrier says the transfer is done. Your old SIM then stops working.
Many carriers now offer an eSIM instead of a plastic card, so you may not need to touch the tray at all. See how to convert a physical SIM to an eSIM. Once the old card is retired, see how to destroy a SIM card safely and what to do first.
Switching SIM cards when you travel
Swapping in a local SIM abroad works the same way as at home, as long as your phone is unlocked. A few things to keep in mind:
- Your home number goes offline while its SIM is out. You won't get calls or texts on it, including bank codes sent by SMS. Sort that out before you fly.
- Keep your home SIM safe. It's tiny and easy to lose. Put it back in its card holder and keep the eject tool with it.
- Use dual SIM if your phone has it. Many phones take two SIMs, or a SIM and an eSIM, so you can keep your home number active and add a second line. See how dual SIM works.
- Check if you need to swap at all. If your SIM is from an EU country, you pay your home rates when you travel in other EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Moldova and Ukraine (Your Europe: Roaming). Outside that zone, roaming can get expensive, so check your carrier's rates.
You can also skip the swap. A travel eSIM installs next to your SIM card, so your home SIM stays in the phone and you choose which line uses data. Your phone needs to be unlocked and support eSIM. See how to install an eSIM.
If you're heading to Europe, the US or Asia, you can set up a data eSIM at home and switch it on when you land. These plans are data only, with no phone number.
Shown: data plans for Europe, the United States and Asia. More countries on our destinations page.
FAQs
Do I need to turn off my phone before changing the SIM card?
It's best to. Google and Samsung both say to power off before you insert a SIM. If you swap it with the phone on, restart the phone so it picks up the new card.
Can you switch SIM cards between phones with different carriers?
Yes, if the phone you put the SIM into is unlocked. A phone locked to another carrier rejects your SIM with a message like "SIM not supported". Your SIM isn't damaged, it just won't work in that phone.
Will I keep my phone number if I switch SIM cards?
Yes. Your number is linked to your SIM, so it moves with the card to the new phone. If you change carrier, you keep it by asking the new carrier to transfer it.
Will I lose my contacts if I switch SIM cards?
Not if they're synced with iCloud or your Google Account. Only contacts saved on the SIM itself move with the card. Import them to your account so you don't depend on the SIM.
Why does my phone say "No SIM" after the swap?
Turn the phone off, take the tray out and check the SIM sits flat in the right direction. Then restart. If it still doesn't work, the phone may be locked or the SIM may be damaged. See how to fix an invalid SIM card.
What if I enter the wrong SIM PIN?
After too many wrong tries, the SIM locks and asks for a PUK code. Get it from your carrier and don't guess, because wrong PUK entries can block the SIM for good. Read more about the PUK code.
How do I replace a lost or damaged SIM card?
Ask your carrier for a replacement SIM. You keep the same number, and the old card stops working once the new one is active. Many carriers can give you an eSIM instead.
Can I use my SIM card in another country?
Usually yes, if roaming is turned on in your plan. Check the roaming rates with your carrier before you go. Within the EU, you pay your home rates. Elsewhere, a local SIM or a travel eSIM is often cheaper.
Can I send a SIM card to another country?
You can usually post a SIM card like any small item. Before you send it, check that the SIM is active and that its plan works in that country. If someone needs mobile data for a trip, a travel eSIM is simpler because it arrives by email.
Is SIM swapping the same as switching SIM cards?
No. Moving your own SIM to another phone is safe. "SIM swap" is also the name of a scam where someone gets your number moved to their SIM. Learn how to tell if you've been SIM swapped.
