When you buy an iPhone, you typically expect it to make and receive calls. However, for it to actually be able to connect to your carrier's network and utilize its services, you may need to insert a physical SIM card. The process can be ambiguous for some people, so we've detailed the steps you have to follow below.

How to insert a SIM card in your iPhone

iPhone next to sim ejection tool and SIM card

To get started, you will need your iPhone, SIM card, and the SIM ejection tool included in your iPhone's box. If you can't find the SIM ejection tool, then a paperclip or pin would work as an alternative.

  1. Turn off your iPhone if it's already on. Hold the Side button on the left and the Volume Up button on the right at the same time until you get the screen shown below.
  2. Slide from left to right on the Power button that appears on the screen.
  3. Remove your iPhone's case, if you have one, and locate the SIM slot. Depending on its model, you will find a tiny hole on either the right or left side of your iPhone.
    hole on iPhone's side for sim tray ejection
  4. Insert the SIM ejection tool or pin right into the SIM slot hole.
    using the sim ejection tool to take out the sim tray
  5. Once the SIM tray pops out, remove the pin and gently slide it out with your fingers.
    SIM card next to iPhone sim tray
  6. Place the SIM card on the tray with the bronze side facing up. You can only place it in one position because the SIM card and tray have a missing corner (rather than being a perfect rectangle).
    SIM card being placed on sim tray with bronze side facing up
  7. Insert the SIM tray into the iPhone with the bronze side still facing up.
    inserting the SIM card into the iPhone
  8. Slide it completely into the iPhone.
    pushing the sim tray into iPhone completely
  9. Put the case back on, and hold on the Side button for a few seconds until the Apple logo shows up.
  10. That's it! Your phone will be ready to use within a few seconds of seeing the logo, and you should be able to use your cellular plan.

The bottom line

For those who don't use the eSIM technology, SIM card insertion is quite essential. After all, without a SIM, a user won't be able to call and text their contacts or rely on mobile data. That's why inserting a SIM card is usually the first step people take after buying a new phone.

It's worth noting that iPhone 14 and newer models (including the latest iPhone 15 Pro Max) sold in the U.S. don't have a physical SIM tray. So, if you can't find the SIM slot, you will have to depend on an eSIM to use carrier services, such as making/receiving calls, exchanging SMS texts, and taking advantage of 4G/5G data.