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SIM cards for your Samsung phone

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 Samsung phone - 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 phone model. SIM cards are provided by your carrier or the retailer where you purchased the phone.

SIM card in the tray on Galaxy Note 20

An eSIM is an embedded version of the physical SIM card on the phone. 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 phone.

  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:

    Telstra activation

    Optus activation

    Vodafone activation

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

Using eSIMs in the Settings

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.    
  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.

 

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.

 

Using eSIMs in the Settings

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.

 

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

Using eSIMs in the Settings

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.
Using eSIMs in the Settings