SIM Card Guide: How to Remove It, Insert It and Fix “No SIM Detected” (iPhone & Android)
To remove a SIM card: push the ejector tool (or a straightened paperclip) straight into the small hole next to the SIM tray on the edge of your phone, press gently until the tray pops out, swap the card (the cut corner matches the tray outline), and slide the tray back in the same way. That’s it — 30 seconds, no special tools. Here’s the model-by-model detail, eSIM setup, and what to do when your phone says “No SIM card detected.”
Where is the SIM tray?
On iPhone 12 and newer (12, 13, 14, 15, 16), the tray is on the left edge, below the volume buttons. On iPhone 11 and older, it’s on the right edge. On most Samsung Galaxy and other recent Android phones, the tray sits on the top or bottom edge, next to the charging port. The tiny round hole beside the tray is where the tool goes.
Removing and inserting a SIM, step by step
- Power the phone off (recommended, not required).
- Insert the ejector tool or a straightened paperclip into the small hole, keeping it straight.
- Push firmly but gently — the tray pops out a few millimetres.
- Pull the tray out and set the SIM in it, gold contacts facing down, cut corner aligned with the tray shape.
- Slide the tray back in the same orientation until it sits flush.
- Power on — the network appears within seconds.
What about eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM built into the phone — nothing to insert. Your carrier gives you a QR code or direct activation. On iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM. On Android: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add eSIM. When switching iPhones, the eSIM can transfer directly from the old phone during setup. Tip: your photos and apps are not on the SIM — see our iPhone data transfer guide before switching phones.
“No SIM card detected” — the fixes
In order: restart the phone; eject the card and wipe the gold contacts with a dry cloth, then reinsert; test the SIM in another phone (if it fails there too, ask your carrier for a replacement); update iOS/Android; reset network settings. If none of that works, the cause is usually hardware: a SIM reader damaged by a drop or water, a bent tray, or a faulty connector on the logic board.
That’s repairable. At Sub Tech Repairs (757 Beaubien East, Montreal, 2 minutes from Beaubien metro), we diagnose SIM readers and logic boards for free — including microsoldering when needed. Open 7 days a week, 8:30–21:00, no appointment needed, 1-year warranty. See our open late phone repair in Montreal page or call 438-938-6696.
Can I swap the SIM card without turning the phone off?
Yes, on both iPhone and Android. Powering off is still recommended to avoid a detection glitch; if the network doesn’t appear after the swap, a quick restart fixes it.
Are my photos and contacts stored on the SIM card?
No. A modern SIM only carries your line (number and network access). Photos, apps and most contacts live on the phone and in the cloud. Before switching devices, do a data transfer — our iPhone guide covers the 3 free methods.
My SIM tray is stuck or broken — what should I do?
Don’t force it with anything sharp: a bent tray or damaged reader can get worse. Bring the phone to a repair shop — at Sub Tech Repairs in Montreal the diagnostic is free, 7 days a week, and SIM reader repairs carry a 1-year warranty.