If you want to switch SIM cards on iPhone from one carrier to another, you're in the right place. In this simple guide, you'll get everything you need to know about how to change SIM card on iPhone. Before you switch SIM cards on your iPhone, you need to do some things first. This helps guarantee the safety of your iPhone data and your current SIM card. Additionally, you need to back up your data before changing SIM cards. Read on to know why.
Before changing your SIM card on your iPhone, you need to consider some factors to enable an easier process. Below is a compilation of what to do before changing SIM card iPhone:
1. Make Sure New SIM Card Is Compatible
Lately, most iPhones have used Nano SIM cards. Before purchasing a new SIM card, ensure it's of this type. Otherwise, you'll have compatibility issues when inserting the new SIM card. If you can't find a Nano SIM card, contact your service provider.
2. Transfer SIM Card Contacts to iPhone
To avoid losing your contacts when you want to move SIM card to new iPhone, ensure you save all contacts to your iPhone. Simply head to "Settings" > "Contacts" and tap on the option for "Import Contacts".
3. Back Up Data
Although changing SIM cards doesn't lead to data loss, it's important to make a backup. You can back up your data to iCloud or any other trusted platform.
4. Unlock iPhone
Before switching to a different carrier service, it's important to unlock your iPhone. You must do this before making the switch, or else you'll find it difficult to access the new SIM card.
5. Turn Off Device
Turning off your iPhone protects it from any dangers when switching SIM cards. This also protects your SIM card against any damages. To turn off your iPhone correctly, navigate to "Settings", tap "General", then choose "Shut Down".
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Once you've adhered to all the conditions mentioned in the previous section, you can proceed with changing your iPhone SIM card. This process is not complicated at all. You'll need a SIM card ejection tool or a paper clip to eject the tray containing your SIM card. Follow the steps below to learn how to replace SIM card in iPhone:
Step 1. Turn off your iPhone by pressing the required buttons. You can also go to "Settings" > "General" > and tap "Shut Down".
Step 2. Insert a SIM card ejection tool into the hole next to the tray. This is mostly found on the sides.
Step 3. When the tray pops out, you can gently remove your SIM card. Place a new SIM card on the tray and ensure you position it properly. Next, insert the tray back into your iPhone.
Step 4. Lastly, turn on your iPhone. Once your new SIM card is detected, you can make calls, send messages, and access other carrier services.
Note: Switching SIM cards on an iPhone doesn't affect your device in any negative way. After the process, you'll find everything where you left it.
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Q1. Will I lose any data during SIM card replacement iPhone?
A SIM card replacement process is straightforward and doesn't entail data loss. Provided you've saved your contacts to your iPhone storage, you won't lose anything after changing your SIM card.
Q2. Do I need to back up data when switching SIM cards iPhone?
Although changing SIM cards doesn't result in any data loss, it's wise to back up your iPhone. This will put you on the safer side if you lose any files by accident. You can back up your data to iCloud or a computer using a third-party tool that we have discussed in the previous sections of this article.
Q3. Should I unlock my iDevice before inserting new iPhone SIM card?
If the SIM card is from a different carrier, you must unlock your iPhone first. However, there's no need if it's from the same carrier. Above all, unlocking your iPhone to access SIM cards from different carriers is better.
Q4. Is it a must to turn off my device to replace SIM card on iPhone?
It's important to turn off your device before proceeding with how to change an iPhone SIM card. This protects it against any software anomalies or your SIM card getting damaged.
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It's important to create a backup for your data to avoid losing data when changing SIM cards on an iPhone. One of the most recommended third-party tools to back up data on iOS is Coolmuster iOS Assistant. This tool seamlessly backs up all your iPhone data, including photos, videos, contacts, bookmarks, calendars, etc.
The primary location to back up your data is your computer. Therefore, you'll need to connect your device via USB. Once you've finished replacing your SIM card and want to access your data, you can easily import them from your computer. Coolmuster iOS Assistant will allow you to select the specific data files you want to import back to your iPhone, e.g., contacts. Click the button below to download the trial.
Follow the steps below to start using Coolmuster iOS Assistant:
01Download, install, and launch Coolmuster iOS Assistant on your computer.
02Next, connect your iPhone via USB and ensure it gets detected on the app's main interface. If it's your first time connecting the iPhone, you'll need to tap the "Trust" button.
03Select the files you want to export and back up on your computer. For example, you can click on "Contacts" and select the "Export". Choose the format to export, i.e., "Export to CSV".
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If you regularly travel overseas, you may find it hectic to change SIM cards every time you visit a new country. To avoid all this, you can switch to using eSIM. An eSIM is an electronic SIM card that you attach to your iPhone's hardware, and you won't need to change it every time, as is the case with the normal SIM card.
Once you've registered for eSIM, you can activate it by scanning a QR code. iPhone models released from 2018 onwards support eSIM. Below are the steps to activate eSIM on your iPhone:
Step 1. Check that your iPhone is eSIM compatible and ensure it's unlocked.
Step 2. Purchase an eSIM online from your cellular service provider.
Step 3. Activate your eSIM by scanning its QR code or manually entering the code you've received from the service provider.
Step 4. Go to "Settings" > "Cellular" > "Add Cellular Plan" to use eSIM as your primary data plan. You can now access data services worldwide on your iPhone without changing SIM cards.
Changing SIM cards on iPhone isn't a difficult process. Before changing an iPhone SIM card, some of the things to do include importing all SIM contacts to your iPhone, creating a backup for your data, unlocking your device, and turning it off. To seamlessly back up your iPhone data, we recommend you use Coolmuster iOS Assistant. This tool allows you to back up and restore different data types, including contacts, messages, calendars, bookmarks, music, etc.
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