How to correctly insert a SIM card into an Android phone: instructions with photos and videos

Installing a SIM card into a smartphone is the first task that every new owner of an Android device faces. It would seem, what could be simpler? But in practice, users often make mistakes: from choosing the wrong card size to damaging contacts due to careless installation. In this article we will look at all the nuances of the process - from preparing tools to checking the network signal.

Installation features depend on the phone model: in some cases a retractable tray is used, and in others a removable back cover is used. We will look at both options and also give recommendations on choosing nano-SIM, eSIM and adapters. We will pay special attention to common problems, for example, when the phone does not see the card after installation or displays the error “SIM card is not supported.”

If you have just purchased a smartphone Samsung Galaxy S24, Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 or Honor 200 Pro, these instructions will help you avoid common mistakes. And for owners of devices with hybrid slots (for example, Realme 12 Pro+), we have prepared separate tips on combining two SIM cards or a memory card.

1. Types of SIM cards and slots in Android smartphones 2026–2026

Modern Android devices support three main SIM card formats:

• 📱 nano-SIM (4FF) - standard for 95% of smartphones after 2018. Size: 12.3 × 8.8 × 0.67 mm.
• 🔄 eSIM (built-in) - digital analog, activated through the phone menu. Supported in Google Pixel 8, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and flagships of other brands.
• 🔌 Hybrid slots — allow you to choose between a second SIM card or a memory card microSD (for example, in Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro).

Important: even if your phone supports dual-SIM (two physical cards), check if it works DSDS (Dual SIM Dual Standby) - a mode in which both cards are active at the same time. In budget models it is often used DSSS, where the second SIM is only available for calls.

Slot type	Examples of models	Features
Single nano-SIM	Google Pixel 7a, Nothing Phone (2)	Only one physical card, often with eSIM support
Dual-SIM (2 nano-SIM)	Samsung Galaxy A54, OnePlus 12	Two physical cards, both active
Hybrid (nano-SIM + microSD)	Redmi Note 13 Pro, Motorola Moto G84	Choice: second SIM or memory card
Only eSIM	Sony Xperia 5 V (in some regions)	No physical slot, activation via QR code

In 2026, more than 40% of new Android smartphones support eSIM, but in Russia and the CIS this format is still poorly distributed due to operator restrictions. If your phone supports only eSIM, check with the operator (MTS, Beeline, Tele2, Megafon) whether it provides tariffs for digital SIMs.

2. Preparation for installation: what. you will need

Before inserting the SIM card, prepare:

• 🔧 A paperclip or tool for removing the tray (comes with the phone). A straightened paper clip will also work.
• 📄 SIM card of the correct size. If you have an old micro-SIM, it can be cut to nano-format (but it is better to request a new one from the operator).
• 🔍 Good lighting - many slots are located inconveniently (for example, in the upper part Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5).
• 📱 Charged phone (at least 20%) - after card installation may require a reboot.

If you are moving from one phone to another, do not forget:

1. Save contacts to Google Account or to a memory card.
2. Disable linking of old devices in the operator’s personal account (for example, in My MTS or Tele2 Online).
3. Check if it is tied to the old SIM two-factor code (2FA) from banks or social networks.

Attention! If you use iPhone and switch to Android, do not remove the SIM card from the iPhone until the data transfer is complete via Google One or Smart Switch (for Samsung).

3. SIM card in the tray

Most modern Android smartphones are equipped with a retractable SIM card tray. Let's look at the process using an example Samsung Galaxy S23 (similar for Xiaomi 14, OPPO Find X7 and other flagships):

1. Turn off your phone (optional, but recommended for security).
2. Find the SIM card slot. It is usually located:
   • On right end (most Samsung, Google Pixel).
   • On left end (Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO).
   • On upper end (some Honor, Huawei models).

Insert the paperclip into the hole next to the slot and press until it clicks. The tray will extend 2–3 mm.

Carefully pull the tray with your fingers. Do not pull the paperclip - this can damage the mechanism!

Place the SIM card into the tray contacts downaligning the beveled corner of the card with the corner of the slot.

Insert the tray back until it clicks. Make sure that it sits evenly - distortions can lead to poor contact.

For phones with a removable back cover (for example, Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro or some models Nokia):

1. Turn off phone and remove the cover (press the latch at the bottom or pull the special groove).
2. Remove the battery (if it is removable).
3. Find the SIM card slot - usually it is labeled or highlighted in color.
4. Insert the card with the contacts facing down and secure (sometimes a slight press until it clicks).
5. Assemble the phone in the reverse order.
💡

If the tray does not extend, do not use excessive force! Try slightly shaking the paperclip or use a thinner tool. As a last resort, contact the service center - the mechanism may be jammed.

4. physical card

If your phone supports eSIM (for example, Google Pixel 8 Pro or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5), you can activate a digital SIM card without physical media. Advantages:

• ✈️ Convenient for traveling - you can quickly add a local operator.
• 🔄 Easy to switch between tariffs (for example, work and personal).
• 🛡️ Less risk of damaging the card or slot.

Instructions for activating eSIM:

1. Get a QR code or activation data from the operator (for example, in MTS Personal Account → SIM Management → eSIM).
2. Go to Settings → Connections → SIM card manager → Add mobile network (path may vary).
3. Select Add eSIM and scan the QR code or enter the data manually.
4. Confirm activation - the phone will reboot and the network will become active.

eSIM restrictions in 2026:

• 🚫 Not all Russian operators support eSIM for individuals (for example, Tele2 offers only for legal entities).
• 🔄 You cannot transfer eSIM from one phone to another - a new activation will be required.
• 📱 In some models (for example, Xiaomi 13T) eSIM works only as a second SIM.

Which operators in Russia support eSIM for individuals?

As of 2026, eSIM for individuals is officially provided by:

- MTS (limited list of tariffs)

- Beeline (only in Moscow, St. Petersburg and some regions)

- Megafon (in test mode for new clients)

Check the latest information in your personal account or with the operator.

5.

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when installing a SIM card. Here are the most common problems and their solutions:

Problem	Cause	Solution
The phone does not see the SIM card	Bad contact, incorrect installation	Remove and reinsert the card, check the cleanliness of the contacts
Error "SIM card is not supported"	Card of the old standard (2G) or blocked	Request a new SIM from the operator or unlock with a PUK code
No network after installation	Operator not selected manually	Go to Settings → Mobile network → Operators and select manually
The tray is not fixed	Distortion or debris ingress	Clean the slot with a dry brush, insert the tray straight

Attention! If after installing the SIM card the phone gives an error IMSI unknown or No service, this may indicate:

• 🔌 Damage to contacts on the card or in the slot (check under magnification).
• 📡 Problems with the operator —check the network status in his personal account.
• 🔄 Conflict with the firmware - update the phone software to the latest version.

If the card worked in the old phone, but is not detected in the new one, try:

1. Reboot device.
2. Insert the card into another smartphone to check.
3. Reset network settings: Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.

6. Features for popular brands

The SIM card installation process may vary depending on the manufacturer. Let's consider the nuances for the most popular brands:

Samsung (Galaxy S24, A54, Z Flip5, etc.)

• 📍 The slot is located on top end (for flagships) or right (for series A/M).
• 🔄 In models with 5G (for example Galaxy S23 FE) for two SIMs to work simultaneously, you may need to disable one of them in settings.
• 🛠️ In phones with IP68 protection level (for example, Galaxy S24 Ultra), avoid getting moisture into the slot - this can cause corrosion of the contacts.

Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO (14, Redmi Note 13, POCO F6)

• 📍 The slot is almost always on the left side.
• 🔄 In hybrid slots (for example, Redmi 13C), priority is given to the first SIM - the second can only work in 2G.
• 📶 For 5G activation may require selecting a network manually: Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → [select SIM] → Preferred network type → 5G/4G/3G/2G.

Honor/Huawei (Honor 200, Huawei P60)

• 📍 In new models (for example, Honor Magic6 Proslot moved to bottom end.
• 🔒 On phones with EMUI (Huawei), you may need to unlock the SIM PIN code even if it is disabled by the operator.
• 🌐 Models without support for Google Services are sold in China - check compatibility with Russian operators before purchasing.

7. How to check that the SIM card is installed correctly

After installing the SIM card, follow these steps to make sure it is working correctly:

1. Check the network indicator:
   • 📶 A signal strength icon should appear in the status bar (for example 4G, 5G or E for Edge).
   • 🚫 If a cross or inscription is displayed No service, the card is not recognized.
2. Call or send SMS:
   • 📞 Dial *111# ("Balance" service for most operators) - if you see information about the account, the card is active.
   • 💬 Send an SMS to a short number (for example, 0000 to check with MTS).

Check the SIM card settings:

• Go to Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks.
• Make sure that your SIM is displayed in the list and is turned on (the slider is activated).
• Check that it is selected automatic network detection (or manually specify the operator).

If the phone supports two SIM cards, make sure that:

• 📱 Each card is assigned a unique name (for example, "Work" and "Personal").
• 📞 Priority for calls has been selected (in the SIM settings you can specify which card is used by default).
• 🌐 For 4G/5G, only one SIM can work - check in the mobile network settings.

Attention! If you use two SIM cards from different operators, make sure they support roaming with each other. For example, if one card is from MTS, and the second is from Tele2, calls between them can be charged as internetwork.

8. What to do if the SIM card slot is damaged

If after installing the SIM card the phone does not see it and the card contacts are clean, the slot may be faulty. Signs of failure:

• 🔌 The tray does not lock or falls out.
• 📶 The phone stops seeing the card after a slight shake.
• 🔍 Bent contacts or traces of oxidation in the slot are visible.

Temporary solutions (before repair):

• 📎 Carefully place under the card thin tape (not the adhesive side!) for better contact.
• 🔄 Use second SIM card (if the slot is hybrid).
• 📱 Connect to the mobile data via access point on another phone.

Permanent solutions:

• 🛠️ Contact the service center — replacing a slot costs from 800 to 2500 rubles (depending on the model).
• 🔄 If the phone is under warranty, do not open it yourself - this will void the warranty.
• 📱 For older models (for example, Samsung Galaxy A10) you can buy external USB-SIM adapter (about 500 rubles), but it only works with a computer.

In 70% of cases, damage to the slot occurs due to careless removal of the tray or moisture. If your phone has IP68 protection (for example Sony Xperia 1 V), this does not guarantee 100% protection of the slot from corrosion when immersed in water.

💡

If the slot is damaged and the warranty is out, consider switching to eSIM (if your phone supports it). This will eliminate problems with physical media.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about SIM cards in Android

Is it possible to cut a micro-SIM to a nano-SIM yourself?

Technically yes, but it is risky. If you cut it incorrectly, you can damage the chip. It's better to request a new nano-SIM from your operator (usually free of charge). If you decide to cut it yourself, use sharp scissors, then sand the edges with sandpaper (1000+ grit). The SIM card is blocked after three incorrect attempts to enter the PIN. The PUK code is indicated on the plastic holder that came with the card. If it is not there, contact your operator - after 10 incorrect attempts to enter the PUK, the card is blocked forever. sample and sharp scissors, then sand the edges with sandpaper (1000+ grit).

Why does the phone ask for a PUK code after installing a SIM card?

This means that the SIM card is locked after three incorrect attempts to enter the PIN. The PUK code is indicated on the plastic holder that came with the card. If it is not there, contact your operator - after 10 incorrect attempts to enter the PUK, the card is blocked forever.

Is it possible to use a SIM card from an old phone in a new Android?

Yes, if:

• 📱 The card is compatible in size (nano-SIM).
• 📡 The operator did not link it to the old device (relevant for corporate tariffs).
• 🔄 The card supports the networks of the new phone (for example, if the old phone was 3G and the new one was 5G, you may need to replace the SIM).

If the card is not detected, ask for a replacement from the operator - new SIMs support more frequencies.

How to transfer contacts from an old SIM card to a new Android phone?

Methods:

1. Through import to Google Account: Contacts → Settings → Import/Export → Import from SIM card.
2. Using applications (for example, SIM Card Contacts from Google Play).
3. Manual entry (if contacts not enough).

Do not store contacts only on the SIM card - it may fail!

What to do if the phone does not see the second SIM card in a dual-SIM device?

Check:

• 🔌 Is the card inserted correctly (sometimes the second SIM must be in a specific slot).
• 📡 Does the operator support the mode dual-SIM (some tariffs have restrictions).
• 🔄 Is the second SIM enabled in the settings: Settings → SIM cards → [second SIM] → Enable.
• 📱 Is the phone software updated (older firmware may have bugs with dual-SIM).