If you’re new to the iPhone XR and need to pop in a SIM card—or troubleshoot one that’s not working—doing it the right way matters. Whether you’re fixing an activation issue, dealing with no signal, or just setting up your phone, here’s how to properly remove and insert the SIM card on your iPhone XR.
Before You Begin: Power Off Your iPhone
Turning off your iPhone before handling the SIM card helps protect the card and internal components.
To power off:
Press and hold the Side button + Volume Up or Down, then slide to power off.
How to Remove the SIM Card from iPhone XR
- Locate the SIM tray on the right side of your iPhone.
- Insert a SIM eject tool (or a small paperclip) into the pinhole next to the tray.
- Push gently until the tray pops out.
- Pull the tray out and remove the SIM card.
Avoid forcing the tray or inserting the eject tool at an angle—it should release easily with a light push.
How to Insert the SIM Card on iPhone XR
- With the iPhone still powered off, insert the SIM card into the tray:
- The gold contacts should face up.
- The notched corner helps guide the correct placement.
- Gently slide the tray back into the phone.
- It only fits one way—don’t force it.
- Turn your iPhone back on and wait a moment.
- You should see signal bars once it recognizes the SIM.
Dual SIM Tip for iPhone XR Users
The iPhone XR supports Dual SIM through one nano-SIM and one eSIM. If you want to use two numbers, contact your carrier to set up an eSIM profile in Settings > Cellular.
What to Do if SIM Isn’t Detected
- Make sure the SIM is seated properly in the tray.
- Clean the SIM card gently with a soft cloth if needed.
- Try restarting your phone after reinserting.
- If problems persist, contact your carrier for a SIM card replacement.
Never cut or modify a SIM card—this can damage the card or your phone’s SIM reader. Always get a properly sized SIM from your service provider.