How to insert a SIM card into an iPhone: step by step instructions
The design features of Apple gadgets distinguish these devices from devices of other brands. The structure of iPhones is focused on minimal owner intervention in the design of the phone and user safety, which is not typical for economy-class smartphones. Therefore, when they first get acquainted with the iPhone, the newly minted "apple" often do not know how to insert a SIM card and start working with the device. The following instructions are relevant for the iPhone 5 - iPhone X line of smartphones.
Preparing for the first run
Preparation for the initial launch of the iPhone is to unpack and visually inspect the gadget. After unpacking the box, make sure that it contains all the components of the kit declared by the manufacturer, namely:
- a smartphone packed in a plastic protective form;
- sync cable and power adapter;
- an envelope made of thick white paper with a needle to open the SIM card slot;
- Apple AirPods;
- decorative elements;
- headphone adapter.
Before starting, pay attention to the controls of the gadget. On models “5” and “SE”, the button responsible for locking the phone screen and turning it on / off is located on the top edge of the device. On the "six" and newer models, the lock button is located on the right side of the smartphone.
On the left side panel are volume controls and a quick switch to silent mode.
The Home button is the main one when working with the device; located at the bottom of the front of the gadget; allows you to switch between tasks, go to the main menu, call the voice assistant Siri.
On models of families "5", "6", "SE" a standard headphone input of the "3.5" type is installed. Starting with the “seven”, there is no such connector - the headphones are adapted to the battery socket, that is, you can insert old Airpods or third-party headphones only using the original adapter from the kit.
Now that the educational program has been conducted on the controls, you can move on to tips on installing a SIM card.
Also Read: How to Back Up iPhone to iCloud
Features of the used SIM card format
Starting with model "5", a Nano-SIM SIM card is inserted into iPhones - the smallest SIM card available from telecom operators. The basic size SIM card is compatible with Apple smartphones of the first two generations - the iPhone 3G and 4s were equipped with Micro-SIM slots.
Nano-SIM Format Specification:
- length: 12.3 mm;
- width: 8.8mm;
- thickness 0.67 mm.
You can adapt the standard subscriber module to the Micro-SIM format by cutting off part of the plastic case. You can’t insert an ordinary SIM card into new iPhones, even if you cut out the plastic part as much as possible - in Nano-SIM, the chip itself has smaller dimensions. Therefore, in some cases, subscribers are forced to change SIM cards in order to start using Apple products. In communication salons, it is changed on the day of treatment; subscriber number remains the same.
Where and how to insert
The design of most smartphones involves the installation of a SIM card in a slot placed under the battery. The device of the smartphone does not involve the dismantling of the battery by the owner. The subscriber module is installed in a special hatch in the body of the device. Moreover, the card is not pressed against the reading board, but is first placed in a sliding slide.
On the first "apple" devices, the connector for installing the subscriber module is located at the top of the smartphone, above the head speaker. From model "5", the SIM card slot "moved" to the right side panel, where it remains to this day.
Access to the tray is limited by designers: in order to pull out the sled from the SIM, you need to open it using the company key included in the delivery package (by default it is in an oblong white envelope).
Installation process
The general algorithm is shown on the example of the Apple iPhone 5S, but is also relevant for newer models):
- We take the device out of the case.
- We take out the SIM card slot key from the envelope - it has a large oval eyelet and looks like a paper clip.
- We find the SIM slot on the right side panel of the iPhone or on the top edge (the contour and the lock cylinder are clearly visible).
- We insert the key into the hole, press lightly - access is open. On most devices, the SIM card mount pops out of the slot on its own. On used phones, the sled can be difficult to move due to wear or contamination.
See also: How to set music on iPhone 5s for a call without a computer or through a PC
- We take out the slot, put it on a flat surface. The SIM card is simply inserted into the slot from above. Note that it is placed on top, not below. Make sure that the position of the SIM card matches the tray opening.
- you need to put the card in your smartphone. It is more convenient to do this this way: turn the phone with the right side towards you and hold it in this position with one hand. With the other hand, insert the mount with the SIM installed in the working position, simultaneously holding the card with your index finger.
- We insert the sled into the hole, push them all the way so that they do not protrude from the case. Installation completed.
Important!!! In Apple gadgets, the subscriber module mount is completely removed from the device. Therefore, be prepared that it may fall out of the case. Another important point: the correct position of the SIM card has no technological markers, except for matching along the contour, i.e. there are no additional latches or latches.
All the described manipulations are easier to carry out with the gadget turned on. If the device does not have a SIM card, then the diagnostic message "SIM card is not inserted" will be displayed on the notification screen, and the network indicator will be absent (instead of it - the inscription "No network").
If all the above manipulations are performed correctly, then after a minute the message will disappear, and the name of the mobile operator and the signal strength indicator will appear on the display.
What to do if there is no paper clip to open the tray
A common problem for "apple". Usually the factory key is lost during operation. Most relevant for those who purchase a used incomplete iPhone: the key is missing.
In this case, you need to use a handicraft analogue of a regular tool. As such, they can be:
Before use, a paper clip must be unbent and when installing the module, work with a sharp end. In this case, the paper clip should enter the tray larva in diameter. The same with the needle. At the same time, a handicraft tool should not be brittle, because a metal fragment stuck in the tray hole can lead to an expensive call to a specialized service.
Also Read: How to Restore iPhone with iTunes
It is not necessary to abuse such substitutes - their use over time leads to breakage of the tray opening.
Possible problems with reading the SIM card and how to solve them
When the SIM card is detected and read without errors, the device displays the name of the cellular network, signal strength, and the available type of wireless Internet connection. If “SIM card not inserted” or “No network” is displayed instead, the subscriber module is inserted incorrectly or there is a technical malfunction.
Wrong installation
In this case, the position of the tray with the SIM card is incorrect: there is a skew or the SIM is fixed in the wrong position. There are precedents when the SIM card is not properly fixed in the mount (installed with the chip up or the current position does not match the technological hole of the tray). To troubleshoot, correct the position of the SIM card.
Technical difficulites
It is possible that the SIM is not detected by the device even with the correct position of the subscriber module. Such a card is defective and will not work on smartphones from other manufacturers. The defect occurs after the owner of the gadget tries to cut the card to fit the "nano" format in an artisanal way. Physical wear of the card is also possible - kinks, kinks, etc.
Results and comments
The security of the device and user data is a key priority for Apple. The design features described above make it difficult for malicious access to phone components. This technology gives developers hope that inserting/removing a SIM card from a device will be the responsibility of the owner.
With such a locking mechanism, the SIM card does not fall out of the gadget and is not lost, even if the phone falls or receives other mechanical damage. In the case of iPhones, this arrangement of the tray was a hallmark of the company. Nobody has done this before.
Video instruction
You can watch a detailed video tutorial on how to insert a SIM card into an iPhone. The video will help users better understand the implementation of all the proposed actions. To avoid problems, strictly follow the sequence of operations shown in the video.