How to set up a SIM card
A SIM card allows your Fairphone to connect to your mobile network operator. With an active SIM, you can make calls, send and receive SMS, and use mobile data.
If you have an eSIM, find out How to set up an eSIM.
ⓘ Some of these steps only work if your Fairphone has Android 13 or above. Find out How to check and update your software version.
How to choose a SIM card
Check the table below to see which types of SIMs and networks are supported for your Fairphone.
Tip: If you're using a physical SIM, consider replacing it every 2-5 years. Over time, aging circuits can cause unexpected issues. Contact your network provider to request a new one if needed.
| Device | SIM Types | Network support |
| The Fairphone (Gen. 6) | Nano-SIM (1), eSIM (1) | 5G, 4G, 3G, 2G |
| Fairphone 5 | Nano-SIM (1), eSIM (1) | 5G, 4G, 3G, 2G |
| Fairphone 4 | Nano-SIM (1), eSIM (1) | 5G, 4G, 3G, 2G |
| Fairphone 3(+) | Nano-SIM (2) | 4G, 3G, 2G |
| Fairphone 2 | Micro-SIM (2) | 4G, 3G, 2G |
For the Fairphone (Gen. 6)
How to insert or remove a SIM card
To insert ore remove your SIM card, follow these steps:
- Find the SIM card removal tool in your phone's Getting Started Kit.
- Note: If you can't find the tool, a toothpick or a safety pin will work.
- Look at the bottom of your phone and push this tool into the tiny hole.
- The SIM tray will pop out after you hear a tiny click.
- If you're inserting a SIM card:
Look for the side with the notched corner that matches the shape of your Nano-SIM. Place the SIM card into the tray with the gold contacts facing upward, and press down firmly until you feel it click or snap into place.
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If you're removing a SIM card:
Hold the tray over a flat surface, and gently lift the SIM card to remove it. If the SIM is hard to remove, use your SIM tool to gently poke through the small holes in the tray to push the card out from the other side.
- Slide the tray back into your phone until it clicks shut.
For Fairphone 5 and below:
How to insert a SIM card
To insert your SIM card, follow these steps:
- If your Fairphone is on, turn it off.
- Remove the back cover and take out the battery.
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Inside the battery compartment, look for the SIM icon(s).
Important: The microSD slot is intended for microSD cards only. Don't force a SIM card into the microSD slot. Doing so may cause damage and void the warranty of your Fairphone. - Align the SIM card to match the SIM icon, paying attention to the cut corner.
- Insert the SIM card, pressing gently until it clicks in place.
- Reinsert the battery and click the back cover in place.
- Hold the Power button to turn on the phone.
How to remove a SIM card
To take out your SIM card, follow these steps:
- If your Fairphone is on, turn it off.
- Remove the back cover and take out the battery.
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Gently push your SIM card into the SIM slot, until you hear a click.
Important: Don't use any metal tools to retrieve a SIM card from the SIM slot. Doing so may cause damage and void the warranty of your Fairphone. - Release and take out your SIM card.
- Reinsert the battery and click the back cover in place.
- Hold the Power button to turn on the phone.
How to use dual SIMs
All of our phones support Dual SIM, Dual Standby (DSDS). With DSDS, you can use two SIMs at the same time. This allows you to:
- Have two phone numbers and two different plans on one device.
- Use one number for business and another number for personal calls.
- Get a local SIM plan while traveling abroad.
When you add a second SIM, you'll be asked to choose which SIMs to use by default for calls, texts and data:
- Calls: Pick a default SIM or tap Ask every time.
- Texts: Pick a default.
- Mobile data: Pick a default.
You can change these preferences at any time by going to Settings → SIMs → Your primary SIMs.
Need more help?
If your SIM card isn't working, you can often fix it in just a few simple steps. Find out how: Troubleshoot the SIM Card(s).