How do I set up a SIM card?
Important: Some of these steps only work if your Fairphone has Android 13 or above. Learn how to Check and update your software version.
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.
How do I choose a SIM card?
Check the table below to see which types of SIMs and networks are supported for your Fairphone.
| Device | SIMs | Networks |
| 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 |
If you're using a physical SIM, we recommend renewing your SIM card every few years. SIM cards age like any other electronic circuit and may cause unexpected issues. If necessary, contact your network provider to request a new SIM card.
If you have an eSIM, learn how to Set up an eSIM.
For Fairphone (Gen. 6)
How do I insert my SIM card?
To insert your SIM card, follow these steps:
- Find the SIM card removal tool in your phone's Getting Started Kit.
(If you cannot 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.
- Align the SIM card to match the SIM icon, paying attention to the cut corner.
- Slide the SIM tray back into the same place.
For Fairphone 5 and below:
How do I insert my 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.
- 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 do I take out my 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.
- 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 do I use a Dual SIM?
All of our phones support Dual SIM functionality. With Dual SIM, you can use two SIM cards at the same time. Allowing 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 travelling abroad.
To manage your Dual SIM preferences, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings → Network and Internet → Tap on one of your networks.
- Set your preference for each network:
- Data preference. Only one SIM can be the default for data.
- Calls preference. Pick a default SIM or tap Ask every time.
- SMS preference. Pick a default SIM or tap Ask every time.
Fairphone uses Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) technology. You can read more about that here.
Trouble setting up a SIM card?
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).