Set up a SIM card
Important
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 phone to connect to your mobile network operator. With an active SIM, you can make calls, send and receive SMS, and use mobile data.
Choose a SIM card
Select your phone below to see which type of SIM card is supported.
| Dual SIM | Nano-SIM (1), eSIM (1) |
| Networks | 5G, 4G, 3G, 2G |
| Supported features | VoLTE and VoWi-Fi |
| Dual SIM | Nano-SIM (1), eSIM (1) |
| Networks | 5G, 4G, 3G, 2G |
| Supported features | VoLTE and VoWi-Fi |
| Dual SIM | Nano-SIM (2) |
| Networks | 4G, 3G, 2G |
| Supported features | VoLTE (SIM1) and VoWi-Fi |
| Dual SIM | Micro-SIM (2) |
| Networks | 4G, 3G, 2G |
| Supported features | - |
If you're using a physical SIM, we recommend renewing your SIM card every two 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.
To set up an eSIM, we have a separate support article to guide you.
Insert your SIM card
Select your phone below to see how to insert your SIM card.
- Hold the Power button and tap Power off.
- Remove the back cover and take out the battery.
- Inside the battery compartment, look for the SIM1 icon.
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 your SIM card to match the SIM1 icon, paying attention to the cut corner.
- Insert your nano-SIM, 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.
- Hold the Power button and tap Power off.
- Remove the back cover and take out the battery.
- Inside the battery compartment, look for the SIM1 icon.
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 your SIM card to match the SIM1 icon, paying attention to the cut corner.
- Insert your nano-SIM, 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.
- Hold the Power button and tap Power off.
- Remove the back cover and take out the battery.
- Inside the battery compartment, look for the Sim 1 and Sim 2 icons.
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 your SIM card to match the Sim 1 or Sim 2 icon, paying attention to the cut corner.
- Insert your nano-SIM, 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.
- Hold the Power button and tap Power off.
- Remove the back cover and take out the battery.
- Inside the battery compartment, look for the 1 and 2 icons.
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 your SIM card to match the 1 or 2 icon, paying attention to the cut corner.
- Insert your micro-SIM, 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.
Take out your SIM card
To take out your SIM card, follow these steps:
- Hold the Power button and tap Power 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.
Use 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.
Issues with the SIM
If you experience issues with your SIM card, there are many things you can do to fix the issues yourself. You can find our guide troubleshooting your SIM card(s) here.
If after reading the article you need more help, contact our Customer Support.