How to Change the SIM in iPhone 16 Models

Subscriber Identity Module cards, or SIM cards, connect Apple iPhone 16 devices to cellular services.

They do this by storing essential information within a chip that confirms your identity as the device's owner, including your phone number, subscriber identifier number, and an authentication key. Without installing a SIM, you won't be able to use the services offered by your network provider, including making phone calls and messages.

If you've recently invested in a new device from the latest iPhone lineup, including the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, or 16 Pro Max, and want to keep the same number, you'll need to transfer your SIM across. You may also change SIMs if you're joining a new network, have a damaged card, or are traveling internationally.

However, changing an iPhone 16 SIM isn't always as simple as inserting a new card. Keep reading as we explain the key steps and help you identify which type of SIM card your iPhone 16 has.

eSIM vs. Nano SIM Card

Before swapping SIM cards, you'll need to work out which type your iPhone 16 has:

eSIM

iPhone 16 devices in the US no longer contain a physical sim card or sim tray. Instead, Apple introduced eSIMs from the iPhone 14 series onwards, an industry-standard digital SIM card that provides a virtual, rather than physical, network connection.

eSIMs are much more convenient than the standard option as they're programmed remotely. This means you won't have to buy a new SIM card if you get a new phone or network provider.

Another huge benefit of using an eSIM is that eight or more can be installed on any one device at once, allowing you to use two phone numbers simultaneously. You also won't need to swap out your SIM when traveling internationally, or worry about data security if your iPhone 16 is lost or stolen.

Nano SIM

An Apple iPhone 16 purchased anywhere other than the US, including the UK, Australia, Canada, China, and Japan, will still have a physical SIM card alongside an eSIM. This is known as a nano SIM, or 4FF, the fourth generation of SIM cards.

Nano SIMs are significantly smaller than the original 1FF, measuring 12.3 x 8.8 x 0.67 mm, and therefore fit into a smaller SIM card slot. This makes them cheaper to manufacture and easier to install, since a nano SIM simply slots into the device rather than being soldered onto the circuit board.

The dual-SIM system is a great choice if you're traveling or want to use just one iPhone 16 for both your personal and work calls.

Setting Up an iPhone 16 eSIM

If you've recently replaced your old phone with an iPhone 16 containing an eSIM, the great news is that you won't need to change the SIM to access your data. Instead, your new device will simply require activation.

To activate your eSIM on a new iPhone 16, follow the onscreen instructions that appear when you switch the phone on. Transfer the eSIM from your old device via eSIM Quick Transfer by signing into your Apple ID on both phones. However, some carriers may ask you to contact them directly to complete this process.

If you're changing from a physical SIM card to an eSIM, you'll need to:

1. Open Settings on your Apple iPhone 16 and select 'Cellular.'
2. Tap Convert to eSIM. If this option isn't available, contact your carrier.
3. Click 'Convert Cellular Plan' then 'Convert to eSIM.'
4. Wait for the new eSIM to activate before removing your physical SIM card.

How to Change Your Apple iPhone 16 Nano SIM Card

Putting your Nano SIM into a new device means you'll need to physically change it. Here's how to remove the SIM and swap it for a new one or transfer it to a new device.

1. First, locate the SIM tray on the left-hand side.
2. Insert a paper clip or specially designed SIM removal tool into the small hole next to the tray, using only gentle pressure to avoid damage.
3. The tray should then gently slide out and the SIM can be removed. If you're having trouble ejecting the tray, visit an Apple Store.

Once the old SIM card is removed, it's time to insert your new one. Find the notch in the corner of the card and place it into the tray so that it fits into the angled corner. Minimal force should be required here, so if it doesn't slide in, you may have the SIM the wrong way around.

Then, push the SIM tray back into the iPhone 16 in the same way that you removed it.

Transferring Data Onto an iPhone 16

Along with key authentication data that connects you to network services, some SIM cards store additional information like phone numbers and text messages.

However, thanks to the development of cloud technology, most SIMs, including those in the iPhone 16, no longer perform this role. Contact details are instead automatically backed up via iCloud. These can be accessed by signing into your iCloud account on any Apple device running on iOS 17.2 or later, and then moved onto your new iPhone 16 after transferring SIM cards.

Ensure you're connected to a Wi-Fi network and then:

1. Go to Settings on your old device and turn Bluetooth on.
2. Switch your new iPhone 16 on and follow the instructions until the Quick Start screen appears.
3. Place both devices together and keep following the steps on your new device. You'll then be asked to scan an animation with the camera.
4. Reach the Transfer Your Data screen and tap Download from iCloud.

If you don't have access to your old device, simply select Restore from iCloud Backup when setting up the new iPhone 16.

Final Thoughts

Whether you've been wowed by the iPhone 16 camera specs or the new Apple Intelligence features, one thing remains the same: transferring data over is crucial for maintaining access to your network, contacts, photos, messages, apps, and more.

This process is simple with a Nano SIM card and even easier with an eSIM. iCloud technology also offers a convenient way to move any information not stored on your SIM. So, if you're traveling the world or simply upgrading your iPhone, there's no need to worry about losing your network signal, contacts, or those special memories!