Apple makes it very easy to insert or remove a SIM card on an iPhone 11, Pro or Pro Max. It is possible to use any of these iPhone models without a SIM card, if connected to WiFi, and access any of the apps that do not require cell reception. However, if a connection to a cellular network is required then a SIM card will have to be inserted into the iPhone 11 device. For example, a SIM card is needed to use apps like WhatsApp or to use cellular services like receiving or sending SMS, and making or receiving phone calls. A SIM card is also needed to subscribe and use mobile data.

There is only one SIM card tray on a standard iPhone 11, Pro and Pro Max, the exception being in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao, where devices come with space for two SIMs. There are various reasons why a dual-SIM setup is useful with the most common being using one number for business purposes and the other for personal use. Another common reason is when adding a local data plan while traveling outside the country. Whether the device utilizes a standard SIM card, a micro-SIM, or a nano-SIM, often depends on when the device was made. Phones made around 1996 use the standard SIM card that had more plastic surrounding the chip. Micro-SIM cards were introduced in 2003 and are much smaller than their predecessor. Nano-SIMs debuted in 2012 and essentially have no plastic border around the chip. There is no difference between the different types of SIM cards save for their size. For reference, the iPhone 11 series utilize a nano-SIM card.

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Apple details how to remove or switch SIM cards in an iPhone 11, Pro or Pro Max. Each of the devices have special SIM trays for that model of iPhone so a SIM tray for the iPhone 11, Pro, or Pro Max will not fit an iPhone 8 Plus, for example. Always use the SIM tray that came with the device. The first step is to find where the SIM tray is located and on the iPhone 11, Pro and Pro Max, the SIM tray is located on the right side of the phone. Each SIM tray will have a small hole beside it that will require a pin or SIM-eject tool in order to open and may require a small amount of pressure while pushing in towards the phone. When done correctly, the tray will pop out and then the SIM card can be removed. However, while some pressure might be required it is important to never force it open, as this can damage the phone or the SIM tray itself.

Problems Removing Or Inserting A SIM Card?

SIM tray iPhone 11

The SIM tray on the iPhone 11 series is built in such a way that inserting a new or different SIM card is easy. The SIM tray has a small notch in one corner to fit the way nano-SIMs are designed. The small notch also aligns with another on the SIM card, making it near impossible to insert the SIM card incorrectly. Once the new SIM card is inserted, push the tray into the iPhone 11 the same way it was removed it. If it is inserted incorrectly, it won't go back into the device as it is built to only fit one way. If inserted correctly, the iPhone 11, Pro or Pro Max will pick up a cellular signal and a user can proceed to use the cell services.

If the iPhone 11, Pro or Pro Max displays an alert that says 'invalid SIM' or 'no SIM' then a user can try the following steps to resolve the problem. Make sure the SIM card is not damaged and that it is active and has a plan with a wireless carrier. Update the iPhone 11 to the latest version of iOS and restart the device. Check that the carrier settings are up to date in Settings and make sure the SIM card and tray have been correctly inserted into the phone. Another option is to remove the SIM card and re-insert it again, or try using a different SIM card altogether. If all this trouble-shooting still returns an alert about the SIM card, then it might be worth getting in touch with Apple Support.

More: iPhone 11 Pro & Pro Max Water Resistance Rating Explained

Source: Apple