Summary
Power off Sidephone before inserting or removing a SIM card, then place the activated SIM in the tray and power the device back on. After insertion, wait 5-10 minutes. Confirm connectivity in Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile network.
Steps
Inserting a SIM card
Power off Sidephone
Locate the SIM tray on the side of the device
Gently insert the provided SIM card removal tool into the SIM tray at a perfect 90 degree angle to the phone
Stop applying pressure with the SIM card removal tool immediately once the SIM tray is slightly protruded to avoid damaging the SIM removal mechanism
Use your nail to pull the SIM card tray out of the device
Insert your activated SIM card into the tray in the correct orientation
Gently slide the tray fully back into Sidephone
Note: If there is a significant amount of resistance, double check the orientation is correct. Forcing the SIM into the device in the wrong orientation can permanently damage the SIM and phone.
Once inserted, power Sidephone back on
Wait up to 10 minutes for signal bars to appear and, optionally, carrier texts to appear
Open Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile network and confirm your carrier is listed
Removing a SIM card
Power off Sidephone completely
Open the SIM tray
Remove the SIM card carefully
Reinsert the empty tray fully into the device
Power Sidephone back on
Verifying service (after insertion)
Observe the signal bars and a VoLTE icon
Place a test call
Send a test SMS
Toggle mobile data on/off once to confirm functionality
Considerations
Hotspot: Plan dependent. Available on Sidephone's unlimited plan, but not the Basic 1GB plan.
Wi-Fi calling: Plan dependent.
No signal after insertion: Toggle Airplane Mode on and off, then wait 1–2 minutes.
SIM not detected: Power off, reseat the SIM, and restart.
SIM inserted before Setup Wizard: This is acceptable; setup will still complete normally.
Data works but calls/text do not: Your plan may be data-only; confirm voice/SMS support with your carrier.
Non–T-Mobile carrier: May work, but compatibility and performance are not guaranteed.
Hot-swapping (removing while powered on): Not recommended; may cause detection issues.
When to Contact Support
Create a support ticket if Sidephone shows “No service” or “SIM not detected” after reseating the SIM, restarting the device, and confirming the SIM works in another phone.
What to Collect for Support
Carrier name (e.g., T-Mobile or MVNO)
Whether the SIM is confirmed activated in another device
Whether Sidephone shows signal bars after restart
Whether mobile data is enabled in Settings
Whether calls and/or texts work (specify which fail)
Any on-screen message such as “No service” or “SIM not detected”