The Samsung S20 SIM card location is in the hybrid SIM tray on the left side of the device. To find it, look for a small pinhole on the upper edge of the phone's left side; this is the ejection port for the SIM tray.
Understanding the hybrid SIM tray
The tray is a hybrid design: Slot 1 accepts a single nano-SIM, and Slot 2 can hold either a second nano-SIM or a microSD card for storage expansion up to 1TB. This dual-purpose tray means you must choose between adding a second SIM or extra memory, you cannot use both simultaneously in Slot 2.
How to remove the SIM card from your Samsung S20
- Power off the device completely.
- Locate the SIM tray on the left edge of the phone; the small pinhole is the ejection port. The SIM card tray is located on the top or bottom edge of the device, depending on the specific model.
- Insert the SIM ejection tool (or a small paperclip) straight into the pinhole and press gently until the tray pops out slightly.
- Pull the tray out carefully using your fingers.
- To remove the SIM card from the tray, gently push it out from the slot using your finger or a small tool.
Handle the SIM card by its edges to avoid touching the gold contacts.
How to insert a SIM card into your Samsung S20
- Place your nano-SIM card into Slot 1 of the tray with the gold contacts facing down and the notched corner aligned to the tray's shape. The SIM card slot has a metal contact plate on one side.
- If you are using a second nano-SIM or a microSD card, place it into Slot 2 following the same orientation.
- Slide the tray back into the phone, ensuring it is fully seated and flush with the edge of the device.
- Power on the phone.
S20 eSIM and dual SIM rules
The Samsung S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra support eSIM in addition to the physical SIM tray, though availability varies by country and carrier. Only two SIMs can be active at any time, and you cannot use two physical SIMs and an eSIM simultaneously. For example, you could use one physical nano-SIM and one eSIM, or two physical nano-SIMs, but not all three at once. For SIM card information and costs, consult your carrier's SIM Card Costs, Functions and Replacement Guide.
Troubleshooting basic SIM card issues
If you see a "No SIM" error or the phone does not recognize the card, start with these steps:
- Check that the SIM card is placed correctly in the tray and that the tray is fully inserted.
- Restart the device.
- Remove the tray and inspect the SIM card's gold contacts for dirt or damage; clean them gently with a soft, dry cloth if needed.
- If the SIM card is not detected, try inserting the SIM card into another device to see if it works. If it does, the problem may lie with your S20.
- If you receive error messages like 'Invalid SIM card,' 'SIM card locked,' or 'SIM card registration failed,' ensure your SIM card is activated and you have a valid service plan.
- When using a new SIM card or switching carriers, check with your network provider to ensure the SIM card is compatible with your Samsung S20 and supports the bands used by your device.
- As a last resort, you can try performing a factory reset via Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory Data Reset, but back up files first as this erases all data.
Samsung documents that only two SIMs can operate at once and that you cannot use two SIM cards and an eSIM at the same time; the S20 line also supports eSIM on the S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra, with availability varying by country and carrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Samsung S20 without a SIM card?
Yes. You can connect to Wi-Fi, use the camera, access downloaded apps, and use most settings. However, you cannot make or receive calls, send text messages, or use mobile data without a SIM card.
What do I do if my SIM card is not working on my Samsung S20?
First, verify the card is properly inserted and the tray is fully closed. Restart the phone. If the card appears damaged or outdated, contact your carrier for a replacement. If the phone is locked to a specific network, a SIM from another carrier will not work.
Does the Samsung S20 support dual SIM?
Yes, the S20 supports dual SIM through the hybrid tray. You can use two nano-SIMs, or one nano-SIM and one eSIM. Only two SIMs can be active at once.
What size SIM card does the Samsung S20 use?
The S20 uses a nano-SIM card. This is the smallest SIM card size currently available. If you have a different size SIM card, you may need to get it resized or obtain a new Nano-SIM card from your mobile service provider.
