A SIM card — or subscriber identity/identification module — is a small memory card that contains unique information from your carrier's mobile network, and connects your phone to your carrier's mobile data in order to make calls, send messages, and access the Internet.
SIM cards are interchangeable and can be switched between compatible devices, allowing you to take advantage of multiple mobile data plans, especially when traveling abroad.
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What type of SIM card will my phone use?
What type of SIM card will my phone use?
All modern smartphones (since the iPhone 5) use a Nano-SIM. Some older devices use a Micro-SIM. And much older ones (like the original T-Mobile Sidekick or early flip phones) use a Mini-SIM.
If you're still unsure, find out the exact device model you're looking to buy and consult the official website of the manufacturer to see if your SIM card will work.
Which SIM card do I need?
Phones bought on Back Market don’t come with a SIM card. If you need a new SIM card, you'll need to contact your carrier.
To make sure your SIM card/mobile plan is compatible with the phone you’re shopping for, check with your carrier.
If you need to know which carrier(s) you can use with a particular device, knowing the model number of the phone will help. For example, if you’re a Verizon customer and want a refurbished iPhone 12, it can help to get the A2172 specifically for optimal service.
Go to your carrier's website and/or check out their Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) plan
AT&T |
(800) 331-0500 |
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Boost Mobile |
(833) 502-6678 |
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Cricket |
(800) 274-2538 |
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Google Fi |
(844) TALK-2-FI |
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H2O Wireless |
(800) 643-4926 |
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Metro |
(888) 8-METRO-8 |
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Mint |
(800) 683-7392 |
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Spectrum |
(877) 463-0677 |
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Straight Talk |
(877) 430-2355 |
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T-Mobile |
(800) 937-8997 |
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US Cellular |
(888) 944-9400 |
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Verizon |
(800) 922-0204 |
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Xfinity |
(800) XFINITY |
How can I get an eSIM?
Manufacturers began adding an embedded-SIM (eSIM) to their phones to allow users to get service without a physical SIM card. Not all US carriers support eSIM, so be sure to check if yours does.
Setting up an eSIM is pretty easy, and your phone should walk you through the steps when first booting up, but if you're having any trouble, here's a quick walkthrough.
Setting up eSIM on iPhone
Before you try to connect, check if your carrier supports eSIM. Once confirmed, there are a few ways to set it up:
Scanning the QR code
Your carrier should have a QR code if they support eSIM. Find that QR code through your carrier account, then scan it with your device’s camera.
Select “Cellular Plan Detected” > “Continue” > “Add Cellular Plan”.
Assigned Cellular Plan
On iOS 13 or newer, your carrier can assign the plan directly to you. Once assigned, you'll receive a notification that says “Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed”. Open it to continue.
You might be asked to transfer your cellular plan if switching to eSIM. If you receive this notification, follow the steps on the screen and select the desired phone number.
Once finished, make a test call to make sure the setup was successful. If the call doesn't work, contact your carrier directly.
Enter the information manually
Go to “Settings” > “Cellular/Mobile Data” > “Add Cellular Plan” > “Enter Details Manually”.
Setting up eSIM on Android
Many Android devices support eSIM, but not all. Make sure that your new device and carrier support eSIM before purchasing.
Scanning the QR code
Step 1. Go to “Settings”.
Step 2. Select “Network & Internet”.
Step 3. Select “Mobile Network”.
Step 4. Select “Add carrier”.
Step 5. Scan your carrier's QR code.
Step 6. Select “Start” and wait for your phone to update.
Step 7. Select “Complete”.
Depending on your carrier, you may also receive manual information instead of a QR code. If so, select the “Enter information manually” and fill out those details.
The eSIM isn't working
An eSIM doesn’t have a physical SIM card you can remove — it's a “software SIM card”. The information stored in the eSIM can be edited so if you decide to change carriers or plans, there shouldn't be a problem.
Try these troubleshooting tips if your eSIM isn't working or if your device says “No Service”.
- Check to make sure your device is unlocked.
- Wait a bit — if you just activated your eSIM, it can take up to 5 hours to convert a SIM card into an eSIM.
- Restart the phone, especially if you just activated the eSIM.
- Toggle Airplane mode on and off.
- Contact your carrier if nothing happens after troubleshooting. They may need to set you up with a new eSIM.
If your eSIM is still showing "No Service" or your isn’t working after you've gone through these steps, please reach out to Back Market Customer Care.
Just log in to your Back Market account > “My orders” > “Ask for help”.
Dual SIM
If you have a business and a personal number, travel out of the country often, or have a separate data and voice plan, a dual SIM device is a great option. To see if a device is able to support dual SIM, check the technical specifications of the product listing on Back Market.
Once you receive the device, you'll need to insert both SIM cards and follow the on-screen steps to activate each plan.
Dual SIM for iPhone
Many iPhones can use dual physical SIM cards, but it’s always good to be sure. Learn all about iPhones and dual SIM from Apple
Dual SIM for Android
For Android, here are the most popular models that can use dual physical SIM cards:
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Samsung Galaxy S21 Google Pixel 6 Google Pixel 6 Pro OnePlus 9 OnePlus 9 Pro Asus Zenfone 8 Asus ROG Phone 2 Asus ROG Phone 5 Sony Xperia 1 III Sony Xperia 5 III |