Of course, you can use Galaxy S20 without a SIM card (you can use WiFi/Bluetooth/USB for connections). But it does not make sense to buy a Galaxy S20 if you plan to use it without a SIM card. You can get a WiFi-only tablet at a far cheaper price.
This Galaxy S20 guide explains the size of the SIM card on the Galaxy S20, possible configuration for the SIM card tray, how to use the SIM card on Galaxy S20 with or without a micro SD card, and how to use two SIM cards and eSIM on Galaxy S20.
A detailed explanation of eSIM support on Galaxy S20 can be found here.
Please note 5G support is available on Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G, S20+ 5G, S20FE 5G, and S20 5G UW. But none of them support 5G SA.
Like most other phones released in recent years, Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra all use nano-SIM cards only.
A nano-SIM card is the smallest one among the 4 possible SIM card sizes for mobile phones:
Most carriers now issue 3-in-1 SIM cards (as shown below). In this case, you can detach the largest part as a mini-SIM. Then you can get a micro-SIM card from the mini-SIM. A nano-SIM card can be detached from the micro SIM card.
You should keep the “waste” because they can be used as an adapter for micro-SIM (from nano-SIM card), or mini-SIM adapter (from micro-SIM). Some old tablets and MiFi (mobile router) may still require a larger SIM card.
If you are using a phone bought within the last 10 years, very likely, that the phone is using a micro SIM card or a nano-SIM card.
It is possible (and simple) to trim a nano-SIM card from a micro-SIM card. But it is recommended to do it in the handphone shop using a properly sized clipper. Do not use scissors.
Here is a list of some popular phones that use nano-SIM cards already. If you want to migrate to Galaxy S20 from these phones, you can keep using the existing SIM card.
The SIM card tray in Galaxy S20 is a hybrid one comprising two slots:
So, for the single SIM version of the Galaxy S20, you do not have many options. You can put one SIM card on the slot 1. Slot 2 can only be used for a micro SD card, as shown below.
Of course, you can keep the slot 2 empty if you are not using a micro SD card.
For the dual SIM version of Galaxy S20, you can (as shown in the illustration below):
If you use one SIM card and do not use a micro SD card on the dual SIM version of Galaxy S20, then you can put the SIM card on either slot. Slot 1 or slot 2 does NOT matter.
Please note, the difference between the single-SIM version and the dua-SIM version of Galaxy S20 lies not only on the SIM card tray. The internal components and the firmware are also slightly different.
So, there is no way to convert the single-SIM version of Galaxy S20 into a dual-SIM one.
Also, if your carrier supports eSIM for Galaxy S20, you cannot convert the single-SIM version into a dual-SIM one. The firmware does not support two SIM cards. Similarly, you cannot convert a dual-SIM version of Galaxy S20 into a triple-SIM one.
Please check this guide on how to use a micro SD card on Galaxy S20.
As explained and illustrated in Galaxy S20 layout, the Galaxy S20 SIM card tray is located on the top of the phone.
To reject the SIM card tray from Galaxy S20, you should use the included ejection pin in the Galaxy S20 box.
Besides, you need to make sure not to pierce the top microphone!
If you are using the official Galaxy S20 covers/cases like Galaxy S20 LED View (wallet cover), Galaxy S20 clear view (S View) cover, or Galaxy S20 LED back cover, you will have to remove the cover to access the SIM card tray.
As illustrated in the picture below, you may follow these steps to add or remove a SIM card on Galaxy S20.
If the SIM card was not inserted properly, Galaxy S20 will tell you in the notification panel. You will also see some strange status icons on the status bar
You may check this guide on how to use two SIM cards (including enabling dual SIm always on) on the dual SIM version of Galaxy S9, S10, and S20.
First, very few carriers support eSIM on Galaxy S20. You need to check it with your carrier.
The eSIM support on Galaxy S20 was explained in this guide.
You can check mobile network status and SIM card status in Settings — About phone – Status –SIM status.
A detailed explanation of SIM card status can be found on this page.
If you have any questions about using the SIM card on Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra, please let us know in the comment box below.
The community will help you get the answer.
If you have any questions about Galaxy S20, you may check other Galaxy S20 guides:
You can also join us on our Facebook page.
Android OS update for the Galaxy S20 has stopped at Android 13 (One UI 5.1). So, there will be no… Read More
Enhanced processing is one of the prominent new features in Galaxy S20 Android 11 update. This Galaxy S20 guide explains… Read More
Galaxy S20 Android 11 update revamped the widgets on Galaxy S20 lock screen. It is more than a name change… Read More
You can update Galaxy S20 to Android 11 to enjoy enhanced security and privacy, One UI 3.0, and new Android… Read More
Galaxy S20 lockdown mode allows you to turn off biometric and smart lock in some special situations to enhance security… Read More
Samsung officially released Galaxy S20 Android 11 update in early December 2020 globally. Galaxy S20 owners in most regions will… Read More