R-SIM Card: Full Introduction, Usage Guide and Best Alternative

R-SIM comes up as one of the go-to solutions to unlock carrier restrictions on your iPhone. Despite being around for years, many users still don’t fully understand what is an R-SIM or how it works. Then come the more practical questions: How do you even use an R-SIM? Where do you find a real one? What does it cost? Will it work in your country? This article answers all of that, whether you’re exploring R-SIM for the first time or figuring out if it’s still worth using currently.

And if you’re looking for a modern yet software-based solution, we’ll also show you how to use Passixer iPhone Unlocker, a reliable tool to remove iPhone carrier lock for any major network worldwide.

What Is an R-SIM Card?

An R-SIM card is a paper-thin chip that sits underneath your regular SIM card in the SIM tray. That thin chip you place beneath your SIM tricks the iPhone into thinking it’s running on a supported carrier. So, SIM cards from other network providers will be accepted and you can use their services.

When you search for an R-SIM online, you will come across different versions. Each one supports specific iPhone models and network providers in your country. Here are the most used R-SIM versions:

R-SIM Version	Compatible iPhone Models	Supported iOS Versions	Example U.S. Carrier Support
R-SIM 17	iPhone 8, X, XR, XS, XS Max, 11, 12, 13	iOS 15 and iOS 16	Work on AT&T, T-Mobile, Visible (limited)
R-SIM 15+	iPhone 8, X, XS, XR, 11, 12	iOS 13 and early iOS 14	Reported working on Visible and AT&T MVNOs
R-SIM VSOP	iPhone 8, X, 11, 12, 13	iOS 17.x, 18.x (stable)	U.S. model compatibility (claimed by vendors)
MKSD Ultra V5.7 (variant)	iPhone 6, 7, 8, X, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15	iOS 15–iOS 18 (latest)	Various carriers (based on R-SIM vendor)

That’s not all. Newer versions like R-SIM Club 2 and R-SIM 19/19 Pro claim to support iOS 17 and iOS 18, working on iPhone 13 through iPhone 16. However, many Redditors say they don’t work. For example, one user shared:

“I tried the R-SIM 19 on my 16 Pro Max. The data works for a few minutes, then it shows an error saying ‘Could not activate data.’”

So despite the compatibility claims, there is no real-world proof that they always work.

How Does R-SIM Card Work on Unlocking iPhone

R-SIM uses an ICCID code which is a unique identifier embedded in every SIM card.

The ultra-thin chip (placed beneath your regular SIM) masks your real SIM details. Simply put, R-SIM feeds a fake ICCID code that tricks your iPhone into thinking it’s connected to a supported carrier.

Is R-SIM Unlock Permanent?

No, it isn’t.

As mentioned, R-SIM cards rely on fake ICCID codes. These codes are blocked by Apple regularly, like even after minor iOS updates. That’s the catch.

So once Apple rolls out a new update, the ICCID you’re using becomes useless. You’ll then need to chase down a fresh ICCID code or buy a newer R-SIM variant altogether even worse. In fact, that’s how many vendors make money off the R-SIM sales.

Even when you change SIM networks, you’ll need a different ICCID for that too.

Bottom line: you’ll end up chasing ICCID codes every few days. That’s the reality of using R-SIMs.

How to Buy an R-SIM Card

Well, it really depends on where you are and which model of R-SIM you’re looking for.

If you’re in the U.S., eBay is the most common marketplace. You’ll find popular variants like R-SIM 17, R-SIM 19, and VSOP there. These typically support iPhone models from the 11 series up to 15 and work on iOS 17 and iOS 18. And be careful—many users who tried R-SIM 16 from eBay said it didn’t work at all. So, buy that one at your own risk.

For newer and high-end variants like R-SIM Club 2 or MKSD Ultra V5.7, your best bet is AliEx.

You’ll also find R-SIMs on Amazon, though they’re often listed with terms like “carrier unlock chip” or “chip card for network change”.

And here’s the warning: a lot of buyers report that the R-SIMs they got from these platforms didn’t work as promised. So, before you order, read everything twice and cross-check recent user reviews wherever possible.

How Much Does an R-SIM Cost?

Generally, the price really depends on which model you’re buying and from where.

R-SIM cards are listed for US$18 to US$20 on eBay stores. Even newer models like R-SIM 17, VSOP, and R-SIM 19 fall into the same range. However, if you’re buying in bulk on AliExpress, the cost can drop significantly, anywhere between US$4 to US$10 per piece.

For example, listings on eBay show:

• R-SIM 12/12 Pro/12 Pro Max is priced around US$13.99.



• R-SIM VSOP is selling for about US$10.16.



• R-SIM 17 (2022 edition) is going as high as US$19.99.

How to Unlock iPhone Carrier with R-SIM Card

Each R-SIM variant, whether it’s R-SIM 15+, R-SIM 17, Club 2, or 19 Pro, works a little differently. Some newer versions like R-SIM 19 or MKSD Ultra will work as soon as you insert them and restart the phone. Others require additional configuration.

That said, here’s the process that most models follow:

Step 1. Place the R-SIM interposer into your SIM tray. You’ll find models where the chip sits on one side or both, depending on the version.

Step 2. Once the iPhone detects the R-SIM, a pop-up will appear asking you to configure the SIM settings. Tap OK.

Step 3. Choose your network provider from the supported ones, depending on your R-SIM model.

Step 4. Select your iPhone model. Then, enter the 20-digit ICCID or IMSI (your seller usually provides it or it comes printed in the package). Tap Send or Accept.

Step 5. You’ll then have to select some additional settings like: 3G/4G/5G mode and SIM tray profile. Then finalize the setup by choosing Accept again.

Step 6. Your iPhone will ask for a restart. Go ahead and reboot it. If everything is in order, you’ll start seeing the carrier signal bars.

Now here’s the important bit:

Most R-SIM setups are not permanent. When Apple blocks the ICCID code (often during iOS updates), you’ll need to re-enter a new ICCID.

To change your ICCID:

• Go to Settings > Cellular > SIM Applications.
• Tap on Edit ICCID.
• Enter the latest 20-digit code.
• Confirm and restart the iPhone to apply changes.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of R-SIM

You’ve already seen how R-SIM unlocks are temporary by design. Still, there are more things you should know. So, here’s a quick table comparing the advantages and disadvantages side by side:

Best Alternative to R-SIM for Unlocking iPhone Carrier

When you want a stable and fast carrier unlock for your iPhone, a tool like Passixer iPhone Unlocker stands out. It’s completely safe to use and doesn’t touch your personal data on the iPhone at all when SIM unlocking your iPhone.

Passixer runs on your Windows or Mac computer, so there’s no need to search for a compatible R-SIM or keep chasing new ICCID codes week after week. Meanwhile, it provides the detailed guide and personal services for your easy carrier unlocking.

Passixer works with popular carriers worldwide. For example, in the U.S., whether your iPhone is locked to Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, or a regional provider, you can switch to a different SIM after unlocking iPhone carrier with Passixer. To sum up, if you want to switch carriers on your iPhone without hassle, Passixer offers a one-time solution that just works.

Key Features:

• Let you unlink the existing Apple account and connect yours, even if Apple ID password is unknown.
• Support screen passcode removal, no matter it’s a 4-digit/6-digit passcode or a custom password with dozens of characters. 
• Unlock iPhones and iPads stuck at iCloud Activation Lock screen to open your device again.
• Bypass MDM restrictions set by organizations or schools to use your iDevice with full freedom.

Steps to Remove Carrier Lock on iPhone with Passixer

Step 1. On the Passixer’s starting window, click Remove SIM Lock.

Step 2. Plug your iPhone into the computer using a working cable and tap Trust on your phone.

Step 3. Click the Start button. Follow the on-screen instructions to jailbreak your iPhone for SIM lock removal. When finished, click Next.

Step 4. Passixer will display the device model, iOS version, and IMEI. Make sure everything is correct and then press Start SIM Lock Removal to initiate the process.

Step 5. Remove all saved Wi-Fi networks from the iPhone. After that, switch Wi-Fi off completely.

Step 6. You’ll see a confirmation “SIM Lock Removed Successfully”. Now your iPhone can accept SIM cards from any popular network worldwide.

External Tip One: What Is the Difference Between eSIM and R-SIM?

An eSIM is a digital SIM. It’s already built into the motherboard of most recent smartphones. And since it’s embedded inside, you don’t need to visit a store or insert a physical SIM card. Everything, from choosing a carrier to activating your SIM, can happen directly from the phone itself. All the major network providers support it, so you’re not doing anything unofficial. It’s simply the new way networks work.

For instance, you can scan a QR code from your carrier or download their app and register for a plan. That’s all it takes. Your phone will download the eSIM profile and your connection will start immediately.

Now, R-SIM is a completely different thing. It’s not even a full SIM card. It’s a thin chip that runs fake ICCID codes and to make it work, you have to place your actual SIM card on top of it. It won’t function on its own. It simply relies on the physical SIM to force an unlock signal.

And R-SIMs aren’t supported officially. You will be buying them from unverified sellers and they’re often unstable. No major carrier or phone brand recommends them.

External Tip Two: R-SIM VS Turbo SIM: Which One Is Better?

Both R-SIM and Turbo SIM do the same thing: bypass your iPhone’s carrier lock and let you use any SIM you choose, whether it’s AT&T, Verizon or another network. However, in terms of compatibility, features, and reliability, there are some noticeable differences.

Here’s a simple comparison:

Features	R-SIM	Turbo SIM
Unlock Permanency	Temporary	Temporary
iOS Compatibility	iOS 14–18 supported and work on iPhone 16 Pro Max	Mostly older iOS versions with limited known support
5G Support	Yes (some models)	No, typically incompatible
Blacklisted iPhones (IMEI)	Don’t work	Don’t work
eSIM or Dual SIM Use	Block eSIM functionality while active	Also block eSIM/Dual SIM setup
SIM Tray Fit	Slimmer, better for new iPhones	Bulky and often fit older iPhones or Androids
Setup Process	Auto-unlock using ICCID	Mostly manual ICCID input, less user-friendly
Community Reputation	Often discussed on Reddit (older posts); somewhat known brand (e.g., RSIM/RBSIM)	Very outdated and rarely mentioned today, mostly used in iPhone 4–6 era

Final Words

R-SIM had its moment. It used to be a recommended solution some four to six years ago, especially across Reddit and online forums. However, times have changed, and now stable tools like Passixer iPhone Unlocker provide more advanced and reliable ways to unlock carrier restrictions.

Passixer lets you remove network restrictions tied to any major carriers, no matter where you’re from or which provider originally locked the iPhone. So, you can insert a new SIM and start using your device like normal.