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How To Remove A Sim Card From Your iPhone

Reviewed By: Kevin Pocock

Last Updated on July 15, 2024
How To Remove A Sim Card From Your iPhone1
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Most smartphones come with built-in SIM cards, but you can also purchase them separately. As you may want to get rid of your old mobile phone or switch to a new model, before you dispose of the phone, it may be useful to keep the SIM card. If you don’t know how to remove a SIM card from an iPhone, then read on.

1

How To Remove The Sim Card From Your iPhone

Removing or switching your sim card with your iPhone is quick and easy.

Step

1

Turn Off Your iPhone

First, you will need to turn off your phone.

This will make sure that no electricity runs through your SIM card while you remove it and protect its integrity.

Step

2

Find The Sim Card Tray

Next, you need to locate the SIM tray on your phone. This is a tray where your SIM card slides in and out of your phone.

The position of the SIM tray varies with each iPhone generation, so you will need to find where the tray is for yours.

Typically, for iPhone 11 models, you will find the SIM card tray on the right-hand side.

For iPhone 12 and iPhone 13, the SIM tray should be on the left.

Some of the older iPhones feature the SIM tray on the top, so if you are unsure check each edge carefully. 

Step

3

Open The Sim Card Tray

Once you have found your SIM card tray, you need to open it. There is a hole next to the tray which will allow you to eject the tray.

You can use a SIM-ejector tool. These tools are available at most electronics stores, but one should hae come with your iPhone if bought new.

The tools have a special tip designed to fit into the slot, but you can also use a paper clip if needed.

Push the end of the paper clip or the tool inside the hole, and the tray will pop out.

Now slide the SIM card tray carefully out of your iPhone.

The tray is just a small plastic part, so it’s essential to be careful when you remove the tray from your phone, and when removing the SIM card.

If you struggle to open the SIM tray, or you cannot slide it out fully, it’s better to take your device to an Apple store.

Step

4

Remove Your Sim Card

After you have removed the Sim card tray, you can either put a new Sim card onto the empty tray or you can remove your old Sim card.

There is a little notch in one corner of the tray. This indicates how to place your Sim card.

Sim cards are designed, so they fit in only one direction, so your phone can read the chip that’s inside the Sim.

After removing your old Sim card, insert a new one into your iPhone. Make sure that you put the correct size Sim card into your phone.

Your new Sim card may not fit perfectly flush against the edge of the tray. If this happens, try gently pushing the Sim card further down until it fits properly.

Step

5

Re-inserting The Sim Tray

Inserting a new Sim card is as simple as sliding it into the tray. Once inserted, you will need to re-insert the tray into your iPhone.

You will need to do this in the same correct orientation as you removed it to ensure that your phone can read the new Sim card.

Typically, you will notice a little resistance, if you are trying to put the tray in the wrong way round. If you cannot slide the tray back into the card slot of your iPhone easily, try turning it around.

Conclusion

Removing a Sim card from your iPhone is easy. Simply follow the steps above and you should be able to get your iPhone working again quickly.

Find more smartphone and iOS how-tos to provide you with the answers you need.

Kevin is the Editor of PC Guide. He has a broad interest and enthusiasm for consumer electronics, PCs and all things consumer tech - and more than 15 years experience in tech journalism.