Understanding how to get SIM card out of iPhone is crucial if you need to change networks, upgrade to a new model, or get your phone fixed. Luckily for all iPhone models, Apple has made this process very simple.
A SIM eject tool that is included with the iPhone is required, but you can also use any small, pointed object, such as a paperclip, thumbtack, toothpick, safety pin, or earring. Replacing the SIM card is an easy operation once the tray has been removed.
Whether you’re using the latest iPhone 15 Pro Max or any model of iPhone, this article will show you exactly how to remove the SIM card.
How To Get Sim Card Out Of iPhone – 3 Steps to Do It
Find the SIM tray on the side of your iPhone to take the SIM card out of it. The iPhone does not need to be turned off to remove the SIM card. Simply follow these easy instructions to remove your iPhone’s SIM card without risk:
Step 1: Find your iPhone’s SIM tray
Take off the case and hold the iPhone straight with the screen facing you to find the SIM tray. Depending on the iPhone model, the SIM tray may be different from its location on the edge of the smartphone.
If you own an iPhone 14 or a newer model in the United States, you will not find a physical SIM card slot on it. This is because the device only supports eSIM due to regulatory reasons. However, if you are located outside the United States, you can choose models that do have a SIM card slot.
All models in the iPhone 12, 13, 14, and 15 series have their SIM tray located on the left side. It’s important to note that in mainland China, the SIM tray of these models can hold two nano-SIM cards, except for the iPhone 12 mini and 13 mini.
For all iPhone models, from the iPhone 4 (GSM model) to the iPhone 11 Pro, the SIM tray is located on the left-hand side. In China, the SIM tray for iPhone 11, iPhone XR, iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max has the capacity to hold two nano-SIM cards.
Finally, the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G, and original iPhone have a SIM tray located on the top.
Step 2: Use a SIM removal tool
Once you’ve identified the iPhone’s SIM tray, you need to identify the tiny hole next to it. First, clean your iPhone if it’s not visible. Next, partially eject the SIM tray by inserting the SIM removal tool that came with your iPhone into the circular hole and applying firm pressure. This will allow you to take hold of the tray firmly and pull it out all the way.
Step 3: Pull the SIM card out of the SIM tray
There are two ways you can remove the SIM card from the tray: either flip it over and let it fall out, or gently push it out.
Use pliers and a very thin paper clip to make a tiny hook if the tray appears to be stuck. Try manually removing the SIM tray by threading it through the hole and angling it to grab the backside.
Make sure you save the SIM card tray because it usually holds information related to your particular iPhone. If you don’t plan on replacing your SIM card, you might want to think about sliding it back into your iPhone to keep moisture or dust out of the exposed slot and perhaps damage internal parts.
How To Get SIM Card Out Of iPhone Without an Ejector Tool?
There are other ways to open the SIM tray to insert or remove a SIM card if you don’t have access to the ejector tool or if you bought an old iPhone without one. A narrow, robust tool is needed to fit through the little slot. These are a few worthwhile substitutes:
Clipping paper: An average-sized or little paper clip should have one bent side. A paper clip works well in place of a SIM removal tool if one is not available.
Safety pin: Determine the smallest pin that will fit through the opening.
Earring: Take off the back and slide the earring post through the opening in the SIM tray. Use caution while handling softer materials, such as gold, as they can bend easily.
Toothpick: If required, break off the tip of a toothpick and whittle it down to fit the iPhone SIM hole.
Staple: An industrial staple is a more dependable option, but a normal staple works well in an emergency.
Mechanical pencil: Reach farther than usual with a mechanical pencil, then push firmly to enter the point into the hole. Because the lead is brittle, it can be difficult, although the item is widely available.
Fishing hook: For an emergency SIM exchange, pick a fishing hook that is the right size and form.
N.B. Exercise caution when using any of these household items to avoid potential injury, as many of them have sharp edges.
Read also: How To Activate A Sim Card?
How to Delete an eSIM from an iPhone
Follow the simple instructions below:
- Start the Settings program.
- Scroll down to find the “Cellular” or “Mobile Data” option in the Settings menu. To access the cellular settings, simply tap on it.
- Click on “Cellular Plans” or “SIM Applications” and choose the particular eSIM that you want to delete.
- You might need to enter your device passcode or use Touch ID or Face ID for authentication in order to complete the eSIM removal.
FAQs – How to Get SIM Card Out of iPhone?
Why is my iPhone indicating that there is no SIM card installed?
If your iPhone displays the message “No SIM Card,” it means the device is unable to recognize the SIM card. The straightforward solution is to remove the SIM card and reset it.
Is it possible to back up my contacts on my iPhone SIM card?
No, it is not possible to back up contacts directly to your iPhone’s SIM card. However, you can import data from an existing SIM card. Alternatively, syncing or importing contacts from the cloud, a computer, or software may be a more convenient option.
How would I go about moving contacts from my SIM card to the new iPhone?
Transferring your contacts to your new iPhone is quick and easy! Just insert your old SIM card, head to the Contacts menu in settings, and tap “Import SIM Contacts.” Choose where you’d like to save them, and within minutes, your contacts will be ready to use. Open the Phone app and check the Contacts tab to verify the successful transfer.
