5 Easy Steps to Remove a SIM Card From Your iPhone

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Quickly take out a physical SIM card from your iPhone device

Written by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: December 21, 2022 Fact Checked

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• iPhone 4 and Later (Including all X models)
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• Original 3GS and Earlier
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• Video
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• Q&A

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Do you need to remove or switch the SIM card in your iPhone? The SIM card is located inside of a special tray that can be pulled free from your iPhone using a special SIM eject tool. If you don't have the tool, you can use a paperclip, thumbtack, safety pin, or another small, pointed object around the house. Once the tray is removed, you can easily remove the SIM card and insert a new one. This wikiHow will show you how to properly remove a SIM card from any model of iPhone, from iPhone 4 to iPhone 13.

Things You Should Know

• Insert the tool or pointed object into the hole on the side or top of your phone to slide the SIM card tray out.
• With the tray ejected, remove your SIM card.
• Some iPhones may have 2 SIM cards instead of one. iPhone 14s purchased in the U.S. will have an eSIM.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

iPhone 4 and Later (Including all X models)

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   1
   Hold your iPhone upright with the screen facing you. Make sure to remove any phone cases before you begin.

   • Use this method to remove the SIM card from the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone XR, iPhone 8 (all models), iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone SE, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c and 5s, iPhone 4s, and iPhone 4.
   • If you have an iPhone 14 model purchased in the United States, you won't have a physical SIM card. You'll need to confingure your eSIM.
   • This method will also work for all iPad models. However, for 4th generation, 3rd generation, and Ipad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G, the SIM tray will be on the left side instead of the right.
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   2
   Locate the SIM tray on the right edge of the iPhone. It's near the center of the right edge on the iPhone 8 and earlier, as well as the iPhone XS Max, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max.

   • If you have an iPhone XR or iPhone 11, it'll be closer to the bottom-right edge.
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   3
   Insert the SIM eject tool into the hole of the tray. The hole will be visible on the SIM tray. If you can't find it, you may need to clean your iPhone.

   • If you don't have a SIM eject tool, you can use common items found around the house such as: a straightened paperclip, thumbtack, push pin, toothpick, staple, safety pin, earring, or any other small and pointed object.
   • You should be able to eject the SIM tray without too much force. When pushing the tool in the hole, the tray will eject.
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   4
   Pull the tray outward and remove the SIM card. You should be able to easily lift the card free from the tray. If you plan to insert a new SIM card, pay attention to the orientation of the current card before removing it. This will make it easy to figure out how to insert the new card correctly.

   • Some X and 11 models have room for two NANO SIM cards instead of just one. If you have dual SIM cards in your tray, make sure you're removing the one you don't need. You'll usually see the carrier's name on the card.
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   5
   Insert the new SIM card (optional) and reinsert the tray. The SIM card will only fit into the tray in one direction/orientation due to the notch—if you feel that you have to force the card in, it's likely upside-down or backwards. The tray itself should also be easy to press gently back into place.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Original 3GS and Earlier

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   1
   Hold your iPhone upright with the screen facing you. Make sure to remove any phone cases before you begin.

   • Use this method to remove the SIM card from an iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G, and the original iPhone.
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   2
   Locate the SIM tray on the top edge of the iPhone. The SIM tray is at the phone's topmost edge at the center, right next to the Power button.
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   3
   Insert the SIM eject tool into the hole of the tray. The hole is on the left side of the tray. Press the tool in gently to eject the tray from the phone.

   • If you don't have a SIM eject tool, you can use common items found around the house such as: a straightened paperclip, thumbtack, push pin, toothpick, staple, safety pin, earring, or any other small and pointed object.
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   4
   Pull the tray outward and remove the SIM card. You should be able to easily lift the card free from the tray. If you plan to insert a new SIM card, pay attention to the orientation of the current card before removing it. This will make it easy to properly place the new card.
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   5
   Change the SIM card (optional) and reinsert the tray. The SIM card will only fit into the tray in one direction/orientation due to the notch—if you feel that you have to force the card in, it's likely upside-down or backwards. The tray itself should also be easy to press gently back into place.
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Community Q&A

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• Question

  How do I get the IMEI number of my iPhone?

  

  Community Answer

  You can dial *#06# or go to Settings > About > General and scroll until you find the IMEI.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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  Not Helpful 4 Helpful 13
• Question

  How do I save my contacts to my SIM card?

  

  Community Answer

  You don't, but you can save your contacts using iCloud. Go to Settings, then iCloud and turn on 'save contacts'.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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  Not Helpful 3 Helpful 9
• Question

  Do permanently deleted photos get saved to the SIM card on my iPhone?

  

  Community Answer

  No, a SIM card is only for storing information about your phone number and cellular service. You might be confusing the SIM card with an SD card. Also, permanently deleted photos are by definition gone forever.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

  Yes No

  Not Helpful 15 Helpful 22

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