How to Remove Iphone Sim Card – All iPhones and cellular-capable iPads come with SIM card slots on their sides. A SIM (subscriber identity module) card is how your carrier provides all the information your device needs to get on their network and access the voice and data services linked to your account; if you travel internationally or plan to switch carriers, you may need to swap the SIM card in your iPhone or iPad.
If you upgrade, want to use a local SIM while traveling, or want to remove the SIM card on your iPhone or iPad for any reason, here’s how!
Table of Contents
What you need to remove the SIM card in your iPhone or iPad
The only thing you need in order to remove the SIM card in your iPhone or iPad is an Apple SIM card remover tool (included in the box in some countries, especially when you buy an unlocked device) or a small, bent paper clip.
If you’re using a paper clip, straighten the long end until it projects out (see the photo above). If you’re using something else, like the tip of a small screwdriver, just make sure it fits into the SIM ejector slot. You don’t want to mangle your device.
Find where your SIM tray is located on your iPhone or iPad model
Almost every iPhone comes equipped with a SIM card tray*; if you have an iPhone 4s or newer, you have a SIM card slot.
*The only exception was the CDMA variant of the iPhone 4.
Here is where you can find it, given your iPhone model:
- Original iPhone/iPhone 3G/iPhone 3GS: On the top of the iPhone in between the headphone jack and power button
- iPhone 4s and later: On the right side of iPhone, the side opposite your mute switch and volume buttons
Only cellular-capable iPads have SIM trays. If you have one, here is where you can find your SIM tray:
- Original iPad: Along the left side of the iPad towards the middle, opposite the side that contains the mute switch and volume buttons, near the bottom
- iPad 2/3/4: Along the left side of the iPad, opposite the side that contains the mute switch and volume buttons, near the top
- iPad Pro/Air/Air2/mini (all generations): On the bottom right side of the iPad, the same side that contains the mute switch and volume buttons
How to remove the SIM card in an iPhone or iPad
Method 1: iPhone 4 and Later (Including all X models)
- Hold your iPhone upright with the screen facing you.
- Use this method to remove the SIM card from the 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.
- This method will also work for all iPad models, except if you have the 4th generation, 3rd generation, and iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G, the SIM tray will be on the left side instead of the right.
- 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.
- Insert a straightened paperclip or SIM eject tool into the hole on the tray. The hole should be pretty easy to spot on the bottom of the SIM tray. Push the tool in gently to eject the tray.
- 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.
- 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.
Method 2: Original 3GS and Earlier
- Hold your iPhone upright with the screen facing you.
- Use this method to remove the SIM card from an iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G, and the original iPhone.
- 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.
- Insert a straightened paperclip or SIM eject tool into the hole on the tray. The hole is on the left side of the tray. Press the tool in gently to eject the tray from the phone.
- 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.
- 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.
Note: If you’re using an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, or iPhone XR from Mainland China with dual nano-SIM cards, the cards are placed on either side of the SIM tray, and should only fit one way.
Keep in mind that you should never force a SIM tray back in place. You can break pins off the logic board and that can leave your iPhone or iPad unable to connect to any cellular network.
Always make sure the SIM is installed in the tray correctly and that you’re putting it back in your iPhone or iPad in the correct direction. An easy way to be sure is to line up the pin hole. This way you know you’re putting it in correctly.
Conclusion
Your iPhone’s SIM card only holds your phone number and some account information. Your photos, apps, emails, and settings are stored on the iPhone itself, and will need to be transferred separately.