How to remove a SIM card from an iPhone? Phonico Ultimate Guide

Take the SIM ejector tool and gently press it into the hole next to the SIM tray until it pops out. Now detach the SIM from the tray and slide it back into the iPhone. You generally need it to switch the SIM card, change the carrier, sell the iPhone, or improve the connection. 

Whatever the reason, this article is a step-by-step guide to extracting the physical SIM from an iPhone.

Before You Start: Get Ready

Before initiating, confirm whether your iPhone has a SIM slot. The latest iPhone models 14 and later in the USA are eSIM-only. The iPhone in other regions has dual SIM features with an eSIM card and a physical SIM. 

To get ready for removing the SIM card, turn off your iPhone. It will ensure not interrupt your network and the information on your mobile phone. The following things you need.

• Take the SIM ejector tool that is generally available in the iPhone box. 
• In case you don’t have the ejector tool, use a paperclip or pin. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Remove a SIM Card from an iPhone

Go through the following steps to remove the SIM card from an iPhone. 

Locate the SIM Tray

Locate the SIM tray in your iPhone. It is the thin outline with the small pinhole. The modern iPhone models, including 11, 12, 13, and later, have the slot on the right side. At the same time, the older versions have the SIM tray on the left side of the device. 

Insert the SIM Eject Tool

Insert the ejector tool or the straightened paperclip in the tiny hole near the SIM card slot. Ensure to press it gently and avoid twisting it. The tray will pop out slightly. Now, you can detach it from the device. 

Remove the SIM Card 

Pull out the tray from the iPhone. Take out the SIM card from the tray. If you are changing the SIM, place the new SIM in the slot. 

Reinsert the Tray

After removing or adding the new SIM, slightly push the tray back into its place until it is fully seated in the iPhone. Now turn on your iPhone and enable the data to activate the network connection. 

What If the SIM Tray Is Stuck or Won’t Open?

If your SIM card is stuck, here is what you can do to fix it in 5 seconds.

• Slight wiggle the ejector tool to see if the tray pops out. 
• You can try it using the paperclip or a thin needle to keep it straight. 
• Ensure you are pressing in the correct hole.
• If any dust or debris is found, clean it with a soft brush.

If the issue is still there, it's ideal to visit the repairing store to avoid any damage. 

Using eSIM Instead of a Physical SIM on iPhone

Some iPhones have an eSIM and a physical SIM card with dual SIM functionality. If you are removing the SIM card, it has no impact on your eSIM. In case your device is eSIM-only, you can also delete or remove the eSIM from an iPhone. 

Conclusion 

Detaching the SIM card from an iPhone is simple. Locate the SIM tray in the device, and use the ejector tool to detach the SIM from the tray. Take out the SIM and slide it back into the iPhone. In the article, I have covered each step for your assistance. 

What to do if your SIM tray is stuck? Go through the fix steps in the article to get the quick solution.

FAQs

Can I remove the SIM card while my iPhone is on?

Yes, you can extract the SIM card while the iPhone is on. But it is ideal to turn the phone off to avoid connectivity issues. 

Will removing the SIM erase my data?

No, removing the SIM from an iPhone doesn’t affect your data. Your contacts, messages, and apps remain there.

Why doesn’t my iPhone have a SIM tray?

It means that you have the eSIM-only iPhone. The latest iPhone models in the US don’t have the SIM slot.