How to Remove a SIM Card

You may want to remove a SIM card to switch networks or carriers or to troubleshoot connection issues. Follow these easy steps to remove a SIM card from an Android or iPhone.

How to remove or switch the SIM on your iPhone 

Before you get started, check the model of your iPhone — starting with the 14, all iPhones sold in the U.S. have an eSIM only. To find the model number, go to Settings -> General -> About. Then go online to look up details about the model you have, such as the type of SIM and location of the SIM tray. 

If your phone has a physical SIM, follow these steps:

• Turn off the phone. 
• Find the SIM tray on the side or top of the phone. 
• Use the ejector tool – or if you don't have one, you can also use a paperclip or the tip of an earring – and gently push it into the small hole next to the tray. If the tray won’t eject, don’t force it; instead, take the phone to an Apple store or wherever you bought it for help.  
• Lift the SIM out gently or let it fall out. 

Now that it's out, you can ensure the tray and SIM card are clean (if trying to troubleshoot), or insert a new SIM card in if you're switching networks or services.

If your iPhone has an eSIM, you don’t have to remove or insert anything physical. Instead, use your phone’s settings to activate or transfer the eSIM when getting a new phone or new service.  

How to remove or switch the SIM on your Android 

• Turn off the phone.  
• Find the SIM tray, usually on the side or back. Some older models may even have you remove the back of the phone itself to access the SIM. You can find the model under Settings -> About Phone, then look up details about your phone model online. 
• Gently push the ejector tool or similar item (paperclip, tip of an earring) in the small hole next to the tray, which will cause it to slide out. If it won’t eject, don’t use force; take the phone to the store where you bought it or a repair shop for help. 
• Lift the SIM out gently or let it fall out.  

Now that it's out, you can ensure the tray and SIM card are clean (if trying to troubleshoot), or insert a new SIM card in if you're trying to switch networks or services.

What about eSIMs?

In the case of an eSIM, you don’t have to remove or insert anything physical. Instead, use your phone’s settings to set up or transfer the eSIM when getting a new phone or new service. 

If you're adding an eSIM to a dual SIM phone, you typically don't have to remove the physical SIM. Just add the eSIM and use your phone's settings to control which SIM is active.

Why remove a SIM card? 

As you might already know, a SIM card is a must-have for connecting your phone to a cellular network. You’re not going to have much functionality without one. Here’s when you might need to take out a SIM card: 

• You’re switching carriers and you need to insert and activate a SIM card from the new service provider. 
• You’re switching to a different phone and want to move your SIM over to it. 
• You’re traveling abroad and want to use a local SIM card and carrier to avoid roaming charges. 
• Your SIM is damaged, outdated or no longer responding. (Often, your phone will say "no SIM card" or a similar message.)

What do you need to remove a SIM card? 

Phones that have physical SIM cards come with a small device to open the SIM tray called an ejector tool. But if you’ve lost that, it’s easy enough to use other things you might have on hand — an opened-up paper clip, the post of an earring, etc. Just don’t use something that might snap off in the tray ejector hole, like a wooden toothpick. 

Frequently asked questions about SIM cards