12.06.24
Unless your phone operates exclusively on eSIM, there will come a time when you want or need to take out the SIM card. Here’s your guide to removing a SIM:
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Your SIM is damaged, outdated or no longer responding.
STOP! Paying for phone service
With TextNow, you get unlimited talk & text, plus essential data, for $0/month. Stay connected without paying a penny on your phone bill. Get started with the app.
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.
How to remove or switch the SIM on your iPhone
Before you get started, check the model of your iPhone — starting with the14, 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, paperclip or the like 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 or let it fall out.
Insert the correct size of SIM card, close the tray and power up the phone. Now you’re ready to activate the SIM.
If your iPhone has 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.
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 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 or let it fall out.
Insert the new card (make sure it’s the right type of SIM) and follow instructions for activating a SIM.
Replace the tray or the back of the phone and power the phone back on.
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.
