When you upgrade to a new device, switch networks, or send your phone in for repair, you may need to remove the SIM card from your iPhone. No matter whatever iPhone model you have, Apple makes it simple to remove the SIM card; all you need is a SIM removal tool or a paperclip.
We’ll teach you how to remove your iPhone’s SIM card and replace it with a new one, whether it’s of a different size or a digital eSIM.
Remove the SIM card from your cellular iPad using the same steps.
What Happens If You Remove Your SIM Card
Your phone number and cellular plan information are stored on a Subscriber Identifier Module card, sometimes known as a SIM card. You can transfer it from one phone to another and keep your phone number.
However, removing the SIM card from your iPhone means you won’t be able to receive phone calls or text messages. You won’t be able to utilize cellular data, but you will be able to connect to Wi-Fi.
To fix this, simply insert a new SIM card that is linked to an account that allows you to make calls, send messages, or utilize cellular data. Alternatively, you can put your old SIM card into a new phone and use it instead.
Your SIM card should function in any device, whether it’s an iPhone or an Android handset. However, make sure you’re using an unlocked phone or that your SIM card is compatible with the network.
How to Take Out Your iPhone’s SIM Card
Unlike prior phones, which kept the SIM card behind the battery, the iPhone keeps it in a SIM tray on the side of the device.
This means you don’t have to bother about turning off your iPhone before removing the SIM card.
Step 1: Locate the iPhone’s, SIM Tray.
Remove the case from your iPhone and hold it upright with the screen facing you to find the SIM tray. The SIM tray is located on the device’s right edge, roughly midway down the side. This is true for all iPhone models, from the iPhone 4 to the iPhone 11 and beyond.
The SIM tray is located on the top of the iPhone 3GS and prior models. Between the power button and the headphone jack, it’s located.
Step 2: Use a SIM Removal Tool or a Paperclip to remove the SIM card.
Insert the SIM removal tool that came with your iPhone into the little circular hole after you’ve found the SIM tray on your iPhone. A straightened paperclip will suffice if you don’t have or can’t find the SIM removal tool.
The SIM tray will pop out a little if you press forcefully into the hole. It’ll only take a few seconds for you to grip the tray and slide it out completely.
Step 3: Take the SIM Card out of the SIM Tray.
To remove your SIM card, either push it out of the tray or flip the tray over and the SIM card will fall out.
Make sure you don’t misplace the SIM card tray, as it normally contains data specific to your iPhone. Even if you don’t put a new SIM card in your iPhone, it’s a good idea to slide it back in. This keeps dust and water out of the open SIM card slot, preventing damage to the internal components.
Simply slip the SIM card tray back into the slot and press it into place to replace it in your iPhone.
How to Replace Your iPhone’s SIM Card
When you remove the SIM card from your iPhone, you usually replace it with a new one or transfer your SIM card to a new phone. In either case, inserting a SIM card into any iPhone and utilizing them together is simple.
To remove the SIM card tray from your iPhone, follow the instructions outlined above. Then, with the metal connectors facing down, carefully slide your SIM card into the tray.
Take notice of your SIM card’s angled corner and line it up with the SIM card form in the tray. Only one orientation of your SIM card should fit in the tray.
Replace the SIM card in the tray and slide it back into the iPhone’s side. It should glide in smoothly all the way, but you’ll have to firmly click it in place at the end.
If your SIM card doesn’t fit in the tray or into your iPhone, don’t force it in.
Your iPhone should recognize your SIM card nearly immediately. If it still doesn’t work, try restarting your iPhone or contacting Apple.
If Your iPhone’s SIM Card Doesn’t Fit
Over the years, SIM cards have come in a variety of sizes, including the original size, micro, and now nano. If your SIM card doesn’t fit smoothly into the iPhone’s SIM tray, you’ve got the wrong size.
Take a good look at your SIM card to see if you can pop out a smaller one if it’s too big. Networks occasionally provide SIM cards that come in a variety of sizes.
If your SIM card is too little, see if you can find a SIM adaptor that would allow you to upgrade to a larger size.
If your SIM card doesn’t fit your iPhone, the next best thing to do is call your carrier and request a replacement. This is normally free, and you may even transfer your phone number or contact information to the new SIM card to avoid losing data.
We don’t propose cutting your SIM card in half or making an improvised adaptor to make it larger. Because neither of these alternatives results in a flush fit between your SIM card and the SIM tray, they can damage the inside of your iPhone.
How to Use Your iPhone With Two SIM Cards
You might be able to utilize dual SIM cards with your iPhone if you have an iPhone XR, iPhone XS, or later. If you have a separate phone number for business and personal calls, this is especially handy. You can even give each contact in your address book a default phone number.
A dual-SIM iPhone allows you to utilize one nano-SIM card and one eSIM in most countries. It’s possible, however, that you’ll be able to use two nano-SIM cards instead.
A digital SIM card is known as an eSIM. As a result, you won’t have to physically put it into your iPhone. Set up an eSIM on your iPhone using one of the techniques listed below:
- Scan the QR code from your carrier with the camera.
- Follow the in-app prompts to download your carrier’s app from the App Store.
- Navigate to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan > Manually Enter Details.
Remove the SIM tray and place the nano-SIM cards on each side with the metal connectors facing outwards if your iPhone accepts two nano-SIM cards. Reinstall the tray on your iPhone and proceed to Settings > Cellular to see the various phone numbers.
Remember to transfer all of your data to a new iPhone.
When you remove your SIM card and replace it with a new iPhone, your phone number and carrier information are transferred to the new phone. However, you must manually transfer all of your contacts, photographs, apps, and other data. This is normally accomplished through the use of a backup or data transfer service.
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