How to remove a SIM card from an iPhone

iPhone SIM

Most iPhones have a physical SIM tray that can be opened by inserting a small device shaped like a small key (provided by Apple) into a slot on the side of the phone. Other iPhone models, such as the recently launched iPhone 15, use eSIMs, which are virtual SIM cards that come pre-installed in the phone. If you’re not sure how to remove your SIM card or where it is, read on to find out how to remove your iPhone SIM.

How to get a SIM card out of an iPhone

Where your SIM tray is located will depend on what model of iPhone you have: some iPhone SIM trays are on the right side of the device while others are on the left. Apple has also upgraded later models to have a pre-installed eSIM, which you activate using a QR code provided by your mobile network.

Where can I find the SIM trays on older iPhone models?

iPhone 3GS and iPhone

The iPhone 3 has a SIM tray on the top, as does the first iPhone, which is known simply as the iPhone.

How to remove an iPhone SIM

Follow the steps below to remove a SIM card from your iPhone, first making sure that your device is off:

Step one

Once you have located the SIM tray using the guide above, you will see a small hole on the side of it.

Step two

Insert the Apple SIM-eject tool or a paperclip into the hole on the side of the SIM tray. Be sure to push in gently; you mustn’t force it.

Step three

The tray should slide open, allowing you to remove the existing SIM card and leaving space for your new one.

Step four

After you’ve removed your SIM from the tray, insert your new SIM card. There is a small notch in one corner that fits the notch in the tray: you can only insert your SIM in one way, by matching the notch on the SIM with the one in the tray insert.

Step five

Slide the tray back into your iPhone with the new SIM card in place and turn on the device.

How to remove a SIM card that is stuck in an iPhone

If your SIM card appears to be stuck, you must not force the SIM tray out. If your phone is under warranty, you may want to contact Apple or go to your local Apple Store. You can remove the back of an Apple phone but this is not advisable.

How do you remove an iPhone SIM card without the tool?

Apple provides a SIM ejector tool, which is a small key-shaped piece of metal small enough to insert into the small hole by the side of the SIM tray. You can use other metal devices, including a safety pin, an earring or small paper clip. Remember to be gentle when inserting any pointed device into the pinhole.

What type of SIM slot does an iPhone have?

If you bought an iPhone 14 model in the United States then it will not have a SIM tray, and the iPhone 15 comes with an eSIM already installed. If your model is older, then the following SIM slots are used depending on the device:

Nano SIM card

The nano SIM card is the most widely used type of SIM and is used in most iPhone 14 models, including the iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, if bought outside the US. The nano SIM is also used in the following iPhone models:

A nano SIM is also used in generations as far back as the iPhone 5, as well as in the iPad, all models of iPad Pro, iPad Air and the iPad mini.

iPhone micro SIM card

The micro-SIM card is found in older iPhones, including the iPhone, iPhone 4s, iPad, iPad (fourth generation), iPad (third generation), iPad 2 and the original iPad.

iPhone SIM card

The original iPhone SIM card was found in the first iPhone, iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G.