How to Remove the SIM Card From Your iPhone

iPhone & iPod

Updated December 12, 2018

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Any time you upgrade your phone or switch to a different phone network, you need to swap the SIM card out. However, it's not entirely obvious how to access the SIM card slot on the side of your iPhone. For those times you need to get to it, here's how to open the sim card slot using an every day piece of office equipment.

Instructions in this article also work for the cellular based iPad.

What You Need to Take a Sim Card out of an iPhone

You need a paperclip. A regular, ordinary office supplied paperclip.

How to Open the SIM Card Slot With a Paperclip

It's a fairly straightforward process that can be done while the iPhone is still switched on.

No paperclip nearby? You can buy a SIM card removal tool for a few dollars, use a push pin, a safety pin, a bent staple, or even an earring.

Straighten the long end of the paperclip until it projects outwards.
Look at the side of your iPhone and locate the SIM tray.

Find a flat surface such as a desk or table, as well as a well lit room, so you can see things clearly.
Gently insert the paperclip into the small pinhole opening.
Apply gentle and even pressure inside the hole until the SIM tray pops out.
Pull the SIM tray out of your iPhone.
Take the old SIM card out of the SIM tray and place the new one there.

A small notch dictates how the SIM card is placed. It will only fit one way. Don't force it.
Re-insert the tray the same way it came out, until it feels snugly placed back in.

What to Do If You Can't Get the SIM Tray Out

Struggling to remove the SIM card tray? Here are some things to keep in mind, and steps you can try next.

Try a different tool to remove the tray. A thinner paperclip may be easier to use than one with a plastic outer skin.
Ensure you're approaching the tray from the correct angle. If you twist the paperclip, it might just bend inside your iPhone rather than work correctly.
Don't force it. It should be a gentle pressure at all times, not excessive effort.
If all else fails, take it to your local Apple Store for assistance.