How to Get a SIM Card out of an iPhone

Last Updated: December 10, 2022 Tested

This wikiHow teaches you how to properly remove a SIM card from any model of iPhone. The SIM card is located inside of a special tray that can be pulled free from your iPhone using a special SIM eject tool or the pointed end of a paperclip. Once the tray is removed, you can easily pop the SIM card free from its seat and insert a new one.

Things You Should Know

Insert a paperclip into the hole on the side of your phone or the top of it to slide the SIM card tray out.
With the tray ejected, remove your SIM card.
Some iPhones may have 2 SIM cards instead of one.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

iPhone 4 and Later (Including all X models)

1
Hold your iPhone upright with the screen facing you.
- Use this method to remove the SIM card from the iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone XR, iPhone 8 (all models), iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone SE, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c and 5s, iPhone 4s, and iPhone 4.
- This method will also work for all iPad models, except if you have the 4th generation, 3rd generation, and iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G, the SIM tray will be on the left side instead of the right.
2
Locate the SIM tray on the right edge of the iPhone. It's near the center of the right edge on the iPhone 8 and earlier, as well as the iPhone XS Max, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max. If you have an iPhone XR or iPhone 11, it'll be closer to the bottom-right edge.^{[1]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Insert a straightened paperclip or SIM eject tool into the hole on the tray. The hole should be pretty easy to spot on the bottom of the SIM tray. Push the tool in gently to eject the tray.
4
Pull the tray outward and remove the SIM card. You should be able to easily lift the card free from the tray. If you plan to insert a new SIM card, pay attention to the orientation of the current card before removing it. This will make it easy to figure out how to insert the new card correctly.
- Some X and 11 models have room for two NANO SIM cards instead of just one. If you have dual SIM cards in your tray, make sure you're removing the one you don't need. You'll usually see the carrier's name on the card.
5
Insert the new SIM card (optional) and reinsert the tray. The SIM card will only fit into the tray in one direction/orientation due to the notch—if you feel that you have to force the card in, it's likely upside-down or backwards. The tray itself should also be easy to press gently back into place.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Original 3GS and Earlier

1
Hold your iPhone upright with the screen facing you.
- Use this method to remove the SIM card from an iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G, and the original iPhone.
2
Locate the SIM tray on the top edge of the iPhone. The SIM tray is at the phone's topmost edge at the center, right next to the Power button.
3
Insert a straightened paperclip or SIM eject tool into the hole on the tray. The hole is on the left side of the tray. Press the tool in gently to eject the tray from the phone.
4
Pull the tray outward and remove the SIM card. You should be able to easily lift the card free from the tray. If you plan to insert a new SIM card, pay attention to the orientation of the current card before removing it. This will make it easy to properly place the new card.
5
Insert the new SIM card (optional) and reinsert the tray. The SIM card will only fit into the tray in one direction/orientation due to the notch—if you feel that you have to force the card in, it's likely upside-down or backwards. The tray itself should also be easy to press gently back into place.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I get the IMEI number of my iPhone?

Community Answer

You can dial *#06# or go to Settings > About > General and scroll until you find the IMEI.
Question

How do I save my contacts to my SIM card?

Community Answer

You don't, but you can save your contacts using iCloud. Go to Settings, then iCloud and turn on 'save contacts'.
Question

Do permanently deleted photos get saved to the SIM card on my iPhone?

Community Answer

No, a SIM card is only for storing information about your phone number and cellular service. You might be confusing the SIM card with an SD card. Also, permanently deleted photos are by definition gone forever.