Remove SIM card in iPhone: SIM card is locked to a specific cellular data provider. So if you switch carriers, you probably need to remove the SIM card. You can do this by removing the SIM tray from the side of the iPhone or iPad. All cellular-capable iPads and iPhones come with SIM card slots on their sides.
A SIM (subscriber identity module) card is how your carrier gives all the information your device needs to get on their network.
It also accesses the voice and data services linked to your account. If you travel internationally or plan to switch carriers, you need to swap the SIM card on your iPhone or iPad.
How to Change a SIM Card in iPhone or iPad?
iPhone
- You need to insert a paper clip or a SIM-eject tool into the hole beside the tray to pop open the SIM tray.
- Then push in towards the iPhone but do not force it.
- If you have any difficulty while ejecting the SIM tray, you should take your device to your carrier or an Apple Support for help.
- When you remove your SIM card from the tray, you notice the notch in one corner of the new SIM card.
- Then place the new SIM card into the tray.
- SIM card fits only one way because of the notch.
- You need to insert the tray into the device completely and in the same orientation that you removed it.
- The tray also fits only one way.
iPad
- You need to insert a paper clip or a SIM-eject tool into the hole beside the tray to pop open the SIM tray.
- Then push in towards the iPad but do not force it.
- If you have any difficulty while ejecting the SIM tray, you should take your device to your carrier or an Apple Store for assistance.
- When you remove your SIM card from the tray, you notice the notch in one corner of the new SIM card.
- Then place the new SIM card into the tray.
- SIM card fits only one way because of the notch.
- You need to insert the tray into the device completely and in the same orientation that you removed it.
- The tray also fits only one way.
You need the following thing to remove the SIM card in your iPhone or iPad:
The only thing you need in order to remove SIM card in iPhone or iPad is an
- Apple SIM card remover tool which is included in the box in some countries especially when you buy an unlocked device)
or
- A small, bent paper clip.
If you use a paper clip, you need to straighten the long end until it projects out. If you use something else such as the tip of a small screwdriver, you just make sure it fits into the SIM ejector slot.
Check Where Your SIM Tray is Located on Your iPhone or iPad
Here is you can find it, given your iPhone model:
- Original iPhone or iPhone 3G or iPhone 3GS: The SIM tray is located on the top of the iPhone in between the headphone jack and power button
- iPhone 4s and later: The SIM tray is located on the right side of the iPhone. The side which is opposite your mute switch and volume buttons
Only cellular-capable iPads have SIM trays. If you have that one, here is where you can find your SIM tray:
- Original iPad: The SIM tray is located along the left side of the iPad towards the middle, opposite the side that contains the mute switch and volume buttons, near the bottom.
- iPad 2/3/4: The SIM tray is located along the left side of the iPad, opposite the side that contains the mute switch and volume buttons, near the top.
- iPad Pro or Air or Air2 (all generations): The SIM tray is located on the bottom right side of the iPad, the same side that contains the mute switch and volume buttons
You Can Remove the SIM Card in an iPhone or iPad
- You need to gently insert the small paperclip you bent earlier into the small pinhole opening in the SIM tray.
- Then apply a small amount of pressure until the SIM tray pops out of the iPhone or iPad.
- You should not apply pressure at an angle, only in the direction of the pinhole.
- You need to grab hold of the SIM tray and pull straight out.
- Then swap your SIM card.
- You need to make sure that you have installed the SIM in the correct orientation by aligning the notched corners on the card.
- Then re-insert the tray. You need to make sure that you insert the SIM tray in the correct orientation.
If you use an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, or iPhone XR from Mainland China with dual nano-SIM cards. These cards are placed on either side of the SIM tray and should only fit one way.
Instructions to Insert or Remove SIM card in iPhone
Follow the instructions on inserting or Remove SIM card in iPhone. These instructions can assist with the activation errors or issues, browser connection problems, and a blank or frozen screen:
- Do not Remove SIM card in iPhone while the device is powered on. It may harm the SIM card or the device.
- Need to ensure that the device is powered off.
- You should remove the SIM card tray from the right or left the edge of the device depending on the model.
- Refer to iPad SIM removal for illustrated instructions based on the model of the iPad.
- You can utilize the SIM eject tool or paperclip to unlock the tray by inserting it into the provided slot.
- Must remove the SIM card from the SIM card tray.
Conclusion
You should not force a SIM tray back in place. Break the pins off the logic board and that can leave your iPhone or iPad unable to connect to any cellular network.
Always make sure that the SIM is installed in the tray correctly and that you put it back on your iPhone or iPad in the correct direction.
