The method of removing a SIM card in iPhones differs from other smartphones in its convenience and thoughtfulness. To do this, there is no need to turn off the phone, open the entire back panel, exposing the battery, the insides of the phone and sensitive media parts. The SIM card can be replaced while the gadget is turned on, without even interrupting its operation. The card is not protected by a cover and an ejection mechanism; there is a special SIM port. Next to it there is a hidden button, by clicking on which you can easily remove the card.
Where is the SIM card tray located on the iPhone?
The SIM card is installed in a special tray on the iPhone. Depending on the device model, it may be located in different places. For example, on the iPhone 5S the corresponding slot is installed on the right side. It can be detected using a characteristic hole of small diameter. The tray itself does not protrude from the body and is painted the same color. The same goes for newer models, including the iPhone XS and iPhone 11.
Unlike most smartphones of other brands, the iPhone can only have one SIM card. The only exceptions are versions for the Chinese market. An alternative to a second SIM card can be eSIM, which is already built into the device.
Thus, to find the SIM card tray, you need to pay attention to the right side of the iPhone. The slot is usually located under the volume rocker, and its presence is revealed by a small hole. If you find the tray, you can remove the slot and put the SIM card there. But in this matter you should act extremely carefully so as not to damage the components.
Handy methods
Please note: we are not responsible for the possible consequences of using alternative methods!
You can remove a card from an iPhone even without a special tool. An excellent alternative would be the following:
- Unbent paper clip;
- Toothpick;
- Earring with a thin straight clasp;
- Pin or needle.
Be careful! Avoid excessive pressure so as not to break the SIM card holder in the iPhone and damage the card.
It was not possible to remove the SIM card from the iPhone, is it stuck? The problem can be solved - let's try to do it ourselves.
Rules for extraction
Until recently, almost all smartphones had a removable battery, under which there was a SIM card slot. To insert a SIM card, you had to remove the back cover and take out the battery. The card itself was installed in a special slot, which was not detached from the case.
With the advent of iPhones, the situation has changed. The housings of the devices have become monolithic, the battery can no longer be removed, and the SIM card is installed in a pull-out tray. Since the chip itself is modest in size, the slot is not very large and is therefore highly susceptible to external influences. Before removing the tray, you should familiarize yourself with the following precautions to help avoid damage:
- Remove the tray only after removing the iPhone from the case. Third-party material may make it difficult to access your SIM card.
- To avoid system failure, do not remove the slot while the smartphone is powered on. Disconnect the device, and only then proceed with the operation.
- Remove the tray as carefully as possible to avoid damaging it.
- Complete all stages of the algorithm without skipping. This will help avoid losing parts.
- Try to remove the SIM card using the included key. Check the smartphone box. Perhaps he lies right there.
Now you are completely ready to remove the SIM card or special tray on any iPhone model. Next, we will look at different ways to perform the operation. We have specifically divided them into 2 types:
- Using the supplied key.
- Without him.
In both cases, precautions must be taken. But, if you have lost the complete key, carefully select the appropriate element for removing the tray. If the device is chosen incorrectly, you will not only not be able to remove the SIM card, but also damage your smartphone. In this case, you will have to contact the service center, where they may ask for a fairly large amount of money.
How to remove a SIM card from an iPhone using a key
The most common and at the same time correct way to remove the tray is to use a special key. This small paperclip comes with your iPhone and fits in a small envelope so it doesn't get lost. If you pay attention to components, you should definitely have a key.
To extract you will need:
- Disable iPhone.
- Take the complete key.
- Use the sharp end to insert it into the small hole located on the right side edge of the device.
- Wait for the characteristic click.
- Pull the tray towards you until it is completely removed.
- Carefully place the SIM card with the chip facing down.
- Push the slot until it clicks.
Comply with all requirements presented in this algorithm. This way you will not damage your smartphone or cause a system failure. After the process is completed, you can turn on your iPhone and continue using it.
Don't forget that iPhone works without using a SIM card. For example, if you only need to connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi, a small chip is not needed at all. Insert it only when necessary.
Handle your SIM card carefully. It will still wear out over time, but this will extend its lifespan. It is recommended to change the SIM card every 5 years. In the operator’s salon, you will be provided with a new SIM card for free without any problems.
Correct Method
It is not difficult to remove a SIM card from an iPhone - just follow the simplest instructions. The method we have presented is relevant for any iPhone smartphone model; you can easily find a slot on the side (or top) side of the case.
Before you take the SIM card out of your iPhone 6, you need to find the SIM card slot - it's easy, just find the small round hole. Now you can begin our instructions!
- Arm yourself with a special paperclip, which is included in the device kit;
- Insert the sharp end into the slot hole;
- Press lightly so that the edge of the tray comes out;
- Gently pull the backing with your fingers and remove the slot completely, now remove the SIM card.
It's simple! We figured out how to remove a SIM card from an iPhone 5S (or other model) in a few seconds. Let's give some useful tips that will be useful to you:
- It is not necessary to turn off the device before removing it - all functions of the iPhone smartphone will be available, only the cellular network will be turned off;
- Be sure to return the backing to the hole the same way it was removed.
Interested in the reverse process? Read our article about how to insert another SIM card into an iPhone without any problems!
Let's watch an interesting and useful video with other tips:
You already know how to remove a SIM card on an iPhone. What should you do if the standard components are lost and you couldn’t find the original paper clip? There is an exit!
How to get a SIM card out of an iPhone without a key
A complete key is a small device that is very easy to lose, but extremely difficult to find. Sometimes searching for it is comparable to finding a needle in a haystack, which is why you have to turn to alternative extraction methods.
If you have lost the key, you can use a device from another smartphone. As a rule, they all have a comparable diameter and fit any model. It doesn't matter whether you bought an iPhone SE, 8 or 11 Pro, the hole on the side will be the same. The only difference is in the configuration of the tray itself.
Also, if you lose your key, you can turn to the help of improvised means. Among the most suitable are the following:
- Needle.
- Pin.
- Hairpin.
- Paper clip.
- Pointed earring.
- Thick stapler staple.
All these items, which are found in every home, will be useful when removing the SIM card. But don't forget about precautions. Follow the instructions, which do not differ depending on the selected tool.
In addition, remember that any available tool is not intended for removing the SIM card. Therefore, it can be easily damaged. Use the product you don't mind. And if you can’t find a suitable device, visit the nearest electronics store that sells universal keys for iPhones.
What not to take out a SIM card
Along with available tools that will not harm your smartphone when removing the tray, you need to be aware of dangerous devices in this matter. If you choose one of the items below, you run a high risk of damaging your phone.
Firstly, you should not use a mechanical or regular pencil. If you try to insert the sharp end into your smartphone, the stylus may break. This will block access to the slot. Removing part of a pencil can be very difficult, and often requires the help of specialists. Before you take out your SIM card with a mechanical pencil, think carefully about whether you then want to pay several thousand rubles for iPhone repairs.
Secondly, don't rely on wooden toothpicks. iPhone owners use them quite often, but in vain. A wooden device breaks easily, and in most cases it simply does not fit in diameter. If you cannot come up with other methods of extraction, you need to act as carefully as possible and not make unnecessary movements.
Thirdly, do not use thin staples, needles or other metal elements that break under strong pressure. Also, you can not only make it difficult to access the slot, but also get injured.
Deformation of the tray is also caused by constant removal using the supplied key. Perform the operation only when necessary and remember to follow safety precautions.
Ordinary situation
Let's assume that the SIM card can be removed without complications, and let's turn to a technique based on the principle of replacement. By removing the tray with a key, you are not doing anything other than a small mechanical effect: the needle simply activates the mechanism and is not the only item suitable for this. It is quite possible to remove the tray by replacing the needle with a regular paper clip, which must first be straightened a little. The tip of a paperclip is as good as a special needle at activating the tray eject mechanism, and in most cases your problem will no longer require any other techniques or tools.
Oh yes, if you have never removed a SIM card from an iPhone yourself, be it 3, 4, 4s, 5s or 6, then first you have to find the right slot. For different models it is located in different places, but it always has an oblong shape, similar to an oval.
- The slot is located on the right side of the iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5, iPhone 4s and iPhone 4 GSM, iPad Pro, iPad mini 4, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 3, iPad Air, iPad mini 2, iPad mini.
- The tray is located on top, next to the power button, on older models: iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G, iPad 4, iPad 3, iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G GSM. At the same time, when trying to remove a SIM card from an iPad, you need to insert a paperclip into the key slot not perpendicularly, but at an angle of 45˚.
- The slot at the bottom left can only be found on iPad Wi-Fi + 3G.
The use of a paperclip is most popular due to its availability and versatility, but if a paperclip is not available in your situation, it can be replaced with other similar items. The end of a large needle or wire is quite suitable for these purposes.
What to do if the SIM card is stuck
Unfortunately, many people bypass the advice, getting a slot using any method convenient for themselves. Negligence leads to the SIM card getting stuck. If you are faced with a similar situation, then carefully read the table below. It provides answers to all your questions.
Hermann
Expert in the field of digital technologies and the activities of mobile operators. I am engaged in constant monitoring of industry changes in Russia and abroad.
Ask a Question
Question to the expert
What should I do if the tray does not eject after pressing with the supplied key?
Make sure that a characteristic click appears when you press the key. This will let you know that the spring that ejects the slot has been activated. If this does not happen, check the hole for contamination and repeat the operation.
What to do if a pencil lead is stuck in the hole in the tray?
This is a fairly common situation that occurs in people who ignore precautions. There is no need to use a pencil to extract. But, if you do do this and the lead is stuck inside, shake the iPhone with the hole facing down. If the circumstances are successful, the stylus will fall out.
Why doesn't the tray slide in all the way?
You may have installed the SIM card incorrectly. It must be located with the chip facing down and have the appropriate format (NanoSIM). If the sizes of the slot and SIM card do not match, adjust the element to the desired format.
Why is it impossible to reach the slot completely?
As a rule, this happens because the SIM card has moved a little. In such a situation, it is recommended to pry the element with your fingers from above and below to move it into the grooves. Once the SIM card is installed correctly, you can remove the tray completely.
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Author
Hermann
Expert in the field of digital technologies and the activities of mobile operators. I am engaged in constant monitoring of industry changes in Russia and abroad.
