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This wikiHow guide teaches you how to open your iPhone's SIM tray to remove, insert, or replace a SIM card. Most newer iPhones sold in the United States do not have SIM trays, including iPhone 14, 15, and 16. But if you're using an iPhone 13 or earlier or have a newer iPhone from a different country, you can easily open the SIM tray using a SIM tool or the end of an unfolded paperclip. If you can't open the SIM tray, we'll help you troubleshoot and fix the problem.
Opening an iPhone SIM Tray
Locate the rectangular SIM tray on the left or right side of the iPhone. Insert the end of a SIM tool, extended paperclip, or similar into the hole, and gently pull the tray from the slot. Newer iPhones (iPhone 14 and later) purchased in the US do not have SIM slots, as they only support eSIM.
Steps
Opening the SIM Tray on iPhone
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Locate the SIM tray. It's a rectangular panel with a hole on one side, and you'll find it on the left, right, or top edge of your iPhone. If you have an iPhone 14 or later purchased in the United States, there is no SIM tray —your device uses an eSIM, not a physical SIM card. You'll need to activate the eSIM rather than insert or replace a SIM card. [1] X Research source- iPhone 14, 15, & 16 (including Plus, Pro, and Pro Max): If you did not buy your iPhone in the United States, the SIM tray is on the left edge.
- iPhone 12 & 13 (including Mini, Pro, & Pro Max): On the left edge.
- iPhone X, XR, XS, XS Max, iPhone 11 (including Pro & Pro Max): On the right edge.
- iPhone SE (1st, 2nd, 3rd generations): On the right edge.
- iPhone 4, 5, 6, 7, & 8 (including S, C, & Plus ): On the right edge.
- iPhone 3GS, 3G, and the original iPhone: On the top edge.
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Insert a SIM extraction tool in the hole on the SIM tray. If you have the box your iPhone came in, you'll find a SIM extraction tool—a small metal tool with a thin pointed end on one side—in the box.- If you do not have a SIM extraction tool, don't worry—you can still open the SIM tray using the end of an unfolded paper clip, staple, toothpick, sewing needle, or even an earring post.
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Press the tool into the hole until you feel the tray pop out slightly. With just a little bit of force, the SIM card tray will eject and pop out slightly. -
Remove the SIM tray from the slot. After the SIM tray ejects, pull the tray out of the slot with your fingers. -
Insert or replace the SIM card. If there's a SIM card in the tray, remove it. Then, align the cut corner of your new SIM with the cut corner of the outline in the tray. Make sure the metal part of the SIM card is facing down. -
Slide the SIM tray back into the iPhone. Once the SIM card is firmly in place in the SIM tray, you can slide it back into the SIM slot of the phone. -
Press down on the SIM tray. This will lock the SIM tray firmly in place with the new SIM inside. You can now power your phone back on.
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Thanks
- Before throwing away a SIM card, be sure to destroy it so your personal information is no longer accessible.Thanks
