How to remove the SIM card & eSIM on iPhone
If you’re upgrading your iPhone or iPad, it’s important to remove the SIM card or eSIM from the old device to avoid any issues during the transfer process. Making changes to an Apple iPhone, such as swapping out the SIM card, can vary in difficulty depending on the specific model of the iPhone and the carrier the phone is locked to.
In this article, we’ll guide you through how to safely remove both the SIM card and eSIM from your iPhone or iPad.
iPhone SIM Card Removal
A SIM card is a tiny physical chip that enables cellular connectivity and is housed inside the phone’s body. It can be inserted into or removed from a phone, but you’ll need to extract the SIM tray with the help of a SIM eject tool.
Here’s how to remove an iPhone SIM card:
- Turn off your iPhone by pressing and holding the power button until you see the “slide to power off” message, then swipe right to turn it off.
- Locate the SIM card tray on your iPhone. The location of the tray varies depending on the model of your iPhone. For most iPhones, the SIM card tray is located on the right side of the device.
- Take the SIM eject tool (or a small pin) and insert it into the small hole on the SIM card tray. Apply a small amount of pressure until the tray pops out.
- Remove the SIM card from the tray. If necessary, use your fingers to gently pull it out.
- Inspect the SIM card for any damage or wear and tear. If the SIM card looks damaged, you may need to replace it before inserting it into another device.
iPhone eSIM Removal
eSIM is a digital SIM card encoded in the phone and cannot be ejected with any tool. The US version of the iPhone 14 only supports e-SIM, while global variants still have a physical SIM tray.
Here’s how to remove an iPhone eSIM:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap on “Cellular” or “Mobile Data” depending on your region.
- Tap on “SIM card” or “Primary” to access the eSIM settings.
- Tap “Remove Cellular Plan” or “Remove Plan” depending on your region.
- Confirm that you want to remove the eSIM.
Note that once you remove the eSIM from your iPhone, you won’t be able to use cellular data or make phone calls until you activate a new eSIM or insert a physical SIM card.
iPad SIM Card Removal
Removing the SIM card from an iPad is similar to removing it from an iPhone:
- Turn off your iPad.
- Locate the SIM card tray on your iPad. For most iPads, the SIM card tray is located on the side of the device.
- Take the SIM eject tool (or a small pin) and insert it into the small hole on the SIM card tray. Apply a small amount of pressure until the tray pops out.
- Remove the SIM card from the tray. If necessary, use your fingers to gently pull it out.
- Inspect the SIM card for any damage or wear and tear. If the SIM card looks damaged, you may need to replace it before inserting it into another device.
Upgrade to iPhone 14 for a SIMless Experience
If you’re looking for a SIMless experience, it might be time to upgrade to the iPhone 14. The US version only supports eSIM, while global variants still have a physical SIM tray.
Conclusion How to remove the SIM card & eSIM on iPhone
With this guide, you now know how to remove both the SIM card and eSIM from your iPhone or iPad safely. Always remember to turn off your device before removing the SIM card or eSIM to avoid any potential damage to your device.
In addition, if you’re planning on selling, giving away, or recycling your old iPhone or iPad, removing the SIM card or eSIM is an important step in protecting your personal information. It’s always a good idea to wipe your device clean before handing it off to someone else.
As technology continues to evolve, more and more devices are moving towards eSIM technology. While it may take some time to get used to, eSIMs offer a more convenient and flexible way to manage your cellular plans.
Ultimately, knowing how to remove the SIM card or eSIM from your iPhone or iPad is an essential skill that every device owner should have. Whether you’re upgrading your device or simply need to replace your SIM card, these steps will help you do it safely and effectively. Always take care when handling your device and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid any potential damage.
