How to take a SIM card out of an iPhone: A guide for each iPhone model

Step 1: Turn off the iPhone and remove the cover

Before you try to take out the SIM card, make sure you have a large, clear surface to work on. You always run the risk of accidentally damaging your SIM, but keeping a clean workspace helps reduce the chance of breaking something by mistake.

Then, turn off your iPhone. If you have a phone cover, remove it because Apple iPhone covers always cover the SIM card slot.

Step 2: Find the SIM card slot on your iPhone model

Next, you need to find the SIM card slot on your iPhone. The exact location varies depending on your iPhone model, so hold your phone upright facing you and then use the guide below to locate your iPhone’s SIM card slot.

SIM card slot on the iPhone 12 and later versions

The SIM card slot on an iPhone 12 and later versions is on the left side of the phone.

You’ll find the SIM tray on the left side if you have any of the following Apple iPhone models:

• iPhone 12

• iPhone 12 Mini

• iPhone 12 Pro

• iPhone 12 Pro Max

• iPhone 13

• iPhone 13 Mini

• iPhone 13 Pro

• iPhone 13 Pro Max

• iPhone 14

• iPhone 14 Plus

• iPhone 14 Pro

• iPhone 14 Pro Max

• iPhone 15

• iPhone 15 Plus

• iPhone 15 Pro

• iPhone 15 Pro Max

• iPhone 16

• iPhone 16 Plus

• iPhone 16 Pro

• iPhone 16 Pro Max

• iPhone 16e

Note: If you bought an iPhone 14 or later in the United States, it won’t have a SIM card slot. These newer iPhones use eSIM technology instead of nano SIM cards.

SIM card slot on an iPhone 11 and previous versions until the iPhone 4

If your iPhone model is between the iPhone 4 and iPhone 11, the SIM tray will be on the right side.

You can find the SIM tray on the right of any of the following models:

• iPhone 4

• iPhone 4s

• iPhone 5

• iPhone 5s

• iPhone 5c

• iPhone 6

• iPhone 6 Plus

• iPhone 6s

• iPhone 6s Plus

• iPhone 7

• iPhone 7 Plus

• iPhone 8

• iPhone 8 Plus

• iPhone SE 1^st generation

• iPhone SE 2^nd generation

• iPhone SE 3^rd generation

• iPhone X

• iPhone XR

• iPhone XS

• iPhone XS Max

• iPhone 11

• iPhone 11 Pro

• iPhone 11 Pro Max

SIM card slot on the very first iPhones

If you have one of the very first iPhones, the SIM card slot is on the top of the phone.

You can find a top SIM tray on:

• The original iPhone

• iPhone 3G

• iPhone 3Gs

Step 3: Hold the iPhone and insert the SIM-eject tool

Once you’ve found your iPhone’s SIM card slot, insert the SIM-eject tool into the hole in the tray. Push gently, and the SIM tray should pop out.

Most iPhones come with a SIM card ejection tool, but if you can’t find yours, you can use a paper clip, toothpick, safety pin, or earring. Any small, pointed object that can fit into the SIM tray hole will do. 

Step 4: Pull out the tray and remove the SIM card

Finally, pull out the tray and take out the SIM card. Pay attention to where the notch in the SIM card is because it will only fit back one way. If you replace your SIM with a new SIM card from another service provider, it will need the same orientation. Handle your SIM card carefully, so you don’t damage or lose it.

How to stop using physical SIM cards 

If you don’t want to worry about dealing with physical SIM cards, you have another option: an eSIM.

eSIMs are a virtual alternative to physical SIMs. The latest smartphone models, including the US version of the iPhone 16, are streamlining devices with eSIM technology, but eSIMs are especially helpful for using an iPhone internationally.

With an eSIM, you don’t have to pay high roaming fees or fumble with physical SIM cards. You can buy your plan ahead of time, and it will automatically activate when you arrive in your new destination. Plus, you don’t have to worry about your SIM card getting lost, damaged, or even stolen.

Saily offers eSIMs for over 200 destinations so that no matter where you are, you can get high-speed data!