What to do with an old SIM card: A guide on how to safely and securely dispose of it

Why you shouldn’t just throw away your old SIM card

A SIM card may look like an inconspicuous piece of plastic, but that chip stores information tied directly to your identity and accounts that require SMS verification. Think about it in the same way you would an expired credit card — many of us go through the painstaking process of cutting the card up before disposing of it to avoid identity theft or fraud. A SIM card should be treated the same way. To help you understand the security risks of improperly disposing an old SIM card, let’s go through what’s specifically stored on it. 

What personal data is stored on your SIM card

Pinpointing what is stored on a SIM card depends on your device and carrier. Although SIM cards don’t store photos or app data, they do store information that links them to you. 

Your SIM card may contain:

• Your phone number and carrier details. All SIM cards store your service provider’s name, cellular network settings, subscription, and phone number.

• Your IMSI and ICCID number. These are unique identifiers that link the SIM to you personally and help you connect to a cellular network.

• The K_i (authentication key). This personal security key helps your mobile carrier encrypt your communications. 

• Text messages. Older devices and some Android phones store SMS messages directly on the SIM card.

• Contacts. Often stored on older phones and some Android models.

Security risks: What can happen if someone gets a hold of your old SIM card

One of the biggest risks of losing your SIM card is a SIM swapping scam, where a scammer can use your phone number to reset passwords and bypass two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts. For example, if you forgot your Instagram account password, the most common 2FA method to reset it requires getting a code texted to you. As long as someone has your Instagram username and SIM card with a working phone number, they could reset your password — and bye-bye, Instagram. The same goes for certain email services that use SMS messages as a form of 2FA, like Outlook. 

When it comes to banking, the story is a bit different. If you’ve read any other articles on what to do with an old SIM card, you may have noticed they sound alarmist — as if that tiny gold chip could give someone the power to go on a full shopping spree with your credit card. The truth is that these days, banks have numerous layers of identity verification, including voice authentication over a phone call. 

However, if your old SIM card is active and doesn’t have a SIM PIN enabled, someone who gets ahold of it can still use it on another device. Beyond that, a functional old SIM can expose your contacts and message history, enable impersonation, and make you vulnerable to targeted fraud. And while the risk of a hacker getting into your bank account via 2FA with your SIM card isn’t as likely as it once was, you still shouldn’t simply toss your SIM card away without extra precautions. 

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Should you keep your old SIM card as a backup?

Deciding whether to keep an old SIM card depends on whether you need to access the data stored on it. Otherwise, keeping it may pose an unnecessary security risk. 

Reasons to keep your old SIM card

Some reasons to keep an old SIM card include: 

• Emergency backup. If you lose, damage, or have your new SIM card stolen, you may need a fallback.

• Access to your old phone number. Some of your accounts, subscriptions, and contacts might still try to reach your old number if you haven’t updated them. 

• Access to saved contacts. If your contacts were saved to your old SIM rather than your Google or iCloud account, you’ll want it handy until the transfer is complete.

• Temporary second device. If your number is still active on your old SIM card, you could use it in a second device when needed.

When you should dispose of your old SIM card

Once you’ve backed up your contacts and updated all your accounts and subscriptions with your new phone number, holding on to your old SIM card serves no real purpose. 

Dispose of your old SIM card if: 

• You’ve fully transferred contacts and data to your new device.

• You’ve moved to a new carrier and the phone number is no longer yours.

• The SIM is damaged or no longer functions (for more information, read our article Can a SIM card go bad?).

• Your carrier has officially deactivated the number.

How to safely back up data from your old SIM card before disposal

Before destroying your old SIM card, make sure it doesn’t contain any data you can’t recover from another source. Take a look at how you can safely back your data up from an old SIM card on an iPhone or Android device. 

Backing up SIM data on an iPhone

If you have an iPhone, the good news is that you won’t have much data to back up from your old SIM card. Apple’s ecosystem is designed to keep your data in iCloud, including contacts, messages, and app data. 

However, it’s good practice to make sure your iCloud is syncing your contacts if you’re planning on getting a new phone. To do so: 

1. Go to “Settings” > “[Your name]” > “iCloud.” Then, under “Apps using iCloud,” tap “Show all.” 

2. Make sure the switch beside “Contacts” is toggled on. 

3. Remove the SIM card from your iPhone using an ejector tool. 

If you’re struggling to find the SIM slot and are asking yourself, “Do iPhones have SIM cards?” you might have a model that only supports eSIMs (e.g., an iPhone 14 or later sold in the US). Check out the full article for more information. 

Backing up SIM data on an Android device

Unlike iPhones, Android devices are more likely to have contacts or messages stored directly on the SIM card. Backing your data up from the SIM card onto your Google account will vary by Android device (e.g., the navigation path will be different on a Samsung vs. a Google Pixel). Follow these steps as a starting point: 

1. Open the Contacts app and tap the three dots at the top right corner. If you want to move your contacts from your old SIM card to your Google account, select “Settings” and look for an option like “Move contacts to other storage locations.” 

2. Under “From,” select the SIM you want to export your contacts from and choose a Google account under “To.” 

3. Wait for your contacts to transfer from your old SIM card to Google’s Cloud storage and then remove your SIM card using an ejector tool. 

Safe methods to destroy and dispose of your old SIM card

If you want to make sure the personal data on your old SIM card never falls into the wrong hands, the best thing to do is to digitally erase the data, physically destroy the SIM card, and safely and sustainably dispose of the remains. Let’s take a look at how to do each of these steps. 

Erasing data before disposal

Physically destroying your old SIM card should be enough, but you can take the extra precaution of erasing the data on the card before snipping it to pieces. To make sure your old SIM card is wiped clean:

• Export your contacts to a new SIM card or Cloud storage. 

• Export or delete old messages. 

• Factory reset your phone before removing your SIM (though, keep in mind that this won’t wipe what’s on the SIM card — it wipes the phone’s internal storage). 

Physical destruction: How to destroy a SIM card permanently

Scissors? A hammer? A baseball bat? You can get creative with how to get rid of your old SIM card as long as you completely destroy the gold or silver chip — the component that stores your data. Some common and effective ways you can physically destroy an old SIM card are to: 

• Cut it with scissors. Cut through the gold or silver chip four or five times in different directions — not just through the plastic around it.

• Smash the chip with a hammer. If you don’t have scissors on hand, smash the gold or silver chip multiple times with a hammer.  

• Use a SIM card shredder or take it to a professional SIM card disposal service. Businesses handling large volumes of SIM cards sometimes use dedicated shredders that reduce them to particles or take them to dedicated services to do the shredding. Using a whole shredder for a single SIM card is overkill, however. 

Recycling your old SIM card properly

Did you know that SIM cards contain trace amounts of gold, copper, and sometimes silver? Sadly, you won’t secure a fortune from an old SIM card or two, but you can take them to e-waste facilities that will sustainability recycle these precious metals. 

You can recycle your old SIM card at:

• Electronic retailers or carrier stores. Mobile carrier shops like T-Mobile or Verizon sometimes have drop-off boxes for old SIM cards or other e-waste. 

• E-waste recycling centers. Many cities have e-waste recycling centers that you can take your old SIM cards to, and many European cities have specialized e-waste recycling bins scattered around shops and malls. 

A better alternative to physical SIM cards: Switch to an eSIM

All this talk of cutting up SIM cards and finding a proper place to recycle them might leave you wondering whether a more convenient alternative to a physical SIM exists. One way to avoid the stress of losing or having to discard old SIM cards is by switching to an eSIM (virtual SIM card). 

What is an eSIM and how does it work?

An eSIM (embedded subscriber identity module) is a digital SIM built directly into your device. The main difference between an eSIM vs. a physical SIM comes down to convenience — instead of having to buy a physical SIM card in person, you can get an eSIM through your mobile carrier or an eSIM app like Saily. Once you’ve purchased a data plan, you’ll get a QR code to scan with your device and receive instructions on how to install your eSIM. 

Benefits of using eSIMs instead of physical SIM cards

You’ll get to enjoy loads of benefits of an eSIM over a traditional SIM card: 

• You won’t have to waste time buying a SIM card in person. You can skip the logistical hassle of finding an in-person store that sells SIM cards, which is especially appealing for travelers in need of prepaid data. 

• You won’t risk losing, damaging, or having a physical card stolen. The trouble of using a temporary SIM card for travel is that you risk misplacing your home SIM. Since an eSIM is embedded into your phone, you can’t lose it — unless you lose your phone, of course!

• You won’t have to destroy or dispose of a physical card. If you have an eSIM and decide to switch mobile carriers, you won’t have to destroy and recycle any physical cards.

• You can easily switch between different data plans. With SIM cards, you’ll need to physically remove and insert a new one to switch between data plans. With an eSIM, you can enable different plans in your phone’s settings. 

• You’ll generate less plastic waste using eSIMs. Not only do SIM cards produce e-waste themselves, but the packaging and shipping all add up. 

How to switch from a physical SIM to an eSIM

If you want to convert your SIM to an eSIM, contact your mobile carrier — you’ll likely get a QR code to scan with an eSIM-compatible device and simple instructions on how to install an eSIM. If you’re looking for a prepaid data plan for travel, download an eSIM app like Saily, buy a plan, and you’ll immediately receive instructions on how to install an eSIM on your device. 

Best practices for old SIM card security

Aside from backing up your data and properly destroying and disposing of an old SIM card, consider these additional practices for stronger SIM card security. 

Wait to dispose of your old SIM until your new SIM is activated

It’s easy to get excited about a new phone and immediately toss out your old SIM, but it’s best to hold back. Test your new SIM card first — make a call, send a message, and confirm your number has transferred. Only then should you consider destroying and disposing of your old SIM. 

Remove your SIM card before selling or trading in your phone

If you’re planning on selling or trading in your phone, always remove the SIM card and factory reset your phone. Remember — if someone gets a hold of a SIM card with an active phone number, it can be used to bypass 2FA for certain platforms.  

Enable or change a SIM PIN on your active SIM

Setting up a SIM PIN prevents potential scammers or hackers from using a lost or stolen SIM card because it requires a PIN to be unlocked. To do so, you’ll need the PIN that came on the original packaging of your SIM card. 

To enable a SIM PIN:

• On an iPhone: Go to “Settings” > “Mobile service” or “Cellular.” Then, under “SIMs,” select your SIM profile and tap “SIM PIN.” Toggle the switch and enter the PIN found on the original packaging of your SIM card.

• On an Android device: Go to “Settings” > “Connections” > “SIM manager.” Scroll down and tap “More SIM settings,” and then “SIM card security.” Toggle the switch beside “Lock SIM card” and enter the PIN found on the original packaging of your SIM card.

To change a SIM PIN:

• On an iPhone: On an iPhone: Go to “Settings” > “Mobile service” or “Cellular.” Then, under “SIMs,” select your SIM profile and tap “SIM PIN.” Tap “Change PIN,” enter your current PIN, and then change it to a new one. 

• On an Android device: Go to “Settings” > “Connections” > “SIM manager.” Scroll down and tap “More SIM settings,” and then “SIM card security.” Tap “Change SIM card PIN,” enter your current PIN, and then change it to a new one. 

What to do if you’ve already discarded a SIM card improperly

So you threw out your SIM card then Googled what to do with it later. Whoops. Don’t sound the alarms just yet — if you’ve already thrown away your old SIM card, here’s what you should do:

• Contact your carrier immediately and ask them to deactivate the SIM card associated with your old number.

• Monitor your accounts for any unusual login attempts or password reset requests.

• Change your passwords on important accounts — especially those connected to that phone number via 2FA.

• Set up fraud alerts with your bank if you haven’t already, just in case. 

• Consider an identity protection service if the SIM was active for a long time before disposal or if you’re particularly cybersecurity conscious.

What to do with an old SIM card: Main takeaways

SIM cards store personal data and authentication credentials that are directly linked to your identity. If an old SIM card with an active phone number falls into the hands of a bad actor, they can use it to bypass 2FA on your social media accounts, email, and other platforms that use SMS verification codes. Most of us were taught that old credit cards shouldn’t be carelessly chucked in the bin — the same goes for old SIM cards. 

Here’s what to do with an old SIM card:

• Back up your data. Transfer your contacts to your new SIM card or to cloud storage. If you have an Android device, do the same for your messages. 

• Destroy the chip physically. Use scissors or a hammer to destroy the gold or silver chip — not just the plastic around it. 

• Recycle the remains at an e-waste drop-off if available. Head to your mobile carrier’s store to recycle your old SIM card remains. Depending on where you live, you may also have an e-waste drop-off bin near you. 

• Consider switching to an eSIM. With an eSIM (digital SIM card), you won’t have to worry about having to destroy or dispose of any physical cards. You can switch from a SIM card to an eSIM by contacting your mobile carrier or, if you only need a temporary eSIM for travel, you can browse all of the Saily eSIM app’s available destinations and choose a plan that works for your trip.