How To Change The Sim Card On Iphone 5

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This wikiHow teaches you how to properly remove a SIM card from any model of iPhone. The SIM card is located inside of a special tray that can be pulled free from your iPhone using a special SIM eject tool or the pointed end of a paperclip. Once the tray is removed, you can easily pop the SIM card free from its seat and insert a new one.

1
Hold your iPhone upright with the screen facing you.
- Use this method to remove the SIM card from the iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone XR, iPhone 8 (all models), iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone SE, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c and 5s, iPhone 4s, and iPhone 4.
- This method will also work for all iPad models, except if you have the 4th generation, 3rd generation, and iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G, the SIM tray will be on the left side instead of the right.
2

Locate the SIM tray on the right edge of the iPhone. It's near the center of the right edge on the iPhone 8 and earlier, as well as the iPhone XS Max, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max. If you have an iPhone XR or iPhone 11, it'll be closer to the bottom-right edge.^[1]
3

Insert a straightened paperclip or SIM eject tool into the hole on the tray. The hole should be pretty easy to spot on the bottom of the SIM tray. Push the tool in gently to eject the tray.
4
Pull the tray outward and remove the SIM card. You should be able to easily lift the card free from the tray. If you plan to insert a new SIM card, pay attention to the orientation of the current card before removing it. This will make it easy to figure out how to insert the new card correctly.
- Some X and 11 models have room for two NANO SIM cards instead of just one. If you have dual SIM cards in your tray, make sure you're removing the one you don't need. You'll usually see the carrier's name on the card.
5

Insert the new SIM card (optional) and reinsert the tray. The SIM card will only fit into the tray in one direction/orientation due to the notch—if you feel that you have to force the card in, it's likely upside-down or backwards. The tray itself should also be easy to press gently back into place.

1
Hold your iPhone upright with the screen facing you.
- Use this method to remove the SIM card from an iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G, and the original iPhone.
2

Locate the SIM tray on the top edge of the iPhone. The SIM tray is at the phone's topmost edge at the center, right next to the Power button.
3

Insert a straightened paperclip or SIM eject tool into the hole on the tray. The hole is on the left side of the tray. Press the tool in gently to eject the tray from the phone.
4

Pull the tray outward and remove the SIM card. You should be able to easily lift the card free from the tray. If you plan to insert a new SIM card, pay attention to the orientation of the current card before removing it. This will make it easy to properly place the new card.
5

Insert the new SIM card (optional) and reinsert the tray. The SIM card will only fit into the tray in one direction/orientation due to the notch—if you feel that you have to force the card in, it's likely upside-down or backwards. The tray itself should also be easy to press gently back into place.

Add New Question

Question

How do I get the IMEI number of my iPhone?

You can dial *#06# or go to Settings > About > General and scroll until you find the IMEI.
Question

How do I save my contacts to my SIM card?

You don't, but you can save your contacts using iCloud. Go to Settings, then iCloud and turn on 'save contacts'.
Question

Do permanently deleted photos get saved to the SIM card on my iPhone?

No, a SIM card is only for storing information about your phone number and cellular service. You might be confusing the SIM card with an SD card. Also, permanently deleted photos are by definition gone forever.
Question

I have the tool that they gave me, but I can't get the tray open. What can I do?

Keep using the key to get the tray out. Try pushing it into the phone further, but be careful not to do damage to your phone. If you are still not having any luck, go to the Apple store and visit the genius bar. They may be able to help.
Question

When I try use a paperclip to remove the sim card out of my iPhone, it didn't work. What can I do?

It's a bit tricky, you have to insert in very carefully to make sure you are not damaging the SIM card. Put the end of an appropriate sized paperclip into the hole, not too deep. Bend the paperclip very slightly until you get enough resistance and leverage for the paperclip to pull out the little tray.
Question

Should the gold side of the SIM card be up or down when it is inserted?

Down. As long as as your phone screen is facing up, you should insert the SIM card gold side facing down.
Question

How do I get the SIM card out if it's on the tray?

If it's the correct fitting SIM card, you can turn the tray upside down and the SIM card should fall out.
Question

Can I put the SIM card in another phone and keep my files?

That depends on whether you've saved your files to the SIM card or the device. It's likely the device, so probably not.
Question

Can I use another object to get it out?

A thumbtack or a needle will work, anything small enough fit into that tiny hole.
Question

Will I lose my apps if I take the SIM card out of my phone?

No, you will not. You will only lose any of your apps if you clear your whole phone. If you remove your SIM card, it will not do anything, it will just say no SIM card. When you insert your SIM card back into the your phone, it will go back to normal.

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Article SummaryX

1. Hold the iPhone upright with the screen facing you.
2. Locate the SIM tray on the right edge.
3. Insert a SIM eject tool or paperclip into the hole on the tray.
4. Remove the SIM card from the tray.
5. Slide the tray back in.

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