What You'll Need

To remove the SIM card in your ‌iPhone‌ or iPad, you'll need the SIM eject tool that Apple includes in the device's box. If you don't have one, you can use a regular paper clip. Simply straighten the outer end of the paper clip so that it's longer and points away from the rest of the metal. The picture provides an example.

bentpaperclip

 


 

The SIM Card Slot Location on iPads With Cellular

The SIM card slot has switched location a few times on cellular ‌iPad‌ generations, so checking which model you have should help you find it.

On the original iPad, it can be found towards the middle of the left side of the ‌iPad‌, opposite the side where the mute switch and volume buttons are located.

ipad 2 sim tray
 On the iPad 2/3/4, it's on the left side of the ‌iPad‌, near the top, opposite the side where the mute switch and volume buttons are located.

On all generations of iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad Air 2, and iPad mini you can find the SIM slot on the bottom right side of the device, on the same side as the mute switch and volume buttons.

How to Remove the SIM Card from an iPhone or iPad

  1. Insert the SIM eject tool or your bent paperclip into the small pinhole opening in the SIM card slot.
  2. Apply light pressure until the SIM tray pops out slightly.
  3. Using your thumb and finger, gently pull out the SIM tray from the slot.
  4. Carefully wipe the SIM Card with a clean soft cloth and blow out the cavity where the SIM tray sits.
  5. Carefully re-insert the SIM tray back into the slot. Make sure that the grooved corner of the SIM card aligns with the one in the frame of the tray to ensure correct orientation. It only goes in one way, so make sure you orient it correctly by lining up the pinhole.

Never force the SIM tray back in the slot, otherwise you risk damaging the internal contacts on the logic board of your iOS device. If the tray won't go back in, remove it, take out the SIM card, then re-insert the card again while taking extra care to get the orientation right. If you're having difficulty ejecting or re-inserting the SIM tray, put in an IT ticket and we will help you