The best tool to remove a SIM card is the official SIM ejector tool that came with your phone, but if you don't have it, a straightened paperclip is the most common and effective alternative, followed by a safety pin, slender earring, or a sturdy staple, inserted gently into the pinhole on the SIM tray to pop it open.
Common Alternatives to SIM Ejectors
Safety Pin: A small safety pin can be used similarly to a paperclip. Carefully insert the pointed end into the SIM tray's pinhole and press gently to eject the tray. Staple: A sturdy staple, such as one from a stapler refill, can be unfolded and used to eject the SIM card tray.
A SIM-eject tool. It's a thin metal tool that probably came with your phone when you first got it. If you have one from a previous model, that should work too. If you don't have a SIM-eject tool, you can use a small paperclip.
Your photos, videos, contacts, apps, ringtones… everything else that isn't your phone number, will still be on your phone after you remove the SIM card.
Typically, SIM cards last 5-10 years with normal use. However, physical damage or environmental factors can shorten their lifespan and stop working early.
Don't Apply Excessive Force
If the tray doesn't pop out easily, pushing harder isn't the answer. This may bend the tray, damage the SIM card inside, or even affect the ejector pin mechanism. Gentle pressure is all that's ever needed—if it's not enough, stop immediately.
Common Reasons Why SIM Trays Get Jammed
If the SIM card isn't seated properly or has shifted inside the tray, it may prevent the tray from ejecting.
Steps
Universal SIM Ejector Tools. This tool is compatible with 99% of phones from manufactures such as Samsung, Apple, Moto, LG and many more. You will receive a pack of 15 SIM ejector tools.
You can use a paperclip or small pin to gently open your iPhone's SIM card tray. Gently pushing the pin into the hole next to the SIM card slot will pop it open. You can also try using a small earring or toothpick to open the SIM tray.
How to remove and insert SIM card – side or top of Android
To pop open the SIM tray, insert a paper clip or a SIM-eject tool into the hole beside the tray.
Changing your SIM card will not cause you to lose data that is stored in the cloud or on your device internal storage.
Let's find a needle or pin with a fine tip that can fit into the SIM card slot. Insert the needle or pin into the slot next to the stuck SIM card. Gently pry the edge of the SIM card to release it from the slot. Once loosened, carefully pull the SIM card out of the slot with your fingers.