You cannot remove a chip from inside an iPhone — but you can remove the SIM card tray

iPhones do not have a removable chip inside the phone itself. What you can remove is the SIM card tray, a small metal slot on the side of your phone that holds your carrier's SIM card. This is the card that connects your phone to your cellular network. If you want to switch carriers, use a different phone, or straightforward need to access your SIM card, you remove the tray using a SIM eject tool — a thin metal pin that comes with most iPhones or can be purchased separately for a few dollars.

The process takes about one minute and requires no technical skill. The location of the SIM tray varies slightly by iPhone model, but the removal method is the same across all current iPhones.

Key Takeaways

  • The SIM card tray is located on the side of your iPhone, not inside the phone body, and can be removed with a SIM eject tool or a straightened paperclip.
  • iPhones come with a SIM eject tool in the box, though many people lose it — a replacement costs two to five dollars or you can use a thin paperclip instead.
  • Removing the SIM tray does not affect your phone's data, settings, or security — it only disconnects you from your carrier's cellular network.
  • Some newer iPhones support eSIM, a digital SIM card stored in software, which means you may not need a physical SIM tray at all.

Locate the SIM tray on your iPhone model

The SIM tray location depends on which iPhone you own. On iPhone 14, 15, and most recent models, the tray is on the right side of the phone, near the middle. On older iPhones (iPhone 6 through iPhone 13), the tray is also on the right side but may be slightly higher or lower depending on the exact model. On iPhone X, XS, and XS Max, the tray is on the right side as well. On very old iPhones (iPhone 4 and 4S), the tray was on the left side.

The easiest way to find it: look for a small horizontal line or seam on the side of your phone. That seam marks the edge of the SIM tray. You do not need to memorize the exact location — once you see the seam, you will recognize it when ready.

Gather a SIM eject tool or use a paperclip

A SIM eject tool is a thin metal pin, usually about two inches long, with a small flat end. Apple includes one in the box with most new iPhones. Check the small cardboard sleeve that came with your phone — the tool is often tucked into a slot. If you cannot find it or your iPhone did not come with one, you can buy a replacement online for two to five dollars, or you can use a straightened paperclip instead.

Do not use a regular pen, pencil, or thick needle. The hole in the SIM tray is small and designed for a thin tool. A tool that is too thick can damage the tray or the phone. A straightened paperclip works because it is thin enough to fit the hole without forcing it.

Insert the tool and push gently until the tray pops out

Hold your iPhone in one hand so you can see the side where the SIM tray is located. With your other hand, take the SIM eject tool or paperclip and locate the small hole next to the SIM tray seam. Insert the tool straight into the hole — do not angle it or push at an odd angle.

Push gently and steadily. You will feel a small click or resistance, and then the tray will pop out slightly. You do not need to push hard. If you are pushing hard and nothing happens, you may be in the wrong spot — pull the tool out and look again for the seam and the hole next to it. Once the tray pops out even a little, you can pull it the rest of the way out with your fingers.

Remove the SIM card and reinsert the tray

Once the tray is out, you will see a small rectangular slot where the SIM card sits. The SIM card itself is a thin plastic rectangle, usually white or gold, about the size of a postage stamp. If you want to remove the SIM card, gently lift it out of the tray. If you are just removing the tray to inspect it or switch phones, you can leave the card in place and reinsert the whole tray.

To put the tray back in, align it with the slot on the side of your phone and push it in gently until you hear or feel a click. The tray should sit flush with the side of the phone — if it is sticking out, it is not fully inserted. Do not force it. Once it clicks into place, your phone will reconnect to your carrier's network within a few seconds.

What happens after you remove the SIM tray

Removing the SIM tray does not delete any of your data, photos, messages, or settings. Your iPhone will continue to work normally for everything except cellular calls and text messages. You will still be able to use Wi-Fi, access your email, browse the internet, and use any app that does not require a cellular connection.

If you removed the SIM card itself (not just the tray), your phone will show "No Service" at the top of the screen. This is normal and does not indicate a problem. When you reinsert the SIM card or move it to a different phone, service will return. If you are switching to a new phone, take the SIM card with you — your carrier's account is tied to that card, and you will need it to set up service on the new device.

Understanding eSIM as an alternative to physical SIM cards

Newer iPhones (iPhone XS and later) support eSIM, a digital SIM card that is stored in your phone's software rather than on a physical card. If your carrier offers eSIM, you can add a second line to your phone without using the physical SIM tray at all. Some iPhones can hold two eSIMs, and some can hold one eSIM plus one physical SIM.

To set up an eSIM, you contact your carrier and ask them to send you an eSIM set up code. You then go to Settings, Cellular, Add Cellular Plan, and scan the code. The eSIM is activated within minutes. This means you can switch carriers or add a second line without ever touching the SIM tray. However, physical SIM cards still work on all iPhones, so you do not have to use eSIM if you do not want to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my phone stop working if I remove the SIM tray?

No. Removing the SIM tray does not affect your phone's core functions. You will lose cellular service (calls and text messages), but Wi-Fi, apps, and all stored data remain unchanged. Your phone will work exactly as it did before, just without a cellular connection.

Can I damage my iPhone by removing the SIM tray?

Not if you use the correct tool and push gently. The SIM tray is designed to be removed. The only risk is using a tool that is too thick or pushing too hard, which could damage the hole or the tray itself. A SIM eject tool or thin paperclip inserted straight into the hole and pushed gently will not cause any damage.

What if the SIM tray is stuck and will not pop out?

Stop pushing and check that you are in the right spot. Look for the seam on the side of your phone and the small hole next to it. If the tray still will not budge after a few gentle attempts, it may be stuck due to dirt or debris. Try again in a few minutes, or contact your carrier or Apple Support for help.

Do I need to turn off my iPhone before removing the SIM tray?

No. You can remove the SIM tray while your phone is on or off. Removing the tray does not cause any harm to the phone's software or hardware. However, if you are removing the SIM card to move it to a different phone, it is a good idea to turn off both phones first to avoid any potential issues.

Can I use my iPhone without a SIM card?

Yes. Without a SIM card, your iPhone will not have cellular service, but it will work normally on Wi-Fi. You can make calls and send messages using apps like WhatsApp or iMessage (over Wi-Fi), browse the internet, use email, and access all your stored data. Many people use iPhones without SIM cards as Wi-Fi-only devices.