No SIM slot on your iPhone 14 or 15? Find out why newer US models use eSIM and which iPhones have a physical tray. Learn how to open the slot or activate a new plan.
Which iPhones Have a SIM Card Slot? A Complete Guide
Which iPhones Have a SIM Card Slot? A Complete Guide
Does Your iPhone Have a SIM Card Slot? (Model Guide)
If you are trying to find where to remove the SIM card on an iPhone no hole is visible on, you likely have a newer US model. Starting with the iPhone 14 series and continuing through the iPhone 15 and 16, Apple removed the physical SIM tray entirely for devices sold in the United States. These models rely exclusively on eSIM technology. If you have one of these devices, you cannot open a slot because it does not exist.
However, if you are using an iPhone 13, 12, 11, SE, or any older model, your device still features a physical SIM card slot. Additionally, if you purchased your iPhone 14, 15, or 16 outside of the US (international models), you likely still have a physical tray on the side. Knowing your specific model and region is the first step before attempting to locate the tray or eject the card.
Summary
Replacing a SIM card on an iPhone depends entirely on your model. For older phones (iPhone 13 and earlier) or international versions, you simply eject the side tray using a tool. For newer US models (iPhone 14, 15, and 16), the process is entirely digital using eSIMs. You generally do not lose personal data like photos or contacts during this swap, as that information is stored on your device or in the cloud, not on the SIM card itself.
TLDR
- US iPhone 14, 15, 16: No physical slot; use eSIM settings.
- iPhone 13 & Older (plus Int’l models): Use a tool to eject the side tray.
- No Tool? A bent paperclip works perfectly.
- Data Safety: Swapping SIMs does not delete contacts, photos, or apps.
đź“‘ Table of Contents
How to Remove and Replace a Physical SIM Card on iPhone
If you have determined that your device has a tray, learning how to remove the SIM card from your iPhone is a straightforward process. This applies to the iPhone 13, 12, 11, SE, and older generations.
Step 1: Locate the Tray
iPhone 12, 13, & Int’l 14-16: Look on the left side (below volume buttons).
iPhone 11, SE, 8, 7 & Older: Look on the right side (below the power button).
Step 2: Eject the Tray
Insert your SIM ejection tool or a paperclip into the small pinhole on the tray. Apply steady pressure until the tray pops out slightly.
Step 3: Swap the Card
Remove the old card. Place the new Nano-SIM into the tray. Note the notched corner—it only fits one way. Slide the tray back in until it clicks.
Whether you need to replace the SIM card on an iPhone 11 or an iPhone 13, the mechanism is identical aside from the tray’s location on the device frame.
How to Open SIM Card Slot Without Tool
It is very common to lose the small metal tool that comes in the Apple box. If you need to remove the SIM card on your iPhone without the official tool, you can use common household items.
âś… Safe Alternatives:
- Paperclip: Bend one end of a standard paperclip straight. This is the most reliable method.
- Earring Post: A sturdy earring with a dull end can work, but be careful not to bend the jewelry.
- Staple: A standard staple can work if manipulated carefully, though it is often too flexible.
❌ Avoid These: Do not use sharp sewing needles or pins. The sharp point can slip and damage the internal spring mechanism or puncture the water-resistance seal inside the hole.
How to “Replace” a SIM on iPhone 14, 15, and 16 (eSIM Guide)
If you are asking “can you change sim card on iPhone 16” or looking to replace the SIM card on an iPhone 14 or 15 (US models), you are dealing with software, not hardware. “Replacing” a SIM here means you will be adding or transferring a digital eSIM profile.
To set up or swap your service on these devices:
- Ensure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi.
- Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data).
- Tap Add eSIM.
- You can choose Transfer from Nearby iPhone if you are upgrading, or Use QR Code if your carrier provided one.
If you are switching providers, you must contact your new carrier first. They will initiate the digital activation or provide the QR code required to replace the old profile on your phone.
Data Safety and Preparation
A common concern is whether you will lose anything if you change the SIM card on an iPhone. The answer is generally no. In the era of modern smartphones, the SIM card strictly holds your phone number and your connection to the cellular network.
- Where is my data stored?
- Your photos, apps, messages, and contacts are stored on the iPhone’s internal NVRAM storage or synced to iCloud.
- What does changing the SIM card do?
- It simply changes the phone number associated with the device and the carrier billing information. It does not factory reset the phone.
However, before you swap devices entirely, you should ensure you know how to transfer data to a new iPhone to keep all your settings intact. But for a simple SIM swap on the same phone, no backup is strictly required, though always recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to turn off my iPhone to change the SIM card?
No, you can remove the SIM card without turning off the device. iPhones are designed to be “hot-swappable.” Once you insert the new tray, the phone will briefly search for a signal and automatically detect the new network within a few moments.
Why does my iPhone say “No SIM” or “No Service” after replacing it?
If you see this error, first try removing the tray and re-seating the card to ensure it is lying perfectly flat. Ensure the tray is fully pushed in. If the issue persists, toggle Airplane Mode on and off, or restart your iPhone. If it still fails, the SIM card itself may be deactivated or damaged.
Can I reuse an old SIM card in a new iPhone?
Yes, provided it is a Nano-SIM (the smallest size). However, if you are moving from an older 4G device to a 5G device (iPhone 12 or newer), using a very old SIM card might prevent you from accessing standalone 5G bands. In that case, requesting a new card from your carrier is better.
Where can I get a replacement SIM card tray?
If you lost your tray or it is bent, you cannot just use any tray. You must buy a specific replacement (e.g., “replacement sim card tray for iPhone 11”) that matches your exact model and color. Third-party retailers and Amazon sell these cheaply.
Can you put a SIM card in an iPhone without the tray?
No. Never attempt to jam a loose SIM card into the slot without the tray. The tray is required to hold the chip in the precise position for the internal readers. Forcing a card in without the tray will likely result in the card getting stuck inside the phone permanently.
Written by
Conor Byrne
