How to clean a SIM card and SIM tray on iPhone
Clean a SIM card dry, and never scrub the gold contacts. If cleaning does not help, the card or the carrier is the usual cause.
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
A dirty SIM card is a less common cause of No SIM or No Service than people think, but it does happen, especially after a drop or if the card has been in a pocket of lint for years. Cleaning is quick and costs nothing. Do it carefully, because the gold contacts scratch easily.
The fix
Clean the SIM card and tray
- 1
Turn the iPhone off.
This protects the card and the phone while the tray is out.
- 2
Eject the tray.
Push the SIM tool or a straightened paperclip into the small hole on the side of the iPhone until the tray pops out.
- 3
Wipe the SIM card.
Use a dry, soft, lint free cloth. Hold the card by its edges and wipe the gold side in one direction.
- 4
Wipe the tray and look for dust.
Check the tray for lint and the slot with a flashlight. A soft dry brush can lift dust.
- 5
Let everything dry, then reinsert.
Line up the notched corner with the tray, push the tray in until it clicks, and turn the iPhone on.
What not to use
- Sandpaper, erasers or anything rough. They scratch the gold contacts and can stop the SIM from working for good.
- Water, soap or cleaning sprays.
- Metal tools in the slot. They can damage the pins inside the iPhone.
- Compressed air blown straight into the slot, which can push dust further in.
For stubborn residue, a cloth that is barely damp with isopropyl alcohol is usually the limit, and the card must dry fully before it goes back in.
Still says No SIM? Test the SIM
- 1
Put the SIM in another phone.
If it works there, the card is fine and the problem is the iPhone. If it does not work, the card may be damaged.
- 2
Try another SIM in your iPhone.
If another SIM works, the iPhone slot is fine and your card needs replacing.
- 3
Restart the iPhone and check for a carrier settings update.
Settings › General › About shows a prompt if one is available.
If the card is the problem, ask your carrier for a new one. It is usually cheap or free, and keeps your number. For other causes, see an iPhone with no service.
No SIM tray on your iPhone?
In the US, iPhone 14 and later use eSIM only and have no tray, so there is nothing to clean. If your eSIM stops working, contact your carrier and see what an eSIM is. To take a physical SIM out safely, read how to remove a SIM card.
Frequently asked questions
How do I clean a SIM card?
Eject the tray with the SIM tool, wipe the card gently with a dry, lint free cloth, and wipe the tray too. Let everything dry, then put the card back with the notched corner aligned.
Can I use alcohol to clean a SIM card?
Only if there is stubborn residue. Use a barely damp cloth with isopropyl alcohol, keep it away from the gold contacts as much as you can, and let the card dry completely before you put it back.
Why does my iPhone say No SIM?
The SIM may be seated badly, dirty, damaged or not activated. Reseat it, restart the iPhone, and test the SIM in another phone.
My iPhone has no SIM tray. What do I do?
In the US, iPhone 14 and later use eSIM only, so there is no tray and nothing to clean. If your eSIM has a problem, contact your carrier.
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