This article was co-authored by Mobile Kangaroo and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA. Mobile Kangaroo is a full service repair shop and Apple Authorized Service Provider headquartered in Mountain View, CA. Mobile Kangaroo has been repairing electronic devices such as computers, phones, and tablets, for over 19 years, with locations in over 20 cities.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
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Your SIM card is the part inside your phone that contains all of your personal information. If your SIM card is dirty, your phone may not be able to read it. This can be frustrating, but you can do something about it.[1]
You can clean your dirty SIM card using an eraser or cotton swab, rubbing alcohol, or a microfiber cloth. You can also take it in to a professional.
How to Clean a Dirty SIM Card
First, turn off your device. Remove the SIM card (usually by removing the SIM card tray, then taking the SIM card out of the tray) and clean it with an eraser or rubbing alcohol. Once the SIM card is dry, put it back in your phone and check to see if your device is working properly.
Steps
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Turn off your phone. Don’t try to remove the SIM card with the phone turned on. This can be dangerous for you since you’re dealing with internal parts of the phone. Additionally, you might accidentally damage the SIM card.
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Locate your SIM card on the side or back of your phone. Its placement will depend on the type of phone you have. Check the side first to see if it’s there. If you don’t see it, remove the back panel on your phone and check under the battery.[2]
- You may need to remove the back of your phone and your battery, as the SIM card may be under the battery.
- If you have an iPhone, it may easily slide out.
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Pull out the SIM card, if you can. Each phone is different, so some SIM cards are easy to remove while others require a special tool or bent paperclip. It may slide out, but you may need to pop it out, depending on your phone model. If you're having trouble, look up the directions for your specific phone. Be gentle so you don’t damage it.
- Older phones have harder to remove SIM cards. You can find directions on how to get them out in your owner's manual.
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Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions. Each phone is different, so the process for removing your SIM card will differ, as well. Although many cards can be pulled out, it’s best to check your owner’s manual if you’re having trouble. It will provide directions on how to take out the SIM card.
- If you don’t have your owner’s manual, check online. You’ll likely be able to find a digital copy from your manufacturer.
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Take your phone to a professional if you’re having trouble. You don’t want to accidentally damage your SIM card trying to remove it from your phone. If you can’t get it out, take it into your wireless provider. They can help you safely remove the card.[3]
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Use an eraser or cotton swab to remove dirt or dust. Gently rub the eraser or cotton swab along the gold contacts on your SIM card. Continue to make light strokes until your SIM card is clean.
- You can also use a gold guard pen, which is a safe way to clean your electronics.
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Wipe the card with a dry, lint-free cloth for all-over cleaning. Simply wipe down your SIM card using a clean cloth. Don’t apply any cleaners to the card or the cloth. This can remove dirt, oils, and moisture from any part of the SIM card.[4]
- A microfiber cloth works well for cleaning any part of your phone, including the SIM card.
- Dry cloths made for eyeglasses are a convenient option.
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Use rubbing alcohol to remove oxidation. Dampen one end of a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol. Then gently rub the alcohol against the gold contacts on your SIM card. Continue cleaning the contacts until all of the oxidation is gone.
- The cotton swab should be damp but not soaking wet with alcohol.
- Do not get any rubbing alcohol inside your phone.
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Take your SIM card to a professional for the safest option. Your wireless provider or a cell phone repair stand can help you properly clean the SIM card. They can also help you repair it if it's damaged. They are the safest bet for getting your card clean.[5]
- If your card is damaged beyond repair, they can sell you a new SIM card.
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Slide the SIM card back into the port. You’ll need to put in the same place it was before you took it out for cleaning. Make sure it is securely in place before you turn on the phone.[6]
- If you took it out from the back of your phone, you’ll also need to put your battery back into place. Then, replace the back panel on your phone.
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Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions, if necessary. If you’re having trouble getting your SIM card back into place, you may need to check your owner’s manual. It will provide directions for replacing the card.[7]
- If you don’t have your owner’s manual, look for a digital copy online.
- As an alternative, you can take it into your wireless provider for assistance.
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Turn the phone on to see if it’s communicating with the SIM card. If you’ve successfully cleaned the card, it should be working correctly. If your card still isn’t working, it’s likely damaged. You can try cleaning it again, but you may need a new card.[8]
- A professional may be able to clean or repair your card if it’s damaged.[9]
Common Questions: SIM Card Maintenance
What happens if my SIM card gets dirty?
If your SIM card is dirty, your phone won't be able to read it. Your phone won't work properly if this is the case, and you won't be able to use it like you normally would. Keeping a dirty SIM card in your phone may also transfer dirt to the inside of the port, which is harder to clean than the SIM card.
How can I tell if my SIM card is just dirty or damaged?
The best way to tell if your SIM card is dirty or damaged is to clean it, then put it back in your device. If your phone is still acting up after you put the SIM card back in, it's likely damaged and will need to be replaced.
Can I use rubbing alcohol to clean a SIM card?
Yes, you can clean a SIM card with rubbing alcohol. You probably know that electronics and liquids don't mix, but rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly and can lift away dirt from your SIM card without leaving it wet. As long as the SIM card is dry when you put it back in your phone, you won't damage your device.
Tips
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Don’t clean your SIM card unless it’s not communicating with your phone or is showing an error. Otherwise, you risk damaging it.Thanks
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If you’re nervous about cleaning the card, take it to your wireless provider for assistance.Thanks
Warnings
- If your SIM card still isn’t communicating with your phone after you clean it, it may be damaged. You should take it in to be professionally repaired. Alternatively, you can replace it.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-protect-your-phone-hackers
- ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/109357
- ↑ https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS00079039/
- ↑ https://www.xfinity.com/mobile/support/article/troubleshooting-sim-card-isnt-working
- ↑ https://www.xfinity.com/mobile/support/article/troubleshooting-sim-card-isnt-working
- ↑ https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS00079039/
- ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/109357
- ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/108914
- ↑ https://www.samsung.com/us/support/troubleshooting/TSG01201768/
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