How To Clean A SIM Card?

Let’s start by imagining this scenario. You buy a new cell phone, and switch your SIM card from the previous phone to that one. Or perhaps you want to use an old SIM card that you had stored.

However, you realize that when you turn on the phone it does not recognize the SIM card! What can be wrong?

It is likely that your SIM card is dirty or scratched and the phone cannot read it, or that you accidentally dirty it in the process of inserting it.

This problem has a straightforward solution: you just have to clean the SIM card! However, wait a moment; do you know how to do it properly?

If not, do not worry. Here below we will mention everything you need to know about the most popular ways of cleaning a SIM card.

How To Remove A SIM Card

If you want to clean your SIM card, then you need to take it out from your cell phone. To do this, we recommend you turn off the device first and unplug the charging cable too.

The location of the SIM card slot will depend on the model of cell phone that you have. Most of the new phones have it on the side, near the volume buttons. Just look on that side of your phone and you should see a rectangular shape, with a little hole near it.

To extract the SIM card you will need the SIM ejection tool that comes with the phone or a simple paper clip. Insert it into the little hole and press gently. The SIM card tray should automatically pop open.

If you do not find the slot on the side of your smartphone, then it means you will need to pop the back cover. You can do this with your fingers or even with a debit or credit card. You just need something thin and made of plastic, avoid using metal to open the cover.

Once that you have it opened, you should be able to see the SIM card in its slot, if not, then you need to remove the battery from the phone to find the slot.

Tips To Clean A SIM Card

Now that you have the SIM card, let’s get to work! Below we will detail some popular methods used to clean SIM cards. They are in no particular order, so we suggest you try them depending on the materials you have available at home.

• Use an eraser or cotton swap: Either of these materials are good to remove dirt. Gently rub the golden part of the SIM card until you see that the dirt has been removed.
• Use a lint-free cloth: Using this kind of fabric can help to remove dirt, oils, and moisture, not only from the SIM card but also from the phone. Wide down the SIM card with a dry clean cloth, without using any kind of cleaner. You can use the clothes that are made for cleaning eyeglasses.
• If the SIM card is rusty, you can use a cotton swap with rubbing alcohol to remove the oxidation. Be careful not to soak the cotton swap too much.

After cleaning the SIM card, you can insert it again into your phone. The most important part of the process is to hold it by the sides, without touching the golden contacts. Once that it is again in its place, you can turn the phone on again.

If the SIM card works properly you should see that the phone gets reception and no message saying “No SIM card inserted” appears.

What Can Damage A SIM Card?

A SIM card can be damaged mainly because the gold contacts are scratched. This can be caused by improper storage. For example, when the SIM card is in contact with metals and sharp objects such as keys and coins. Also when the SIM card is exposed to extreme temperatures for long periods. The result can lead to data loss, which is something that we should avoid if we are planning to use the SIM card again later.

That is why it is necessary that if you are not going to use your SIM card for a while, store it properly. We suggest you use a SIM card holder, which usually has slots for different sizes. Then put it in a cool and dry place like a plastic box or a cloth bag so it does not scratch.

If your SIM card is damaged and you try to clean it with the tips mentioned above but it still does not work, then you could find a local repair shop for help. If in the end, it is impossible to repair it, you need to contact your provider. They will be able to provide you with another SIM card (if it has not expired yet), but you will lose all the information contained in the previous one.

How to Fix the No SIM Card Inserted Error

Once that you insert a SIM card into your phone and turn it on, it is possible to see a message like this “No SIM Card Inserted”. Do not panic! We will mention some things you can do to fix this problem. Let’s take a look.

Restart your phone

just hold the block button for a few seconds and some options will appear on the screen. Choose the one that says, “Restart”. When the phone turns on, verify that the error does not appear again.

Clean your SIM card

Above we mentioned some tips to clean your SIM card. Follow them and check that your cell phone recognizes it.

Switch SIM card slots

If your smartphone supports dual SIM, then try moving the card into the other slot.

We hope that this article has been useful for you to understand better the do’s and don’ts about removing, cleaning, and inserting SIM cards. Just remember, that little piece of plastic with golden contacts has important information in it, so it is advisable to take care of it properly.