Physical & water damage

SIM tray stuck inside the phone

A tray that partially ejects but won't come all the way out is usually caught on debris or a slightly bent edge and needs gentle, straight-line removal.

Difficulty
Moderate
Time
10–20 minutes
DIY cost
$0
Pro cost
$20–$60

Symptoms

  • Tray pops out slightly then stops
  • Tray is crooked or at an angle when partially out
  • Can't grip the tray to pull it further

Likely causes

  • CommonDebris jamming the tray's slide pathSand or lint inside the slot can catch the tray partway.
  • PossibleBent tray or frame from a dropPhysical damage can cause the tray to bind against the slot.

What to do

  1. Push the eject pin in again fully to release the latch before pulling.
  2. Use fine-point tweezers to grip the tray's edge and pull it straight out, not at an angle.
  3. If it's crooked, gently wiggle side to side while pulling rather than yanking.
  4. Stop if you feel resistance that suggests bending — forcing it can snap the tray.
  5. If it won't come free, a repair shop can remove it without damaging the SIM slot.

Tools and parts

  • Fine-point tweezers
  • SIM eject tool

When to call a pro

If the tray won't budge after gentle attempts, stop and let a repair shop extract it to avoid breaking the slot or tray.

Safety

Generally low risk

Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.