So, you’re curious about the SIM card ejector tool? As the name suggests, it is a tool used to remove SIM cards. More precisely, SIM trays, most often with a hybrid SIM slot. The tray allows you to insert a single nano-SIM card and a single SD card, or two nano-SIM cards simultaneously. For those that are ambitious and aren’t afraid of customization, there’s an additional option of using two nano-SIM cards and an SD card in one SIM card slot via a hybrid SIM adapter. But, to open a SIM slot, you obviously need a SIM card removal tool. Or do you?
What is a SIM Card removal tool?
SIM card tray removal tool is a thin piece of rigid metal, bent into a shape similar to a paper clip. Unlike a paper clip, one end is straightened out and pointy. It is delivered inside of a box alongside every modern smartphone that has a nano-SIM card slot. To eject the tray, you need to place the sharp end of the removal tool into a tiny hole next to it. After you apply a little bit of pressure, the tray pops out for a millimeter, allowing you to pull it out using your fingernails. Other than that, there’s nothing special about it.
Why you haven’t heard about it in the past
To insert a SIM card in the past, all you had to do was remove the back cover, pull out the battery, push the SIM card into the slot, return the battery into its designated place, and close the back cover. However, the user’s ability to take the smartphone apart made waterproofing impossible. Since this feature quickly became a big selling point, the manufacturers had to change the design. An easy proof of that is checking the SIM tray. Notice the rubber rim around the “lid” of the slot, which blocks water from entering?
Alternatives to SIM tray ejector tool
Here are some SIM slot ejector alternatives when you lose the original.
- A straightened paper clip (a slim one without a plastic coating)
- Needle
- Safety pin
- The pointy end of an earring
- Thumbtack
- Sewing pin
- Staple
- Mechanical pencil
- Thin toothpick
- Pushpin
- Thin screwdriver head