To turn off a SIM card, you can either disable it through your phone’s settings or physically remove it, depending on your device. This temporarily stops calls, texts, and mobile data without cancelling your service, making it useful for travel, focus time, or troubleshooting.
How to turn off a SIM card on iPhone
Apple documents turning off a line by opening Settings > Cellular, tapping the plan or line you want to disable, and using the Turn On This Line toggle. Flipping this toggle to off stops all cellular activity for that SIM. To turn off the SIM card, go to Settings > Cellular and toggle the 'Cellular Data' switch to off; to also disable calling and messaging, enable Airplane Mode. If you have an eSIM and want to remove it permanently, you can delete it from the same Settings > Cellular menu; this applies whether you have a single plan or multiple plans. Note that iPhone models without a SIM tray support eSIM only, so they cannot use a physical SIM at all.
How to turn off a SIM card on Google Pixel
- Open Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network.
- Select the SIM you want to disable.
- Turn off the Use this SIM toggle.
This temporarily disables the SIM. On Android, go to Settings > Network & internet or similar, then look for the option to disable mobile data or turn on Airplane Mode to effectively turn off the SIM card's functionality. To permanently remove an eSIM, go to the same Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network menu, select the eSIM, and use the delete option. This works on supported Pixel models that show the Use this SIM control.
How to turn off a SIM card by removing it
Physically removing the SIM card stops its use entirely. Use a SIM eject tool (or a small paperclip) to pop the tray out of the phone. On a Google Pixel 3, the tray is on the bottom edge; on other Pixel models, it is on the left edge. For iPhones with a SIM tray, follow the same eject process, but note that eSIM-only iPhones have no tray and cannot use a physical SIM. If you need to take SIM card out of Android, the steps are identical for any Android phone with a removable tray: eject the tray, lift out the card, and store it safely. To change the SIM card in an iPhone, simply insert a new SIM into the tray and slide it back into the device.
What about Samsung Galaxy and other phones?
For Samsung Galaxy phones, the official documentation only covers turning off the SIM PIN prompt, not disabling the SIM itself. For other Android models, check the device manual for SIM management options, as steps vary by manufacturer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does turning off a SIM delete any data or settings?
No. Turning off a SIM only disables its connection to the mobile network; it does not affect any data, apps, or settings stored on your phone.
How do I reactivate a turned-off SIM?
Simply reverse the steps you used to disable it. On iPhone, toggle Turn On This Line back on. On Pixel, turn the Use this SIM toggle back on. If you removed the SIM physically, reinsert it into the tray and slide it back into the phone.
Can I turn off a SIM without removing it?
Yes, on iPhones and Google Pixel phones you can disable a SIM through the settings menus described above. This keeps the SIM in the device but stops all calls, texts, and data.
Why would I need to turn off a SIM card?
One common reason is when you are switching to a new phone. Common reasons include avoiding roaming charges while traveling, creating a distraction‑free period, troubleshooting network issues, or temporarily switching to a different line.
