iPad Sim Card Stuck in Slot without Tray

Question

Level 1

5 points

iPad Sim Card Stuck in Slot without Tray

I had to use a non-US sim card for an overseas trip with my wife's new iPad 3. On return, after I removed the temporary sim, I was tired and I absentmindely put the US sim back in the iPad without putting it in the sim tray first.

So now I have a sim card stuck in the iPad with no tray. I tried to get it out myself, even buying micro tweezers, to no avail. It is a VERY tight space. I took it to the Apple Store, and was told that they could not get it out. They suggested going to a third party repair shop (interesting . . . .), and said that they only thing that they could do was exchange the iPad for a new one for half the cost of buying the new one. I was surprised the Apple did not offer ANY repair service if you did not have their AppleCare insurance (I did not get it since the sales rep said that the cost of getting glass replace was $150 without it, and the cost of AppleCare was $99, plus a $49 charge for glass if that broke - I had no idea that they simply do not do most other repairs).

The repair place that they suggested only messes with phones, not iPads.

I am at my wits end. I really do not feel like spending several hundred dollars on a 10 day old iPad to get a stuck sim card out, but it seems like the only other way is to take the thing apart which would be both tricky and void the warranty.

Any suggestions?

iPad, iOS 5.0.1, New (iPad 3)

Posted on Apr 1, 2012 6:28 PM

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Answer 1

jroquet

Level 1

4 points

Jun 13, 2017 8:15 AM in response to jrmpco

Did same thing. You have nothing to loose by trying this. Heat up the end of a small safety pin (after straightening the pointy end out) and carefully touch the end of the hot tip of safety pin to the plastic of the sim card. Let it sit for a bit as it lightly welds to the plastic. Then pull it out. Lightly sand the plastic of the sim card with a nail file if you get a "pimple" on the end. Sounds drastic but it beats replacing the iPad. Oh well. Can't believe I was that silly to insert in the first place. Stuff happens.

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Answer 2

jrmpco Author

Level 1

5 points

Apr 1, 2012 7:02 PM in response to Allan Sampson

I understand about the AppleCare - you have to pay the extra $$20 for the accidental coverage and get Plus. I would have got it, but when I was told about it in the Apple Store, I asked the salesperson how much it cost to repair a screen, and she said $150. I therefore decided that it was a bad idea to buy the AppleCare since the cost of repair seemed reasonable enough. Now I find out that there is no repair at all for anything -- they simply send it back to China regardless, and it does not cost $150, but rather much more.

Anyway, the problem is that the cell phone folks take the phone apart to get to the Sim card if it is stuck, but apparently it is MUCH more complicated to take an iPad apart. I may have to bite the bullet, but that is where I am.

Thanks for trying to help.

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Answer 3

jrmpco Author

Level 1

5 points

Apr 1, 2012 7:59 PM in response to Allan Sampson

Well, I called AppleCare, told them the whole story, and they said that since it was within the first 30 days they would sell me AppleCare+, and that the issue would be covered even though it is currently extant. They made me an appointment for tomorrow.

Thanks again.

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Answer 4

Apr 1, 2012 6:56 PM in response to jrmpco

The micro-SIM card slot with the iPad is the same as the micro-SIM card slot with the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S, so this suggested repair place that only messes with iPhones shouldn't make any difference in this regard unless there is no other option besides taking the iPad apart. The same has probably happened with an iPhone 4 or 4S and maybe this repair place has some experience with this without having to take the device apart.

Having the AppleCare extended warranty makes no difference in this regard. This is accidental, not a manufacturing defect which isn't covered under the standard or extended warranty. I don't believe iPads are taken apart in an Apple store regardless. If there is a problem that is covered under the warranty, the iPad will be exchanged under warranty right then and there, not sent off for repair.

The new AppleCare extended warranty incudes 2 claims for any accidental damage. Dropped in a pool or a bathtub, pay the $49 deductible and you get an exchange under warranty. Not just for broken glass.

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Answer 5

Ferretbite

Level 4

1,586 points

Apr 1, 2012 6:59 PM in response to jrmpco

The thing is, the nature of your problem doesn't qualify to get service under the terms of AppleCare or even the limited warranty apple extends, so they probably told you to go to a third party to save money because they are under no obligation to service your iPad.

IF the iPad still works otherwise than with the 3G, you could try to sell it on eBay but of course you'd have to knock down the price.

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Answer 6

jrmpco Author

Level 1

5 points

Apr 1, 2012 7:21 PM in response to Allan Sampson

Not trying to be dense, but I thought Applecare+ covered two incidents of accidental damage. Would this not count?

Just trying to understand for future reference, and perhaps to see if I can talk them into selling me the Applecare+ since it is still within 30 days, and the discussion I had with the rep who sold me the iPad led me to believe that repairs were much less pricey. I know that they do not have to do that -- but I may go back and ask to see.

Thanks again for your patience.

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Answer 7

Apr 1, 2012 7:24 PM in response to jrmpco

Not trying to be dense, but I thought Applecare+ covered two incidents of accidental damage. Would this not count?

Yes it does, but there would not be any repair. The iPad would be exchanged under warranty. If you had the AppleCare extended warranty, they would not have taken your iPad to the back to be taken apart to remove the SIM card. Having or not having the AppleCare extended warranty makes no difference in this regard.

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Answer 8

Apr 1, 2012 7:07 PM in response to jrmpco

You're welcome.

I understand about the AppleCare - you have to pay the extra $$20 for the accidental coverage and get Plus.

Not based on what you included with your original post in this regard.

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