Even though the industry is moving away from physical SIM cards and Apple has decided to get rid of them in new iPhones, experts say it’s still a good idea to keep your old metal paperclip. This tool is still the best option for maintaining electronics, especially for pressing the “Reset” buttons that are set into the casing. The SIM paperclip is more convenient and safer than toothpicks or regular paperclips when resetting routers, game controllers, cameras, and laptops because it’s durable and has an ergonomic shape. It reduces the risk of damaging the ports.
With the smartphone industry moving towards eSIM, traditional SIM cards are slowly becoming a thing of the past. For example, starting in 2022, Apple has completely phased out physical SIMs in new iPhones in the U.S. As a result, the familiar tool for removing SIM cards is becoming less and less necessary—but that doesn’t mean it’s useless.
As the experts at BGR point out, an old SIM ejector tool can be super useful in everyday life. Its main alternative use is accessing hidden reset buttons on various devices. These buttons are usually set into the casing, so you need a thin object to press them.
It’s great for resetting routers, where the “Reset” button is usually located in a tiny hole on the back panel. Using a SIM card holder is more convenient and safer than trying to press the button with a toothpick or paperclip.
These hidden buttons are in all sorts of devices, like laptops, tablets, cameras, and gaming controllers. Some gamepads have holes for a hardware reset, and a SIM card pick is also useful in this case.
Experts say that, thanks to its shape and durability, this tool is more convenient than similar items in most situations. It’s easier to hold and reduces the risk of damaging the device during use.
So, even though physical SIM cards are slowly being phased out, you shouldn’t throw away that paperclip just yet. It might just become your new best friend when it comes to fixing electronics.