The SIM card in your Androidsmartphone is not just the key to mobile communications, but also a miniature data storage. Over time, it becomes filled with contacts, messages and service information, which can lead to network failures or lack of memory. However, cleaning a SIM card requires caution: incorrect actions can delete important operator settings or completely block access to the network.

In this article we will look at all the current methods for clearing a SIM card on Android —from manually deleting contacts to a complete reset through the engineering menu. You will find out which data can be safely erased and which should never be touched unless absolutely necessaryso as not to lose access to the mobile data or SMS services of banks. We will also look at the nuances for different versions Android (from Android 10 to Android 15) and popular manufacturers: Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and others.

1. What data is stored on the SIM card and what can be deleted

Before you start cleaning, it is important to understand what information the SIM card generally stores and what consequences its removal may have. Modern nano-SIM i eSIM contain:

  • 📞 Contact - up to 250 records (name + number) saved directly on the card (not in the phone memory).
  • 💬 SMS and USSD messages - some operators store last 10-20 messages (for example, service notifications).
  • 📡 Network settings — connection parameters for 4G/5G, MMS, roaming (deleting will lead to resetting the Internet settings).
  • 🔐 Authentication keys — data for identification in the operator’s network (can’t be deleted categorically).
  • 📱 Service applications —for example, menu SIM Toolkit for managing tariffs.

You can safely clear only contacts and SMSdata saved on the SIM. It is not recommended to touch other data if you are not sure of the consequences. For example, resetting the network settings may cause the phone to stop receiving mobile data until you reinstall the operator profile.

⚠️ Attention: Some SIM cards operators (MTS, Beeline, Tele2) store data for access to Bank SMS (for example, to confirm payments). data-i="69">MTS
Data type Can I delete? Consequences deleting
Contacts on SIM ✅ Yes Losing only those contacts that were on the card (not in the phone)
SMS on SIM ✅ Yes Only messages saved on the card will be deleted (usually there are few of them)
Network settings (APN) ❌ No Loss of access to mobile data and MMS
Authentication keys (IMSI). Method 1: Manually deleting contacts and SMS from the SIM card ❌ No Complete loss of connection, SIM replacement required
SIM Toolkit ⚠️ Partially Tariff or bonus app settings may be reset

2. Method 1: Manually deleting contacts and SMS from SIM card

The simplest and safest method is delete data manually through standard settings Android. This method is suitable if you need to clear only contacts or messages without affecting system files.

Instructions for most smartphones (Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi Redmi, Realme etc.):

  1. Open the application Contact (or Phone).
  2. Click on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Manage contacts → Import/Export.
  3. Select Copy from SIM cardto transfer contacts to the phone memory (in case recovery is required).
  4. Return to the main contacts menu, press ⋮ again and select Settings → Show SIM contacts.
  5. Select unnecessary contacts (or press Select all) and delete them.

To delete SMS:

  1. Open the application Messages.
  2. Click on the three dots (⋮) → Settings → SIM card management (or Message storage).
  3. Select Delete messages from SIM.

Save contacts from SIM to phone memory or Google account

Check if there are any important SMS on SIM (for example, from a bank)

Make sure that the phone does not use SIM to store APN settings

Make a backup copy through the operator's application (if available)

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On some firmware (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi or ColorOS from Oppo) path may vary. If you don’t find the items you need, use the search in settings (magnifying glass icon in the top menu).

⚠️ Attention: Some manufacturers hide the option to manage SIM contacts. In this case, use method 3 (engineering menu) or special applications. Android 14+ Some manufacturers hide the option to manage SIM contacts. In this case, use method 3 (engineering menu) or special applications.

3. Method 2: Complete reset of the SIM card through the engineering menu

If manual cleaning did not help or you want completely reset all data on SIM (except for authentication keys), you can use engineering menu. This method works on most devices, but requires caution.

Instructions:

  1. Open the application Phone and enter the combination: 
    ##4636##

    Some phones (Huawei, Honor) may require a code:

    *#06#
  2. In the menu that opens, select Phone information (or Phone Information).
  3. Scroll down to SIM Management or SIM Management.
  4. Click Reset SIM or Reset SIM.
  5. Confirm the action (you may be required to enter a PIN code).

After the reset, the phone will reboot and all user data on the SIM will be deleted. Network settings and authentication keys will remain untouched —this is safe for communication.

What to do if the engineering menu does not open?

On some phones (for example, Samsung s One UI 6+) the engineering menu is blocked. In this case:

1. Install the application MTK Engineering Mode (for processors Mediatek) or Shortcut Master (for Qualcomm).

2. through the app, find the item SIM Reset and reset.

3. An alternative is to use ADB commands (method 4).

If the mobile data is lost after the reset, check the settings APN in the section Mobile network → Access points (APN). Usually they are restored automatically, but sometimes manual input is required (the parameters can be obtained from the operator’s website).

4. Method 3: Cleaning the SIM via ADB (for advanced users)

For advanced users who want to deep clear SIM or restore its functionality after failures, the method using ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This requires connecting the phone to the computer and basic knowledge of the command line.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Enable USB Debugging on the phone: Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times) → return to Settings → System → For Developers → Debugging USB.
  2. Connect your phone to the PC and open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux).
  3. Enter the command to check the connection: 
    adb devices

    The serial number of your device should appear.

  4. Run the command to reset the SIM: 
    adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.SIM_RESET

    Or for a specific slot (if you have 2 SIM):

    adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.SIM_RESET --ei slot 0

    (where slot 0 is the first slot, slot 1 is the second).

After executing the command, the phone can reboot. This method deletes all user data on the SIMbut does not affect the operator's system files.

adb shell service call telephony 17 i32 0

This command calls the internal SIM reset method via the Android API.

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⚠️ Warning: Incorrect use of ADB may cause crashes in phone operation. Do not execute other commands if you are not sure of their purpose.

5. Method 4: Using applications to manage SIM

If standard methods are not suitable, you can use special applications from Google Play. They offer a more convenient interface for working with a SIM card, but require permissions.

Top 3 tested applications:

  • 📱 SIM Card Manager - allows you to view and edit contacts on the SIM, export them to VCF, and also perform a reset.
  • 🔧 SIM Toolkit Reset — specializes in resetting service data (for example, if the operator menu is frozen).
  • 📲 My SIM Contacts —a convenient manager for working with contacts on SIM, with a mass deletion function.

How to use:

  1. Install one of the applications (for example, SIM Card Manager).
  2. Open it and provide access to contacts and SMS.
  3. In the main menu, select SIM Management → Clear data.
  4. Tick the types of data to delete (contacts, SMS) and confirm.

The advantage of this method is Visual control over the process. However, be careful with applications that request access to calls or messages: install only proven apps with high ratings.

Manual removal through settings

Engineering menu

Applications from Google Play

ADB commands

Never cleared

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6. Method 5: Physical replacement or flashing of SIM

If all software methods did not help (for example, the SIM card is damaged or blocked), the only option left is last resort physical replacement or flashing. This is relevant in the following cases:

  • 🚫 The SIM card is not detected by the phone.
  • 🔄 Network settings are constantly reset.
  • 📵 The phone does not pick up the network, although other SIMs work.
  • 🔒 The card is blocked after unsuccessful attempts to enter the PUK code.

What to do:

  1. Replacement SIM: Contact your operator's communication center (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) with your passport. You will be given a new card with the same number, but all data on the old one will be lost.
  2. Reflashing: Some operators (for example, MTS) offer a SIM flashing service through special equipment. This can restore the card's functionality without replacement.

The cost of replacing a SIM card is usually 50–200 rubles (depending on the operator and type of card: physical or eSIM). Flashing can be free if the problem is on the operator's side.

⚠️ Attention: If the SIM card is blocked due to incorrect PUK code entry, it is impossible to unlock it yourself. The only way out is to replace it in the communication salon.

7. How to avoid problems after cleaning the SIM

After cleaning the SIM card, problems may occur: the Internet disappears, SMS do not arrive, or tariff settings are reset. To avoid this, follow these tips:

  • 🔄 Reboot your phone after cleaning - this will help apply the changes.
  • 📶 Update the settings network: go to Settings → Mobile network → Access points (APN) and select your operator's profile.
  • 📞 Check the SIM Toolkit: open the operator menu (usually an icon on the desktop) and update the tariff settings.
  • 🔒 Reset the PIN codeif after cleaning the phone does not recognize it (enter the standard code: 0000 or 1234).

If problems persist, contact operator support. It may be necessary forced activation of SIM on the provider's side.

1. Availability of mobile data (open the browser).

2. Ability to send SMS (send a test message).

3. Operation of banking services (if linked to the number).

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FAQ: Frequently asked questions about cleaning the SIM card

❓ Is it possible to clean the SIM card without removing it from the phone?

Yes, all the methods described in the article (except for physical replacement) work without removing the SIM. However, if the card is physically damaged (for example, the contacts have oxidized), it will have to be removed and cleaned. alcohol.

❓ What happens if you delete the APN settings on the SIM?

You will lose access to the mobile data and MMS. APN settings are usually restored automatically, but sometimes you have to enter them manually (the parameters can be found on the operator’s website).

❓ How to transfer contacts from SIM to phone before cleaning?

Open Contact → Import/Export → Import from SIM card. Contacts will be copied to the device memory or to your Google account (if you select the appropriate option).

❓ Why does the phone not see the network after resetting the SIM?

Possible reasons:

  • The network settings have been reset (check APN).
  • The SIM card is damaged (try inserting it into another phone).
  • Problems on the operator's side (call support).

❓ Is it possible to clear the eSIM with the same way?

Yes, but with some nuances:

  • For eSIM there is no physical reset - all settings are controlled by software.
  • Deleting a profile eSIM equivalent to “cleaning” it (is done in Settings → Mobile network → eSIM).
  • Recovery eSIM can only be done through the operator (download the profile yourself again).