How to Delete Information on an SIM Card

By Nina Rotz

Updated September 28, 2017

SIM Card.
i sim card image by Kostyantyn Ivanyshen from Fotolia.com

Cell phone and mobile devices use SIM cards. The small cards store information such as telephone numbers, phone numbers dialed, text messages received and sent. Deleting information on a SIM card is done through a SIM card reader. The portable reader device allows a computer to read files and folders stored on a SIM card. Removing information on a SIM card will remove the information permanently. Deleted messages or numbers will no longer be accessible on a cell phone or mobile device.

Purchase an USB SIM card reader. Such a reader will load SIM card information on your computer, allowing you to modify or delete any information on the card.

Open up your cell phone or mobile device and remove the SIM card.

Insert your SIM card in the USB SIM card reader.

Insert the reader into a USB port on your computer.

Click on the "Install Device" icon that pops up on your screen. It may take several minutes for application drivers and necessary information to install on the computer.

Click on the "Start" icon on your desktop and select "My Computer."

Click on the "Removable Device" icon. You may say "(F:) drive" next to it.

Allow the USB SIM card reader information to load. You will see several folders such as "Last number dialed," "Phone book numbers," "SMS Text Messages" and "Fixed Dialed Numbers."

Right-click on the folder you wish to delete. Click on "Delete." To remove a specific item, open up the folder, such as "SMS Text Messages" and locate the message you wish to delete. Right-click on the message and select "Delete."

Pull the SIM card reader out of the USB port.

Place the SIM card back into your cellphone or mobile device. The information you deleted will no longer be available in the cellphone or mobile device.

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