Smartphones are becoming more and more advanced. Their cameras have more megapixels, processors gain cores, and their screens grow and grow, but if there is something that has been steadily decreasing, it is SIM cards. To this day, in our country, SIM cards still make our phones. Without a SIM, we will be able to use all the functions of the mobile if we connect to WiFi, but it will not be possible to use the data network or make or receive calls, which is why it is such an important piece. SIM cards have been miniaturized over time, and there are currently various sizes in circulation, which sometimes causes us to be forced to change the type of SIM card. Contrary to what many users may think, requesting a duplicate is unnecessary. It can be cut by hand, yes, carefully and following the steps that we explain below.
Before getting into the matter, we are going to review the different types of SIM cards that exist:
- SIM: Inheritors of the telephone cards of the 80s were the SIM cards that were inserted in the first mobiles and are currently in complete disuse. They measured 85.6 x 53.98 millimeters, the same size as a conventional credit card. No wonder they were withdrawn years ago.
- MiniSIM: The MiniSIM are the SIM cards of a lifetime, which we inserted in our Nokia 3310 or Alcatel One Touch Easy. They are much smaller (25 x 15 millimeters), making mobile phone designs more compact and lightweight. Most were inserted through a slot placed under the battery.
- MicroSIM: They are currently the most widespread standard. Smartphones integrate many more components than a mobile phones from before, and the need to save space is crucial – especially now that manufacturers have become obsessed with thinness. Apple was responsible for the birth of the MicroSIM when they decided to cut the size to 15 x 12 millimeters with the first iPad and later with the iPhone 4. Since then, the majority of manufacturers have adopted this standard.
- NanoSIM: NanoSIMs are the smallest SIM cards currently existing (12.3 x 8.8), and the surrounding plastic is removed, leaving only the chip. Again, Apple launched this standard with the iPhone 5, and many terminals have already integrated it. However, most are high-end terminals like the Samsung Galaxy S6 or the new Nexus 5X and 6P.
NECESSARY UTENSILS
To cut your SIM card to the necessary size, you will have to get several tools:
- Scissors. It works with anyone, but the sharper they are, the better the cut.
- Rule. You can also use any object that allows you to draw straight lines.
- Pen or marker to mark the lines where to cut.
- Sand to smooth the edges.
- Template in PDF. This is the most important element to guide you when making the marks.
HOW TO CUT A SIM CARD
Currently, most mobile operators offer SIM cards in various sizes directly so users can cut them according to their mobile needs. However, in many cases, we are forced to cut our SIM card to put it in the mobile we have just released. The most common is to cut a MiniSIM to MicroSIM, but there are increasing numbers of mobile phones with NanoSIM. We will tell you how to cut your SIM.
1) The first thing you should do is download and print the PDF document that we attached. You have to print it on an A4 size sheet to come out the same size.
2) Place the card on the drawing to match the corresponding silhouette.
3) Hold the SIM card and use the ruler to mark the cutting lines. We recommend using a fine marker so that they are well-marked.
4) Take the scissors and cut the plastic along the lines, being careful not to go off, but remember that it is always better if you fall short than if you go too far.
5) The last step is to smooth the edges with the sandpaper and test that our modified SIM fits well in the tray or slot.
I am a writer with eight years of experience writing in business and technology. I always carry a passion for learning and discovering new knowledge.