How to cut a SIM card to micro. How to make a micro SIM card from a regular SIM card. Existing SIM card formats
You purchased a new phone or simply decided to change your gadget, but its SIM slot turned out to be of a different format. Now you need to cut the SIM card for microsim .
This procedure is carried out in any mobile phone store. You can adjust the SIM card to the desired size yourself. Let's talk about the last option in more detail.
Instructions
The SIM card is assembled from two components. Contacts in the form of a chip are applied to a plastic base. Each contact is responsible for a specific function: power supply, information storage, data input/output, grounding. It is enough to damage any of them and the card becomes inoperative. This risk is especially relevant for old-style SIM cards with a large chip.
Incorrect cutting of the plastic itself will immediately affect the performance of the SIM. After manipulating it, the card may not fit into the slot or, conversely, may dangle loosely in the slot and not fit tightly to the contacts, or may move in the slot, and one contact on the chip will connect to a contact in the phone that does not correspond to it.
Decided to trim yourself? Then stock up on tools:
- sandpaper or nail file from a manicure set;
- stationery knife or sharp scissors;
- ruler;
- pen or pencil.
First step. Measure its future dimensions on the old SIM card: 15 mm in width and 12 mm in length. Ideally, there should be a narrow strip of plastic between the chip and the cutting line.
Second step - cutting SIM along the intended lines. The main thing in this matter is to be careful not to damage the contacts. It is best to cut in one motion along the entire length, this way there are no nicks left on the plastic. Don't forget to cut off the upper left corner when looking at the SIM card from the chip side.
Third step - fitting the SIM card to the slot. This is where a saw will come into play. If the SIM card does not fit into the slot, instead of making additional cuts, file it down.
Remember! If your attempt to cut the SIM card is unsuccessful, you will need to contact your mobile operator to replace it. The replacement service is free of charge, but you will be asked to top up your account. The amount depends on the operator.
Sample
To properly trim the card (with less risk) for micro-Sim , Download a sample stencil or make one yourself.
How to make a template at home :
- Take a piece of paper, attach your mini SIM card to it and trace it so that the beveled corner is at the bottom right.
- Step back from the left edge in width 2 (1.85) mm, from the right 11 mm, from the top and bottom edges in length 1.4 mm and draw lines. You will get a rectangle measuring 15 by 12 mm.
- To form a beveled corner, step back from the original top line of 3.9 mm or from the new 2.5 mm, and place a dot. From the left initial edge, measure 14 mm and place a dot. Connect two points with a line.
The template is ready, cut it out, attach it to your SIM card, trace and trim the card.
![](https://i1.wp.com/tarifam.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/repavs.png)
Popular phones for microsim
Initially, all phones were produced with slots for mini-SIM cards. But time imposed strict conditions on the devices, and engineers began to save space, including for SIM. The first phone to introduce the micro-SIM format was the iPhone 4/4s. Following Apple, Nokia Lumia phones first switched to the new standard, and then Samsung caught up, starting with the Galaxy S III series and HTC in the One series.
When buying a new phone or smartphone, we first look at the moments that matter most to ourselves. For some it is design, while others pay attention to technical characteristics. However, almost no one is ever interested in what slots a new gadget has for SIM cards. At this stage, you may encounter the problem of how to cut a SIM card into a micro-SIM using improvised means, because you already want to use the device, but the card simply won’t fit into it. In this article we will look at several methods on how you can trim your card without damaging it.
Using a ready-made micro-SIM as a template
The easiest option would be to find a friend who already has a ready-made card of the size we need. With modern trends in reducing the size of everything and anything related to technology, this will be quite easy to do. This will simplify the first method of solving the problem of how to cut a SIM card for a micro-SIM.
After this, you will need to combine your card with the cut one so that the cut control corners and chips completely coincide, and trace the outline. To cut plastic, you can use any available means, be it a knife, scissors, or even a needle heated over a lighter. When cutting, try to match the outlined outline as much as possible. Don’t be afraid to cut, because you won’t be able to catch the chip, and therefore the card will remain intact in any case.
This was the first way to cut a SIM card under a micro-SIM with your own hands. But what to do if no one has a ready-made card of the required size? The second method will come to the rescue, for which you will need a computer and a printer.
Printing the template
If there is no template for cutting a SIM card to fit a micro-SIM, the template can be found on the Internet, downloaded and printed. This method requires having a computer and printer on hand. In addition to them, you will need a blank sheet of paper and good glue or double-sided tape.
The downloaded template should be printed so as to maintain the dimensions and proportions. The template will indicate exactly where all the lines should go. Using glue or double-sided tape, glue the cut-out paper printout evenly onto your card and trim it along the lines indicated on the template.
After performing this procedure, it is advisable to remove the glued paper from the card so that it does not accidentally remain in the slot when the SIM card is removed and spoil it. Now you already have two ways in your arsenal on how to cut a SIM card under a micro-SIM yourself. However, this is not all, because there is a third and simplest method, which, however, will require small financial costs, but has its advantages.
Using a special cutter (hole punch)
If you know that this card to be cut is definitely not the last, and in the near future you will have to carry out this manipulation with several more cards, then you should think about buying a cutter. It is a small press containing knives that cut the card strictly to the required size.
With it you won’t have to spend a long time transferring sizes, looking for templates, etc. Often, such cutters, or hole punchers as they are called, have the ability to cut cards to any modern size. In addition, after trimming, the plastic frame remains intact, into which, if necessary, the trimmed SIM card can be glued back. The cost of this device is quite low, and you can find it in almost any mobile accessories store. Its purchase will allow you to save not only money on cuttings in service centers, but also your own time, because the process itself takes no more than 5 seconds. This is the third and easiest method on how to cut a SIM card for a micro-SIM. But there is another one that can rightfully be called strange, but deserves the right to exist.
Trimming with a heated mold
The Chinese, when developing cutting devices, went even further and made a budget version of the cutter. It is a metal mold on a knitting needle, which should be heated with gas or a lighter, then carefully applied to the card and melted the desired part.
Quite sophisticated, but still practical and fast way. It is perfect for those who do not want to overpay for a cutter, but at the same time would not mind speeding up and making the cutting process easier. Now, faced with the question of how to cut a SIM card for a micro-SIM, you will know at least four options. And you can choose among them the most suitable one for you.
Conclusion
Don't be afraid to make some manipulations with your equipment. In almost any outcome, your card will continue to work unless you touch the chip itself. Knowing how to cut a SIM card under a micro-SIM with your own hands, you will save a small part of the family budget, as well as your time, which can be spent on going to a service center.
If you are unlucky, your hand trembles and the card turns out to be damaged, then you shouldn’t worry too much either. In the official store of your operator you will be given a duplicate. Some operators do this for free. In addition, modern cards are already pre-cut to all necessary standards, so all that remains is to break out the one suitable for your smartphone from the mount.
Every year, mobile technology improves, smartphones get larger, and parts become smaller. Manufacturers strive for minimalism of details and maximalism of displays. The changes also affected SIM cards, which have undergone changes since their inception. Today we will tell you how to properly cut a SIM card, adapting it to a new device. But first, let's study the existing types of SIM cards.
Types of SIM Cards
Have you ever wondered why SIM cards are sold built into a large plastic base? Let us tell you a secret - once upon a time this was a SIM card! Yes, it’s so big and inconvenient, but phones at that time weren’t exactly small. Back then it was considered an achievement that a telephone could work wirelessly, and few people were interested in the size of the card with which calls could be made.
Time passed, the devices changed, large SIM cards were replaced by mini-SIM cards, which today we are accustomed to consider ordinary. Further - less. Mini-SIMs are becoming less and less common, and new devices are starting to use micro-SIMs. And, it would seem, much less? But Apple decided to shrink the cards for its devices - and nano-sim appeared.
If you decide to purchase a new SIM card today, when you open the package, you will find a card with several cuts. You just need to select the required SIM card size - and press in the right place - and you have in your hands a card suitable for your device. And if you want to move it to another device, just save the remaining parts and use them as an adapter.
Cutting a SIM card
But what to do if you have an old-style card (mini-SIM)? Then regular pruning can come to your aid. But the question arises, how to cut a SIM card? There are several ways to transform a map into a new format:
- contact the communication salon. As a rule, they have special devices - SIM card cutters. For a fee or without it (depending on your luck), they will help you resolve this issue - and adapt the SIM to your device.
- cut the card yourself.
Cutting a SIM card with your own hands
Let's look at the second method in more detail and tell you how to cut a SIM card at home. To accomplish this task, you need to have a pencil, ruler and sharp scissors on hand. For subsequent adjustment of dimensions, you may also need sandpaper, since cutting small parts is not very convenient.
First you need to decide on the size of the card you want to get as a result. If you need to cut a SIM card for a micro SIM, then its dimensions should be 1.5 * 1.2 cm, if for a nano SIM, then you should be left with a rectangle with sides 1.23 cm and 0.88 cm. After that Once you have decided on the dimensions, it is worth drawing the contours of the future SIM card on your source card. And only after that, carefully, without touching the chip, cut the card.
If the first fitting was unsuccessful and the SIM card turned out to be slightly larger than necessary, continue trimming. If there are literally a few millimeters left to remove, it is better to use sandpaper. The most important thing is not to touch the contacts during processing, since if they are damaged, the card will simply stop working. Cutting under Nano Sim is much more difficult than under Micro Sim, since there is much less plastic around the chip, and therefore it is much easier to hit an important part. Therefore, be careful and do everything without haste.
When the trimming is completed, you can safely insert your SIM card into the device and use it.
If you need to install a smaller card in a device designed for a larger SIM size, you can use a special adapter.
We hope that our tips were useful to you. And congratulations on purchasing a new smartphone!
Owners of modern gadgets often have problems installing a SIM card in their smartphone. This is due to the fact that new devices often support the nano-SIM format. The size of a standard SIM card is larger. How to cut a SIM card for a nano-SIM?
Advantages of nano-sim
This format is rapidly gaining popularity among manufacturers of mobile gadgets. First, APPLE, followed by SAMSUNG, NOKYA and others, began to produce smartphones for a new format. What is this connected with? Here are the advantages of nano-sim:
- compact size;
- several levels of protection against unauthorized access;
- telephone book for several thousand numbers;
- Internet access speed has been increased;
- increased operating time;
- the new architecture made it possible to use more capacious batteries, as well as reduce the thickness of gadgets.
We will look at how to cut a SIM card for nano below. Let's see what the difference is between them.
Types of cards
First, let's look at the types of SIM cards. Divided:
- Standard SIM card. Dimensions: 25x15x0.76 mm. Allows you to store up to 250 contacts, as well as operator service information.
- Micro-sim. Dimensions 15x12x0.76 mm. The standard was proposed and is still widely used by Apple. The format is installed on iPads and the first generations of iPhones.
- Nano-sim. Dimensions 12x9x0.68 mm. Used in modern modifications of iPhones, flagships and ultra-thin models from other companies. The thickness of the SIM card has been reduced.
How to get a nano SIM card instead of a regular one?
Replacing a SIM card at a cellular company
Replacing a standard SIM card with a nano-SIM is required when purchasing a new gadget.
If you purchase a smartphone in a store, you can replace the SIM card right there.
If you have a passport at the office of any mobile operator, they will replace it within a few minutes. Only the SIM card must be issued in your name. The phone number, tariff plan and all connected services will be saved.
But what if this method doesn't suit you? Then the only way out is to cut the SIM card for a nano-SIM.
How to make a nano-SIM from a SIM card?
Then you will have to rely on your own head and hands and decide how to cut the SIM card for nano sim yourself. This is not at all difficult to do using the following step-by-step instructions:
- Using sharp scissors, cut off approximately 0.5 mm from the contact pad from the flat end of the SIM card.
- Carefully cut off approximately 2 mm from the flat side of the SIM card.
- We cut off the corner on the contact pad. This must be done on the same side where the cut corner was originally.
- Nano-SIM is 15% thinner. Remove excess plastic from the back side with sandpaper.
- We check the functionality, if it does not work, we modify it with a file.
How to turn a micro-sim into a nano-sim?
The question arises, how to cut a micro-SIM under a nano-SIM? The new chips are the same size as a nano-SIM. We only need to remove the excess plastic with a file. If you are unlucky with the new chip, the procedure is as follows:
- We cut off 1-1.5 mm on each side of the contact pad. If it doesn’t fit, you’ll have to carefully modify it with a file. Don't forget to trim the corner.
- Using your fingernail, carefully peel the plastic away from the contact pad.
- We check the functionality.
This is the simplest way to cut a micro SIM card under a nano SIM card. The main thing is to act carefully.
Alternative ways to cut a SIM card
Additionally, we will consider several more ways to cut a SIM card with your own hands:
- cutting a SIM card using a template;
- cutting a SIM card using a cutter.
This is an even easier way to cut a SIM card for a nano-SIM. The procedure should be as follows:
![](https://i1.wp.com/mojbeeline.ru/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/shablon_nano_sim.png)
![](https://i0.wp.com/mojbeeline.ru/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/shablon_nano_sim2.png)
- Download and print the template.
- Carefully glue the template onto the contact part. The center of the template should coincide with the center of the contact platform.
- Using sharp scissors or a metal scalpel, carefully cut the plastic to fit the template.
- We finish it with a manicure file.
If you downloaded the second template, print it on A4. Mark the lines as shown on the template and cut out.
Cutting a SIM card using a cutter
How to cut a nano SIM card? The procedure is almost the same as cutting with scissors:
- Using a cutter, cut off approximately 0.5 mm from the contact pad from a flat end.
- Carefully cut off approximately 2 mm from the flat side part.
- On the opposite side we also cut off 1.5-2 mm.
- Using scissors, carefully cut off the corner on the contact pad. This must be done on the same side where the cut corner was originally.
- Cut off 1.5-2 mm from the last uncut edge.
- We remove excess plastic from the back side with a manicure file.
- We process the curved edges with a file.
- We check the functionality.
When cutting, do not damage the contacts. Otherwise, you can throw away the SIM card.
If you doubt your abilities, contact any telecom operator salon. For 300-350 rubles they will gladly provide you with a similar service.
Adapters for nano-, micro-, SIM cards
We discussed above how to obtain micro- and apply. Now let's deal with the opposite problem. There are special adapters for this purpose. The adapter is simply a frame of the desired size.
There are so-called transformers on sale. This is a standard-sized SIM card, from which a micro- or nano-SIM can be easily broken out. Having carefully disassembled such a transformer, we get the simplest adapters of the sizes we need.
In the future, if we need a larger size, we simply insert the nano-SIM into the frame of the required size.
An adapter of the required size can be purchased without any problems at any store. Cost - 50-250 rubles.
Conclusions
Based on the information presented above, the following conclusions can be drawn:
- You can exchange your SIM card for a nano-SIM at any telecom operator store. You need to have a passport with you, and the SIM card must be issued in your name. The phone number and information on the media will be saved.
- From a regular SIM card, you can make both a micro-SIM and a nano-SIM within a few minutes. We discussed above three ways to cut a SIM card for nano.
- To get a SIM card or micro-SIM from a nano-SIM, you need to use a special adapter.
It’s not at all difficult to cut a SIM card for a nano-SIM with your own hands
If you are not confident in yourself and a SIM card is valuable to you, use a similar service in any store. The cost is not high and the risk is minimal.
REMEMBER: by cutting the SIM card, you will get a SIM card that will work in new gadgets. Its electronic components will remain the same. This means that you will have a new gadget with an old SIM card, even if it is the right size.
It will not have the advantages that we discussed above.
Video: Making a Nano SIM card from a Micro SIM
I'm sure you didn't wander here by accident. Well, if by chance, I hope that you will become my regular reader.
The topic of today's article is not entirely common, but, nevertheless, quite relevant for many. Most modern cell phones have micro SIM card formats. But a huge number of users have standard-sized SIM cards, and modern phones are produced only in new sizes. And when buying a smartphone, we are faced with the problem of dimensional incompatibility between our old SIM card and the new gadget. It's a shame!
Today I will talk about my experience and other options for solving the problem " how to cut a sim card for micro sim" Be sure to read the article to the end - I’ll tell you about the most civilized and simplest way to acquire a micro sim.
There are several ways to solve the problem - paid and free. First, I’ll tell you about the paid ones.
Crop a micro SIM card in a store
Everything is simple here! Come to any store that sells cell phones, or to a communication salon, say what you need cut sim card. The price for this service varies. In our city it’s from 150 to 200 rubles. If you cut it off at a communication store, your operator’s cards will come out cheaper, while others’ cards will be more expensive.
A nice girl asks what size you should cut it to - nano or micro. She takes out a device that strongly resembles a stapler (by the way, this is a special stapler), chick-chick - and cut it. 🙂
If you have a lot of SIM cards that need to be cut, or you want to, it makes sense to buy such a stapler. It costs from 100 to 500 rubles. Type in “stapler for cutting SIM cards” into Yandex.Market and choose what you like.
If you don’t want to pay anyone, and you are sure that your hands are sharpened correctly, You can cut the SIM card yourself. The main thing is not to make a mistake in size.
But what are the dimensions of a micro SIM card? It's good if you have a sample at hand, but what if you don't? Cut at random? You can permanently damage the card.
Even if you know the overall dimensions (by the way, the dimensions of the micro SIM card are 15x12 mm), you need to trim off the excess so that the chip remains in the right place. This is also very important.
The figure below shows how much you need to cut on each side so that the SIM card fits into the niche of the phone and remains working.
Making the markings
It is inconvenient to make markings on the map itself. In addition, there is a high probability that the dimensions will not be transferred accurately. And here even tenths of a millimeter are important. That's why you need to take this stage seriously. So,
If you have a micro SIM card:
- overlay it on your standard map;
- make sure that the chips of both cards are aligned strictly one above the other;
- Press the SIM cards together and carefully trace the outline of the top (micro) SIM card so that this outline is clearly drawn on the card to be cropped.
This can be done with a sharply sharpened pencil. Better yet, scratch it with a needle. Then rub along the scratched lines with your fingers, and the outline will become clearly visible.
If there is no sample from which to transfer the size
- Take a sheet of paper and make markings as shown in the picture above. First, attach and trace a normal-sized SIM card, then draw straight lines, continuing the outline.
- Next, draw lines according to the dimensions of the micro sim.
- Place the SIM card in the center of the picture and press it, or better yet, secure it (for example, with double-sided tape).
- Apply a ruler to each line and draw them through the SIM card.
And some people print out a template on a printer, glue it to a card and cut it out.
How to cut a SIM card for micro sim
There are several options, choose the one that suits you:
- Scalpel or sharpened knife;
- Scissors are more powerful and not dull;
- A red-hot thread, but this option doesn’t inspire confidence in me.
I would also like to give a couple of tips on cutting technology.
If you are cutting with a knife or scalpel, do not try to cut off the excess plastic at one time. It is better to apply light pressure several times over the same place. This will make it more accurate and accurate.
If you cut with scissors (and a knife too), step back one or two tenths of a millimeter from the intended line. With larger sizes, the SIM card can be sharpened, but with smaller sizes, it will no longer be possible to increase the plastic.
After the SIM card is cut to micro size, you need to sand its edges with sandpaper or a nail file.
Do you know, there are such wide plastic files, not metal ones? In the store, a girl like this sharpened my SIM card after using a stapler.
Be sure to try yours on locally micro sim card. If it does not fit into the desired niche, or is too tight, bring its dimensions to the required size using the same file or sandpaper.
Free replacement of a SIM card with a new one in a communication salon
Above I talked about two ways cutting sim cards for micro sim. There is another way - also free, but more civil.
Go to the showroom of your mobile operator (I have Beeline, so I went to Beeline) and say: “I need to replace my SIM card.” There are no additional questions, you don’t need to hand over your old SIM card or even just show it. One “but” - the card must be registered in your name, and, accordingly, take your passport with you.
The operator fills out some paperwork, you sign there and receive a new SIM card with your old number. New SIM cards are now made with such “sales slots” so that you can use both a standard size and squeeze out a micro SIM and even nano. Very convenient!
Oh yes, I almost forgot. The new SIM card will be completely empty, without all your contacts. Therefore, in order not to be left without old connections, before going to the operator, transfer all contacts from the SIM card to the phone.
I wish you good luck in all your good deeds and see you soon!