Are you stuck with a full-size SIM card and want to cut it down so that it fits an iPhone or iPad? Come let’s take a look at how to make a nano-SIM for free.
All advanced iOS devices are now using nano-SIM cards. But unfortunately, it creates an issue for those who are switching from an older device. As the nano-SIM is quite smaller than the micro-SIMs and daily SIM cards used in the past.
Well, we all know that the nano-SIM uses the same technology as its larger counterparts. That’s the only main difference being the amount of plastic that covers the chip. But it is possible for some people to request a new nano-SIM for their latest phone. There is a smart way: simply cut down the SIM to a smaller size yourself.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to cut down a SIM card and convert it into a nano-SIM for iOS.
Caution before you begin
Remember that you cut your SIM card at your own risk.
We’ve also cut down SIM cards for a time, and also it works in all but two examples. Those who can’t actually great odds. And one example was quite a headache as the SIM card can’t any longer use at all.
Make sure that there are always risks involved with home changes and don’t cut your SIM card until you’re happy for it not to work. Proceed at your own risk.
If you’re tense by the risks, simply consider the benefit of a multi-SIM, that we explain later in this guide.
What you want
If you want to cut your SIM card down to the nano-SIM size then you want the following equipment:
- Standard or micro-SIM card
- Nano-SIM card (for measurement)
- Pencil
- SIM ejector tool (or paperclip)
- Small pair of straight scissors
- Nail file
After you get all these in hand now it’s time to get begin.
Erasing the nano-SIM
You can use the SIM card ejector tool to open the slot of the SIM card on your iPad or iPhone.
Inside you probably find a stock nano-SIM. You want this. If you don’t have a nano-SIM on your iPhone, then you should borrow one from a friend to help you to resize your SIM card.
Full-Size SIM vs nano-SIM
Here we discuss a regular full-size SIM card as compared to a nano-SIM:
The nano-SIM is much smaller, and the full nano-SIM can fit in the metal on the full-size SIM card. Due to this you probably think the SIM cards use quite different technology. But they don’t: the nano-SIM is quit similar to SIM card as the regular SIM, but it is quite trimmed off. Some excess is a card but some of it is silicon.
Spotting SIM Cards
You might view some reports online that explain you measure the SIM card via ruler. The ruler is used to work with the traditional micro-SIM cards, but it can’t work while creating the latest nano-SIM. For this, you want to put a nano-SIM over the metal of the old SIM then line it up by eye.
Most of the SIM cards contain guide marks on the metal of the sim. These marks help you to line up the nano-SIM on the regular SIM card and gives you the place to cut out.
SIM Card Measurement
Put the nano-SIM on top of the full-size SIM using the cut-corner on both SIM cards. Then use the marks to line up the metal of the SIM card in the same middle position on your SIM card. Remember that you line up the middle metal part of the SIM card but not it’s surrounding plastic. Various SIM cards have distinct metal vs card dimensions. So you must be looking to line up the middle part of the metal on your regular SIM card.
Using the nano-SIM lined up against the full-sized SIM, just draw around the nano-SIM with the help of a sharp pencil. It creates a guideline for you to cut around. Don’t fret about marking the edge, just pay proper attention to marking the corners of the nano-SIM accurately.
SIM Card Cutting
Warning. It’s good to cut back your SIM card and proceed slowly than to chop off too much. You can also use a file to file down the corners. We usually begin with the top piece of card and the edges before carefully clipping the bottom.
We’re also using a pair of scissors to trim the SIM card. It is quite as easy to cut using the metal of the SIM card as it is the plastic card surrounding it. You can also use full-size scissors but the smaller pair of scissors offers more perfection. After using nail scissors don’t forget to use a straight pair, not ones with a slight curve.
It’s good to cut it slightly large and press it in, besides cut off too much and it is wagging around inside the SIM card slot. Cut off the edges manually.
Measure the nano-SIM tray
Now put the trimmed SIM card on top of the nano-SIM tray from the iPad or iPhone. It should be too big to fit into the nano-SIM tray. It’s quite a good thing. Now you want to trim the SIM card down until it fits perfectly into the tray. Then move the nano-SIM card into the device.
That’s all. Turn the iPad or iPhone on and iOS should say ‘Searching’ in the upper left corner.
Multi-SIMs
There is another simplest or easier way than cutting the SIM card to the required size yourself.
Recently, many real UK carriers have done away with older SIM cards with different sizes, and have instead exchange them with a single SIM card that you can use it in any device. The latest ‘multi-SIM’ gives users with a standard SIM or a micro-SIM, and a nano-SIM nestled inside – quite similar to older Russian dolls.
There are advantages to using a multi-SIM besides from having to cut your SIM yourself, too. If a situation ever occurs where you’re using a nano-SIM and want to move to a phone that needs a micro SIM, you won’t only pop the nano-SIM into the micro-SIM frame to use it. Simple, right?
Conclusion:
Here’s all about “Trim a SIM card & Make a Nano-SIM For iPad or iPhone”. If you think that it is helpful then do let us know your suggestions in the comment section below. Do you know any other method that you think we can’t mention in this article? Comment us below and stay tuned with us!
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