How to cut a SIM card for Micro-SIM? How to cut a SIM card for Nano SIM? Is it possible to cut off an old micro SIM card?

For quite a long time, mobile users have been using regular format SIM cards, and there was no need to cut the SIM card to micro or nano format. However, the rapid development of mobile technologies has led to phones becoming larger and SIMs becoming smaller. Nowadays, most new devices use nano SIM cards.

You can cut a SIM card at home yourself, both to the micro SIM format and to the application, however, with the advent of new types of SIM cards, services have appeared on the market that allow you to make a micro or nano SIM from a regular one. Today, all new SIM cards from operators have a universal format and are suitable for use in any gadget.

Today we’ll tell you how to make a microsim from a regular mini SIM card and apply it: how to reduce the size using a template yourself, how much it costs to cut a SIM card in the salon, and whether it’s possible to do without cutting a mini sim to micro or nano, and get the one you need for free from the operator.

Trimming

Many users, using a mini SIM card, prefer to cut a regular SIM to microsim or nanosim with their own hands, or use card cutting at the salon. This option may have its advantages, although rather dubious. As an argument to convert your SIM card into micro and nano, many cite the fact that it is not difficult to do, and cutting a SIM does not take much time, unlike replacing it with the operator.

We’ll talk about the advantages of replacing it with the operator later, but for now we’ll talk about how to make a nano-SIM card and a micro-SIM card out of a regular SIM card, how much it costs, and whether it’s difficult to cut a SIM card at home. There are two options for how you can cut a SIM card for micro and nano at home or in a salon, and there are no special conditions for this.

You can cut a mini SIM card at home without a special stapler for micro and nano, and the main thing is not to damage the SIM card chip using a template. You can cut any SIM card, and it doesn’t matter how many tracks there are on the chip - 4 or 3. Just print a micro SIM-card or nano template on a printer, attach your regular SIM card to it to get a micro and nano SIM card with your own hands.

If you have never cut a SIM card before, then when using a micro and nano SIM card template, you need to trim the extra edges of your card with a margin. In this case, the remaining excess plastic can be sharpened with a regular nail file, but “gluing” the excess back is impossible. To cut a mini SIM card into a micro at home, use a construction knife or stationery scissors.

The second option is to convert SIM into microsim and nano at home - using a stapler-cutter for SIM cards Micro/nano sim cutter. Buying it is not a problem, and you can order it both online and in accessory stores. However, in this case, the cost of cutting a SIM to fit a micro and nano card will increase in proportion to the cost of the stapler. Its price, depending on the model, can range from two hundred to five hundred rubles. Of course, it is illogical to purchase it just to cut it out from a regular micro or nano SIM.

If you can’t convert your SIM into a microsim without a stapler, then contact a specialist. For one hundred to two hundred rubles, they can convert a SIM card into micro or nano in a minute.

Replacement

Cut or change the SIM card - it's up to you. Many mobile phone users, having seen what micro and nano SIM cards look like, think of getting the one they need from the operator as a replacement, or simply cutting off the regular one, because visually the only difference is in the amount of plastic framing the chip. However, if you ask the opinion of experts, then everyone will say that it is better to switch from a regular SIM card to using micro and nano by obtaining a new card from the operator.

What is a mini SIM card, and how does it differ from the newer format, and really, isn’t it better to just cut it off? Behind the external similarities lie completely different cards.

The cards of the new format use completely different chips, allowing not only to use more information on them, but also to enjoy high-speed data transfer. If you have an old regular card, then you will not be able to register your phone on LTE networks.

Also, the main question for any user remains how much it costs operators to replace a SIM card with a micro and nano one. The federal four, except Beeline, offer this service free of charge. At Beeline, the service is paid in the amount of thirty rubles, but when replacing an old card that does not support 4G, the operator will return the funds to the balance in the form of bonuses.

To get a new card, you just need to come to your operator’s office and receive a new SIM card after filling out the application. For this you will need a passport. The new SIM card can be used in all three formats by simply separating it from the base of the desired size.

Most modern mobile devices use small SIM cards - micro sim. The thing is that many gadget manufacturers are trying to improve not only functionality, but also external data. By saving internal space and denser placement of elements, new models of mobile equipment look thinner and more compact, and, therefore, weigh less.

How to cut a SIM card for a micro SIM?

After purchasing a new smartphone or tablet, users often find that the SIM card from the old phone cannot be inserted into the new one due to its large size. In order to start using the purchased gadget, you need to cut off your SIM card. In this case, only the dimensions of the plastic part are reduced, and the chip itself is completely preserved. Converting a regular SIM card into a micro version yourself is not difficult, the main thing is to be patient. To do this you will need nail scissors, a well-sharpened pencil, sandpaper and a ruler.

In the standard version, the SIM card is made in the form of a rectangular plastic base measuring 2.5x1.5 cm, on which the chip is located. Micro sim has different dimensions - 1.5x1.2 cm. The procedure for converting a SIM card consists of a number of subsequent steps, which should be followed:

It should be remembered that a large SIM card can always be adjusted, and if the card turns out to be too small, it will turn out to be unusable and then you will need to exchange it for a new one.

If the user is afraid that he will ruin the SIM card, or simply does not want to deal with this procedure, then to replace the SIM card, he should contact any branch of the provider. You need to have your passport with you. Beeline employees will issue a new SIM card or quickly cut the existing one.

Sometimes everything is exactly the opposite - micro sim is used in mobile devices with standard slots. For such cases, there is a corresponding adapter for micro SIM cards, which is sold in all communication offices. At the same time, micro sim becomes a universal card suitable for many phones.

The familiar SIM cards are gradually becoming a thing of the past. They are being replaced by micro or nano format cards. The first such SIM card appeared in 2003. The initiator of its appearance was the Apple company. And then she created a device that works only with this SIM card - iPhone 4 and 4S. The company's next phone models use a different type of SIM card - nano-sim. These cards differ from each other only in size.

A regular-sized SIM card can also be used in phones with micro slots. To do this you just need to cut it off. You can do this either at home or ask a specialist. To perform this procedure yourself, you will need simple sharp scissors (for example, manicure scissors), a nail file, sandpaper and an ordinary ruler.

It happens that a cropped SIM card is needed for a phone with a regular SIM connector. This problem is also solvable. First, she will have to return to her original size. There are two ways to deal with this: contact the nearest mobile phone store or “walk” through online stores. The salon will tell you how to do this and help you insert a SIM card. And the consultant can also recommend a special adapter.

An adapter for SIM cards can also be purchased from online stores. And not just one, but a whole set. On such sites, sets of adapters are quite inexpensive: about 20 rubles. It includes three adapters and a key for removing the SIM connector. When choosing this product, you should rely on previous customer reviews.

In fact, a SIM card is not just a piece of plastic - it is a miniature computer. It has RAM, RAM, processor, and more. The nano-sim has virtually no plastic around the edges. It is completely covered in contacts, and at its very center there is a processor the size of a pinhead. Micro-sim is distinguished by the presence of a large amount of plastic around the edges. It is difficult to damage a microprocessor, but if this happens and the phone stops receiving signals, you should contact your operator. Most cell phone companies will replace damaged or lost cards free of charge.

A regular SIM card will not work for Apple phones. As written above, they all work exclusively with micro or nano cards. Therefore, before installing a SIM card in your iPhone, you should make sure that it meets the parameters.

So, from all that has been said, it is clear that SIM cards differ from each other only in size. That is, the familiar SIM card is a small piece of plastic with a microchip and microcircuit. Its size is 25 15 millimeters, micro-sim is 15 12 millimeters, and nano-sim is 12 5 millimeters.

Theoretically, a simple SIM card can be cut to a nano-card at home. The main thing is to act carefully and without haste, so as not to completely ruin it.

Carefully! Further actions with the SIM card may cause irreparable damage to it! To protect yourself, it is better to try this method on old unnecessary cards.

Here are instructions on what and how to do:

First you need to apply markings to the card that needs to be redone - 15 12 mm. The markings are needed to ensure that the microchip is not damaged when cutting. When the lines are drawn, you need to take a well-sharpened tool: sharp manicure scissors or a stationery knife and cut off the excess plastic along these lines, and then cut off a small corner.

After these manipulations, all that remains is to insert a new card into the SIM connector of the phone. If the SIM card does not fit in size, it means that there is excess plastic left on it, which should be removed. This should be done with a nail file, sandpaper or other abrasive.

How to make a nano-sim from a regular SIM

Sometimes you need to make a nano-sim from an ordinary SIM card; this is a simple and safe operation using a minimal set of tools.

And here are the instructions for converting a regular SIM into a nano:

1. Cut the plastic off the top and bottom of the card. First remember the location of the corner. The result should be a SIM card 12.3 mm long.
2. The width also needs to be adjusted to the required size. To do this, just cut off the unnecessary plastic from the sides. The width of the new nano-sim should be 8.8 mm.
3. What should I do if the card does not fit into the phone connector after all the steps? Perhaps it's the thickness. The height of a standard nano-sim is 0.70 mm. To achieve such a thickness, you will have to work with an abrasive (sandpaper, file, etc.). It is necessary to wash on the side on which the mobile operator logo is located. This operation will in no way affect the working data of the card. However, safety precautions must be observed. Before the procedure, you should wear a special respirator, a medical mask or a homemade gauze mask. This will help protect your respiratory tract from dust. During operation, it may cause harm to the respiratory system.

And this way you can make a nano-map from a micro-map. All actions are exactly the same as in previous cases. The only difference between these SIM cards will be in thickness. The difference is approximately 0.14 mm. To adjust the card to the desired size, you will again need a file or sandpaper.

Modern mobile phones and smartphones are becoming more productive and powerful every day, while demands are being made on them in terms of compactness and ease of use. To reduce the size and weight of devices and maintain and improve productivity parameters, developers have to sacrifice the parameters of minor components. Often this effect is achieved by reducing the SIM card slot. In turn, this led to the emergence of a new micro-SIM format. This innovation forced many users to encounter difficulties in optimizing standard SIM cards for the new parameters of cellular devices.

You can get a micro-SIM using the service centers of a mobile operator. This action can be performed in almost every mobile phone store. Using a special device, salon workers will adjust the usual card to the desired size.

You can make a Micro-type card from a standard SIM card at home, using tools that are available in every home. This operation will take about 20 minutes and will require a little care and accuracy on your part. To get a map of the required size you will need a pencil, ruler, scissors, and a small piece of sandpaper.

Do-it-yourself SIM card trimming

The size of a standard SIM card is 2x15 mm. The micro size is 15x12 mm. The thickness of the card is standard and is 0.76 mm. You will only need to reduce the length and width. A standard SIM card consists of two parts. The electronic chip contains all the information about the phone book, call log, and SMS message archive. The plastic part of the card is larger than the chip and this outer size coincides with the dimensions of the mobile device slot. Often the dimensions of the chips in a standard SIM card and the Micro format are the same, and the only difference is in the dimensions of the plastic casing.

1. First of all, you need to mark the lines of the upcoming cut with a pencil. To do this, along the perimeter of the chip it is necessary to apply a quadrangle measuring 15x12 mm under the ruler. There are also situations where the chip size is slightly increased. In such a situation, the cutting line will run along the foil. With the help of sharp scissors and accuracy, the result of this manipulation will satisfy you. Instead of a ruler, you can also use a ready-made template around which you just need to draw lines with a pencil. You can make the template yourself.
2. The second stage involves carefully trimming the excess parts of the plastic along the lines that you have outlined. Nail scissors are perfect for this manipulation, as they are quite sharp and powerful, despite their size. You also need to cut off the corner of the resulting micro SIM card in order to give it the exact shape of the slot.
3. After cutting, you need to attach the card to the phone slot. If it does not fit well enough or there are burrs on the sides, then you should use sandpaper and carefully clean the cut sides. This manipulation will remove all the roughness that remains after trimming.

Recently it happened that I became the proud owner of a phone Samsung Galaxy S3. Powerful phone! Frisky, bright, sophisticated. Definitely the company's flagship phone!

But when I opened it and wanted to install a SIM card with an connected Internet tariff, then a bummer awaited me. It turns out that starting from Samsung Galaxy S3 The company switched to producing phones with a new SIM card format - MicroSIM. Those. also in Galaxy S2 there were normal SIM cards, but Galaxy S3 already microsim. The same SIM cards are used in iPhone 4. A bad example, as they say, is contagious. IN iPhone 5 an even smaller format is used - nanoSIM. It’s probably worth waiting for such SIM cards to appear in future models from Samsung. Wait and see.

Since it was in the evening, I didn’t want to wait until the morning, go to an operator who seemed to exchange regular SIM cards for microSIM for free, so, armed with straight arms, I decided to make a MicroSIM from a regular SIM card myself.

In the process of collecting information, I found out that ordinary SIM cards have dimensions of 25 x 15 x 0.76 millimeters. And the microsim is 15 x 12 x 0.76 mm. Those. The thickness is the same, but the length and width are smaller. SIM cards also have different types and configurations of contact pads. There are SIM cards with 8 contacts, and there are more modern ones with six. In principle, this does not matter to us. Those cards that have 6 contacts are simply smaller in size and when you cut the card, you don’t have to cut through the foil, which scares many people. There is no need to be afraid. For those with 8 contacts, you can cut along the foil (but carefully).

I had an old model. Here's one with big contacts:

Cut, cut like that. Let's get started.

But, as popular wisdom says. Measure seven times and cut once. You can't just pick it up and cut it. You need to know where and how to cut. In order not to bother ourselves with different numbers, not to bother with measurements, etc., let’s do it simpler. Let's mark everything on paper, then stick a template on the SIM card and cut it out. I prepared .

We prepare the necessary tools. You need scissors, preferably straight and sharp. You can also use manicured ones, but then cutting out the smooth edge of the card will be much more difficult. You also need double-sided tape, the SIM card itself and a printed template.

1. I printed the PDF file on a standard A4 sheet at a scale of 1:1 and trimmed off the excess

   

2. I cut out a SIM card template from a printed sheet along the blue line (P.S.: photo with the old template. Now in PDF there is a new template with colored lines)
3. I glued it with double-sided tape on the side of the SIM card contacts

   

   

   

4. Using sharp scissors, I cut out the micro-sim along the red line (see P.S. above)

   

   

   

5. Peeled off the tape with the template glued to it

   

6. I filed the edges to make them smoother.

   

All. The SIM card is ready. Now we insert the resulting micro-SIM card into the phone. In my case, Samsung Galaxy S3.

The card fits in easily. Push it in until it clicks.

That's it, the SIM card is installed. We turn on the phone. The phone immediately detected the network. Works!

UPDATE: By the way, if you cut a lot of SIM cards into micro-SIM, then I recommend purchasing a special SIM card cutter. Now in mobile operator stores, cutting a SIM card to a micro-SIM costs about 150-200 rubles. (depending on the operator, Beeline, Megafon, MTS or something else...). This SIM card cutter will pay for itself with just 2 SIM cuts. I bought one for myself because I first cut off my family’s SIM cards, gradually as we updated our phones and tablets. And then relatives reached out, and friends, and friends of friends. And so on. In a word, word spread and a lot of people began to contact me so that I could cut the SIM down to a micro-SIM. I'm tired of printing out the template, gluing, cutting, filing, and checking every time. Yes, and it takes a lot of time.

That's why I bought this stapler for SIM. If you take a bottle of beer from each relative or friend, you can drink yourself to death... 🙂 🙂 🙂 In general, I didn’t regret buying this crap. I inserted the SIM, click... and the cut micro-SIM is in our hands. Fast and reliable. I recommend.