This article will tell you how to turn a standard or micro-SIM card into a nano-SIM. Although the sizes of the three types of SIM cards are different, the part where the data is stored is always the same size. Keep in mind that if you make a mistake in cutting the SIM card you will make it unusable and impossible to repair; proceed taking this risk into account.
Steps
Step 1. Gather what you need
To cut the SIM card you will need the following items:
- A pair of straight, sharp bladed scissors
- A nano-SIM that will serve you as a reference
- A pencil
- A file (or sandpaper)
- A ruler
Step 2. Keep in mind what not to do
When you cut a SIM, it is important not to act on the metal part; in this way, in fact, you would make it unusable (and impossible to repair). The best way to prevent the risk of cutting the metal part is to take the SIM card to a slightly larger size than the nano-SIM and then use the file or sandpaper to shrink it to the exact size.
Step 3. Remove the SIM from your old phone
If you haven't already removed the SIM card you intend to cut from your old phone, do so before proceeding.
Step 4. Determine the size of the SIM
Using the ruler, determine which of the following categories the SIM card you plan to cut belongs to:
- Micro-SIM - 12 mm by 15 mm.
- Standard SIM - 15mm by 25mm.
Step 5. Remove the excess from the standard SIM card
If the card you intend to cut is a standard SIM, start cutting it on the left side. There should be a couple of millimeters between the left edge of the paper and the metal part.
- The left edge of the standard SIM card is the one without a beveled corner.
- Skip this step if the card you want to cut is a micro-SIM.
Step 6. Place your nano-SIM on top of the other card
It is not possible to determine how much plastic you will need to get rid of without using the nano-SIM card as a reference. To make sure you do this as smoothly as possible, follow these steps:
- Place the standard or micro-SIM card on a flat surface.
- Make sure the beveled corner of the nano-SIM is at the top right when looking at it from above.
- Make sure the bottom left corner of the nano-SIM is aligned with the corresponding one of the SIM card you are about to cut.
Step 7. Trace the outline of the nano-SIM on the bottom of the SIM card
Using the pencil, draw a line around the edge of the nano-SIM. This way you will have a reference to understand how much plastic you will have to cut away.
Step 8. Cut along the outline
Better to overdo it, so don't worry if the result is a little wider than the line you drew.
Step 9. Try inserting the SIM into the tray
It most likely won't go in, but you can see how much plastic you need to get rid of.
Some Android phones do not have a SIM card tray. If your phone is one of them, simply try inserting the SIM card into the slot
Step 10. File out the excess plastic
Using the file or sandpaper, remove most of the plastic on the bottom edge and sides of the SIM card.
- Keep most of the plastic on top of the SIM intact until you have verified that it is the appropriate size for the slot.
- Remember that a nano-SIM card has about a millimeter of plastic around the metal part, so don't remove all the plastic.
- Use the nano-SIM card as a reference for this step.
- If the SIM still does not fit into the slot, you will need to remove some more plastic.
- Again, if your Android phone doesn't have a SIM card tray, just try inserting it into the slot provided.
Step 11. Try inserting the SIM card back into the tray
If it matches the slot, you have managed to cut the SIM card down to the size of a nano-SIM. At this point you can verify that it works by inserting it into the phone and turning it on.
Advice
- Consider buying a micro-SIM cutter at a store or on the web if you're not comfortable with the idea of cutting the SIM yourself. This tool works similar to a perforator and can be purchased on websites such as Amazon and eBay.
- Find out if your carrier offers the SIM card cutting service at their stores. In many cases it is possible to request this service for free or for a fee.
Warnings
- Cut the micro SIM at your own risk, any damage reported by the SIM card during cutting cannot be repaired and if you accidentally cut the metal contacts you will have to buy a new SIM card.
- The telephone operator's warranty does not cover damage to the SIM card.
