Database Users

[Q] Nexus 4 Sim Card

I was wondering how easy it would be to go from a Galaxy S2 to a Nexus 4. If I wanted to, would I be able to just buy the Nexus 4, pop in the SIM card from my Galaxy S2, and just go giddy with joy from there?

The N4 has a Micro SIM, so you would either need to 1) Cut the SIM (service available almost anywhere) or 2) Get a Micro SIM from your carrier.
You can then get a Micro SIM adapter, which in short converts the Micro SIM back to the Standard SIM size if you choose to go to the S2 again.

dhruvmalik said:
The N4 has a Micro SIM, so you would either need to 1) Cut the SIM (service available almost anywhere) or 2) Get a Micro SIM from your carrier.
You can then get a Micro SIM adapter, which in short converts the Micro SIM back to the Standard SIM size if you choose to go to the S2 again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, I'm hoping you can and are willing to share some of your knowledge with me. I just sold my Galaxy Note (i717) but held onto the SIM card, should I trash it since the Nexus 4 needs a Micro-Sim?

Alzoids said:
Okay, I'm hoping you can and are willing to share some of your knowledge with me. I just sold my Galaxy Note (i717) but held onto the SIM card, should I trash it since the Nexus 4 needs a Micro-Sim?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your SIM card will still work on the nexus 4 just cut it. Plenty of tutorials online and pretty easy.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Alzoids said:
Okay, I'm hoping you can and are willing to share some of your knowledge with me. I just sold my Galaxy Note (i717) but held onto the SIM card, should I trash it since the Nexus 4 needs a Micro-Sim?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're really desperate for a micro-SIM and/or short on cash you can cut it, though personally I'd recommend that you just get a micro-SIM from your carrier. Here in Australia at least, I believe there are a small amount of SIMs that just won't cut down to a micro-SIM without turning into a dud since the metal contact sections are slightly larger/smaller.
You can also use a cut mini-SIM->micro-SIM as an interim SIM whilst awaiting the legitimate micro-SIM

Unlawful said:
If you're really desperate for a micro-SIM and/or short on cash you can cut it, though personally I'd recommend that you just get a micro-SIM from your carrier. Here in Australia at least, I believe there are a small amount of SIMs that just won't cut down to a micro-SIM without turning into a dud since the metal contact sections are slightly larger/smaller.
You can also use a cut mini-SIM->micro-SIM as an interim SIM whilst awaiting the legitimate micro-SIM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whoa, wait. They CHARGE for sim cards in Australia? Here in the states you can go to your local carrier store and request a few for free! Or does it only apply to Micro-Sims?
florelui001p said:
Your SIM card will still work on the nexus 4 just cut it. Plenty of tutorials online and pretty easy.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, I may just look one up if I'm too lazy to go to the AT&T Store!

Alzoids said:
Whoa, wait. They CHARGE for sim cards in Australia? Here in the states you can go to your local carrier store and request a few for free! Or does it only apply to Micro-Sims?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh dear, the inequity, for my carrier at least, it's $20 for a new SIM (any new SIM). Not sure about other carriers though they might be free (mine's a very budget oriented but great value for money type of carrier)

146 Caculd
Thank you dhruvmalik!

Unlawful said:
Oh dear, the inequity, for my carrier at least, it's $20 for a new SIM (any new SIM). Not sure about other carriers though they might be free (mine's a very budget oriented but great value for money type of carrier)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely free to get a replacement SIM with Telstra, though they're pretty much the premium carrier in Australia. Guessing you're Amaysim or LiveConnected? I'll probably switch to LC once I get the N4.

Passa91 said:
Definitely free to get a replacement SIM with Telstra, though they're pretty much the premium carrier in Australia. Guessing you're Amaysim or LiveConnected? I'll probably switch to LC once I get the N4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, LiveConnected. I get heaps of data and credit to use though and I'm more than satisfied with their service.

Good info.

I think you got your answer already, but wanted to give my input on one thing, might save you a few bucks if it isn't too late already.
If you chose to use the micro sim back in S2, you DO NOT need an adapter. I was swapping my iPhone 4 sim back and forth between s2 and ip4, In s2, you just align the sim contacts with the metal contacts of the phone and push it in place.. no need for an adapter, and most adapters wont fit in s2 unless you apply a lot of pressure which may damage your phone.

coolpal said:
I think you got your answer already, but wanted to give my input on one thing, might save you a few bucks if it isn't too late already.
If you chose to use the micro sim back in S2, you DO NOT need an adapter. I was swapping my iPhone 4 sim back and forth between s2 and ip4, In s2, you just align the sim contacts with the metal contacts of the phone and push it in place.. no need for an adapter, and most adapters wont fit in s2 unless you apply a lot of pressure which may damage your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dont you get that adapter in a box when you buy s2?
Sent from my E15i using xda app-developers app

[Q] What are you guys gonna do about the Micro-SIM?

Ive not had a phone with a micro sim before. Is it simply a case of cutting down the normal sim to fit? Or will a provider send me out a new micro sim if i ask?

jimbob_me said:
Ive not had a phone with a micro sim before. Is it simply a case of cutting down the normal sim to fit? Or will a provider send me out a new micro sim if i ask?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can cut down the mini-sim to a micro-sim, it's very possible that your provider can do it in one of their many retail locations.
The provider can probably also just send you a new micro-sim.

Righto! Ill just cut it down then. Fingers crossed i dont mess up!

jimbob_me said:
Righto! Ill just cut it down then. Fingers crossed i dont mess up!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd definitely recommend trying your carrier or even another carriers store and see if they can cut your sim, doing it manually can potentially jam and ruin your device if doing incorrectly.

does wind offer these sims? probably have to cut it

If you're worried, get a SIM cutter from eBay, then you can do your mate's cards as well.

I took scissors to my T-Mobile sim a while ago, seemed more fun than going to the store and asking for a micro lol

use a sim cutter , works perfect

I looked at cutting mine, but the t-mobile chip is huge and I would have needed to cut the actual chip. I wasn't too happy about having to pay for a new SIM card so I called them up...and after a bit of a flirt with the girl on the other end got them to swap it for free! She sent me a combi version; so it is a normal sized SIM for my S2, then when I get my Nexus the chip bit pushes out and it becomes a MicroSIM. Yay!

Used sharp scissors to cut mine down, it was a little bit of a tight fit but works well.
You can also use fine-grained sandpaper to make it thinner as well.

I'm going to use a shrink ray, isn't everyone?

Just go to your carrier and get one.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

So your phone did not come with a micro sim card in the packaging?
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app

[Q] Cut down Very old normal SIM down to MICRO SIM -> Damage Sim Slot?

Hey,
I earlier cut down my very old, like 6 or more years old SIM card down to a Micro SIM.
When i inserted it in the Nexus 4 there was some kind of resistance but it fit in.
Unfortunately the cutting didnt work so i had to get a new Micro Sim eventually from my mobile phone provider.
When i took out the old , cut-down-SIM i also had to press comparatively strong with the ejection tool to get the SIM-Tray to pop out.
Now when i compare the thicknes of my old SIM and the new MICRO SIM, the MICRO SIM seems to be thinner.
Is it possible that i damaged the SIM-Card Slot?
If yes , how would i realize this?
Thanks for your help!

"When i inserted it in the Nexus 4 there was some kind of resistance but it fit in."
next time I would suggest to use sand paper to smooth the edges so that it can be easier fitting in. Thats what I did when i cut my SIM. works perfectly now.
It is possible that your sim slot has a light damaged.
You could realize it this way:
if you are using a regular MICRO-SIM, and if your phone sometimes searching for SIM card, it means the MICROSIM is too loose inside the slot and probably because of the damage.

Send the phone to me and i'll fix it
You may not get it back though

ahzim said:
"When i inserted it in the Nexus 4 there was some kind of resistance but it fit in."
next time I would suggest to use sand paper to smooth the edges so that it can be easier fitting in. Thats what I did when i cut my SIM. works perfectly now.
It is possible that your sim slot has a light damaged.
You could realize it this way:
if you are using a regular MICRO-SIM, and if your phone sometimes searching for SIM card, it means the MICROSIM is too loose inside the slot and probably because of the damage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thanks for your help!
I did indeed sand the edges until the card itself fit perfectly without any tolerance into the tray.
checked on wikipedia and obviously all the simcards , micro, mini, should be 76mm in thickness (only nano being thinner)...dont know where that slight resistance came from. Funnily though that the new MICRO is from a left and right moving/tolerance perspective (width and height) has some little tolerance i could let it practically fall into the tray. however i think left/right movement should be no problem, more if the card doesnt touch the contacts within the phone at all i guess?

I'm upgrading my GNex to the N4 when it comes in the mail. Never had to cut a SIM before, but looks like I'm about to learn how :laugh:
[Q] Are all SIM cutters created equal? Any particular model better than the rest? I see a few on amazon for less than 5 bucks, but I'm only going to get one shot at this and want to get it right the first time. Of course I'm researching around, but thought I'd come here first. Thanks in advance.

v12xke said:
I'm upgrading my GNex to the N4 when it comes in the mail. Never had to cut a SIM before, but looks like I'm about to learn how :laugh:
[Q] Are all SIM cutters created equal? Any particular model better than the rest? I see a few on amazon for less than 5 bucks, but I'm only going to get one shot at this and want to get it right the first time. Of course I'm researching around, but thought I'd come here first. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile or AT&T will give you micro sim for free.

tonyio said:
T-Mobile or AT&T will give you micro sim for free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I have an LTE plan (I come form a Skyrocket), could I assume this microsim is LTE capable? Just wondering, after reading some people reporting that some HSPA+ APNs work much better, but only when you "have an LTE plan".

tonyio said:
T-Mobile or AT&T will give you micro sim for free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True. TMobile will give just about anyone a free SIM. The trouble is getting my account (prepaid) moved from one SIM to the other without them screwing up my $30 / month unlimited data plan. That, and I don't think they offer this service to prepaid customers. Heck, I've never even been to the TMo store...I got the phone direct from Google and activated it with a SIM activation kit online. I thought the easy route would be to just cut the SIM I have. Seems simple enough, but I've never cut my own before. Can anyone recommend a certain brand / model sim cutter (or one to avoid)? Thanks.

I got the Noosy 2nd generation SIM cutter from Amazon for like $9. Easy to cut and fit into the Nexus 4 with no problems.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

Ulver said:
I got the Noosy 2nd generation SIM cutter from Amazon for like $9. Easy to cut and fit into the Nexus 4 with no problems.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A microsim card on t-mobile/ATT is only 99 cents more... And free if you are on contract...
Additionally, 6 year old sims are unlikely to support 4G data service, at least not very well. I don't understand why people are confused when they have terrible speeds or a broken sim tray after they spend time cutting their own sim, even buying a cutter when you could just buy a microsim for $9.99. It's common sense. Just get the right part, don't cheap out on a $400 device. T_T
It's really just simple logic. Do you guys really not have $10 to just get a microsim from your carrier? It will work so much better and be so much easier.

MusicMan374 said:
It's really just simple logic. Do you guys really not have $10 to just get a microsim from your carrier? It will work so much better and be so much easier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once my N4 arrives, I'll go with that option. As long as I can be assured the microsim AT&T gives me supports the speeds, I'll take it. I think their only official microsim device is the iPhone 5, isn't it? So they should have an LTE-capable microsim card...

iphone 5 uses a nanosim. As long as you get a recent microsim, you should be able to access the network and get HSPA speeds.

I was thinking of doing that but the only sims I have are from dumb tracfones can they be cut down and used with the Nexus 4?

desynch- said:
iphone 5 uses a nanosim. As long as you get a recent microsim, you should be able to access the network and get HSPA speeds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right! I thought I was wrong on that one, a few minutes after I wrote it... but then again, if it's as you say, I should have no trouble once I request a microsim at AT&T - I have a minisim right now that came with my Skyrocket.

Or you could not do that and spend the same amount of money on a micro Sim as a Sim cutter. Seriously. Its a scam, they sell the Sim cutters for the same price as the Sim card itself, I can't believe people really fall for this.
Go America.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Mini sim card to micro sim card help? *T-Mobile

OK so I have a quick question. Right now I own an HTC amaze which uses a mini sim card. Since my Nexus 4 is coming today I'll need to get a micro sim card. Do I just go to my local T-Mobile and get one? Do they charge? Also do I have to have the device with me? Or can I just go in without my nexus 4 and get the micro sim card?
Thanks.
Sent from my Amaze 4G using xda app-developers app

Most of the time the t-mobile store gives it to you for free but i have had 1 time when he charged me 20 dollars for mini sim. But most of the time they give you thier nano sim and micro sim for free. You could save yourself some time and cut the sim card yourself...

ross1998 said:
Most of the time the t-mobile store gives it to you for free but i have had 1 time when he charged me 20 dollars for mini sim. But most of the time they give you thier nano sim and micro sim for free. You could save yourself some time and cut the sim card yourself...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK sounds good, but do you know if I have to have the phone with me?
Also I was definitely thinking about cutting it but I don't know if I trust myself. You have any tips or tricks for me to cut it myself?
Sent from my Amaze 4G using xda app-developers app

Skilzdatkilz21 said:
OK sounds good, but do you know if I have to have the phone with me?
Also I was definitely thinking about cutting it but I don't know if I trust myself. You have any tips or tricks for me to cut it myself?
Sent from my Amaze 4G using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't have to take your phone with you. And i've cut my sim card from mini to micro and from micro to nano, and there isn't anything special to do. All i do is say if I was to cut mini to micro i wold get a micro sim from someone else to barrow then align the simcards and cut(there are many tutrials online). I always align the bottom right corners.
Also it is worth cutting your sim card because even if you mess up you gain epierence plus you can get a free one at your local t-mobile shop.

Skilzdatkilz21 said:
Also I was definitely thinking about cutting it but I don't know if I trust myself. You have any tips or tricks for me to cut it myself?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best tip: good strong pair of scissors. Because you will be cutting plastic, not flimsy paper.
I made a paper template using the micro-SIM of a friend. Positioned it right and then it was just cutting along the lines.

Skilzdatkilz21 said:
OK so I have a quick question. Right now I own an HTC amaze which uses a mini sim card. Since my Nexus 4 is coming today I'll need to get a micro sim card. Do I just go to my local T-Mobile and get one? Do they charge? Also do I have to have the device with me? Or can I just go in without my nexus 4 and get the micro sim card?
Thanks.
Sent from my Amaze 4G using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like the other member said, go to a tmo store. Call them up to see how much they would charge. I got mine from tmobile.com for $0.99USD PLUS TAX, but took 4bus days (Free shipping) to get to me. Overnight is $11.99 additional
http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-phone/T-Mobile-Micro-SIM-Card-Activation-Kit

stejoo said:
Best tip: good strong pair of scissors. Because you will be cutting plastic, not flimsy paper.
I made a paper template using the micro-SIM of a friend. Positioned it right and then it was just cutting along the lines.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Paper templates are good but not as accurate as real sims.

Skilzdatkilz21 said:
OK sounds good, but do you know if I have to have the phone with me?
Also I was definitely thinking about cutting it but I don't know if I trust myself. You have any tips or tricks for me to cut it myself?
Sent from my Amaze 4G using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, you don't need either phone. You can activate a new SIMM card over the web:
http://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-4677
I would bring the Nexus 4 and let them active the SIMM. They (official T-Mobile store) hit me for $30 cash for the Micro SIMM, but if I had known the price first, I would have called called 611 first to arrange for store pickup with a price quote from them. The Suggested Retail Price is only $9.99. http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-phones/prepaid-sim-cards

So, for a Nexus 4 16gb, the one needed is the MICRO SIM?

[email protected] said:
So, for a Nexus 4 16gb, the one needed is the MICRO SIM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes

attn tmobile customer-need to add a line and don't posess a sim card?
need to add a line to your account for zero $$$ but do not have an unactivated micro-sim card? Here's 12 step program followed by one who did it:
Setting is the mall hallway, tmobile kiosk after finding out that the tmobile store charges either $10 or $20 depending on the customer's story for adding a line and getting a new sim card. Customer knows that for 12 years tmobile gives sim cards away to customers and is unwilling to go along with paying for something that is given away free.
1. walk up to the tmobile kiosk, ask for a sim card, say you hate the tmobile store, and by now, believe it.
2. when kioskers say they ran out of sim cards, remind them you hate the store and ask for one of those cool shirts they wear at the kiosk.
3. magically, they have a sim card for you, and they try to start activating it.
4. Stop them from activating it. That is for later.
5. recieve the sim card and walk away to your car and start a call to tmobile.
6. tell the sales dept at 611 you have a sim card and need to add a line.
7. follow the instructions given you by the tmobile sales department at 611.
8. Once activation for that sim is complete, and the call is about to end, say that your new phone only accepts the smaller sim card.
9. They will say just take the phone and the just activated sim card into the tmobile store, that they will use a die-cutter to size it for you for free.
10. take it to the store inside the mall.
11. explain to tmobile teenager that you have a new line, that the sim card in your hand is activated on it and you need it sized for your new phone.
12. The tmobile teenager takes the card, puts it in the cutter, cuts it and also installs it into your new phone.

Setup with Straight Talk T-Mo Sim is a nightmare

Initially getting the phone here was a nightmare. Now getting the phones up and running has just been ridiculous. After two days of research and trying this and that o finally had my wives phone recognizing and registering on the Straight Talk network but only here and there. It will stop reading the SIM randomly. Now I'm trying to set mine up and I'm having the same problem. "No SIM card, Emergency Calls only". Has anyone found a solution or fix cause I'm right before throwing the phone.... which wouldn't be good..its a glass phone after all. Straight Talk is zero help. They got our money already, why should they be? At my wits end guys. Please help!!
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium

Is the sim card upside down?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

Sounds like you had to cut up a tmobile sim card to be micro for the N4 and then now it was cut wrong and is not seated and making proper contacts.

Geoi1006 said:
Initially getting the phone here was a nightmare. Now getting the phones up and running has just been ridiculous. After two days of research and trying this and that o finally had my wives phone recognizing and registering on the Straight Talk network but only here and there. It will stop reading the SIM randomly. Now I'm trying to set mine up and I'm having the same problem. "No SIM card, Emergency Calls only". Has anyone found a solution or fix cause I'm right before throwing the phone.... which wouldn't be good..its a glass phone after all. Straight Talk is zero help. They got our money already, why should they be? At my wits end guys. Please help!!
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Another crap story about straight talk. Switch to solavei. My setup process yesterday took 1 minute.
and better service (42 mbs T-Mobile vs st with only 21)
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

They will work intermittently. So should i try to order new SIMs? They can't both be cut wrong. I took extra precautions with the second one to be extra careful. Pretty ridiculous to me that they don't offer a micro sim for tmo.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium

No I put the notch on the same side it came on. And the card says "this side up" so I've put that side up
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium

Just called and ordered two replacement SIMs. They tried to tell me AT&T was the best coverage for my area and T- Mobile had spotty coverage here and that's why my SIM cards aren't working. To the average customer, this would've made perfect sense. Those of us that are inept enough to be active here know that's bs. I've had Tmo here. I happen to know they are the best coverage in this city. Told the CSR I refuse to be on AT&T anything. Dealt with them in the past. Know from experience about their shady practices and inconsistent policy enforcement. Throttle this person, let that person run several GB a month. Been there done that. Anyhow :rant end: I'm ordering an actual SIM cutter today also and hopefully that makes the process run smoother.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium

nextelbuddy said:
Sounds like you had to cut up a tmobile sim card to be micro for the N4 and then now it was cut wrong and is not seated and making proper contacts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This. ^
It's not the phone, nor the Sim. It sounds like a misaligned cutter. Note, a Sim cutter may also cut the Sim wrong if the user doesn't adjust / align it correctly. I suggest you borrow / find a precut Sim to compare alignment with before hand. There is very little room for error. Remember Sims are supplied either 1.8/2.95v power and you could short out your phone with the slightest error..

How did you cut? I used a $2 micro sim cutter from Amazon and its worked flawlessly. The sim is a hair thicker than the real t-mobile micro sim (have both T mobile and AT&T micro sims to test out services) but the alignment is perfect and no issue with the phone recognizing it.
The thing that makes me curious is your post from yesterday about the CSR telling you to use an AT&T sim. Im guessing they are out of the loop since StraighTalk has removed any reference of AT&T from their site, including the SIMs.

nextelbuddy said:
Sounds like you had to cut up a tmobile sim card to be micro for the N4 and then now it was cut wrong and is not seated and making proper contacts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bingo! That's exactly what is wrong with my phone but I chewed (Yes, you read that correctly. Lol) down the edges and right before shutting the sim tray fully, I push the sim card forward.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

ryan stewart said:
How did you cut? I used a $2 micro sim cutter from Amazon and its worked flawlessly. The sim is a hair thicker than the real t-mobile micro sim (have both T mobile and AT&T micro sims to test out services) but the alignment is perfect and no issue with the phone recognizing it.
The thing that makes me curious is your post from yesterday about the CSR telling you to use an AT&T sim. Im guessing they are out of the loop since StraighTalk has removed any reference of AT&T from their site, including the SIMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Although they are supposed to stick to a script, sometimes they fill in the blanks. Perhaps not understanding his real problem. I'm sure mentioning you cut their Sim would give you a few different responses.
I used a noosy kit from amazon for $7. And noticed it has some play/ adjustment and you could snip it wrong. The one I cut for my wifes iphone also left an edge unclean and slightly curled up. Which caused it to jam the tray..
Best and cheapest way to get a micro Sim for reference is the $1 simple mobile ones.. Cut right even allows you to use the letter piece as an adapter if you needed to switch back to reg sized Sim too.