Database Users

[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

TMobile switching out Sim for New Nexus 4

I hope that my New Nexus 4 will be here tomorrow. I plan on switching out my Standard SIM to the Micro SIM for the Nexus 4, but I won't have the phone with me yet. Will the TMobile Store need the new phone with them in the store before they could switch out my sim?

No. Just tell them you need a micro sim
Sent from my Nexus 4 themed with Goog Le Bean

Was it a free upgrade to the Micro SIM? There are also rumors that there are two types of SIM cards now: non-ISIS T-Mobile SIM card and a ISIS T-Mobile SIM card. I heard that the ISIS T Mobile SIM card takes support off for Google Wallet.
I just cut my standard SIM to micro.

If you have been a customer with Tmo for awhile, they will give you the new Sim for free. Otherwise, it is a ~$10 charge. No need to take the phone with you, just go to the store and ask for a micro-sim. Then, just activate the sim once you get your phone via the web (website listed on the new card).
I activated my micro-sim online and it was active almost immediately as opposed to when I have called and spoke to a CSR (~ 2 hrs).

Rod3 said:
If you have been a customer with Tmo for awhile, they will give you the new Sim for free. Otherwise, it is a ~$10 charge. No need to take the phone with you, just go to the store and ask for a micro-sim. Then, just activate the sim once you get your phone via the web (website listed on the new card).
I activated my micro-sim online and it was active almost immediately as opposed to when I have called and spoke to a CSR (~ 2 hrs).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One time my SIM card wasn't functioning properly and didn't detect my phone # and all that. I called 611 and they offered a free SIM card replacement but I had to get it from a store. Went to like 4-5 different T-Mobile stores even though the person on the phone said that the store closest to me had them in stock and when I went there the person said that they didn't have any in stock. It was so frustrating getting a replacement that I felt that I was being lied to in my face about them not having SIM cards.
Regardless of that, my SIM card works fine as it is now. Just cutted my standard SIM card (from a few years back) into a micro-sim and works fine on the N4.
$10 is still a rip off for a SIM card, they can't be that much to produce -_-

I went in yesterday to a T-mobile store and they gave me and activated the micro sim for free he just asked for my ID

You can purchase a Micro-SIM off of T-Mobile's site for $0.99 + tax (free shipping). That's what I did and then I just activated it online once my Nexus 4 arrived.

They should be able to cut your existing sim card. They have Sim cutters which will turn it into micro. If you do get a new sim, do not get the Isis ready one. It won't work with Google wallet.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

I previously had a normal sized card in Tmob on my Gnex. I usually got H speeds on it. Used an HTC one S (cut the sim) and almost always had H showing on the phone. Today I received my N4, its been perfect but now most of the time its 3G or very low reception. Is it the phone? or can it be the Sim card that I cut?
Thanks

El Niche said:
I previously had a normal sized card in Tmob on my Gnex. I usually got H speeds on it. Used an HTC one S (cut the sim) and almost always had H showing on the phone. Today I received my N4, its been perfect but now most of the time its 3G or very low reception. Is it the phone? or can it be the Sim card that I cut?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would think it might just be damage to the sim card from being cut and then taken in and out of different phones. Just get a micro some from T-Mobile. I called them and only paid 1.04 with tax and it was free over night shipping too. Put the next sim in my N4 and called customer server and they had it running in a matter of minutes.

awtacular said:
I would think it might just be damage to the sim card from being cut and then taken in and out of different phones. Just get a micro some from T-Mobile. I called them and only paid 1.04 with tax and it was free over night shipping too. Put the next sim in my N4 and called customer server and they had it running in a matter of minutes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cut my sim with a Butcher knife. No, not kidding. Works prefect.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

marty331 said:
I cut my sim with a Butcher knife. No, not kidding. Works prefect.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cut it with scissors, and it worked fine on a One S. Just to be sure the Tmob store gave me one for free. I still get very low speeds tho.

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.

Quick question.

It's been a while since I've upgraded, actually.. I haven't ever since I've been on T-Mobile.
Still using my Nexus 4. When I first got that phone I had to input a bunch of data on the T-Mobile website like the phone IMEI or whatever..
When I get my 6P will I need to do all of that or can I just pop my sim in and go? Will I need to set up an APN or anything?
Thanks!

Probably just pop in the sim and go. The sim may be a different size in which case you would either need an adapter or new sim from tmobile. Tmobile would tell you that you probably should update to a new sim after several years or you could possibly experience some problems. You can always try your existing sim first.

NCguy is right. The sim is a different size in the 6p.

Won't be druv said:
NCguy is right. The sim is a different size in the 6p.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NCguy said:
Probably just pop in the sim and go. The sim may be a different size in which case you would either need an adapter or new sim from tmobile. Tmobile would tell you that you probably should update to a new sim after several years or you could possibly experience some problems. You can always try your existing sim first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would I be able to cut it to get me by for now?

xrealtalk said:
Would I be able to cut it to get me by for now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would wait until you have the Nexus 6p in your hands or if you have adapters.
Sim cutting template
http://www.gosoftworks.com/GoSoftWorks/NanoSIM_files/nanosima4.pdf
I bought this.
Noosy Micro SIM Cutter, Converter with 2 SIM adapters
by Noosy
Link: http://amzn.com/B003UEWF8I
$3.15 but ships from China
Or you can get one with Prime, one day shipping for $6.99 . You have to look in the other sellers with the same link

dwertz said:
I would wait until you have the Nexus 6p in your hands or if you have adapters.
Sim cutting template
http://www.gosoftworks.com/GoSoftWorks/NanoSIM_files/nanosima4.pdf
I bought this.
Noosy Micro SIM Cutter, Converter with 2 SIM adapters
by Noosy
Link: http://amzn.com/B003UEWF8I
$3.15 but ships from China
Or you can get one with Prime, one day shipping for $6.99 . You have to look in the other sellers with the same link
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I think I will try cutting it once I have the 6P in my hands.
I don't really have the extra money to be spending on sim cutters when I can do it myself..
especially when I will probably only use it once..
If it fails, I live a block away from T-Mobile.

Just be careful. A sharp edge or a cheap adapter can actually ruin your phone.

Not sure if it happens with T-Mobile, but for a lot of carriers you can go in and get it swapped and transferred over pretty quickly.

Anyone on AT&T? Have a question about the nano sim...

So my phone arrives today but I have a Note 4 which doesn't have a nano. Will I be able to just walk into an AT&T store to get a sim without the phone or will they want me to have the phone with me?
Sent from my Note 4

You can walk into an AT&T store and get one but you'll have to call customer support to get it activated. At least that's how I did it when I got my Z3.

Ah ok. That's fine. I just rather not have to carry around two phones so I can get a sim
Sent from my Note 4

I called them to send me an unactivated sim card, which they have done for me before, but they told me they needed an IMEI number in order to ship me out one. So i actually went ahead and printed out a template to cut down my current micro sim so i don't even have to go see them when the phone comes in. Template link below if you're interested.
http://www.gosoftworks.com/GoSoftWorks/NanoSIM_files/nanosima4.pdf

On AT&T too and my M8 uses a nano-sim. I should be able to just put it in my 6P right or do I have to call AT&T first?

Vandam500 said:
One AT&T too and my M8 uses a nano-sim. I should be able to just put it in my 6P right or do I have to call AT&T first?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I took the AT&T nano sim out of my Moto X 2014 and am using it in my 6P. No problem

ouija147 said:
Yes, I took the AT&T nano sim out of my Moto X 2014 and am using it in my 6P. No problem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome thanks!

Went to AT&T last night and picked one up. I was in and out in a couple of minutes. I haven't activated it yet as I am just waiting for my sim adapter to come so I can use my Nexus 5 until I get a case and screen protector.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

I walked into ATT score and asked for Nano sim. They just handed me the credit card sized sim holder and told me to call when get phone. Didn't even ask for my phone or account number to verify I was current ATT customer.

andy_d0 said:
So my phone arrives today but I have a Note 4 which doesn't have a nano. Will I be able to just walk into an AT&T store to get a sim without the phone or will they want me to have the phone with me?
Sent from my Note 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you walk into the store with your new phone and old SIM they will replace and activate the SIM right then and there. You might have to wait a bit to be escorted to one of those tables after being greeted at the door, but when you're done, you will walk out with a fully functional phone.

I called AT&T and they overnighted me the nano SIM card. They asked for the IMEI number but had no issues when I told them I had yet to receive the phone so could not provide the information.

Ah ok. Let me try that
Steve, I don't want to carry both phones and / or be without service. Want to just have the card already
Sent from my Note 4

You can also order a sim cutter off Amazon and cut the sim down when your phone arrives.

Ah I didn't want to do that. why spend money if I can get for free I got a Sim during lunch. I was told that I need a code that will activate the Sim which is sent over sms. I'll have to figure that one out

Ended up using Hangouts Dialer to call over Wifi and got the sim card activated. Worked like a charm.
I did also go to a store but there were at least 4 people ahead of me and I didn't want to wait. I made the right choice