How To Cut A SIM Card?

With new phones coming out every month, it is very acceptable that you think is time to change your old one. You go to the store or get it online, and once that you have it in your hands; you realize that your old but still useful SIM card does not fit in the slot.

Do not panic! You are not the first or the last to whom it happens. The good news is that there are some ways to keep using your phone number, and what is better, your current SIM card.

We will then discuss the alternatives that you have to change the size of your SIM card without spending a penny. Let’s continue reading!

Different SIM Card Sizes

To start, it is good to know that SIM stands for Subscriber Identity Module. For sure now, you will identify it as that small device with a chip that you put into your phone, to be able to make calls, send messages and connect to the Internet. If you are reading this, then probably you have a device that uses a SIM card.

Originally it was of a standard size, which was 25mm x 15mm. However, with the increasing development of technology and new and modern phones coming up to the market, the size of the SIM card has been gradually reduced. The main reason for this is to free up space for more hardware.

After the standard size, which was first introduced in 1996, there is the micro size. It was introduced in 2003 and is still used in some phones such as iPhone 4S and Samsung Galaxy S5. A micro-SIM is smaller than a standard SIM (15mm x 12 mm) but it is not the smallest.

The smallest SIM card is called Nano-SIM. The measures are 12.3mm x 8.8mm, and it is typically used in devices released in the last few years.

Changing to Micro SIM or Nano SIM

This situation can happen if you are changing your old phone to one that requires a micro SIM or Nano SIM, and you have a Standard SIM card.

One thing you can do is to contact your network provider and ask them to replace your SIM card. Usually, there are a few conditions that you must admit, and they possibly will charge you for the service. It will depend on the contract you have with your provider, so we recommend that you inform yourself in detail when contacting your provider.

Another way that you have to change from Standard to Micro or Nano SIM is by buying a new SIM card. Nowadays the SIM cards come in three sizes (with an adapter), so you can use the one that you need. The downside is that you will no longer use the same phone number.

The last alternative, and the one we want to discuss here, is to cut the SIM card by yourself. This will save you from having to call your phone carrier and spending extra money. In addition, what is better, you will keep your current phone number.

However, you are warned! You need to be very careful when doing so. Below we will discuss in more detail how to cut a SIM card.

Cutting Your Own SIM Card

It is possible to cut a standard SIM card to make it Micro or Nano because the electronic contacts have the same dimensions in the three SIM card sizes. The only different thing is the amount of plastic surrounding it. As we said before, the size has been reduced mainly to free up space to place other functions.

One of the easiest and more secure ways of cutting a SIM card is by using a SIM Cutter. It is a small tool, similar to a paper punch, which has holes with the exact size of Micro and Nano cards.
You just need to place the SIM card in the right hole and then punch it right down. The result will be a clean-cut and a smaller card. The best thing here is that you can use the remnant plastic as an adapter in case you need to fit the SIM again into your older phone.

Now, we know that you are here because you do not want to spend money in the process. Although we highly recommend the alternatives mentioned before, you can try to cut the card yourself.
We will explain how to cut a SIM into Nano size since it is the most common at the moment.

Cut The SIM Card To Nano Size

Let’s detail the steps you need to follow to cut your SIM card.

1. Draw the dimensions of the Nano SIM card (15mm x 12mm).
2. Notice that in a corner, your SIM card has a little cut diagonally. You have to draw that cut in the new SIM card size.
3. Cut the plastic with sharp scissors, or with a cutter. We suggest you use a cutter and a ruler, so you can be more precise when cutting.
4. It is ready to use in devices with only Nano-SIM slots!

Follow these steps to change the size of your SIM card. However, bear in mind that you need to be careful. If you accidentally cut the golden contacts, then you will lose your SIM card and therefore ask for a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many SIM card sizes are there?

There are three: Standard, Micro, and Nano.

How can I change my SIM card size?

You can ask for a replacement of your SIM card, cut it with a SIM cutter or with scissors.

Is it advisable to cut the SIM by yourself?

It should be the last resort you choose, as you run the risk of accidentally damaging the circuits.

We hope that this article has been useful to clarify your doubts about what to do to change the SIM card size, and especially the tips to cut a SIM without losing it in the process!