Many modern mobile devices do not use standard SIM cards, but their smaller “brothers”. Therefore, the question very often arises: how to cut a SIM card so that it can be inserted into the slot intended for it without any problems. Let's look at why manufacturers started using “cut” SIM cards in the first place.

Manufacturers in pursuit of excellence mobile devices invent various kinds of innovations and actively implement them. However, recently, in addition to improvements software and expanding functionality, they try to overtake others in terms of the size and weight of the device. Thus, the devices become flatter and wider and weigh less.

The main reason for reducing the SIM card was to save space inside the mobile device. The SIM card is reduced in size, which frees up additional space in order to place elements more compactly. By the way, the first phone that runs on a smaller SIM card is the iPhone 4.

SIM card translated into English is a subscriber identifier module. SIM card technology is used by operators cellular communication to provide services and identify network subscribers.

In addition to the standard SIM card format, MiniSIM, MicroSIM and NanoSIM are now used. All of these formats are derivatives of the first SIM card, which was comparable in size to bank cards.

That is, using the example of reducing the size of SIM cards, we can trace the evolution of mobile devices, which is also a relatively new term; previously only phones were mobile. But, starting in 2009, they began to develop mobile tablets and other gadgets that use mobile communications.

• So, the MiniSIM card format we are familiar with is suitable for many phones, released before 2011.
• MicroSIM card is used in iPhone4/4s, a number of models Nokia Lumia, Sony, Samsung and others
• NanoSIM cards are currently only intended for iPhone5/5s.

We adapt a mini-SIM to a micro-SIM at home

In practice, situations often arise when, when purchasing a mobile device, you were not warned that you would need a micro-SIM to communicate. Or you have been using the same SIM card for quite a long time, and there was a need to cut it to the required size. We will look further at how to cut a SIM card to a micro-SIM.

A mini SIM card is a rectangle with one cut corner and parameters 25 mm * 15 mm * 0.75 mm. And it consists of a plastic base into which the ID chip is attached. Naturally, the main part of this design is the chip itself. If it is damaged, the mobile device will not be able to receive a signal mobile communications Therefore, using a damaged SIM card is impossible. Therefore, when circumcising a SIM card at home, you need to be very careful.

In order to correctly perform all procedures, you will need scissors that are as sharp as possible, writing device– a pencil or pen, preferably a ballpoint pen, an accurate ruler.

A micro-SIM differs in size from a mini-SIM card. Its parameters are 15*12*0.76 mm.

Let's take a closer look at the process of converting a card into a MicroSIM.

1. The card for the procedure must be placed with the chip facing up so that it is always visually accessible, and we unfold it so that the cut edge “looks” up - to the left.
2. On the right side, which is 15 mm, measure 1.5 mm to the center and cut off the excess strip of plastic.
3. The bottom of the card, which is 25 mm, is shortened by 1 mm. We also measure with a ruler, draw a clear line and carefully cut with scissors.
4. In order for the right edge of the card to be 12 mm apart, it is necessary to cut off 2 mm from the top edge. Then we get 15 mm – 1 mm – 2 mm = 12 mm – the MicroSIM width we need. We carry out this action as carefully as all the previous ones, but do not worry that you are significantly shortening the cut corner, it will be restored later.
5. The length of the micro-sim is 15 mm. In order not to calculate the number of millimeters to be cut, we simply measure a distance of 15 mm from the right edge, draw a strip along the ruler and cut off the excess.
6. The result is a blank for a micro-sim.
7. If you've been paying attention, you know that the corners of the SIM card are not perfectly straight, but slightly rounded. Therefore, you need to trim them slightly with scissors so that they match the original.
8. The last corner is cut off on all SIM cards of all formats. The cut looks like an isosceles triangle with sides of 2 mm.
9. Apply a ruler to the upper left corner and measure 2 mm down and to the right. Connect the resulting points and cut off the resulting triangle.
10. The micro SIM card is ready.

Let's try it on in the appropriate slot. If suddenly it is large, you can trim it a little more, and if suddenly you make a mistake during the cutting process, you will have to purchase a new card or ask your cellular operator to restore the damaged one. By the way, now you can find a lot of video instructions everywhere on how to cut a SIM card. It is better to do this by looking at pictures and other graphics.

Cut mini-sim to nano-sim

As noted above, there is another SIM card format that has recently gained additional popularity - nano-SIM.

Nano SIM card parameters – 12.3 mm * 8.8 mm * 0.67 mm. That is, practically you have a chip in your hands without plastic. In addition, nano-SIM is not only tiny, it is also thinner than a regular mini-SIM or micro-SIM by 0.09 mm. The chip area of ​​all SIM card models, regardless of the year of manufacture, is the same, so any card of the above formats can be turned into a nano-SIM.

For the procedure you will need:

• sharp scissors;
• a well-sharpened pencil or a regular ballpoint pen;
• precise ruler or caliper;
• "SIM" mini-SIM;
• sandpaper;
• paper;
• double sided tape.

This guide suggests a different method than the one presented when cutting a micro sim.

1. In advance, you need to draw a diagram of the future NanoSIM SIM card on a sheet of paper. According to the above parameters, draw a rectangle with sides 8.8 mm and 12.3 mm. It is known that the cut edge of a nano-sim is less than 1 mm. Therefore, it will be executed at the very end of the procedure.
2. We position the SIM card so that the cut corner is at the top left. The card must be placed with the chip facing up to avoid damage.
3. Let's cut out our blank.
4. We attach it in such a way that the chip is under the workpiece and does not peek out from under it. It is better to perform this action armed with double tape.
5. Then we mark with a pencil the markings along which we will cut the card.
6. Using scissors, carefully cut out a nano-SIM card from a mini or micro SIM card.
7. We check whether it fits the slot in width and height. If yes, then everything is fine.
8. It remains to solve the problems with thickness. To do this we will use sandpaper. Naturally, the excess “fullness” must be removed from the side opposite to the chip. Any, even the slightest damage to the SIM card chip can cause a malfunction, so be careful.

The final stage is re-fitting the nano-SIM into the slot. Everything fit perfectly, which means the operation was successful.

Where and how else can you modify an old SIM card?

If the option of independently cutting a new SIM card from the old one does not suit you, then you can use a simpler and less financially responsible method - replacing the SIM card with a cellular operator.

To do this, you can simply come to the supplier’s office and, presenting your passport, receive a new SIM card to replace the old one. The new SIM card is a mini-SIM from which you can “get” a micro-SIM. There is a perforation along the borders of the micro-SIM, by pressing on which you can squeeze out a smaller card.

A new SIM card completely replaces the old one if you do not purchase a new SIM card, but ask to replace the old one. Within 24 hours, the old SIM card will be disabled, and the personal account balance will be available on the new SIM card. All subscriptions and tariff plan are also saved.

To obtain a nano-SIM, the procedure for converting one SIM card to another has not yet been implemented. But, you can order a new nano SIM card from the operator and receive it for use after a while. It is important to know that this is a free service. And, if suddenly, at the operator’s office you are asked to pay for a new nano-SIM, you should know that this is not legal.

And if you don’t have the opportunity to wait for the delivery of a nano-SIM, then you can try to make it yourself or use a cutting service. In shops household appliances, mobile operator showrooms or mobile device service workshops provide the service of cutting nano-SIMs from any format. This procedure is performed with a device similar to a stapler and costs up to 350 rubles.

Despite the fact that the idea of ​​​​creating a mini-SIM card appeared more than 20 years ago, the final version of the new card was approved only in 2003. Innovations affected not only its size, but also its functions. Thus, the creators managed not only to expand phone book, but also to achieve a significant improvement in authentication security. Today, such cards are widely used in small gadgets. But most people who are forced to change their phone often do not want to change their usual and well-known number. Therefore, many of them are interested in micro-sim.

What are the main parts of a SIM card?

In order to better understand how to properly cut a SIM card, you need to have at least a minimal understanding of what it consists of. An ordinary SIM card consists of two parts - a SIM chip and a plastic plate. The first is a metal core on which all information is stored. For those who have a regular SIM card, it is very important not to damage this chip when cutting it. The second serves as a decorative frame for the chip and does not carry any functional load. It is this that is considered the very part that the mini-SIM card does not need.

How to trim this unnecessary plastic and what is needed for this? First of all, you should make sure in advance that you have everything you need at hand. So, to cut a SIM card you will definitely need:

• sandpaper;
• stationery knife;
• pencil;
• exact ruler.

If it is missing, it can be replaced with sharp scissors.

Existing SIM card formats

Today, in addition to the standard SIM card, mini-, micro- and nano-SIM are actively used. All of them are derivatives of the first SIM card, the dimensions of which were comparable to those of bank cards. One of the main reasons that prompted phone manufacturers to reduce the size of SIM cards is considered to be savings. free space inside the device itself. Therefore, using the example of reducing the subscriber ID module, one can get a clear idea of ​​the stages of evolution of mobile devices. The use of micro- and nano-SIM cards allows you to free up additional space for a more compact arrangement of elements.

Traditional mini SIM cards are suitable for most phones released before 2011. A micro-SIM card can be inserted into more modern models, while a nano-SIM is designed exclusively for iPhone 5/5s.

Clear definition of cutting line

Before cutting the SIM card to fit the micro-SIM, you need to mark the cut lines. This can be done using an accurate ruler. A 15x12 mm rectangle is marked and drawn around the chip. To avoid accidentally damaging the chip, a small area of ​​plastic is left around it. Those with a custom enlarged card will have to cut close to the edge of the metal plate. In this case, you need to be extremely careful not to spoil the SIM card.

Removing the plastic casing

Before cutting a SIM card into a micro-SIM, you should get nail scissors with sharp, thin blades. They are ideal for cutting the plastic framing the chip. You need to act slowly and without making sudden movements. Otherwise, there is a risk of damaging the card. When cutting the plastic casing, it is necessary to cut off a small corner on the same side as on the previous card. This is necessary so that the new SIM card fits smoothly into the slot.

Fitting and necessary correction

After successfully completing all the above-described manipulations, it is necessary to “try on” the received card. To do this, you need to place it in the slot of your phone. After making sure that the SIM card is firmly in place, you can try to turn on the phone and wait until it picks up the mobile operator’s network.

If it turns out that the SIM card is a little too big and therefore does not fit into the slot, it can be slightly adjusted using sandpaper. Attempts to trim half a millimeter of excess plastic with scissors or a stationery knife can lead to the fact that the card will have to be simply thrown away, since it is unrealistic to rehabilitate a damaged SIM card.

Alternative methods for modifying an old map

For those who are interested in how to cut a SIM card under a micro-SIM, but do not dare to do it themselves, we can offer another option. To do this, you simply need to contact the operator providing cellular services with a request to replace the card.

To do this, you will need to drive up to the company’s office and, presenting your passport, pick up a new SIM card in exchange for the old one. The new card is a standard mini-SIM, which, if necessary, can be adapted to a micro-SIM. To do this, simply squeeze out a smaller card by pressing firmly on the perforations located along the edges of the micro-SIM card.

In case of replacing the old SIM card with new map Not only your tariff plan is saved, but also all your subscriptions. The old card will be deactivated by the operator within 24 hours.

From year to year mobile technologies are improving, smartphones are getting bigger, and parts are getting smaller. Manufacturers strive for minimalism of details and maximalism of displays. The changes also affected SIM cards, which have undergone changes since their inception. Today we will tell you how to properly cut a SIM card, adapting it to a new device. But first, let's study the existing types of SIM cards.

Types of SIM Cards

Have you ever wondered why SIM cards are sold built into a large plastic base? Let us tell you a secret - once upon a time this was a SIM card! Yes, it’s so big and inconvenient, but phones at that time weren’t exactly small. Back then it was considered an achievement that a telephone could work wirelessly, and few people were interested in the size of the card with which calls could be made.

Time passed, the devices changed, large SIM cards were replaced by mini-SIM cards, which today we are accustomed to consider ordinary. Further - less. Mini-SIMs are becoming less and less common, and new devices are starting to use micro-SIMs. And, it would seem, much less? But here Apple company I decided to make the cards smaller for my devices - and nano-sim appeared.

If you decide to purchase a new SIM card today, when you open the package, you will find a card with several cuts. You just need to select the required SIM card size - and press in the right place - and you have in your hands a card suitable for your device. And if you want to move it to another device, just save the remaining parts and use them as an adapter.

Cutting a SIM card

But what to do if you have an old-style card (mini-SIM)? Then regular pruning can come to your aid. But the question arises, how to cut a SIM card? There are several ways to transform a map into a new format:

1. contact the communication salon. As a rule, they have special devices - SIM card cutters. For a fee or without it (depending on your luck), they will help you resolve this issue - and adapt the SIM to your device.
2. trim the card yourself.

Cutting a SIM card with your own hands

Let's look at the second method in more detail and tell you how to cut a SIM card at home. To accomplish this task, you need to have a pencil, ruler and sharp scissors on hand. For subsequent adjustment of dimensions, you may also need sandpaper, since cutting small parts is not very convenient.

First you need to decide on the size of the card you want to get as a result. If you need to cut a SIM card for a micro SIM, then its dimensions should be 1.5 * 1.2 cm, if for a nano SIM, then you should be left with a rectangle with sides 1.23 cm and 0.88 cm. After that Once you have decided on the dimensions, it is worth drawing the contours of the future SIM card on your source card. And only after that, carefully, without touching the chip, cut the card.

If the first fitting was unsuccessful and the SIM card turned out to be slightly larger than necessary, continue trimming. If there are literally a few millimeters left to remove, it is better to use sandpaper. The most important thing is not to touch the contacts during processing, since if they are damaged, the card will simply stop working. Cutting under Nano Sim is much more difficult than under Micro Sim, since there is much less plastic around the chip, and therefore it is much easier to hit an important part. Therefore, be careful and do everything without haste.
When the trimming is completed, you can safely insert your SIM card into the device and use it.

If you need to install a smaller card in a device designed for a larger SIM size, you can use a special adapter.

We hope that our tips were useful to you. And congratulations on purchasing a new smartphone!

It's time to change your phone, and then it turns out that there are a lot modern phones, have a slot for a SIM card not of a standard size, but of a reduced size.

A solution to the current problem,

• First, when buying a phone, many sellers provide a service for cutting standard SIM cards, charging about $5 for this service.
• second, you can contact the operator to replace the micro SIM card, but if you live far from the subscriber service center or authorized representative, then such an operation can take a long time.
• Third, you can save both time and money and perform this operation on the SIM card yourself. There is absolutely nothing complicated about this and it will only take a couple of minutes.

Now a little introduction, the chip itself is standard, the only difference is the plastic base on which the chip is glued.

Types of SIM card slots

There are such form factors Sim, micro sim, nano sim, do they all have the same chip and what is the difference between its size? Again, in the form of a piece of plastic on which a chip is glued.

The photo shows which slot will be the size of the ones indicated above sim cards.

Now let's see what shape the chip on SIM cards comes in

As you can see, SIM card chips are slightly different in shape, but the chips must meet the following condition: one of the sectors of the SIM card must fall on the contacts of the SIM slot. The first card has the largest chip, but as you can see, the right pads are not used. For example, the third one has a shorter length, the fourth one is longer.

How to cut a SIM card

So, when cutting, our task is to make sure that after installing the card in the phone, the contact pad falls on the necessary contacts of the slot.

Micro SIM card sizes

Now let’s put a micro SIM matrix on top of the existing cards.

You need to cut as you can see from the picture, which we will now demonstrate. It is better to cut with sharp manicure scissors; they are most suitable for this purpose, they are sharp and do not crush the plastic. But we note that when trimming with curved nail scissors, the trimming of all SIM cards comes out slightly rounded. But in principle it’s normal.

The corner is cut a little short, but we'll try it that way.

Due to a slightly cut off corner, the card does not fit into place a little, but the phone starts normally with it and detects the network.

Nano sim sizes, how to cut a sim card for nano

Since the nano sim is the size of the chip, old SIM cards need to be cut according to the foil, the dimensions of the nano sim are shown below, but we cut the new sim cards with a smaller chip type exactly to the size of the chip.

Certainly, lately Operators, developing their networks, make changes to the information in the chips. To use all the capabilities of the network and phone, you need to replace the SIM card with a new one. For many operators, this service is free, and the advantages of replacement are obvious. Cutting the SIM card should be considered as a temporary solution to the problem.

Cutting a SIM card to micro is very simple: just arm yourself with the right template, scissors and patience.

SIM consists of two parts - a plastic backing and a chip on which all the information about your number and contacts is stored. When cutting it with your own hands, it is very important not to damage the chip contacts, otherwise all the work will be in vain. Also, an incorrectly cut SIM may not fit into the slot or may be smaller than the required size.

Most smartphones use mini-SIM, micro-SIM or nano-SIM. In recent years, operators have been releasing universal cards that do not need to be cut out yourself. These SIM cards have a collapsible body consisting of frames for each type of card. To turn a universal mini SIM into a micro SIM, just “squeeze” the card of the required size out of the large frame. Before cutting your SIM, check to see if you have a universal SIM card that can easily be converted into micro or nano.

How to cut a SIM card to micro: template

If you have a regular SIM card from which you can’t simply remove the extra frame, use our cutting template. Size micro sim-cards - 15×12 mm. Cutting a SIM card for a micro SIM will be much easier if you mark the dimensions on the back of the card (where there is no chip). But for greater accuracy, we recommend using a paper template.

This is how you can make a SIM cutting template at home:

• Take a sheet of thick paper, attach a regular SIM card to it and circle it. Flip the design over so that the beveled corner is at the bottom right.
• Step back 1.85 (2) mm from the left edge and draw a straight line as shown in the picture above.
• You need to retreat 1.4 mm from the top edge and draw another line - it will go almost along the chip.
• Using new lines, draw a rectangle the size of a micro sim (15x12 mm), Cut out the resulting blank.
• Trim the upper left corner of the rectangle, 2.5 mm from the edge, as shown in the picture.

The SIM cutting template is ready, just cut it out of paper. You can glue the template in the place where you will cut the card for the micro SIM, but if you are afraid of staining the chip with glue, just attach the stencil to the SIM card and trace it with a thin pencil or felt-tip pen in the cut areas.

It is best to cut a new SIM card with thin scissors. To avoid nicks in the plastic, try to trim each side in one motion.

Cutting the SIM using a special cutter

If you need a micro SIM card, but you don’t understand how to cut the template or don’t want to waste time on it, there is another way out. Special cutters for SIM cards are sold on the Internet and mobile phone stores. They help you quickly and without unnecessary hassle cut the card to the desired size: micro or nano. However, buying a cutter only makes sense if you change your SIM frequently. However, the device is inexpensive and will last for many years.

Try inserting the cut card into the slot of your smartphone. If she fits in it like a glove, and the gadget catches the net without problems, we congratulate you - the trimming was successful.

If you need to insert the cut card into another slot, for example, back into a phone with a regular SIM, use the removable frames that come with universal SIM cards. Do not try to glue the cut parts to the damaged card and, especially, do not insert any foreign objects into the SIM slot. If you cut the card incorrectly or touched the contacts, simply move on to the next section of our article.

How much does it cost to replace a SIM card with an operator?

The easiest way to turn a regular SIM card into a micro one is not to cut it out yourself, but to contact your operator. Select the cell phone store closest to you, take your passport and old card with you, and go get a new one. Replacing a regular SIM with a micro SIM is absolutely free. And if they demand money from you, feel free to call hotline operator and report scammers.

As a rule, replacing a SIM card takes no more than 10 minutes. The store employee will need to enter your passport information into the database to make sure that you are a client of the selected operator. After this, you will be given a universal SIM card, from which you can make a micro or nano one. It is not necessary to return the old card - it will automatically become invalid. You can save it as a keepsake or use it to create templates for cutting SIMs.

The Micro-SIM that the operator will issue will definitely work. By entrusting the replacement of a SIM card to professionals, you do not risk damaging the contacts when cutting or cutting out an irregularly shaped card.

New SIM It won't work right away - most likely you will have to wait about 15 minutes. Don't worry, this is a normal procedure - it still takes a little time to transfer the number to the new chip.

By the way, in addition to the well-known mini-SIM, micro-SIM and nano-SIM, there is an unusual SIM card format - eSIM. This is what is used in new iPhones. We talked in detail about eSIM in.

If the joy of cutting your card was short-lived because phone spammers are calling you, find out.