How Does A Sim Card Get Damaged? 102 Most Correct Answers

Whether you’re buying a new phone, changing carriers, or replacing a damaged SIM chip, you might be wondering if you can get a new SIM card with the same number.

You can get a new SIM card and keep the same number. Your telephone number is associated with an exchangeable subscriber identification module. Cellular providers use SIM chips to identify you on their network. Several situations justify issuing a new SIM card for your phone.

Here are some frequently asked questions I had when trying to solve my no SIM card error. At the end of the article, I also listed some free ways to check if you really need a new SIM chip.

How do I get a new SIM card?

In general, most cell service providers will issue a replacement SIM card if there is a problem with your existing chip. If you lose your SIM card, you can order a new one from your service provider’s website. Some companies require you to call their customer support directly or pick up a new SIM card at the store.

If your carrier has a physical store, picking up a SIM card is usually free. Transactions in person at a company store are often the safest, so this option is generally the quickest way to swap out your new SIM card.

Prepaid SIM companies offer their chips in third-party retail stores to market to new customers. But in a pinch, existing customers can get a new SIM card cheaply and then link the new SIM card to their account by contacting the provider.

If you can’t reach a store, contact your wireless service provider by phone or online and request a new chip in the mail. This is sometimes the slowest way to get a new SIM card, but usually the SIM card is already associated with your subscription. You can simply insert the chip into your SIM slot and immediately reconnect to the mobile network.

When I needed new SIMs for my teenagers, I ordered 2 Mint Mobile SIM cards from their website and received the chips in the mail the next day. Activation was super fast and for $15/month (at the time of writing) it was the perfect deal once we landed back in the States.

How much does it cost to get a new SIM chip?

In general, a new SIM chip costs between $1 and $10. If ordered directly from the mobile operator, a new SIM card can be exchanged free of charge in the shop or by calling the company’s customer service. The actual cost of making a SIM card is around $0.50 per card.

SIM cards are much cheaper and more durable than they used to be as production methods have evolved over the years. Most of today’s costs that customers pay for a SIM card primarily reflect the marketing, shipping/shipping and maintenance/connection of a new SIM card to the network.

Tip:

If you are charged for a replacement SIM card, ask the representative to waive the fee as an existing customer. Cellular companies know their market is very competitive and losing a subscriber over such a low actual cost is not worth it.

As a new customer, expect a higher initial price for a SIM card for prepaid services. The carrier has less guarantee that you will continue to use their service and wants to cover their cost of getting the chip to you. Often the price of a SIM card includes some free calls, SMS or a small amount of data so that new subscribers can try out their service for a short time.

Does a new SIM card change my tariff?

Putting in a new SIM card shouldn’t change your service plan if you get it directly from your service provider. If you buy the replacement SIM card from a retailer and not from your network operator, additional steps are required to connect the new SIM chip to your existing account.

Many companies offer to replace an old SIM card with your existing service plan for free. It is important to know that a new SIM card does not have to change anything in your service at all. While on the phone with the customer service representative, double check by saying something like:

One last question: now that I have my new SIM card, I wanted to make sure that my current plan, contract period, phone number or anything else doesn’t change, right?

How to deal with the SIM card?

Make sure your hands and work surface are clean and dry. With a new SIM chip, make sure it is the right size (standard, micro, or nano) before removing it from the manufacturer’s plastic card. Avoid bending or touching the gold contacts Use your fingers instead of tools like tweezers

While you should be careful with a SIM card, it’s a fairly durable piece of technology.

Note: The contact pads on a SIM card consist of a fine layer of gold to prevent oxidation of the aluminum or copper contacts underneath. Typically, a chip is built into a phone and stays in place for years. If you’re a traveler, frequent swapping can remove that layer of gold. Watch out for problems. Since I travel between countries on a monthly basis, I only have to replace one SIM card.

When I store SIM cards, I keep them protected in a plastic SIM card sleeve or holder, ideal for protecting multiple SIM cards. Mine, my partner’s and the kids’ were well organized, kept dry and ready to be swapped out before landing.

Some people warn about keeping SIM cards separate from other cards or magnets, but these chips don’t have magnetic components. It’s a good idea to keep SIM cards from rubbing against any surface to protect important contacts.

How do you insert a SIM?

Locate the side SIM tray or SIM slot under the back cover of your phone. Remove an existing chip. Locate the alignment notch on your SIM card. This is a specific corner of the SIM card that has had a diagonal portion of the corner removed. Align the alignment notch to match the diagram printed near the SIM slot. For phones with a SIM tray, align the chip to match the tray’s alignment notch. The SIM tray should slide smoothly back into the phone. Phones with a SIM slot should accept a properly oriented chip without force.

Inserting a SIM card varies between phone models, so be sure to check your phone’s user guide for detailed instructions.

For a little more detail, there are generally three types of SIM slots:

Slots that require you to insert a SIM eject tool or paperclip into a small hole to eject the tray. If you have an iPhone, you should look for this hole.

Slots that eject the SIM card after you push the current chip in a little further. You will hear or feel a slight click before the chip or shell pops out.

Slots with a cover that you can lift and slide to remove the SIM card yourself.

Dual SIM phones and expanded memory slots

With some SIM trays, it is common for your SIM card to share the same tray as your memory card, especially on multi-SIM phones. For example, if you have a dual SIM phone with only two slots in the tray, place the SIM card in one slot of the card tray and the memory (SD) card in the other slot. However, you can place a SIM card in any spot if you need to switch SIM cards smoothly. The SIM tray is usually labeled, but the slot for the memory card (and the secondary SIM card) is larger than the slot for the primary SIM card.

What is an eSIM card?

An embedded subscriber identification module, or eSIM, is a dedicated chip that is permanently embedded in your device and identifies your phone on a cellular network. Customers can connect to multiple carriers that support eSIM without having to purchase a physical SIM chip.

eSIMs have several advantages over SIM cards.

An eSIM allows for instant activation of a service plan for new phone purchases when purchasing a phone. For example, a Burner Phone can be purchased, turned on and immediately activated with a predefined plan.

Frequent travelers don’t need to find a SIM retailer and buy a SIM card, but activate a local plan on a service provider’s website or in an app with their existing phone.

The biggest advantage is that there is little risk of losing, damaging or otherwise replacing a SIM card, giving you continuous cellular service.

Once eSIMs are commonplace, you won’t have to worry about inserting a SIM card incorrectly.

What if I insert a SIM card incorrectly?

If you have inserted a SIM card incorrectly, do not force the chip or SIM tray out. Take your device to a cell phone shop to have the SIM card extracted by a trained professional. Attempting to remove a jammed SIM chip yourself can damage the SIM card, tray and possibly your phone.

The main places to find a qualified technician are:

Your cell phone provider’s store or service kiosk: There may be a charge for removing a stuck SIM card, but this is generally the cheaper service point. A third-party cell phone repair shop: These private providers charge a fee for removing a SIM chip and/or tray.

The fee for properly removing a stuck SIM card avoids a more expensive repair by trying to fix the problem yourself. In addition, cell phone technicians can determine if your phone or SIM tray and card are damaged after removing them from the phone.

If your SIM chip is damaged, the store usually replaces the SIM card and activates it in store.

Have you ever wondered what you can do with a smartphone without a SIM card? These devices are surprisingly useful. Check out the list at the end of this article.

How long does it take to activate a new SIM card?

Activating a SIM card takes a few seconds to a few minutes. Some phones need to be restarted after inserting a new SIM chip. If you purchased a SIM card online, over the phone, or in a store, you may need to log in to your service provider’s website to associate the SIM card serial number with your account.

To test if your SIM card is working, you can send a text message (SMS or MMS) or make a regular phone call. Without a working SIM card, your phone cannot use these network functions.

Technicians at a cell phone shop will usually make a test call with your cell phone to ensure a new SIM card is active and working before they ship your smartphone back to you. You should call a quick-response contact or send a test message before leaving the store. Also check if your mobile data is connected by clicking on a message.

With all the hassle of getting a new SIM card, it’s important to know why your SIM chip stopped working in the first place.

What causes a SIM card to stop working?

Frequent removal and insertion

Damage to the gold contact pads

Damage to the phone’s internal SIM ports

water damage

Dirt or debris inside the phone

Improper or forced SIM installation

High temperatures

manufacturing defect

These common or possible causes of a SIM card failure are not generally due to user error. Most consumer electronics and electronic components are designed to endure average use.

It is best to be careful not to expose your SIM card to situations where it could become damaged.

How can you check if you really need a new SIM card?

If you get the message “No SIM card inserted” and you can’t make a regular phone call, use the following troubleshooting steps, making a test call at a time:

Restart your phone. Eject your SIM card and inspect for damage, dirt, or debris, then reinsert it. Eject the SIM card and gently clean it with a microfiber cloth or photo lens brush, then reinsert it. Put your SIM chip in another phone.

If the SIM card works in another phone, bring your phone in for cleaning and servicing.

If the SIM card in the other device isn’t working, request a replacement SIM card from your wireless service provider.

Advanced users:

Sometimes (though rarely) there is a problem with the Access Point Network (APN) settings. Advanced users can look up these settings from your provider and compare your current values ​​to those published. I’ve only had one instance where this got me back online. A replacement SIM card is usually the last resort.

Very often people have to buy a whole new phone when something small like the solder joint on the SIM slot breaks.

This guide provides a quick guide on how to fix a bad or lost connection on a SIM card reader.

How to request a smart postpaid or prepaid SIM replacement

You can easily request a SIM replacement if it’s broken, lost or stolen, or if you want to upgrade to an LTE/5G SIM.

For Smart Postpaid, Bro Postpaid and Sun Broadband Postpaid Subscribers:

You can visit your nearest smart store and bring only 1 valid ID as proof of identity. The ID should contain your name, picture, ID number, signature and issuing authority. SIM replacement costs are free.

For Smart Prepaid, TNT and Smart Bro Prepaid subscribers:

You can visit your nearest smart store to have your SIM card replaced for free. The requirements may depend on the scenario.

Please see the requirements below:

How to keep your number if you change networks

Taking your phone number with you when you change networks is easy and saves time. All you need is a so-called PAC code.

How to take your number with you when you leave your existing network.

Step 1: Make sure you can switch without early termination fees

If you don’t have a contract with your network, you can switch with no prepayment penalty.

If you’re not sure if you’re still under contract, you can check by logging into your account on your network’s website.

Alternatively, call the network and ask. Or open your network’s smartphone app, where you can usually find the information you need under “Contract”.

In the event that you are still under contract and decide to leave, you will almost certainly have to pay back your contract in full.

That could land you with a bill running into hundreds of pounds.

Need help finding your contract end date? Check out our network-by-network guide for details on where exactly to find it.

Step 2: Sign up for a new SIM card or phone

Now it’s time to complete the purchase of that new phone you’ve always wanted. Or sign up for the SIM card on the network you want to join.

You’ll find deals from all major networks for broadband options including O2, EE, Vodafone, Three, Virgin Mobile and more.

Need help choosing a new phone? Take a look at our selection of the best deals on iPhones, Samsung and Huawei phones.

The next step is to obtain a PAC (Porting Authorization Code) code from your network. This is a nine digit alphanumeric number that you will need to port your number.

You can get your PAC code by calling your network. All you have to do is tell them you want to leave and ask for your PAC.

You may find that the sales team is trying to persuade you to stay with a better offer. If so, consider your options. But if you’re sure you want to go to another network, stand firm.

Alternatively, if you prefer not to speak to anyone, you can also get your PAC by texting the word PAC to your network at a dedicated number.

Under Ofcom rules, your network is required to provide your PAC promptly if you contact them by phone. Or within two hours if you requested your PAC via SMS.

Need help choosing a new network? Take a look at our network-by-network coverage quality guide.

Step 4: Give your PAC code to your new network

Do you have the PAC with you now and are you ready for the switch? Good.

Now you need to contact the network you are joining to tell them you are transferring your number from your old network and give them your PAC.

Your number can be transferred to your new network’s SIM card as early as the next working day, but don’t be surprised if it takes a little longer.

It’s worth checking if you need to back up your contacts at this point. If you’re not sure how, scroll down the page and we’ll explain.

You have 30 days from the date of issue to transfer the PAC code to your new network. If you wait longer, it will expire and you will need to request a new PAC.

Step 5: Make the switch

Once you give your new network your PAC code, it will start porting the number from your old SIM card to your new SIM card.

This means your old number will be moved to your new SIM card on your new network.

Keep your old SIM card in your old phone for now so you can make and receive calls and texts.

After the switch, insert your new SIM card into your phone and call to verify that the number has been ported correctly.

How can I keep my number if I get a new phone on my existing network?

Want to stay with the same network but change your deal? That’s easy. All you have to do is click through the listing you want and place your order.

You’ll need to sign up either online or over the phone, but you don’t need to worry about PAC codes as your network will do most of the work for you.

If you’re upgrading to a different handset but staying on the same network (e.g. switching from an old Samsung phone to a new iPhone but staying with O2) there’s a good chance you’ll get a new SM card for yours existing SIM card may not be compatible with your new phone.

Switching numbers is usually a very simple process and can even be done online on some networks.

Vodafone calls it “SIM swap”. The network will send an SMS to your old phone and you simply confirm the SIM serial numbers (SSN) of your new SIM card (in your new phone) and your old SIM card (in your old phone).

You can find the serial numbers on the SIM cards themselves or on the card that the SIM card was originally connected to.

The network then does the rest, and it takes about 30 minutes for the switchover to occur. Just make sure you back up your contacts before you switch.

SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards are the key to connecting your phone to a cellular network. These are tiny chips that are inserted into mobile phones to connect them to the carrier network and a specific user account (phone number). Most of the time, when you buy a new phone, you can transfer the SIM card from your old phone to the new one and keep your phone number.

While SIM cards are a great way to transfer data from old phones to new ones, is it possible to buy a new SIM card for an existing cell phone? That depends on the type of phone.

GSM vs. CDMA phones

There are two types of technologies used by most modern cell phones: Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). What technology your existing phone uses determines whether or not it can swap SIM cards.

GSM phones

GSM phones are the most common in the world. They rely on SIM cards to connect the device to the cellular network and the user’s account.

If your existing phone uses GSM technology, there’s a good chance you can buy a new SIM card for it. You just have to make sure it’s “unlocked” first. Some network operators include software that links the SIM card to the phone’s serial number. If the two don’t match, the phone won’t work. When you unlock a phone, this shortcut is removed and you can use other SIM cards.

CDMA phones

These phones do not use SIM cards at all. Instead, they are linked to the operator network and user account with built-in software that cannot be changed. In other words, they are blocked and cannot switch providers.

If you have a CDMA phone, you cannot buy a new SIM card. The only way to switch providers is to have the device authenticate directly with the service provider.

So you know what type of phone you have

Take the SIM card from a friend’s phone and insert it into yours. If your phone doesn’t have a SIM slot, you have a CDMA device and can’t buy a new card. If it has a slot, swap SIMs and call your friend’s phone number. If your phone (with its SIM card) rings, you have an unlocked GSM device and can buy a new SIM card. If your phone doesn’t ring, your phone needs to be unlocked before purchasing a new card.

Send a mobile top-up from eTopUpOnline to any phone

Whether you come across a phone that hasn’t been used in a while, or just want to test the SIM card to make sure it’s working, you can do it right from the phone – without the help of a cellphone technician. A SIM card is the removable card that is inserted into the back of a phone and stores information such as contacts and downloaded pictures and texts.

Have you tried to connect to your mobile network but your SIM card is not working? Or have you received a specific error message on your iPhone saying “No SIM card installed?” A device without a working SIM card is next to useless.

In this article we will look at the most common problems that prevent your SIM card from working properly. We’ll show you all the troubleshooting steps you need to take to get your SIM card working on your iPhone or Android phone.

Table of Contents

Basic troubleshooting

The SIM card is a piece of plastic that you get from your wireless service provider, such as T-Mobile. Without them, your phone cannot make calls or send and receive data. So if you have any of these problems, you should consider your SIM card as the likely culprit. Here are the first steps you can take whether you have an iOS or an Android device:

1. Remove and reinsert the SIM card

The SIM card may be slightly out of place and not making contact with the phone’s internal connectors. This often happens after you drop your device or hit it on something hard.

Remove the SIM card and put it back in its slot. Depending on your device, you may need to use a paperclip to get it out.

2. Clean the SIM card and the SIM card tray

You should also check if there is dust or dirt in the SIM card slot as this may affect the connection. Use a can of compressed air to blow into the slot and remove any debris. You can also wipe the SIM card contacts with a clean piece of microfiber cloth.

Remember to clean your devices regularly to prevent dust from damaging your hardware.

3. Restart your device

If your phone doesn’t recognize the SIM card for some reason, restarting it might fix the problem. Many processes are running in the background, whether it’s an iPhone or a Samsung Galaxy. Over time, they can start interfering with each other or putting too much stress on the hardware.

4. Update your device

If your iOS or Android version is outdated, you may encounter SIM card related errors. Connect your device to a Wi-Fi network and check if a system update is available.

On both devices, you should see a notification or pop-up window when critical updates are pending. Click on it and follow the on-screen instructions. Just make sure your phone has enough battery power as system updates can take a while.

5. Turn on/off airplane mode

Various types of interference, almost impossible to detect, can prevent your phone from connecting to your carrier’s wireless network. Turning Airplane mode on and off can fix these glitches.

On iOS:

1. On your iPhone screen, swipe down from the top left to bring up the menu and click the Airplane mode icon. This will enable Airplane mode.

2. Wait a few seconds for the device to configure the new setting, then tap Airplane mode again to turn it off.

On Android:

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen and scroll through the menu until you find the airplane icon. Click Airplane Mode / Airplane Mode.

2. Wait a few seconds before tapping the Airplane mode button again to turn it off.

6. Try another device

To rule out problems with the SIM card itself, try inserting it in another phone. If it still doesn’t work, check basic troubleshooting steps 7 and 8.

7. Contact technical support

If you recently changed your service provider or device, you may encounter various issues with your SIM card or phone. In this case, the easiest way is to contact your service provider or device manufacturer for professional help, otherwise you could damage your device.

8. Is the SIM card active?

This relates to step 7 of this basic troubleshooting guide. When you speak to your network operator, ask if the SIM card is activated or correctly registered. They’re the only ones who can fix this for you.

Advanced troubleshooting

If the steps above didn’t fix your no SIM issue, it’s time to try a few more advanced fixes.

9. Reset network settings

If your iOS or Android phone hasn’t been properly configured, try resetting the network settings. Sometimes a network-related error can prevent your SIM card from working properly, so resetting the network settings to their default state should solve the problem. Don’t worry, this “Reset” option will not damage any of your data or make any system-related changes.

On iOS:

Navigate to Settings > General > Reset and select Reset Network Settings from the menu.

On Android:

Go to Settings > General Management > Reset > Reset Network Settings and click Reset Settings button.

10. Update carrier settings

If your wireless service provider has made some changes to their settings, you need to update your phone’s carrier settings. Normally this type of update should be triggered automatically, but some glitches and background processes might force you to update manually.

Whether you are using an iOS device or an Android phone, you must first connect to a Wi-Fi network. Then follow the steps below for each device.

On iOS:

1. Go to Settings > General > About and navigate to information about your wireless service provider.

2. Wait and you should see a pop-up asking you to update your carrier settings. Tap the Refresh button.

On Android:

Updating carrier settings can be trickier, but it’s not usually necessary. It depends heavily on what brand of phone you have and what version of Android you’re using, but all Android phones will handle carrier updates automatically unless something goes horribly wrong. Otherwise you would have to manually configure your carrier settings and we do not recommend doing so. If you still suspect this is the reason your SIM card is not working, you should try a factory reset.

11. Factory reset

If you think your SIM card is good or you have tested it by inserting it into another device, it might be time to factory reset your phone. Before doing this, make sure to back up your data as everything will be erased during this process.

On iOS:

Go to Settings > General and tap on the Reset option. You’ll land on the same menu page where you reset your network settings. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.

Your iOS device will ask you to enter your password and confirm that you want to erase everything. Tap the Erase button when prompted and your iPhone will reboot to factory settings.

On Android:

1. Go to Settings > General management > Reset and tap Factory data reset.

2. In the next panel, you need to tap on the “Reset device” or “Reset” button depending on your Android model.

12. Get a new SIM card

If you have factory reset your mobile phone and your SIM card is still not working, you should replace the card. There’s probably nothing wrong with your phone, so go straight to your carrier and request a new SIM card.

We’ve all heard that you can erase a computer with magnets – but in an age of advancing technology and more efficient storage, electronic devices like your phone are safer than ever from interference fields. Read on to learn more about why everyday magnets are safe for your phone.

Most hard drives are no longer magnetic

Hard disk drives (HDD) used to work like the vinyl records and floppy disks before them; it was a circular disk that had to be rotated by a “drive” in order to be read. While vinyl records were formed, hard drives are read and written by an arm with a magnetic tip that precisely magnetizes iron particles so they point up or down to encode data. This is why it is important to keep strong magnets away from computers and why most people are concerned about magnets near their phones.

Today, data storage in phones uses solid state drives (SSDs) or flash memory. There are no moving parts; In fact, the word “drive” is just a holdover from hard drives, since nothing is “powered” in flash memory. This method does not use magnetism to write data but uses electrical signals to change the open/close position of floating gate transistors. Because these transistors are electrical, magnets don’t affect them like hard drives do.

Shown: A collated example of cards that use flash memory to store data. Thanks WikimediaCommons!

Since this form is more stable and also much smaller than old hard drives, it is also the storage method on your phone’s SD card, SIM card and USB sticks. Rest assured: both your SIM card and SD card are completely safe from magnets.

What about the other components of my phone?

Now that you’ve learned why your data is safe, will everyday magnets affect the other electronics on your phone?

Screen: Smartphone screens are either LCDs (liquid crystal based) or AMOLEDs (LED based). LCD means Liquid Crystal Display, in which liquid crystals are moved by electric current to cover or uncover illuminated pixels behind. AMOLEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are small LEDs that produce light when an electrical current is applied. Since both mechanisms, like SSDs, are fully electrically controlled, they are unaffected by magnets.

Electric compass: Virtually all smartphones have a small three-axis magnetometer, a sensor that uses the Hall effect to tell you cardinal points. These sensors are susceptible to very strong magnetic fields, like lab-sized horseshoe magnets — but a small magnet usually won’t affect them. To be on the safe side, know that most magnetometers are located near the top of the phone (especially in iPhones), so positioning magnetic accessories or clasps near the bottom of the phone will help reduce potential interference to avoid.

GPS: If you use a GPS tool on your phone, you’ll be pleased to know that it works independently of the electric compass. All global positioning systems determine their location and the speed at which they are moving by constantly tracking time and comparing it to signals from a network of satellites. The GPS measures how long it takes to receive the signals to triangulate its position, direction and speed. For this reason, GPS receivers are known to be accurate to within a few meters and are uninterrupted by magnetic fields between your receiver and the GPS satellites.

Battery: Most phone batteries are unaffected by household magnets. The presence of a very strong magnetic field can cause the battery to work a little harder to deliver the correct voltage and thus wear out the battery faster. However, even a strong horseshoe magnet would not be enough to drain your phone’s battery. For maximum security, the best-designed magnetic phone accessories include some form of metal shield to protect the phone components (e.g. the metal shield in the super slim mounting plate of the iMagnet mount).

Cell Phone Signal: Cell phones use radio waves that are very similar to those used by walkie-talkies; The main difference is that cellphone calls use two frequencies instead of one, so you can hear and speak at the same time, and they’re naturally routed through towers for longer range. These types of radio waves are unaffected by small magnetic fields.

Speakers: Speakers are an example of a module in your phone that uses a small magnet without damaging surrounding electronics. Loudspeakers have a small magnet that maintains a stable and permanently active field. It would require an exceptionally powerful and close electromagnet to produce any noticeable effect.

NFC and Apple Pay: NFC, or Near-Field Communication, is a technology that allows phones or other devices in close proximity to transmit small amounts of data quickly over a special short wavelength that’s harder to eavesdrop on. Google Wallet and Apple Pay use NFC to allow consumers to quickly submit their bank account information, pay for goods and services, or transfer money to friends. This technology uses radio frequency waves just like phone calls, so magnets don’t affect them one bit!

Other Features: Accelerometers and triaxial gyro inclinometers are typically based on user movement and are not affected by magnets. The new iPhone 6 barometer, proximity sensor (dims your screen when you’re on a call), keypad, camera and fingerprint Touch ID functions are all dependent on electrical signals, as is the core CPU, so all of the above Magnets are protected from everyday life. In addition, many phones have metal plates to protect sensitive components from electromagnetic interference, such as B. the shields in iPhones to cover antennas, motherboards and other circuits. If you’re still not convinced, check out this YouTuber testing phones with a powerful magnet!

Conclusion: Magnetic accessories are fine

Technology makers understand that your phone is important and you don’t want anything interfering with its function. The best phones and accessories are designed with the user’s needs in mind, including ensuring that the phone is never damaged. The iMagnet car phone mount uses a narrow mounting plate on the back of the phone to prevent additional magnetic fields from interacting with your phone’s electronics. Don’t hesitate to check out the iMagnet’s Amazon reviews and see for yourself how well the iMagnet mount treats happy users and their phones! We hope we’ve answered your questions about using magnets safely near your phone and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any other questions.

Would you like to destroy your existing SIM card? Well, many users don’t realize that physically breaking a SIM card doesn’t actually destroy it. Even anyone who knows your card number can easily create a duplicate card and access all your personal information. So here we are going to tell you how to destroy the SIM card without physical damage. With its help, you can completely erase the data on your SIM card.

Ways to Destroy Destroy your SIM card

There are several ways you can easily destroy your SIM card. We have mentioned these methods for you below:

Destroy the SIM card with physical damage

The very first thing you can try to do to damage your SIM card is to physically attack it. To do this, you can either cut your SIM into small pieces or put them in a paper shredder. Remember that once you cut your SIM card, don’t forget to discard it so no one can access it. However, you can also damage your SIM card without physical damage and we have mentioned the steps for that in the further part.

Destroy the SIM card without physical damage

Aside from destroying your SIM card with physical damage, you can do the same without physical damage. All you have to do is use a third-party app or the built-in settings for your SIM card. This will help you erase all data on your SIM card permanently. Once erased, all this data becomes irretrievable. So even if someone gets your SIM card, they won’t get access to your personal information.

How do you destroy a SIM card without physical damage?

There are several methods you can use to destroy a SIM card without any visible damage. These are as follows:

Reset your SIM card to destroy data

The first method that you as a user can try is to reset your SIM card. This will help you erase all data stored on your SIM card. To do this, all you have to do is follow these steps:

Open your phone’s Settings app. From there, click on the Reset option. Now press the options Factory data reset from there.

You can use this method to erase your SIM card data completely. Or we can say this method will help you destroy your SIM card without any physical damage. But in some cases, this method will also erase all other important files and data stored on your phone. That is why it is recommended to use the next method to destroy your SIM card without damaging your phone’s data.

Destroy the SIM card using a third-party app

The next method that you can use to erase your SIM card data is by using a third-party app. Some of the best software you can use for this are Dr.Fone or iMyFone UMate Pro. These two apps will help you destroy your SIM card without any visible damage.

So, these are the different methods you can use to self-destruct your SIM card at home.

Let’s start by imagining this scenario. You buy a new cell phone and exchange your SIM card from the previous cell phone for this one. Or maybe you want to use an old SIM card that you had saved.

However, you find that the phone does not recognize the SIM card when you turn it on! what can be wrong

It’s likely that your SIM card is dirty or scratched and the phone can’t read it, or that you accidentally got it dirty when inserting it.

This problem has a simple solution: you just have to clean the SIM card! However, wait a moment; do you know how to do it right?

If not, don’t worry. Below we mention everything you need to know about the most popular ways to clean a SIM card.

How to remove a SIM card

If you want to clean your SIM card, you need to remove it from your mobile phone. To do this, we recommend switching off the device first and also unplugging the charging cable.

The location of the SIM card slot depends on your mobile phone model. Most new phones have it on the side, near the volume buttons. Just look at this side of your phone and you should see a rectangular shape with a small hole next to it.

To eject the SIM card, you will need the SIM eject tool that came with the phone or a simple paper clip. Insert it into the small hole and gently press. The SIM card tray should pop open automatically.

If you can’t find the slot on the side of your smartphone, it means you need to open the back cover. You can do this with your fingers or even with a debit or credit card. You only need something thin and plastic, avoid using metal to open the cover.

Once you open it, you should be able to see the SIM card in its slot. If not, you will have to remove the battery from the phone to find the slot.

Tips for cleaning a SIM card

Now that you have the SIM card, let’s get to work! Below are some popular SIM card cleaning methods. They are not in any particular order, so we encourage you to try them based on the materials you have at home.

Use an eraser or a cotton swab: both materials are good for removing dirt. Gently rub the gold part of the SIM card until you see the dirt has been removed.

Use a lint-free cloth: Using a cloth like this can help remove dirt, oils, and moisture not only from the SIM card but also from the phone. Spread out the SIM card with a dry, clean cloth without using any detergent. You can use the clothes made to clean glasses.

If the SIM card is rusty, you can use a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol to remove the oxidation. Be careful not to soak the cotton swab too much.

After cleaning the SIM card, you can put it back in your phone. The most important part of the process is to hold it by the sides without touching the gold contacts. Once it’s back in place, you can turn the phone back on.

If the SIM card is working properly, you should see that the phone has signal and there is no message saying “No SIM card inserted”.

What can damage a SIM card?

A SIM card can be damaged mainly because the gold contacts are scratched. This can be caused by improper storage. For example, when the SIM card comes into contact with metals and sharp objects such as keys and coins. Even if the SIM card is exposed to extreme temperatures for a long time. The result can lead to data loss, which we should avoid if we plan to use the SIM card again later.

For this reason, it is necessary that you store your SIM card properly if you are not going to use it for a long time. We advise you to use a SIM card holder, which usually has slots for different sizes. Then put it in a cool and dry place like a plastic box or cloth bag to avoid scratching.

If your SIM card is damaged and you try to clean it using the tips above but it still doesn’t work, you can contact a local repair shop for help. If in the end it is impossible to fix it, you will have to contact your provider. They can issue you another SIM card (if it hasn’t expired yet), but you’ll lose all the information that was on the previous one.

How to Fix No SIM Card Inserted Error

As soon as you insert a SIM card into your phone and turn it on, you may see a message like this “No SIM card inserted”. No panic! We will mention some things you can do to fix this problem. Let’s take a look.

Restart your phone

Just hold the lock button for a few seconds and a few options will appear on the screen. Choose the one that says “Restart”. When turning on the phone, make sure that the error does not appear again.

Clean your SIM card

Above we have mentioned some tips for cleaning your SIM card. Follow them and see if your phone recognizes it.

Change the SIM card slots

If your smartphone supports dual SIM, try inserting the card in the other slot.

We hope this article has been helpful for you to better understand the do’s and don’ts of SIM card removal, cleaning, and installation. Remember that this small piece of plastic with gold contacts contains important information, so it is advisable to take good care of it.