iPhone 4 In addition to a large number of technical innovations, it also brought physical ones - microSIM cards of cellular operators. Despite the fact that most operators can already change your old SIM card for a new microSIM, many, not wanting to go to the nearest salon, dare to cut the card themselves.
I propose to consider and evaluate all possible solutions for transforming a regular SIM card into a microSIM.
There are three options for solving this little problem:
1. Take your regular SIM to any Apple store and ask for a paid cut of the extra parts of the old card.
- the card will be made very carefully;
- minimum time spent on production;
- extra waste of money.
- the card does not require additional processing;
- the procedure will take 30 seconds of your time;
- you have to run hard to find this device;
- additional expenses.
- Take your regular SIM card.
- Standard dimensions in Europe are 25x15mm. We need to reduce them to 15x12mm. First, carefully measure with a ruler and draw contours on a regular map.
- Using sharp scissors, cut off the "extra" parts of the SIM card, leaving the "working" chip.
- At the end, you need to step back 2.5 mm in the right corner of the microsim card and cut the edge at an angle of 45 °. Congratulations, that's all. You saved money and had a unique free time. The micro SIM card is ready for use.
- saving money;
- interesting spending free time;
- handwork.
P.S.: There are times when the need to use microSIM disappears. Do not rush to get upset. Today, there are already devices like an adapter from MicroSD to SDHC. Also, you can always update the Sim-card in the operator's salon, saving the number.
With the advent of the iPhone 5, there was a need for nanoSIM. In fact, this is the same microSIM, only even smaller. 12x9mm is the exact dimensions of the smallest version of the SIM - the iPhone 5 only uses the "working" part of the SIM. In other words, to get a nanoSIM, you need to cut a regular or "micro-SIM" to 12x9mm, without damaging the chip if possible. There should not be any particular difficulties with this procedure, so stop reading this text and feel free to get to work.
Although no, take your time and carefully watch the video below. Everything is shown clearly and in detail. Good luck to you!
If you did not find the answer to your question or something did not work out for you, and there is no suitable solution in the comment below, ask a question through our
Owners of modern gadgets often have a problem installing a SIM card in a smartphone. This is due to the fact that new devices often support the nano-sim format. The size of a standard SIM card is larger. How to cut a sim card to nano sim?
Benefits of nano sim
This format is rapidly gaining popularity among manufacturers of mobile gadgets. First, APPLE, followed by SAMSUNG, NOKYA and others, began to produce smartphones under the new format. What is it connected with? Here are the benefits of nano-sim:
- compact size;
- several levels of protection against unauthorized access;
- phone book for several thousand numbers;
- increased speed of Internet access;
- extended operating time;
- the new architecture made it possible to use more capacious batteries, as well as to reduce the thickness of gadgets.
How to cut a SIM card under nano, we will consider below. Let's see what is the difference between them.
Types of cards
First, consider the types of SIM cards. Share:
- Standard SIM card. Dimensions: 25x15x0.76 mm. Allows you to store up to 250 contacts, as well as service information of the operator.
- micro sim. Dimensions 15x12x0.76 mm. The standard was proposed and is still widely used by Apple. The format is put in iPads and the first generations of iPhones.
- nano sim. Dimensions 12x9x0.68 mm. It is used in modern modifications of iPhones, flagships and ultra-thin models of other companies. The thickness of the SIM card has been reduced.
How to get a nano-sim card instead of a regular one?
Replacing a SIM card in a cellular company
Replacing a standard SIM with a nano-SIM is required when buying a new gadget.
If the smartphone is purchased in a store, you can replace the SIM card right there.
If you have a passport at the office of any mobile operator, you will be replaced within a few minutes. Only the SIM must be in your name. The phone number, tariff plan and all connected services will be saved.
But what if this method does not suit you? Then the only way out is to trim the SIM card for nano-sim.
How to make a nano-sim from a SIM card?
Then you have to rely on your own head and hands and decide how to cut the SIM card under the nano sim yourself. It is not difficult to do this at all according to the following step-by-step instructions:
- With sharp scissors we cut off about 0.5 mm from the contact pad from the flat end of the SIM card.
- Carefully cut off about 2 mm from the flat side of the SIM card.
- Cut off the corner on the contact area. This must be done on the same side where the cut corner was originally.
- Nano-sim is 15% thinner. Remove excess plastic from the back with sandpaper.
- We check the performance, if it does not fit, we refine it with a file.
How to make a nano-sim from a micro-sim?
The question arises, how to cut a micro-sim under a nano-sim? The new chips are the same size as the nano-sim. We only need a file to remove excess plastic. If you are unlucky with the new chip, the procedure is as follows:
- We cut off 1-1.5 mm from each side of the contact pad. If it does not fit, you will have to carefully refine it with a file. Don't forget to trim the corner.
- With a fingernail, carefully peel off the plastic from the contact pad.
- We check the functionality.
This is the easiest way to cut a micro sim to a nano sim. The main thing is to proceed with caution.
Alternative ways to cut a SIM card
Additionally, consider a few more ways to trim a SIM card with your own hands:
- cutting a sim card using a template;
- trimming a sim card with a cutter.
This is an even easier way to trim your SIM to a nano-sim. The procedure should be like this:
Template #1 
Template #2 - Download and print the template.
- Carefully stick the template on the contact part. The center of the template must match the center of the contact platform.
- With sharp scissors or a metal scalpel, carefully cut the plastic to fit the template.
- Finishing with a manicure file.
If you downloaded the second template, print it on A4. Mark the lines as shown on the template and cut out.
Cutting a SIM card with a cutter
How to cut nano sim card? The procedure is almost the same as cutting with scissors:
- Using a cutter, cut off about 0.5 mm from the contact pad from a flat end.
- From a flat side part, carefully cut off about 2 mm.
- On the opposite side, we also cut off 1.5-2 mm.
- With scissors, carefully cut off the corner on the contact pad. This must be done on the same side where the cut corner was originally.
- Cut off 1.5-2 mm from the last uncut edge.
- On the back side, we remove the excess plastic with a manicure file.
- We process the curved edges with a file.
- We check the functionality.
When cutting, do not damage the contacts. Otherwise, the SIM card can be thrown out.
If you doubt your abilities, contact any telecom operator's salon. For 300-350 rubles, you will be willingly provided with a similar service.
Adapters for nano-, micro-, sim cards
How to get a micro and apply, we discussed above. Now let's deal with the reverse problem. For this purpose, there are special adapters. The adapter is just a frame of the right size.
On sale there are so-called transformers. This is a standard size SIM card, from which you can easily break out a micro- or nano-SIM. Having carefully disassembled such a transformer, we get the simplest adapters of the sizes we need.
In the future, if we need a larger size, we simply insert the nano-sim into the frame of the required size.
An adapter of the right size can be easily purchased at any store. The cost is 50-250 rubles.
conclusions
Based on the above information, the following conclusions can be drawn:
- You can exchange your SIM card for a nano-SIM at any telecom operator's salon. You need to have a passport with you, and the SIM card must be issued in your name. The phone number and information on the carrier will be saved.
- From a regular SIM card, you can make both a micro-SIM and a nano-SIM within a few minutes. Three ways to cut a SIM card under a nano, we discussed above.
- To get a SIM card or a micro-SIM from a nano-SIM, you need to use a special adapter.
Cutting a SIM card for nano-sim is not at all difficult with your own hands
If you are not confident in yourself and the SIM card is valuable to you, use a similar service in any store. The cost is not high and the risk is minimal.
REMEMBER: by cutting the SIM card, you will get a SIM card that will work in new gadgets. Her electronic filling will remain old. This means that you will have a new gadget with an old SIM card, albeit a suitable size.
It will not have the advantages that we discussed above.
Video: Making a Nano SIM card from Micro SIM
Buying a new phone may result in some inconvenience regarding reconnecting the number. The thing is that the Nano-SIM standard is used for mobile operator cards. The old card, which will be larger, just will not fit into the slot without trimming excess plastic. In the article, we will figure out how to make a nano sim out of a regular SIM card. There are several methods with their own advantages and disadvantages. Which one to choose is up to you.
Types of SIM cards
There are currently three types of SIM cards:
- Mini-SIM is a familiar card that was installed in black and white push-button phones. In modern smartphones this standard is no longer used However, it should not be considered that he is completely a thing of the past. This option is still suitable for classic phones, as well as those purchased for the elderly. Size: 25x15x0.76 mm.
- Micro-SIM - was first used in an Apple smartphone (iPhone 4). Now this card is installed in most mobile devices. More compact dimensions allow you to use the freed space for other hardware components of the phone. Size: 15x12x0.76 mm.
- Nano SIM. What it is is easy to understand - an even smaller version of the mobile operator's card. She practically no plastic edges on the edges of the chip. At the moment, it is the most compact type of SIM card. It is usually installed in smartphones, where two numbers are provided. Size: 12.3x8.8x0.67 mm.
Not many people know, but there is actually another SIM card standard. This is a full-sized card with parameters of 85.6x53.98x0.76 mm. She appeared in 1991 and used in early cell phones. It is noteworthy that mobile operators still issue all cards in this format. We usually break out a SIM card from a large plastic card - this is the very standard.
Differences between nano sim and micro sim
Paying attention to the listed types of SIM cards, we can conclude that their main difference is in size. With each new generation, the size of the plastic located at the edges of the chip is reduced. The "core" itself has not changed since the appearance of the first mobile devices.
Nano-SIM has a size of 12.3x8.8x0.67 mm. Wherein not only the height and width parameters have changed, but the thickness has also slightly decreased: 0.67 mm versus 0.76 mm for all other standards. Although the difference in thickness is insignificant and a card of any standard, after cutting to the size of a nano sim, will be able to fit in the slot allocated for it.
How to cut sim card to nano sim
There are two main ways to change the size of a SIM card to Nano-SIM format: contact your mobile operator's salon or cut it yourself. Let's consider each of them in more detail.
Visiting a cell phone store
You can cut the card without unnecessary headache in the salon of your operator. This the service is free and is performed using a special cutter which resembles a stapler. The SIM card is simply inserted into it, then by pressing the upper part of the tool, cutting occurs.
Also in the office you can simply order the production of a card of the desired size. The documents that you need to have with you to submit an application should be clarified in advance by calling the operator's hotline.
The iPhone does not use ordinary SIM cards, but smaller ones - micro-SIM and nano-SIM. What for? For a very simple reason - Apple and other developers do this to save space, which means to reduce the thickness of the device. And if you want to have a thin gadget, you will have to reduce the size of a standard SIM card. It may sound complicated, but it's actually not all that bad. In order to cut a SIM card for Micro SIM and Nano SIM, you need to contact a special center or do it yourself. Now we will find out what you can do yourself if you have such a problem.
There are several options:
- Order a new card in the mobile phone shop of your mobile operator. This is a good option, but it takes time and effort to get to it and place an order. The upside is that you don't need to trim anything, and it's free. The downside is that this is the time and there may be a queue in the mobile phone salon.
- When you buy a new phone, the sales assistant can cut your SIM card with a special tool, but this service may be paid. And even then, this is provided if you buy in an offline salon, but if in an online store? Have questions. You can buy a card cropping tool yourself, but is it worth it? Maybe there is another option? Yes, and I hope you enjoy it!
- Independent hill cutting sim cards. You can save time and money if you cut your SIM card yourself to a micro-SIM or a nano-SIM - the one you need. How to do it?
Micro-SIM is one of the types of SIM cards, which has reduced dimensions compared to a regular one: 15 × 12 × 0.76 mm. How to make a Micro SIM card?
- Take a pencil and a ruler and measure 12 millimeters by 15 millimeters on your SIM card. It is better to turn the card with the contacts facing you. If you are afraid of incorrectly drawing the outline along which you need to cut, then it is better to print the template and cut it out.
- Take sharp scissors - preferably small, nail scissors - or a knife and cut out a micro-SIM card along the drawn contour.
- If there is excess left, you can carefully remove the remaining plastic with sandpaper or, if you do not have it, use a nail file.
- Your Micro-SIM is ready. Insert it into your gadget and enjoy.
But what if you don't need a micro-sim, but a nano-sim? How do they differ and how to get a card of the right size?
Nano SIM is one type of SIM card with the smallest dimensions: 12.3×8.8×0.67 mm. It began to be used quite recently, for the first time - in 2012 in the iPhone 5. The nano-sim has a size just like the chip, which complicates the trimming process a little - there is a risk of damaging the contacts. How to make a SIM card for Nano SIM? 
- Better download and print the template. It's easier to cut through.
- If you do not have such an opportunity, then take a pencil and use a ruler to draw a contour of 12.3 millimeters by 8.8. It will turn out practically on the chip.
- Cut off the excess with sharp scissors and file the edges without touching the chip itself, otherwise it can be ruined.
A nano sim can be cut not only from a sim card, but also from a micro sim card, because it is smaller than them - the nano sim is the smallest in size. You can download and cut.
If you are afraid that you will cut out a micro or nano SIM card, and then you will need a larger SIM card, then do not worry - in this case, you buy an adapter that serves as a kind of adapter, and there is no need to buy a new SIM card and use it as regular or cut again for a micro-sim card.
For which phones you need to cut the SIM card
Micro sim is designed for iPhone 4/4, and nano sim is used in iPhone since 5/5s, i.e. iPhone 6, iPhone 6S, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone Xr, iPhone Xs, and iPhone Xs Max.
So, we found out that a SIM card can be cut both in a communication salon or a store where you buy a phone, and at home, which will help you save time and money. Which option to choose is up to you. If you are afraid to cut out the card you need, then for courage you can watch a video on how to make, how to get or how to cut. Then you will definitely succeed.
Before starting the instructions, I will immediately note that I do not have an iPhone 5, or even a device on which I could check the performance of a Nano SIM card. That is, I cannot guarantee the performance of the final product, and all calculations when creating the manual version of Nano SIM were based only on mathematical calculations. In general, in this lesson I will show how I myself cut Nano SIM cards from Micro SIM according to the dimensions indicated in the specifications of the nano-SIM card. Of course, in the end it turned out to be 100% identical in size to the original, but still comparable to what can be purchased officially. Therefore, I think that such a "stub" will work with both the iPhone 5 and other smartphones with Nano SIM cards.
Probably, first of all, you need to watch the video, which shows a step-by-step guide on turning a Micro SIM into a Nano SIM.
Note: before starting all the steps, it is worth reading a little additional information. I will not talk about mathematics and geometry, because I hope for your knowledge at least at the high school level? The main thing is not to rush and be careful.
Obviously, it's much easier to buy a real Nano SIM card if you can, but if you have a compelling circumstance, then maybe this tutorial will come in handy.
First of all, you will need to write down the characteristics of the Nano-Sim card separately. You can find the specifications at this link.
In general, we have the following numbers:
Width: 12.3mm
Length: 8.8mm
Thickness: 0.67mm
The dimensions, of course, are very small and a simple ruler cannot get out here. Therefore, if you have an electronic caliper, then for measurements it will be very useful. In any case, I can advise you to buy one for your home, for example, it is not so expensive in the Amazon store. But this is offtopic.
Go to the ETSI site where there is a little text about the Nano SIM, but I will make an excerpt - the point is that this nano SIM can be made in different ways, that is, there are several varieties, but in the end it will still be backwards compatible with existing SIM card standards. The new design offers the same functionality as all SIM cards.
First of all, I measured the width, length and thickness of the Micro-SIM card I have. So I already have an idea of where and how much I need to cut in order for it to become a homemade nano-sim card.
Of course, some Micro-SIM cards may differ slightly from each other, but in general, the dimensions are approximately the same for all.
I measured my Micro-SIM card and, in general, these are the dimensions:
Width: 14.99mm
Length: 12.03 mm
Thickness: 0.81mm
After that, we turn on the brain, remember the math, and it turns out that you need to cut the card in width by 2.69 mm, in length by 3.28 mm, and the most difficult thing is to reduce the thickness of the card by 0.14 mm.
For a kind of surgical operation, I used ordinary scissors to reduce my map in length and width. Another story has developed with attempts to reduce the thickness of the map. To do this, I boldly took sandpaper. Sandpaper can also be used to reduce each side of the SIM card by a few hundredths of a millimeter to get the required 1-in-1 dimensions.
Thus, you can get something similar to this (see photo). You need to trim a little with the calculation of the digital caliper, from time to time comparing with the required dimensions of the real Nano-SIM. You must be careful not to rush to cut on each side, because you can make a mistake even by a hundredth of a millimeter and destroy the card chip.
In the end, of course, I will not be able to check the performance of the card until the iPhone 5 falls into my hands, and I can also take your time - until you buy a smartphone that works with a Nano-SIM card, you should not be smart and cut your micro-SIM card . Otherwise, you can kill it without the possibility of recovery. The final product looks very similar to what we have been shown so far only in photographs. To test the performance, I just used the good old Nokia, tried to attach a stripped-down SIM card to the contacts for verification. The phone was able to detect the SIM card, which indicates a high chance of a successful completion of the operation.
Of course, I do not know how such a card will work on Nano-SIM smartphones, but I think that hardly anyone will do better. Therefore, my advice to you is to try to make your own nano-sim card from an unnecessary old one. Moreover, you can even take a classic SIM card as a basis and also fit it to the size of the new Nano-SIM, since the chip is the same everywhere anyway.
By the way, who does not remember, we have already tried to make a Micro-SIM out of a simple SIM card and quite successfully.
P.S.: You are responsible for all actions with SIM-cards.
