Micro sim from regular one. How to cut a SIM card for Micro SIM and Nano SIM. How to cut a SIM card for micro sim

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 the 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 size of which was comparable to the size of bank cards. One of the main reasons that prompted phone manufacturers to reduce the size of the SIM card is to save 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.

If you replace your old SIM card, not only your tariff plan, but also all your subscriptions will be retained on the new card. The old card will be deactivated by the operator within 24 hours.

The desire to incorporate rich functionality into modern smartphones forced designers to take a fresh look at the shape of SIM cards. Gadgets require more internal space for memory, powerful processors and batteries, while keeping the device light and compact is important. One of the solutions was the use of a new card format - nano. Do you need to cut the SIM card under application? We will tell you how to do this at home.

Cut microsim for nano-sim card

Nano-SIM is the smallest card size, only 12.3 by 8.8 mm. The legislator of the new format was the Apple company, having released yet another new product - the iPhone 5. At first, mobile operators did not have cards of the new type, and they had to reduce the SIM card themselves.

The easiest way to cut a micro-SIM card under application is to remove all the plastic along the contour of the chip. Just leave a narrow strip on one side to form a beveled corner. This also applies to mini SIM cards with a small chip.

Keep in mind one feature of nano-SIM - it is thinner than mini and micro format cards. The first has a thickness of 0.67 mm, and the second and third have a thickness of 0.76 mm. This problem can be solved using a regular nail file or sandpaper. After trimming, slightly sharpen the SIM card along the contour and along the plane so that it fits freely in the device slot.

An old-style card for a nano-SIM card

Old SIM cards have a large chip size, exceeding the nano-standard size. But you can also cut off an old SIM card. Removing the edge of such a chip does not disrupt the operation of the contacts.

It is easier to cut out a nano-shape from a mini-SIM card, since there is a place that allows you to hold the card while manipulating with scissors. Using a utility knife will make the task much easier.

Step by step steps:

• Use a pen or thin marker to mark the new dimensions on the chip side so that you can see if the lines overlap the contacts;
• cut off the excess plastic, clamp the card itself with tongs for more precise manipulations;
• sharpen the card with a file along the contour to remove nicks, and sand the surface of the plastic on the side of the operator’s logo to make the card thinner;
• insert the SIM into the card holder; if it does not fit, repeat the previous operation until it fits completely into the slot.

If you still have unnecessary SIM cards, practice using them. The chance of the correct result of the pruning procedure will increase significantly.

An alternative to converting a card into a nanostandard yourself:

• contacting a cellular communication store, where they will cut the SIM to the required size using a special cutter;
• contacting the official office of the operator to replace the SIM card with the required form.

Nano SIM card template

A more accurate way to trim the card correctly is to use a template. It can be downloaded here. When printing the template, set the scale to 100% for A4 sheet.

• Print out the stencil. No color printing required.
• Cut out the nano size template.
• Using glue, or better yet double-sided tape, attach the template to the SIM card from the operator logo side.
• Carefully cut the plastic with scissors or sharp tweezers.

If you don’t have a printer at hand, you can draw the future size directly on the card using a ruler and pencil.

How to do it:

• position the SIM card so that the cut corner is in the lower right corner;
• draw a vertical line along the left edge of the chip;
• measure 13 mm from the left edge of the chip and draw another vertical line;
• draw a horizontal line along the top edge of the chip;
• set aside 9.5 mm from the top edge of the chip and draw a line.

The resulting rectangle will be the new SIM size. All that remains is to cut down a small corner.

Popular devices with nano-SIM cards

The table contains a list of the most popular smartphones that work with nano-SIM. Check out the list to see if you have decided to purchase one of these models. Then the service of cutting the card or replacing it with the operator with a new standard will be relevant for you.

Series of phones from well-known manufacturers with slots fornano— SIM.
Apple	iPhone X, iPhone 8 / 8 Plus, iPhone 7 / 7 Plus, iPhone 6s / 6 / 6s Plus / 6 Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 5s/5c/5
Samsung	Galaxy A3, Galaxy A5, Galaxy A7, Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge, Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 edge
HTC	Desire 626G, 820G, One E8, U Ultra, U Play
LG	K3, K7, K8, K10, G5, G6
Xiaomi	redmi 4x, Mi5 (S, Pro), Mi6, Mi Note 2, Mi Mix
Meizu	M5C, M3 Note, U10

Trim SIM card for iPhone 5s , as for any other model, you can do it at any mobile phone store, right where you buy your smartphone. This service is provided on a paid basis. You can also get a nano-SIM at your operator's service point, the service is free.

10/20/2012 | 11241 views

So, you purchased a new phone, and then, bad luck, it turns out that your old, favorite SIM card does not fit into it, no matter how hard you try to squeeze it in there. If you were not warned in advance which SIM card the device you purchased was equipped with, and you did not purchase this card, then you have 2 options:

1) Go to to my native operator and ask for nano- and micro-sim availability;

2) Cut from the existing Regular or micro-sim is what you need.

We'll talk about the second option now. I warn you right away - this path is for lazy experimenters, or lazy experimenters. There is a chance (although experience suggests that it is also from the micro, or even nano category) of damaging the SIM card, so if it has important contacts, save them first.

Why do we have the opportunity for such a vital conversion of SIM card formats? Due to the fact that a SIM card is a thin small chip with contact surfaces - this is the notorious piece of hardware that we have all seen and know very well, and a plastic plate to which this chip is simply glued. Naturally, all the information is stored on a chip, and therefore we can do whatever our little darling wants with plastic, as long as the contact surfaces are where they need to be.

So, What same for us will be needed?

1) An ordinary ruler, and for nano-sim a caliper/good eye or printer;

2) Ordinary (but good for cutting plastic) scissors;

3) Pencil, pen or thin marker;

4) Fine sandpaper (for nano-sim, because it is thinner).

Now directly instructions:

We make a micro-sim from a regular SIM card.

The picture above shows what dimensions a micro SIM has and how it should be marked.

We take a ruler and mark it, and if you believe in your eye, we estimate it and then cut it.

We make a nano-sim from a regular or micro SIM card.

Here it’s more complicated, because... The final product is smaller and thickness adjustments are required. It is possible that the contact pads of an ordinary SIM card will be larger than the entire nano-cim, then you will have to cut it into metal, and the survival rate of SIM cards after such an operation is about 80% (our own research conducted on cards from different operators).

Dimensions of the nano SIM card from the specification: width - 8.8 mm, length - 12.3 mm, thickness - 0.67 mm

Option number one (caliper or eye gauge required):

As you can see, here the count is in tenths of a millimeter, but we don’t worry too much, the main thing is that the contact surfaces are in the right place and the chip is not damaged.

If you have a caliper, we accurately measure and cut off everything that is unnecessary; if not, we cut along the edge of the piece of iron, and then adjust it so that it fits into the tray. IMPORTANT: don’t forget where the corner was, small and neat, let’s apply it too!

Having placed the SIM card in the tray, we go over the plastic side with sandpaper so that the tray with the SIM card fits freely into the phone.

Option number two (requires a printer):

We save the corresponding picture presented under the title on the desktop. Create a Microsoft Word Document, insert it, and then stretch it until the outline of the SIM card matches your SIM card. Then we print it out, take a ruler and a marker, and, fixing the SIM card on the template, draw along the ruler, continuing the already prepared lines. We cut it, adjust the thickness with sandpaper, insert it, and rejoice.

If the SIM card is inserted and works - victory! If it doesn’t fit, we cut it, if it doesn’t work, go to the operator and calmly restore the SIM card.

The vast majority of modern smartphones, especially ultra-thin ones, work only with small Nano-SIM cards due to the fact that they are slightly thinner than their standard Micro- and Mini-SIM “brothers”. Despite the difference in size, their chip is exactly the same. That is why, if necessary, you can cut the SIM card for Nano SIM yourself. Many communication shops offer to cut your SIM card for money. If you are afraid to do it yourself, you can use their services.

By the way, recently telecom operators have begun to make SIM transformers:

The user just has to break out the size he needs. Moreover, if necessary, you can not only reduce the size of the card, but also increase it in reverse.

So, how to cut a SIM card for Nano SIM without damaging it? I offer you two options.

Template for Nano SIM card

I present to you two templates for Nano-Sim, which you need to download, print on A4 sheet and use in accordance with the instructions. For work you will need good sharp scissors, a powerful construction knife or metal scalpel, a nail file, as well as a plastic or wooden board.
Attention! The templates presented below allow you to make a Nano-SIM from both a regular and a Micro-SIM.
Template 1- Download
Cut it out to the size you need and stick it on your SIM card. After that, you need to cut it to fit the Nano-SIM card. Sharp or crooked edges can be corrected using a nail file. The main thing is not to damage the chip.

After this, you can cut the SIM card to fit the Nano-SIM along the contour. The main thing is not to touch the chip!
File sharp or curved edges with a file.
After this, you can insert the Nano-SIM into the phone and check its operation. Good luck to all!

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 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. The micro SIM card size is 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. Choose 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 the operator’s hotline and complain about 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.

The new SIM will not work immediately; 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 the 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.