Database Info

[Q] Good place to buy a micro sim?

Where do you buy a micro sim? Does it matter if I'm on T-Mobile?

jamesey10 said:
Where do you buy a micro sim? Does it matter if I'm on T-Mobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not just get one online from T-Mobile since you're with them? I got the activation kit for $1.08 with free activation or go I'm store and ask for a micro Sim? I've heard they'll give it to you for free.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Hero_Guy said:
Why not just get one online from T-Mobile since you're with them? I got the activation kit for $1.08 with free activation or go I'm store and ask for a micro Sim? I've heard they'll give it to you for free.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do I just order it from T-Mobile.com?

That's what I did. Cost me $1.06 and it'll be here waiting for my new nexus 4

is your already on t mo just go to the store and get a micro sim. i have a normal sim in my gnex once my N4 is here i will just go to a retail store and swap cards

Does anyone know about AT&T? I had no idea there was a different SIM card.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

jamesey10 said:
Where do you buy a micro sim? Does it matter if I'm on T-Mobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With T-Mobile, you have two options.
1) If you have postpaid service, you can buy a Micro-SIM kit (currently $1) online from their prepaid division, and when you get the phone, you can switch to the new SIM card yourself via t-mobile.com/sim. (You can ignore and discard the rest of the prepaid kit.) There is no way to change the SIM online if you have prepaid service, so for that, you need the second option below.
2) Go to a T-Mobile store. There, they can swap the SIM for you for free, for either prepaid or postpaid service.
I'm going to do #1 because $1 is worth it for the convenience and to save the time and gas needed to go to the store.

FatalityBoyZahy said:
Do I just order it from T-Mobile.com?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup. It was quick and I will be getting it in the mail Thursday or Friday.
code65536 said:
With T-Mobile, you have two options.
1) If you have postpaid service, you can buy a Micro-SIM kit (currently $1) online from their prepaid division, and when you get the phone, you can switch to the new SIM card yourself via t-mobile.com/sim. (You can ignore and discard the rest of the prepaid kit.) There is no way to change the SIM online if you have prepaid service, so for that, you need the second option below.
2) Go to a T-Mobile store. There, they can swap the SIM for you for free, for either prepaid or postpaid service.
I'm going to do #1 because $1 is worth it for the convenience and to save the time and gas needed to go to the store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup it would actually cost more to drive to the store than order one haha
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

It's telling me to select a plan when I try ordering the card.
Can I have the link which you purchased the SIM from?

At the previous links, you need an active account with them. On their prepaid, they only list the regular SIM (that I could find), so this link might be helpful for people:
Prepaid Micro-SIM Kit :good:

Can't we just use a cutter to cut it to size?

MatUK.8 said:
Does anyone know about AT&T? I had no idea there was a different SIM card.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Walk in to the store and ask for one.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

intern said:
Can't we just use a cutter to cut it to size?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, of course. I might do this with my ATT until I switch to T-Mobile.
Sent from my bootloader-locked MB865.

I walked into a T-Mobile store about a month ago to swap out my SIM for a MicroSim and they tried to charge me $20.

naszero said:
I walked into a T-Mobile store about a month ago to swap out my SIM for a MicroSim and they tried to charge me $20.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went into the store to buy a chip and they tried to charge me $20 too. A corporate store nonetheless.

danlo said:
I went into the store to buy a chip and they tried to charge me $20 too. A corporate store nonetheless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Weird. I walked into a Tmobile store two weeks ago to get the Isis SIM card for my GS3 and wasn't charged anything, and again last week to get a normal SIM after selling my GS3 and wasn't charged either time.

There are T mobile deals all the time. 2-3 times a month they are just free. I got 2 last month.

FatalityBoyZahy said:
It's telling me to select a plan when I try ordering the card.
Can I have the link which you purchased the SIM from?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After poking around for a few minutes, I was unable to find an online mechanism for getting a micro SIM from T-Mobile (US), so I gave up and called 611. It couldn't have been easier: I just said that I was buying an unlocked phone and needed a micro SIM card for it; the agent asked for the line I wanted it for and how quickly I wanted it, and they're mailing me one for free. (They offer expedited shipping for a fee, but since they quoted "up to a week" for free delivery, I took that option.)
I understand from another poster in one of the other forums that their experience was different and the customer service agent told them that they'd have to bring the phone in, so YMMV.

jnewman1991 said:
Weird. I walked into a Tmobile store two weeks ago to get the Isis SIM card for my GS3 and wasn't charged anything, and again last week to get a normal SIM after selling my GS3 and wasn't charged either time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think if you're currently a customer they will give you the SIM chip. I was told as a new customer they would charge me $20. What a backward policy.

fleury14 said:
That's what I did. Cost me $1.06 and it'll be here waiting for my new nexus 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same, I couldn't find it online, but I opened up a chat window with customer service and they linked me quickly. Whoever paid $1.08 must have a high sales tax in their state

Will tmobile get the n5

Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app

Probably. They sell the N4.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

They're the ones that surely will

Unless you want to do the T-Mobile monthly payment plan, why not just buy it cheaper directly from Google. T-Mobile going to raise to price to $500 anyway.

reefrunway said:
Probably. They sell the N4.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AndreaCristiano said:
They're the ones that surely will
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not a for sure guarantee, The nexus 4 is the first google device since the G1 that they sold in years. It's a 50/50 chance they skipped out on all the other nexus devices, I personally hope they do carry it but who knows with t-mobile

eksasol said:
Unless you want to do the T-Mobile monthly payment plan, why not just buy it cheaper directly from Google. T-Mobile going to raise to price to $500 anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Contemplating on waiting on tmo to sell it hopfully the price isnt increased cuz im aiming for the 32gb model.. or shud i just get it straight from google?
Sent from my SM-N900T using xda app-developers app

Google sells the phone unlocked so all you need is a T-Mobile sim if I am not mistaken.

yep google sells completely unlocked you just need your sim

You can get a nano sim for the Nexus 5 for T-Mobile here.
You can buy x1 or x2 and use the promo code OCTSIM for the next day or so to reduce the price to $0.99 each. I bought x2 and it cost $2.12 total with tax added.
The thing about T-Mobile sim is they only activate on one device (my experience, YMMV). I activated a prepaid T-Mobile sim on my Nexus 7 (2013) and the sim would not work on another Nexus 7 3G tablet. I tried the same thing using prepaid AT&T sim and this sim worked on both devices. Therefore, I think there is a limitation on T-Mobile sim only working on the device originally activated, or at least this appears to be the case for a prepaid T-Mobile sim. The big advantage of prepaid T-Mobile on Nexus 7 (2013) is working tethering.
Also, if you activate a T-Mobile prepaid broadband (data only) on the Nexus 7 (2013) you get first 30 days & 2GB free data (if using new account email, and you swap sim like AT&T and use new broadband (not link above) T-Mobile sim you get another first 30 days free on Nexus 7 4G, lol). Its not relevant to this thread, but I thought to mention it because there could be some free offers with Nexus 5 from any carrier, too. No idea.
Since there is a T-Mobile $0.99 per sim promo every few months I do not consider a T-Mobile activation limitation (only works on activated device at least on prepaid) to be a big problem. YMMV. But, at this price its worth getting one or two extra T-Mobile sim just in case you want to test some carrier options on Nexus 5.
These sim do not expire until sometime in 2015.
Good luck.

eksasol said:
Unless you want to do the T-Mobile monthly payment plan, why not just buy it cheaper directly from Google. T-Mobile going to raise to price to $500 anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Love the way assumptions are made for no apparent reason...... I wouldn't be surprised to see the cost be within $50
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 4

Not true tmobule was selling the N4 for almost 489 full price

T-Mobile is indeed getting the Nexus 5, here's the sign up page https://explore.t-mobile.com/google...FwytwzpCjCfFBj5ywywT&AID=11031750&PID=6147683

Sprint nexus works on att???

I see that bestbuy only carries the nexus 5 for sprint will it work on att??

SuperMiguel said:
I see that bestbuy only carries the nexus 5 for sprint will it work on att??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes

Exact same phone, the one at Best Buy just comes with an $100 SIM card.

This is one of the most appealing features of this phone that has so far gone pretty much unrecognized. You can take this single model and jump to most major and prepaid carriers.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

Directed to the two posters above who say it will work on AT&T - how do you know? Do you have confirmation from someone who bought the phone at Best Buy? The listings on Bestbuy.com both say (Sprint) after the name of the phone.

I have the nexus from Sprint and can personally verify it works with a prepaid att straight talk Sim card. FYI the sprint sold phone does not include the Sim tray key.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Can i just walk into bestbuy and buy one? or i actually need a sprint account?

ronwi2 said:
Directed to the two posters above who say it will work on AT&T - how do you know? Do you have confirmation from someone who bought the phone at Best Buy?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes
SuperMiguel said:
Can i just walk into bestbuy and buy one? or i actually need a sprint account?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you are paying full price, you should be able to get it without a Sprint account. It will of course depend on whether the sales person you deal with decides to be a jerk or not.

uh60james said:
Exact same phone, the one at Best Buy just comes with an $100 SIM card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If we don't want the SIM card can we get $100 off?
haha jk, I bought mine at best buy and was able to get them to match the play store.

ktt4510 said:
I have the nexus from Sprint and can personally verify it works with a prepaid att straight talk Sim card. FYI the sprint sold phone does not include the Sim tray key.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you just stick an AT&T SIM card in there and it'll automatically switch to it? Was your phone already activated on the Sprint network? I'm curious since Sprint would tie in with the ESN activation for CDMA. If it's just as simple as putting in an AT&T or Tmobile SIM, then I'm sure getting it!

scoliosis said:
So you just stick an AT&T SIM card in there and it'll automatically switch to it? Was your phone already activated on the Sprint network? I'm curious since Sprint would tie in with the ESN activation for CDMA. If it's just as simple as putting in an AT&T or Tmobile SIM, then I'm sure getting it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah it really was that simple. Just put the Sim card in reboot the phone and your good. I had to change a couple settings in the connections menu to go back to sprint but it was relatively painless
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

scoliosis said:
So you just stick an AT&T SIM card in there and it'll automatically switch to it? Was your phone already activated on the Sprint network? I'm curious since Sprint would tie in with the ESN activation for CDMA. If it's just as simple as putting in an AT&T or Tmobile SIM, then I'm sure getting it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought a Nexus 5 from Best Buy and I'm an AT&T customer. Yes, the phone will automatically connect to AT&T's network. It took a few minutes to convince the BB employee that the phone would work on AT&T. They also insisted it was store policy that they activate every phone they sell, so I had to pay the $30 activation fee.

ktt4510 said:
Yeah it really was that simple. Just put the Sim card in reboot the phone and your good. I had to change a couple settings in the connections menu to go back to sprint but it was relatively painless
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! If you can detail out the settings you had to change to go back, that would be much appreciated!

I can't remember specifics but I had to change the settings here back to LTE a couple of times. For some reason it wouldn't stick after the first reboot. I can't retest it because my straight talk Sim is not active right now. I can assure you it works relatively easily though.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

ronwi2 said:
Directed to the two posters above who say it will work on AT&T - how do you know? Do you have confirmation from someone who bought the phone at Best Buy? The listings on Bestbuy.com both say (Sprint) after the name of the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
because all N5's sold in North America are the same model, with the same frequencies (D820), the only thing that may have to be changed is the APN.
this is not like other Sprint specific devices like the G2 (LS980) vs the AT&T G2 (D800)
AT&T - D800
GSM 850/900/1800/1900
UMTS 850/1900/2100
LTE 1900(2)/1700(4)/850(5)/700(17)
Sprint - LS980
GSM 850/1900
CDMA 800/850/1900
UMTS 850/1900
LTE 1900(25)/800(26)/2500(41)

brooksyx said:
If we don't want the SIM card can we get $100 off?
haha jk, I bought mine at best buy and was able to get them to match the play store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would have been awesome, I don't understand why everybody charges $100 more unless Google really is taking a hit on each one they sell.
Glad you got them to price match, they wouldn't budge for me. Brought them a few receipts where other people did it, brought them the price printed. They just kept telling me it's not the same phone, got to the point where I was just tired of wasting my time with them and didn't want to wait on the Play Store so I just got it at full price.

uh60james said:
That would have been awesome, I don't understand why everybody charges $100 more unless Google really is taking a hit on each one they sell.
Glad you got them to price match, they wouldn't budge for me. Brought them a few receipts where other people did it, brought them the price printed. They just kept telling me it's not the same phone, got to the point where I was just tired of wasting my time with them and didn't want to wait on the Play Store so I just got it at full price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think Google is necessarily taking a hit but I do think they are selling them just slightly above cost. You have to remember that Google isnt a electronic sales company like Apple, they make all of their profits from there data mining and advertising business. Android is just another medium to collect data and deliver ads. So they could give these away for free and still benefit. However companies like best buy and sprint make their money off of retail sales and cell phone plans. So they are trying to maximize profits that way.
Anyways bummer that they didn't match for you. I guess I just got luck. I walked in not feeling to confident with my play store ad. They were cool but hesitant. After the guy asked his manager he said that they normally wouldn't match the play store but were will to make an exception.

I am in the same boat but for T Mobile. Anyone know if this phone will work for T Mobile as well? I would believe so but I want to make especially if BB is going to charge me an activation fee.

Sim Card Required for Sprint?

I was planning on ordering an unlocked N5 to use on Sprint for a few months before going to ATT. As far as I understood this required a sprint sim so I called sprint before and was able to order 1. For whatever reason they canceled my original order so I called back in today and now they are telling me the sim isn't available and isn't needed to activate the device, only if I intend to use it internationally. Any truth to that or are they just up to speed on what needs to be done. I've talked to 3 people at this point, including a supervisor, all of which said this.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app

Yes there needs to be a sim in the phone. They probably won't give you one until you have the phone in hand. Order it and when it arrives, take it to the sprint store and ask them to activate it. They will have to install a sim to get it working.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

coorsleftfield said:
Yes there needs to be a sim in the phone. They probably won't give you one until you have the phone in hand. Order it and when it arrives, take it to the sprint store and ask them to activate it. They will have to install a sim to get it working.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 some stores are out of them, don't get discouraged. You may need to try more than one store
sent from my Hammerhead Nexus

CRIME INC. said:
+1 some stores are out of them, don't get discouraged. You may need to try more than one store
sent from my Hammerhead Nexus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Come to hawaii we have all the sprint sim cards you need, really no one goes to sprint its crap lol.

markdapimp said:
Come to hawaii we have all the sprint sim cards you need, really no one goes to sprint its crap lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Opinions are like a$$holes bro. Sprint, where I live is flawless. Superb speeds, no drops,and perfect lte
sent from my Hammerhead Nexus

CRIME INC. said:
Opinions are like a$$holes bro. Sprint, where I live is flawless. Superb speeds, no drops,and perfect lte
sent from my Hammerhead Nexus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Until i see LTE on my friends phone i will continue to bash them, i also have a premium form access to a site called S4GRU
Sprint Filed their permits 9 Months late compared to Verizon,AT&T,T-mobile, it appears they also don't know how to file a permit correctly as most of the cell sites are marked Plans need correction. 3G speeds are nothing but dailup. So until i see LTE or 3G has been improved i will continue to bash them :good: they think Hawaii isn't a priority market and LTE should arrive in Q3 2015, Clearwire thought it was and id be damn better to let them take over sprint instead of sprint taking over them.

Never said they were perfect bro. But they're good to me. Sorry you got screwed. I've been with them for a decade with no complaints. Who you with now?
sent from my Hammerhead Nexus

CRIME INC. said:
Never said they were perfect bro. But they're good to me. Sorry you got screwed. I've been with them for a decade with no complaints. Who you with now?
sent from my Hammerhead Nexus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Running T-Mobile and Verizon
One for work T-Mobile ( for going overseas ) *Preferred
One for personal Verizon

Nice. I almost switched to t mo but my brother said its hit or miss here where I live. And Verizon is out cuz of the data cap
sent from my Hammerhead Nexus

CRIME INC. said:
Nice. I almost switched to t mo but my brother said its hit or miss here where I live. And Verizon is out cuz of the data cap
sent from my Hammerhead Nexus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah i cant let go of my verizon line its unlimited data

markdapimp said:
Yeah i cant let go of my verizon line its unlimited data
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its good to be grandfathered in huh lol
sent from my Hammerhead Nexus

If I have a Nexus 5 that was intended for At&t can I simply put a Sprint LTE Sim in it and activate it on Sprint or do I need a Nexus 5 that was intended for Sprint?
( I really need a 100% sure answer please ASAP )

devo3d said:
If I have a Nexus 5 that was intended for At&t can I simply put a Sprint LTE Sim in it and activate it on Sprint or do I need a Nexus 5 that was intended for Sprint?
( I really need a 100% sure answer please ASAP )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can 100% use a sprint sim to use it on sprint you just put it in and reboot
sent from my Hammerhead Nexus

CRIME INC. said:
You can 100% use a sprint sim to use it on sprint you just put it in and reboot
sent from my Hammerhead Nexus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that info because I had a Sprint person tell me it has to be a "Sprint" Nexus 5.....I'm glad any will work. I already have one for At&t but I want one for Boost now... I have to find one at a good price now..LOL [ if anyone reads this that wants to sell one..PM me ]

Sprint has been told to say its locked....or they don't know much about the nexus 5 yet... Every tech/customer support person I have talked to or chatted with has said its locked..blah blah blah...but its not...there Sim card is the only thing that ties the N5 to sprint
Also 350 for a completely unlocked superphone is insanely cheap...don't buy second hand
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Xparent Red Tapatalk 2

noXcape said:
Sprint has been told to say its locked....or they don't know much about the nexus 5 yet... Every tech/customer support person I have talked to or chatted with has said its locked..blah blah blah...but its not...there Sim card is the only thing that ties the N5 to sprint
Also 350 for a completely unlocked superphone is insanely cheap...don't buy second hand
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Xparent Red Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I kinda figured that...thats why I came here to ask. I can't help buying second hand....lol. I have a new 32gb one on At&t and I just can't afford another new one..every little bit saved helps these days.

Sprint Nexus 5 Sim

Nexus 5 arrived today and I was pretty excited to activate it until I found out that Sprint sent me the wrong sim card. *Sim cards are now on backorder with Sprint. *Does anybody have one lying around that they would be willing to send me?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Call around to some local stores. You may end up calling quite a few before you find one.
sent from my HAMMERHEAD neXus

I have one from my Old account that I canceled. I'm on ST now. If you need it PM me.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

The Sprint stores that have them are the ones that repair phones. Only Sprint repair stores have them to give.

jdawg0024 said:
I have one from my Old account that I canceled. I'm on ST now. If you need it PM me.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks jdawg0024! PM sent. I apologize if you receive two messages from me. Wasn't sure if the first went out so I sent a second. Thanks again!
oaliaso and CRIME INC. I did call all the local Sprint stores and Best Buy locations to no avail. Thanks for the tip though.

Was in the same boat, went to the local corporate store and they gave me a SIM card right away. I would call ahead just in case though, they only seem to keep a few of them in the store and order them as they need them.

I don't have sprint and never will, but I'm just curious. Why is it such a hassle to get a sim card? With any other carrier, I just walk into a store and they hand me one.

oaliaso said:
The Sprint stores that have them are the ones that repair phones. Only Sprint repair stores have them to give.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How can a service provider sell service without SIM cards? That's like selling a car without the keys to start it. No wonder people are jumping ship on Sprint like crazy.

BirchBarlow said:
How can a service provider sell service without SIM cards? That's like selling a car without the keys to start it. No wonder people are jumping ship on Sprint like crazy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because this is the first phone that Sprint has ever allowed on their network that was bought from another source (google play store) other than themselves. Not to mention they're CDMA / LTE and this is the first experience as a company that they had to deal with people actually getting sim cards to activate / use their phones instead of replacing one they already have.

To expand a touch on lilotimz statement. All Sprint branded devices that require a sim card come with a sim card in the box from the factory. The N5 is the first non-Sprint branded device most stores will encounter.

aooga said:
I don't have sprint and never will, but I'm just curious. Why is it such a hassle to get a sim card? With any other carrier, I just walk into a store and they hand me one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cause they are terrible, I used to work for them. Hell, I even carried a T-Mobile phone because service was so bad... From dialup 3g, to spotty lte that's slower than Tmobile hspa, to dropped calls.
And Sims, every store were dicks about those. Even if they had any, they wouldn't give them out unless they were making money, was insane! Basically, corporate didn't send many of those and very few phones need them. So, they save them for activations... If a customer needs them, nope, upgrade... Nope.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

air2k57 said:
Cause they are terrible, I used to work for them. Hell, I even carried a T-Mobile phone because service was so bad... From dialup 3g, to spotty lte that's slower than Tmobile hspa, to dropped calls.
And Sims, every store were dicks about those. Even if they had any, they wouldn't give them out unless they were making money, was insane! Basically, corporate didn't send many of those and very few phones need them. So, they save them for activations... If a customer needs them, nope, upgrade... Nope.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just another reason to not switch to sprint.

You can use gs4 SIM and iphone 5 SIM according to Sprint