Has anyone had success with cutting their MiniSIM to MicroSIM format?
I just got my Nexus 5 today and did not realize it needs a MicroSIM. I was just going to use my old phone's MiniSIM and was able to research I might still be able to do that by cutting it into the right format. It seems simple enough and I downloaded and printed template, but I wanted to hear some firsthand experiences before I give it a go.
No one ever had success at cutting it
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It can't be done
Caebron said:
Has anyone had success with cutting their MiniSIM to MicroSIM format?
I just got my Nexus 5 today and did not realize it needs a MicroSIM. I was just going to use my old phone's MiniSIM and was able to research I might still be able to do that by cutting it into the right format. It seems simple enough and I downloaded and printed template, but I wanted to hear some firsthand experiences before I give it a go.
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I've done it... it works fine.
Just make it a little bigger to start with and then fine-tune it with a nail file or similar.
Also don't force it into the slot if it still seems too wide or you might get it jammed and damage the slot.
ApriliaM3 said:
I've done it... it works fine.
Just make it a little bigger to start with and then fine-tune it with a nail file or similar.
Also don't force it into the slot if it still seems too wide or you might get it jammed and damage the slot.
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I'm glad I posted, the nail file is a good idea I would have missed otherwise.
Just to report back, it worked like a charm and cost me maybe 3-4 mins. I used one of the many templates one can find online, stuck the SIM to the printout using double-sided tape and then used a utility blade to cut the card,applying lots of presure with one my fingers on the card to hold the card in place. I didn't even need the file.
You know your network provider will just send you out one for free if you phone and ask
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Why do people bother cutting SIM cards? Why not just get the right SIM card from your carrier? If your carrier is so pretentious that they would charge you to swap a SIM card, I'd seriously reconsider buying your service from them in the first place.
T-Mobile is pretty good about giving out free SIM cards. I just didn't want to wait. And I enjoy DIY :good:
Related
I mean this one....
http://www.2-phones-in-1.com/english/products/universal_digital_dual_sim_II_us.htm
Id like to try this software on my dual sim, just because I can
if so, PM me
I would suggest you send your sims to them to be cut by their machine, I destroyed 2 sims. Other people have reported success, it says on instructions that the metal on sim should not be cut, on many sims there is no chance of it fitting without cutting the metal tabs. I threw mine in the bin, that doesnt mean its no good though.
mine worked fine, cutting went perfect
Yeah, I've used a cut up dual sim with a UK 02-uk Contract and orange PAYG sims. Some people said the O2 doesn't work: I had no trouble.
I very much hope you're note paying 37 euro for it: I got mine for £1.75 from ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=6415916094&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT
However, note that the STK menu is something special: it's a menu that gets loaded up when you load a program called "sim toolkit" built into most phones. Then you can choose your line. The one I bought doesn't have this, you go to flight mode on, flight mode off and it'll switch lines.
Cutting the sims requires a careful hand. Get them cut by machine if you can (the guy i got them from will cut them) but you get templates that you should follow carefully with fine scissors and you shouldn't go wrong.
The instructions say that you DO cut the metal tabs on the SIM, there's no other way, but that does not damage to the sim itself. But be careful, practice and try them one by one - you have something called a "Resume card" that is basically a holder for one of the tiny mini-sims. Try this with each cut sim individually to ensure they work, before putting them in the metal tray. I used a nokia to test.
Don't forget to REMOVE THE PLASTIC TEMPLATE. Jeez, this was so obvious but once you've nervously cut the sim up, you'll forget the transparent guide sticker is still on them. Remove this obviously!
In the Magician it took a lot of messing about to get the phone to recognise both sims, because I think there's not much pressure on the back of the sim in the phone's holder. I stuck a little bit of paper down the back of the metal slide to apply some pressure.
It does work, just persevere!
Vijay
PS I read via google that the STK software drains battery faster. I'm sure it wouldn't, but one review said it did? It's not much more effort.
PPS Don't use a sim copier if you're in the UK (eg 16 in 1). It'll destroy your SIMs, they're not compatible here.
Hoping one of you might be able to point me in the right direction.
I have a Nexus One that I would like to use a MicroSim on. I have tried two different brand of adapters, and found that both of them are too "think" to fit into the Nexus. What happens is, after getting about 1/4th of the way in, it gets really tight. At that point, it can be forced in, which I did up to about half way. When I tried to take it back out, I had to use pliers afterward.
So, obviously I am worried about breaking the Nexus is I try to go further with these ones I have bought. The Nexus still works, and is wonderful with a normal Sim. But I would really like to get this Micro working.
Also, just as it is important to note, I have made sure I am inserting it the first direction, the notch is in the right place, etc. It is really coming down to how think the adapter is.
What I think I need here is as thin an adapter as I can find. Anyone have any suggestions on one to try, and where I might be able to buy it? Also, if anyone has successfully used a microsim adapter I would love to hear it.
Thanks
Jim
Why dont you just cut up a plastic card? just print out a stencil and cut yourself an adapter
miketlo said:
Why dont you just cut up a plastic card? just print out a stencil and cut yourself an adapter
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Thats not a bad idea, but frankly I suck so bad at making anything by hand it is normally easier, and higher success rate, to just buy something most of time.
On the other hand, based off of the amount of information I have been able to dig up on this (in other words, next to nothing), I might just have to give that a shot.
Thanks
Jim
Why do you want to use a micro sim card, can't you just ask your carrier to give you a fullsized sim card?
Well since there are only about 2 devices that are popular which use micro sims, hes probably sharing a plan between his nexus with an iphone/ipad.
Both of these are tested and working on my Nexus One. The Amazon one being a more secure fit for the card. The links are to the stores actually purchased from so should be exactly the same.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003OG8G6W/ref=oss_product
http://negrielectronics.com/mini-uicc-microsim-adapter.html
I switch the SIM back and forth with my IP4 and Nexus One all the time and both are solid. No flames please. I'm still an Android guy. The IP4 was purchased cheap from someone who didn't like it.
If its too think maybe try some sandpaper on the adapter? It really shouldnt take much sanding to get it to fit
agriff said:
Both of these are tested and working on my Nexus One. The Amazon one being a more secure fit for the card. The links are to the stores actually purchased from so should be exactly the same.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003OG8G6W/ref=oss_product
http://negrielectronics.com/mini-uicc-microsim-adapter.html
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Wonderful. Thanks for the links, I will try this out and see how it works.
Thanks
Jim
ilikepie said:
If its too think maybe try some sandpaper on the adapter? It really shouldnt take much sanding to get it to fit
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Yeah, thats not a bad idea at all. Putting that in my back pocket...
Elwood_nexus said:
Yeah, thats not a bad idea at all. Putting that in my back pocket...
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That should be your first plan. Sand it a little then if that doesnt work spend the money to get the other adapter
+1 on the Amazon one.
I use it myself and it works perfectly. Much better than others I've used.
FYI - I bought a total of three of the adapters from Amazon. The one linked earlier in this thread is the only one that would fit.
So thanks for the link to it!
And yeah, I was lazy and never sanded anything down. Sorry, but my luck I would screw that up. I am not handy in anyway at all.
Thanks for all the great suggestions everyone.
I'm sure plenty of you have had the dreaded "Sim card removed" error (as shown in the attached image) on your S4. I started getting this message mere months after purchasing my secondhand AT&T S4 (no warranty). But fear not, with about 20 minutes of your time and less than a dollar worth of parts, you can fix it!
(1st attached pic)
Why Does This Happen?
This error is usually due to a faulty connection between the motherboard and the SIM / MicroSD card tray. Likely it is due to a bad solder job on that connector.
Does a new SIM Tray fix it?
Extremely unlikely. Purchasing a new SIM tray will likely be wasted money. (EDIT: A new motherboard may fix the issue, and several people have had success with a new SIM tray)
How do I fix it already??
This is what you'll need:
Your S4
A micro Philips-head screwdriver
Scissors
A foam earplug (or something of similar texture)
Step 1: Disassemble your phone. Pull off the back cover, remove the battery and cards, then unscrew all 9 of the micro Philips screws. Then, take your fingernail and pry off the bezel from the rest of the phone, and slowly work your nail around the bezel until it pops off. (Don't force it!)
(Attached images 2, 3, and 4)
Step 2: Use your scissors or a razor blade to cut a section off of the foam earplug which is about the width of two dimes. I also cut a 1/4 segment out of mine so you don't see it sticking out when you put the bezel back together, but you don't absolutely need to do that.
(Attached images 5 & 6)
Step 3: Press down on the connector for the SIM / SD Card Tray until it "clicks" into place. (It may not click if it is still somewhat in place) This is the connector which has a bad connection.
(Attached image 7)
Step 4: Place your piece of foam on top of the connector in a way that it is right beside but not overlapping the camera (as pictured)
(Attached image 8)
Step 5: Replace your back cover, making sure not to move the foam you just installed, press down on it in multiple locations until it pops back together all around, and screw it back down. Note: if the bezel appears to be bulging out, your foam is too thick! This won't cause any problems, but it will be a noticeable bulge on your phone.
(Attached images 9 & 10)
Step 6: Replace your back cover and enjoy! Note that if you continue to receive the error, you may need either a thicker piece of foam, or you may need to reposition the foam, or even just press down on the connector a bit more before installing the foam.
Thanks to the folks over at Android Central in the thread entitled: Galaxy S4: Major problem - SIM card not detected for info on how to fix!
After applying this fix (took me three times to get it right) I have not seen the SIM card removed error in almost two months!
Post your success stories!
EDIT: A year after I posted this, and people are still using this thread to iron out their issues. I'm glad I could start up a conversation about this problem, with many good suggestions as to possible fixes. I don't use my S4 anymore, but it makes for a great backup phone!
Anyway, I just wanted to let anybody who is looking for the answer to this problem know that my fix may or may not work for you. It worked in my case, but several commenters have noted that the problem has remained in their situation. I would like to point out a few helpful comments and possible fixes right here so you guys don't have to go searching through pages of comments to find different solutions.
Best solution by far is by @Gonemad to re-flow the solder to that connector and to the NFC chip using a heat gun. See post #98 on page 10 and Post 114 on page 12, with a guide on post 122, page 13.
A replacement motherboard may fix the issue as well, but that's assuming you're getting a new one and not a used one. With used, the replacement board may do the same thing!
many of us have shimmed the connector 1000 different ways and still get the error. oddly enough, for me the only thing that has reduced errors was removing my sd card.
iateshaggy said:
many of us have shimmed the connector 1000 different ways and still get the error. oddly enough, for me the only thing that has reduced errors was removing my sd card.
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That's interesting, and a shame. There's not enough room on my phone for all my stuff, I need that extra 32gb!
"Does a new SIM Tray fix it?
Extremely unlikely. Purchasing a new SIM tray or even a new motherboard will be wasted money."
It did in my case. I got a sim/sd card tray from a Verizon S4, put it in my AT&T S4 and it worked great!
This problem is extremely annoying. Purchased a new tray too, and for a couple of days thought the problem is fixed. Nope. 5 days later same stupid message. I had already tried putting more support on the connector which did not fix the problem. They could at least make a cancel button on it instead of just "reboot". Will try without sd card. Apparently this happens on ALL high-end samsung phones. I am adding crapsung to the "never again" list (in addition to LG now).
If removing sd card doesn't fix it then it will either be new mainboard (they go for around $100 CAD shipped) or a new phone if I have the money. Nexus 6 looks good now. Don't buy crappy Korean brands. Even Chinese brands seem more reliable.
Question: Since you say that you've already replaced the sd/sim tray and the problem returned, did you try putting another sim card in there to make sure that it's not the sim card that's the issue?
Yes, new sim did not solve it. Now i am actually trying earplug thing. So far so good (2 days), but as with any other method the message is expected to pop up again. I am thinking i did try to add support before, but only for the connector part. Earplug will press on all the components around the connector and the connector itself. Will see. I did cut out a thicker piece than in the OP, and made a cut on the camera side instead of oppoate (like in OP).
Buyimg new mainboard seems like a waste of money now too. Since so many devices have this problem chances are another mainboard will be the same.
Edit: with or without sd card - same thing.
It's known that the IMEI numbers with the last 6 digits in this range: 000000 - 560000 have been known to have this issue. Mine was in that range and had the issue. I think the mainboards outside this range are fine.
Mine is not in that range.
Thanks a lot
It took me quite a few tries with the earplug foam to get it right. Finding the correct thickness and shape was the biggest thing. Eventually I got it right and I haven't had the issue return even once since. I'm glad some of you were able to get your phones to work by just swapping the SIM tray, that's pretty easy to do. I don't think I would even consider swapping the motherboard on a 2 year old phone, might as well just get a new phone at that point.
Sean89us said:
It took me quite a few tries with the earplug foam to get it right. Finding the correct thickness and shape was the biggest thing. Eventually I got it right and I haven't had the issue return even once since. I'm glad some of you were able to get your phones to work by just swapping the SIM tray, that's pretty easy to do. I don't think I would even consider swapping the motherboard on a 2 year old phone, might as well just get a new phone at that point.
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Good to hear that this is working for some users. I just went with the M9 about a week ago and am going to give my mother my S4. She wouldn't have any idea how to handle any sim errors so when I get some time, I'll be buying an earplug or two.
It has been 9 days and the error hasn't returned. Today i put in a thiner peice to get rid of the bulge on the back. Will see how that holds up, but so far so good. Thanks to the O.P.
As for the mainboard - I never loxk myself into a contract with a discounted phone, not that Wind Mobile Canada has an option for it. So i paid almost 600 CAD for this puppy and expected it to last. For me $100 is not bad for a fix compared to at least $600 for a new phone. Only if it was for sure, but is seems like a gamble to buy a new board. BTW my phone was locked to rogers so I had to unlock it and enable AWS band.
I would get(have tried other phones) but for all its bad the S4 is hands down the most durable and usable phone I have ever owned. I like my nexus 5, but it is a very fragile unit, and on its second screen replacement due to minor drops that the S4 takes with aplomb. I like the phone so much I have bought a used one off ebay just in case this one ever fails. MHO
fargonaz said:
I would get(have tried other phones) but for all its bad the S4 is hands down the most durable and usable phone I have ever owned. I like my nexus 5, but it is a very fragile unit, and on its second screen replacement due to minor drops that the S4 takes with aplomb. I like the phone so much I have bought a used one off ebay just in case this one ever fails. MHO
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I'm right there with you. I still love my S4, despite the SIM error and somewhat slow updates from Samsung / ATT. It's getting older but my phone is still very fast, has a beautiful 1080P AMOLED screen, takes awesome pictures, and now it's even running Lollipop! The only thing that might convince me to switch phones anytime soon is if the 2015 Nexus 5 refresh has a 5" - 5.2" screen (5.5"+ is just too big!), USB Type-C and the specs blow me away. Since that probably won't happen, it looks like I'll be using my S4 for a few more years.
I don't have these earplugs foams at home.. Which other material can I use for that?
I can't say anything else will be the same material. Just buy earplugs at a dollar store or something. They are cheap.
Mine had gotten really bad, to where it was giving the "sim error" message a good six or eight times a day. Did the earplug thing...didn`t fix squat. I took a narrow strip of a business card and "shimmed" the sim card in it`s slot (like many others have), but I made my shim extra long and folded it over a few times on top of the sim card receptacle as well. Been two days and so far so good. We`ll see how it holds up.
I had actually contacted Samsung about the problem and they claimed they had no knowledge of it`s occurrence. I emailed back and they said "we really have no idea what`s causing it. Sorry." I would call it a design flaw as every single person I know personally with an S4 has the problem, and there are hundreds upon hundreds of tales on the ol` internet about it, and even Samsung can`t fix it.
I've used this solution after my s4 gave the "sim card removed" error 5 times this morning. I used a piece of power sponge i.s.o. an earplug. Since then no error. If error occurs i'll respond again.
Thanx Sean.
I was having this problem. I did this fix but just used some folded up plastic wrap. Hasn't happened again yet.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Free mobile app
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuewklttaSc&feature=youtu.be
Awesome. Not bad. I wish the back panel wasn't attached with adhesive. Makes it much more difficult to change it out on a whim.
sooooo get moto care is what i'm thinking after watching that
I get a warranty match by buying the phone with my visa card, so one year from moto one year thru visa. I skipped moto care
After watching that I cancelled my Best Buy order which still hasn't shipped. I refuse to buy another phone that basically has to be thrown away when the battery craps out. Glued on back is just ghetto.
demi9od said:
After watching that I cancelled my Best Buy order which still hasn't shipped. I refuse to buy another phone that basically has to be thrown away when the battery craps out. Glued on back is just ghetto.
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Sorry to say but it seems like most manufacturers are starting to go this route...the same with weeding out microSD support.
iazybandit said:
Sorry to say but it seems like most manufacturers are starting to go this route...the same with weeding out microSD support.
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Yeah it's a shame. I'll probably end up sticking with my M8 or picking up a G4 once a fully functional AOSP ROM is released. I do hope HTC can pivot and release and more Nexus/Moto type budget flagship next year with the M10.
That's not nearly as bad as I imagined.
As soon as I figure out how to solder in the mod chip, I'll be set.
Did they discover if the pure has dual sim hardware?
It has a dual sim tray but not sure if the software or the sim reader on the US variant is capable of making any use of dual sims
That's what I mean if the teardown revealed if the phone has the hardware capable of dual sim operation ie multiple radios.
toyanucci said:
That's what I mean if the teardown revealed if the phone has the hardware capable of dual sim operation ie multiple radios.
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The video is just that...a tear down. If you watched the video, it doesn't go anymore in-depth other than opening it up and putting it back together
I looked inside sim tray slot for hardware for second sim don't look like it's installed
I'm thinking it might have the hardware to support it, the reason I say it is because the sim slot on the board is double the size of what it regularly is (even considering the fact it has an SD reader, its on the underside of it), and I don't think they would want to solder two different type hardware onto the board, its not cost or time efficient. I think if out of the box it doesn't work, it is probably disabled from the software, however I will pry off the plastic tab on the sim tray and try it myself with dual sims and see what I get.
Actually just took a closer look inside the sim slot, and there are solder points on the board where the pins to touch and read the second sim should be installed but they are not. All you would need to do I guess would be to take the metal shield covering that area off by using a head gun to de-solder the corners or by cutting it off from the top and then solder a second set of the pins onto the board in its designated slot. After that I don't see why it would not work.
Looks way easier than some phones I've watched. I wish he would have removed the battery Wonder if we will see any custom or higher capacity batteries in the future for modders to use. Also if you have motocare I don't see why they won't replace the battery just file a claim before the 2 years are up and say the battery is awful and get another. I don't see the battery life crapping out in 2 years.
I guess the S6's and Notes are ghetto since the glass backs are glued as well
Sent from my SM-G920T using XDA Free mobile app
Looks like room for a bigger battery and the housing design seems better suited with a replaceable battery design and cover. Seems an odd design decision since no unibody contraint.
Glass doesn't do clips. Glued plastic is ghetto. They simply want to sell new phones every year and planned obsolescence is the easiest way to do it.
iazybandit said:
Sorry to say but it seems like most manufacturers are starting to go this route...the same with weeding out microSD support.
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Needs to be banned.
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demi9od said:
Glass doesn't do clips. Glued plastic is ghetto. They simply want to sell new phones every year and planned obsolescence is the easiest way to do it.
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Also needs to be banned
Just replaced my sim card slot after killing it with a sim card adapter.
That got me thinking. Would be awfully nice to be able to replace the regular sim card reader with a nano version instead of the default micro version.
Haven't seen one anywhere and I doubt that they exist but.. I figured I'd check and see if anyone's ever seen one?
Since my main phone (Nexus 6) and most newer phones use nano sims it would be nice to not have to fiddle with adapters (and risk ruining the reader again..).
Sims now come pre-cut in all 3 sizes. You just pop out the size you need.
Doing modifications to the phone is bound to cause more trouble. How did you even manage to break the sim slot?
GDReaper said:
Sims now come pre-cut in all 3 sizes. You just pop out the size you need.
Doing modifications to the phone is bound to cause more trouble. How did you even manage to break the sim slot?
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Sure, but that doesn't really help if you want to switch between phones alot.
After I broke mine I checked around and apparently it's quite common. The small springs in the card reader gets stuck in the tiny gaps in between the sim and the adapter.
Here's some examples for instance: http://www.androidcentral.com/warning-using-sim-adapter-incorrectly-brings-down-world-hate
The replacement reader was dirt cheap and really easy to replace so that wasn't a problem really.
Some days I just feel like using a smaller phone while others I prefer my bigger Nexus. It'd be nice to just be able to move the sim without having to use an adapter.
Doubt we will ever see a nano sim reader on a phone that has been discontinued by many carriers.
audit13 said:
Doubt we will ever see a nano sim reader on a phone that has been discontinued by many carriers.
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You're probably right. It would've been nice if some third party were to make one.