Some of the common signs of a damaged SIM card include connectivity issues, delayed or missed messages, and problems making or receiving calls. If you experience these issues, you may need to replace your SIM card to solve them.
A physical SIM has exposed connectors that are prone to damage. When you handle a SIM card, you risk snapping, bending, scratching, or breaking it. There are also risks of card degradation and loss of function over time.
SIM cards have an expiration date that varies depending on the carrier's policies. An inactive SIM card usually expires after approximately 90 to 180 days. Once a SIM card expires, the associated phone number may be given to someone else, and the user may lose any balance or data stored on it.
When you get your new device it will come with a brand new SIM Card. Your old SIM Card should fit too, but it is recommended that you use the new one.
A SIM card never expires physically, only electronically. SIM cards oftentimes stay inside devices for a long time, hence they don't face any wear and tear issues. A SIM card in its physical form can function for extensive periods. However, it can become obsolete in terms of its electronics.
Getting a new SIM card for your current phone
If your SIM stops working, you'll need to contact your current wireless provider and in most cases, they'll send you a new SIM card in the mail with activation instructions.
If the SIM is the cause of bad signal reception, then replacing it should improve the signal. If you are in a low or inconsistent signal area though, changing a SIM card will not affect that. If the SIM is the cause of bad signal reception, then replacing it should improve the signal.
SIM cards don't get outdated as quickly as smartphones. These cards can last for more than 20 years if kept with care. It should be replaced only if it is no longer working, requires an upgrade due to the latest technology, or is damaged.
You need to check for an update to the mobile carrier settings. Open the Settings app on your smartphone, go to General and then About section. If any update is available, click on the button and go ahead with it. The update should fix any of the issues with the SIM not working message.
The first thing you should try when you receive this error is to check if your SIM card is placed correctly. Sometimes, it might get loose or fall out of its slot, so ensure it's in place properly. If that doesn't work, try replacing your SIM card with another one from a different carrier.
The "no service" issue occurs when the phone can't connect with your network provider. You can try to connect by switching the Airplane Mode on and off again. When you turn on Airplane mode, your phone gets disconnected from all the networks.
Other times, a newfound signal issue can be due to a defect with your phone or a SIM card that's gone bad. Contacting your carrier to begin troubleshooting after you've tried these fixes is the next best step to resolving your spotty signal.
Well first you buy the SIM activation kit (basically a brand new and never activated SIM card). Usually, these SIM activation kits cost between $5–$15 on average. These SIM activation kits have an expiration date, so if you buy it but don't activate it for a long time, the SIM card will not be able to be used anymore.
You may also experience difficulty using certain features, such as making/receiving calls, sending/receiving messages and connecting to the internet. Another sign of a bad SIM card is if your mobile device suddenly keeps restarting without an obvious cause. This could be caused by a malfunctioning SIM card.
Also how to change SIM cards. If you change it for a SIM from the same carrier, nothing happens, the device continues working as before. If you change it for a SIM from another carrier and the phone is locked to the original, then it will work as a fancy iPod, none of the phone capabilities will be available.
Averse weather, interference from building materials or terrain, distance from your nearest cell tower, or network overload can all contribute to poor signal.
A replacement SIM lets you move your number to a new SIM if your old SIM is lost, stolen or damaged, or if you need a different size SIM for your new device. A replacement SIM can take up to 24 hours to activate in busy periods, however it's usually much quicker.
If your device is lost or stolen, or if you need a SIM card in another format, you can choose to change your SIM card but keep the same phone number. Just visit a POST outlet, bringing an identity document.
Check the expiry date on the back of your SIM kit packaging to see if it's still valid. If your SIM card has expired or is faulty, you'll need to return it to where you bought it and ask for a refund.
If you're going to keep the same phone number, you may be able to transfer your SIM card to your new phone. If you're not going to reuse the SIM card, destroy it. If your phone has an SD memory card for storage, remove it.
In summary, when you put your SIM card in another phone, the only data that will be transferred is your own phone number and possibly a few text messages and contacts saved on the SIM card. The rest of your data, including photos, videos, and other files, will remain on your old phone.
Data that SIM cards contain include user identity, location and phone number, network authorization data, personal security keys, contact lists and stored text messages. SIM cards allow a mobile user to use this data and the features that come with them.