Some people have two smartphones or tablets and want to change SIMS to easily exchange phone numbers or share a wireless account between two tablets. To do this, the two Phones must share the same size SIM card. In our case, we are sharing it between iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S4, which uses two different size cards. We will show users how to replace their iPhone nano-SIM with other smartphones.
UPDATE: We found that this unfortunately breaks the personal hotspot feature on AT&T phones, forcing the user to call customer support anyway. The personal hotspot feature turns the phone into a connecting Wi-Fi hotspot. Other devices It connects to the Internet and shares the phone’s Internet data connection with the other device. We recommend the following procedure only for users who do not need the personal hotspot feature. We’re pretty sure the same is true for Verizon, Sprint, and other carriers. If this is not the case, please comment below.
To replace an iPhone nano-SIM with another phone like iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S4, users need an adapter and a SIM cutter. The adapter makes it possible to insert a smaller SIM into a phone that uses a larger SIM. The SIM cutter cuts the larger SIM card to fit a phone that uses a smaller SIM. Theoretically, the user can cut the larger SIM manually, but we recommend getting a cheap metal cutter as we found. Amazon ($7). Consider buying the adapters we found Amazon ($2) seen below.
Why change SIMs like this? It allows users to share a single wireless account between two devices even if they have incompatible SIM slots. It also allows users to exchange phones repeatedly without resorting to wireless carriers.
Remove SIM Cards from Phones
First, use a SIM tool or a strong paper clip to remove the SIM tray from the iPad or iPhone. For folks with Android devices, the SIM is usually hidden under the back cover, which is removed with a fingernail or a small screwdriver. We have to open the back of our Samsung Galaxy S4 and remove the battery.
Push the SIM and the springs will help it out. Pull it out with your fingers, small tweezers or pliers.
Changing SIMs
Insert the nano-SIM into the adapter that fits the phone with the larger SIM slot and slide it into place. It is SIM keyed so it only fits in one direction. If necessary, put the battery and cover back on the phone and restart the phone. It must receive the wireless signal to add the phone number previously assigned to the iPhone.
To insert the larger SIM into iPhone 5, iPad mini or newer iPad, the SIM must be cut.
In the image above…
It’s time to cut the bigger SIM. The metal cutter comes with a metal adapter that holds the micro SIM. Insert the SIM into the adapter and slide the adapter towards the front of the cutter. Place the cutter on a hard flat surface and press the lever until it makes a cracking or popping sound. This takes some strength. The card should fall under the cutter. Sand the edges with the included sandpaper until it fits snugly on the iPhone 5 tray.
For standard SIM users, do not use the metal tray that comes with the cutter. Slide the standard SIM into the cutter and press it until it is cut.
Slide the iPhone 5 tray to the side of the phone until the newly cut SIM is flush with the sides of the phone. The card is keyed to fit in one direction only.
If it is off, start the phone. It should recognize the SIM and give the iPhone the number of the other phone.
Test the phones by calling each other. If they work, the process is complete.
