Cutting SIM cards has its advantages, but the procedure isn’t necessary. We demonstrated how to buy a SIM card and even analyzed the costs of a SIM card. In most cases, carriers will offer a replacement, like when moving from 3G GSM to 4G/5G LTE. If you accept, you’ll most likely have your new SIM card shipped the same day, and delivered to your doorstep the next. Additionally, you might also swing by the nearest store and have them give you a new SIM on the spot. Now that you’re aware of the alternatives, let’s proceed to show you how to cut SIM cards.
Warning
The procedure is dangerous, obviously. If performed incorrectly, you can destroy your SIM card and thus lose all the data stored on the SIM card. And, because you voided the warranty, the service provider won’t cover the damage to the SIM, and you’ll have to wait for 1 or more days for the new SIM card to arrive anyway. Therefore, if you decide to do it, practice on an old, disposable SIM first (if possible), take things slow, be meticulous, use the right equipment, and create a data backup beforehand.
1. Obtain and prepare the necessary equipment
To follow this procedure from beginning to end successfully, you’ll need:
- Old SIM card you’ll cut down to size (usually mini-SIM card or micro-SIM card)
- Nano-SIM card (for measurement. Can be a micro-SIM card if upgrading from a very old to an older model)
- Pencil or thin permanent marker
- SIM card removal tool (possibly unnecessary, check step 3)
- A pair of straight scissors or a scalpel/X-ACTO knife
- A nail file, any type of smooth plastic file, or sandpaper
Alternatives
In case you don’t have a micro-SIM or nano-SIM card to use as measurement, don’t fret. First, double-check that your SIM card isn’t part of a 3-in-1 or 4-in-1 kit. By this, we mean that it’s already pre-cut to standard SIM card sizes and that you can simply punch out the smaller SIM without cutting. If that isn’t the case, use these alternative methods to cut SIM cards:
- Download and print a cutting guide/template. Depending on how it’s designed, you’ll have to:
- Cut the paper down to the correct SIM card size to use as a measurement in step 4.
- Stick the SIM card to a designated spot on the paper using tape (some users recommend a dot of chewing gum), then begin cutting like in step 5.
- Purchase a SIM card cutter tool. It resembles a stapler, and eliminates the need for steps 2, 4, 5, and, in many cases, step 7.
2. Know which parts to avoid
We talked about this many times over. The only “working” part of the SIM card is the golden chip, and the surrounding plastic serves as an insulator. Therefore, feel free to cut the plastic, but make sure at least 1 mm in the form of a plastic rim (for nano-SIM cards, in particular) remains around the chip.
3. Remove the SIM card (Optional)
This is an obvious step that doesn’t apply to everyone. But, you’ll need to remove the SIM card on Android devices or follow this iPhone SIM card removal guide. You might have to eject the SIM you plan to cut, the one you’ll use as measurement, or both. Keep them together and proceed with the next step.
4. Place the SIM cards accordingly and trace an outline
This part is crucial, so do it slowly and correctly. Follow these steps to start preparing to cut SIM cards:
- Place the larger (older) SIM card on a flat surface. Make sure that the cut-off corner points toward the top right corner when you look down at it.
- Place the smaller (newer) SIM card (or the paper rendering of it) on top of it. The position of the cut-off corner must point in the same direction.
- Now, position the two SIM cards so that the bottom left corners (left and bottom sides) of the bigger and the smaller SIM cards line up perfectly.
- Use a thin permanent marker or pencil and draw a line following the right-hand and top side of the smaller SIM card to trace its outline.
- Tip. Pass over the line a few times so that it stays clearly visible during step 7.
5. Start to cut SIM card(s) around the outline
Remove the smaller SIM card (or paper template) and pick up your cutting equipment. Keep the SIM card on a flat surface and don’t bend it. Begin to cut the SIM cards by following the outline, but not too closely – leave a buffer of at least 1 mm from the outline. It’s better to leave extra than to chop off too much, e.g., “measure twice and cut once”.
6. Insert the newly cut SIM card
Eject the SIM card tray, get your SIM card cutter tool, or use a SIM card reader to insert the SIM card into the SIM card slot. If you left a buffer like we suggested, it won’t fit, clearly. But, it gives you a frame of reference about the amount of plastic to break off, and in which places.
7. Use sandpaper or file to add a final touch
It’s time to remove the extra plastic in increments by filing or sanding. Use the outline you drew or line up the smaller SIM again for reference. In the latter case, be careful not to damage the SIM on top by working at an angle. Make sure never to touch the golden chip, and repeat step 6 in-between chipping bouts until the SIM card fits perfectly.