A replacement SIM card is a SIM card you need to obtain when your original one is lost, damaged, or stolen. In such a case, regaining your old mobile phone connection becomes important, and that’s where a replacement SIM card plays a vital role. These cards are provided by the mobile operator to let the subscriber use its network temporarily or permanently. Therefore, a replacement SIM card is programmed with the lost SIM card’s information.
How to obtain a replacement SIM card?
The steps to acquire replacement SIM cards are:
- Contact the customer care executive: Contact the customer service team of your mobile service provider as soon as your SIM card is lost or stolen. Ask them to disable the lost card so that nobody can use it, allowing you to avoid unexpected usage. Customer service will help you locate the company’s nearest retail outlet, which can provide you with a replacement SIM card.
- Locate a retail outlet: Though substitute SIM cards can be delivered by mail, the company’s retail store nearby can replace a SIM card quicker.
- Order replacement SIM card: These kinds of SIM cards are programmed by the mobile operator with your correct phone number, account information, and network settings. Some companies have retail outlets that may program the replacement SIM card on the spot, while others prefer to send the card via mail.
- Insert and check the replacement card: After you receive the substitute SIM card, insert it into your phone immediately and check if it is working fine with your mobile handset. If it doesn’t work properly, ask for assistance from the customer service again.
Can I get the same number with a replacement SIM card?
Yes, you can get the same phone number when you buy a replacement SIM card. You will get all the old data on your replacement SIM card except the contacts and text messages. As soon as you get the replacement SIM, your old card will be deactivated, and that SIM card would not have your mobile number anymore. Your replacement SIMs might take a few hours to get activated and usable. Until then, nobody would be able to call you or send a text to you, so you have no other option but to be patient.
Cost of obtaining this type of SIM card
The price of a replacement SIM card varies a lot as it depends upon the carrier. In some cases it is free and in others, you need to pay a small sum. On average, a SIM manufacturer has to incur about $0.50 per SIM card to manufacture it. Many times a carrier charges no money to provide replacement SIMs to its subscribers as it doesn’t want to lose its valuable customer for such a petty amount. Normally, a physical SIM card isn’t costly, but it is its shipping and courier charges that are expensive. If you get replacement SIM cards from an outlet nearby, it would be either free or inexpensive.
What happens to my current plan and balance?
There is nothing to worry about your current plan and credit balance as you will get both the same as they were in your original/old SIM card. With the replacement SIM card, you will be credited with your airtime and existing plan. You can use the replacement SIM identically to the way you used the old one. You will only lose your contacts and texts saved on the original SIM card. From the mobile operator’s end, you won’t lose anything.
Useful tips to handle new replacement SIM cards
Though a SIM card is a sturdy and durable piece, you still need to be careful during handling. There are certain basic rules and precautions you need to follow that are given below.
- Make sure your hands are dry and clean while inserting the SIM card to your phone.
- Know the correct size of the SIM card (mini, micro, or nano) which could fit in your device before popping out the SIM card from the SIM kit.
- Don’t touch or bend the golden part of the SIM card.
- Hold the card by its edge instead of using tweezers or something similar.
- When storing your SIM card, keep it protected in a plastic cardholder or sleeve, especially if you are keeping multiple SIM cards together.
- It is a myth that two SIM cards must not be kept together because they contain magnets. This is false, as SIM cards have no magnetic components.
- Don’t keep your SIM card where it could get brushed and rubbed on the golden surface. Avoid getting scratches on it.
Conclusion
Replacement SIM cards are the best and the most common alternative to a damaged or lost original SIM. You don’t lose your plan and credit balance, and it takes insignificant time to obtain this replacement. The procedure of acquiring it is convenient and cost-effective, too. You may be required to submit your ID proof and other relevant documents that to get a replacement SIM. Consequently, if you are living in a remote area or out of the country of your carrier’s origin, getting a replacement SIM card could be a cumbersome task.