How To Activate a New Phone with an Old SIM Card

How To Activate a New Phone with an Old SIM Card

What is an Old SIM Card?

Some SIM cards contain information about the phone’s wireless data usage. This could include location data and other sensitive information that could help hackers steal your identity. Your contacts list. Some phones support saving contact data directly to the SIM card.

How To Activate a New Phone with an Old SIM Card

Turn on the new phone and go through the setup process.
During this process, your SIM will typically be activated for your new phone automatically. When activating a new phone, you’ll be asked to sign in with a Google or iCloud account/Apple ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an old SIM card to activate a new phone?

Yes, you can switch SIM cards between phones as long as they are compatible with the same carrier network. Your SIM card should also be compatible with the new phone in terms of size (micro, nano, and standard size).

How do I activate my old number on my new SIM?

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to move your current phone number to a new phone.

1. Text your current provider to request a mobile PAC code.
2. Contact your new network and give them the PAC code.
3. Check the SIM works in your phone and the new number has ported across.

Can I use the same SIM card on two different phones?

Yes, two different phones can use the same SIM card as long as they are both compatible with the SIM card size and the mobile network it is locked to.

How do I transfer my phone numbers from SIM to new phone?

If you’re transferring to a new Android phone, insert the old SIM and open Contacts, then Settings > Import/Export > Import from SIM card. If you’re transferring to a new iPhone, go to Settings > Contacts and then Import SIM contacts. Once the transfer is complete you can swap the old SIM with the new.

Do you need ID to activate a SIM card?

When you activate the SIM, you’ll need to provide us with your name, address, email address, card details and valid identification.

How do I restore my contacts from my SIM card?

Learn how to check and update your Android version.

1. Open your phone’s Settings app.
2. Tap Google.
3. Tap Set up & restore.
4. Tap Restore contacts.
5. If you have multiple Google Accounts, to choose which account’s contacts to restore, tap From account.
6. Tap the phone with the contacts to copy.

How many contacts can a SIM card hold?

(Refer to GSM 11.11.) SIM cards can come in various data capacities, from 8 KB to at least 256 KB. All can store a maximum of 250 contacts on the SIM, but while the 32 KB has room for 33 Mobile country code (MCCs) or network identifiers, the 64 KB version has room for 80 MNCs.

What happens if I never activate my SIM card?

If your SIM card is switched off for a long time, it may be deactivated by your mobile service provider. Most service providers will deactivate a SIM card if it hasn’t been used for a certain period of time, typically after several months of inactivity.

Does my old SIM card have my contacts?

Most smartphones no longer support storing their contacts on a SIM card. You may, however, transfer contacts from an old SIM card to your phone, provided the old SIM card will fit your phone. Insert your previous SIM card into your phone.

Does factory reset delete SIM contacts?

No, it doesn’t. The Sim card doesn’t concern with the factory reset. Your phone contact will remain safe when you reset your device.

Do SIM cards expire if not used?

Yes, SIM Cards do expire. The specific policies of the carrier determine the expiration of SIM cards. Generally, an inactive SIM card expires within 90 to 180 days.