Database Users

[Q] Nexus 4 Sim Card

I was wondering how easy it would be to go from a Galaxy S2 to a Nexus 4. If I wanted to, would I be able to just buy the Nexus 4, pop in the SIM card from my Galaxy S2, and just go giddy with joy from there?

The N4 has a Micro SIM, so you would either need to 1) Cut the SIM (service available almost anywhere) or 2) Get a Micro SIM from your carrier.
You can then get a Micro SIM adapter, which in short converts the Micro SIM back to the Standard SIM size if you choose to go to the S2 again.

dhruvmalik said:
The N4 has a Micro SIM, so you would either need to 1) Cut the SIM (service available almost anywhere) or 2) Get a Micro SIM from your carrier.
You can then get a Micro SIM adapter, which in short converts the Micro SIM back to the Standard SIM size if you choose to go to the S2 again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, I'm hoping you can and are willing to share some of your knowledge with me. I just sold my Galaxy Note (i717) but held onto the SIM card, should I trash it since the Nexus 4 needs a Micro-Sim?

Alzoids said:
Okay, I'm hoping you can and are willing to share some of your knowledge with me. I just sold my Galaxy Note (i717) but held onto the SIM card, should I trash it since the Nexus 4 needs a Micro-Sim?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your SIM card will still work on the nexus 4 just cut it. Plenty of tutorials online and pretty easy.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Alzoids said:
Okay, I'm hoping you can and are willing to share some of your knowledge with me. I just sold my Galaxy Note (i717) but held onto the SIM card, should I trash it since the Nexus 4 needs a Micro-Sim?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're really desperate for a micro-SIM and/or short on cash you can cut it, though personally I'd recommend that you just get a micro-SIM from your carrier. Here in Australia at least, I believe there are a small amount of SIMs that just won't cut down to a micro-SIM without turning into a dud since the metal contact sections are slightly larger/smaller.
You can also use a cut mini-SIM->micro-SIM as an interim SIM whilst awaiting the legitimate micro-SIM

Unlawful said:
If you're really desperate for a micro-SIM and/or short on cash you can cut it, though personally I'd recommend that you just get a micro-SIM from your carrier. Here in Australia at least, I believe there are a small amount of SIMs that just won't cut down to a micro-SIM without turning into a dud since the metal contact sections are slightly larger/smaller.
You can also use a cut mini-SIM->micro-SIM as an interim SIM whilst awaiting the legitimate micro-SIM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whoa, wait. They CHARGE for sim cards in Australia? Here in the states you can go to your local carrier store and request a few for free! Or does it only apply to Micro-Sims?
florelui001p said:
Your SIM card will still work on the nexus 4 just cut it. Plenty of tutorials online and pretty easy.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, I may just look one up if I'm too lazy to go to the AT&T Store!

Alzoids said:
Whoa, wait. They CHARGE for sim cards in Australia? Here in the states you can go to your local carrier store and request a few for free! Or does it only apply to Micro-Sims?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh dear, the inequity, for my carrier at least, it's $20 for a new SIM (any new SIM). Not sure about other carriers though they might be free (mine's a very budget oriented but great value for money type of carrier)

146 Caculd
Thank you dhruvmalik!

Unlawful said:
Oh dear, the inequity, for my carrier at least, it's $20 for a new SIM (any new SIM). Not sure about other carriers though they might be free (mine's a very budget oriented but great value for money type of carrier)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely free to get a replacement SIM with Telstra, though they're pretty much the premium carrier in Australia. Guessing you're Amaysim or LiveConnected? I'll probably switch to LC once I get the N4.

Passa91 said:
Definitely free to get a replacement SIM with Telstra, though they're pretty much the premium carrier in Australia. Guessing you're Amaysim or LiveConnected? I'll probably switch to LC once I get the N4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, LiveConnected. I get heaps of data and credit to use though and I'm more than satisfied with their service.

Good info.

I think you got your answer already, but wanted to give my input on one thing, might save you a few bucks if it isn't too late already.
If you chose to use the micro sim back in S2, you DO NOT need an adapter. I was swapping my iPhone 4 sim back and forth between s2 and ip4, In s2, you just align the sim contacts with the metal contacts of the phone and push it in place.. no need for an adapter, and most adapters wont fit in s2 unless you apply a lot of pressure which may damage your phone.

coolpal said:
I think you got your answer already, but wanted to give my input on one thing, might save you a few bucks if it isn't too late already.
If you chose to use the micro sim back in S2, you DO NOT need an adapter. I was swapping my iPhone 4 sim back and forth between s2 and ip4, In s2, you just align the sim contacts with the metal contacts of the phone and push it in place.. no need for an adapter, and most adapters wont fit in s2 unless you apply a lot of pressure which may damage your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dont you get that adapter in a box when you buy s2?
Sent from my E15i using xda app-developers app

[Q] Cut down Very old normal SIM down to MICRO SIM -> Damage Sim Slot?

Hey,
I earlier cut down my very old, like 6 or more years old SIM card down to a Micro SIM.
When i inserted it in the Nexus 4 there was some kind of resistance but it fit in.
Unfortunately the cutting didnt work so i had to get a new Micro Sim eventually from my mobile phone provider.
When i took out the old , cut-down-SIM i also had to press comparatively strong with the ejection tool to get the SIM-Tray to pop out.
Now when i compare the thicknes of my old SIM and the new MICRO SIM, the MICRO SIM seems to be thinner.
Is it possible that i damaged the SIM-Card Slot?
If yes , how would i realize this?
Thanks for your help!

"When i inserted it in the Nexus 4 there was some kind of resistance but it fit in."
next time I would suggest to use sand paper to smooth the edges so that it can be easier fitting in. Thats what I did when i cut my SIM. works perfectly now.
It is possible that your sim slot has a light damaged.
You could realize it this way:
if you are using a regular MICRO-SIM, and if your phone sometimes searching for SIM card, it means the MICROSIM is too loose inside the slot and probably because of the damage.

Send the phone to me and i'll fix it
You may not get it back though

ahzim said:
"When i inserted it in the Nexus 4 there was some kind of resistance but it fit in."
next time I would suggest to use sand paper to smooth the edges so that it can be easier fitting in. Thats what I did when i cut my SIM. works perfectly now.
It is possible that your sim slot has a light damaged.
You could realize it this way:
if you are using a regular MICRO-SIM, and if your phone sometimes searching for SIM card, it means the MICROSIM is too loose inside the slot and probably because of the damage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thanks for your help!
I did indeed sand the edges until the card itself fit perfectly without any tolerance into the tray.
checked on wikipedia and obviously all the simcards , micro, mini, should be 76mm in thickness (only nano being thinner)...dont know where that slight resistance came from. Funnily though that the new MICRO is from a left and right moving/tolerance perspective (width and height) has some little tolerance i could let it practically fall into the tray. however i think left/right movement should be no problem, more if the card doesnt touch the contacts within the phone at all i guess?

I'm upgrading my GNex to the N4 when it comes in the mail. Never had to cut a SIM before, but looks like I'm about to learn how :laugh:
[Q] Are all SIM cutters created equal? Any particular model better than the rest? I see a few on amazon for less than 5 bucks, but I'm only going to get one shot at this and want to get it right the first time. Of course I'm researching around, but thought I'd come here first. Thanks in advance.

v12xke said:
I'm upgrading my GNex to the N4 when it comes in the mail. Never had to cut a SIM before, but looks like I'm about to learn how :laugh:
[Q] Are all SIM cutters created equal? Any particular model better than the rest? I see a few on amazon for less than 5 bucks, but I'm only going to get one shot at this and want to get it right the first time. Of course I'm researching around, but thought I'd come here first. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile or AT&T will give you micro sim for free.

tonyio said:
T-Mobile or AT&T will give you micro sim for free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I have an LTE plan (I come form a Skyrocket), could I assume this microsim is LTE capable? Just wondering, after reading some people reporting that some HSPA+ APNs work much better, but only when you "have an LTE plan".

tonyio said:
T-Mobile or AT&T will give you micro sim for free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True. TMobile will give just about anyone a free SIM. The trouble is getting my account (prepaid) moved from one SIM to the other without them screwing up my $30 / month unlimited data plan. That, and I don't think they offer this service to prepaid customers. Heck, I've never even been to the TMo store...I got the phone direct from Google and activated it with a SIM activation kit online. I thought the easy route would be to just cut the SIM I have. Seems simple enough, but I've never cut my own before. Can anyone recommend a certain brand / model sim cutter (or one to avoid)? Thanks.

I got the Noosy 2nd generation SIM cutter from Amazon for like $9. Easy to cut and fit into the Nexus 4 with no problems.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

Ulver said:
I got the Noosy 2nd generation SIM cutter from Amazon for like $9. Easy to cut and fit into the Nexus 4 with no problems.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A microsim card on t-mobile/ATT is only 99 cents more... And free if you are on contract...
Additionally, 6 year old sims are unlikely to support 4G data service, at least not very well. I don't understand why people are confused when they have terrible speeds or a broken sim tray after they spend time cutting their own sim, even buying a cutter when you could just buy a microsim for $9.99. It's common sense. Just get the right part, don't cheap out on a $400 device. T_T
It's really just simple logic. Do you guys really not have $10 to just get a microsim from your carrier? It will work so much better and be so much easier.

MusicMan374 said:
It's really just simple logic. Do you guys really not have $10 to just get a microsim from your carrier? It will work so much better and be so much easier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once my N4 arrives, I'll go with that option. As long as I can be assured the microsim AT&T gives me supports the speeds, I'll take it. I think their only official microsim device is the iPhone 5, isn't it? So they should have an LTE-capable microsim card...

iphone 5 uses a nanosim. As long as you get a recent microsim, you should be able to access the network and get HSPA speeds.

I was thinking of doing that but the only sims I have are from dumb tracfones can they be cut down and used with the Nexus 4?

desynch- said:
iphone 5 uses a nanosim. As long as you get a recent microsim, you should be able to access the network and get HSPA speeds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right! I thought I was wrong on that one, a few minutes after I wrote it... but then again, if it's as you say, I should have no trouble once I request a microsim at AT&T - I have a minisim right now that came with my Skyrocket.

Or you could not do that and spend the same amount of money on a micro Sim as a Sim cutter. Seriously. Its a scam, they sell the Sim cutters for the same price as the Sim card itself, I can't believe people really fall for this.
Go America.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Setup with Straight Talk T-Mo Sim is a nightmare

Initially getting the phone here was a nightmare. Now getting the phones up and running has just been ridiculous. After two days of research and trying this and that o finally had my wives phone recognizing and registering on the Straight Talk network but only here and there. It will stop reading the SIM randomly. Now I'm trying to set mine up and I'm having the same problem. "No SIM card, Emergency Calls only". Has anyone found a solution or fix cause I'm right before throwing the phone.... which wouldn't be good..its a glass phone after all. Straight Talk is zero help. They got our money already, why should they be? At my wits end guys. Please help!!
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium

Is the sim card upside down?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

Sounds like you had to cut up a tmobile sim card to be micro for the N4 and then now it was cut wrong and is not seated and making proper contacts.

Geoi1006 said:
Initially getting the phone here was a nightmare. Now getting the phones up and running has just been ridiculous. After two days of research and trying this and that o finally had my wives phone recognizing and registering on the Straight Talk network but only here and there. It will stop reading the SIM randomly. Now I'm trying to set mine up and I'm having the same problem. "No SIM card, Emergency Calls only". Has anyone found a solution or fix cause I'm right before throwing the phone.... which wouldn't be good..its a glass phone after all. Straight Talk is zero help. They got our money already, why should they be? At my wits end guys. Please help!!
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Another crap story about straight talk. Switch to solavei. My setup process yesterday took 1 minute.
and better service (42 mbs T-Mobile vs st with only 21)
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

They will work intermittently. So should i try to order new SIMs? They can't both be cut wrong. I took extra precautions with the second one to be extra careful. Pretty ridiculous to me that they don't offer a micro sim for tmo.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium

No I put the notch on the same side it came on. And the card says "this side up" so I've put that side up
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium

Just called and ordered two replacement SIMs. They tried to tell me AT&T was the best coverage for my area and T- Mobile had spotty coverage here and that's why my SIM cards aren't working. To the average customer, this would've made perfect sense. Those of us that are inept enough to be active here know that's bs. I've had Tmo here. I happen to know they are the best coverage in this city. Told the CSR I refuse to be on AT&T anything. Dealt with them in the past. Know from experience about their shady practices and inconsistent policy enforcement. Throttle this person, let that person run several GB a month. Been there done that. Anyhow :rant end: I'm ordering an actual SIM cutter today also and hopefully that makes the process run smoother.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium

nextelbuddy said:
Sounds like you had to cut up a tmobile sim card to be micro for the N4 and then now it was cut wrong and is not seated and making proper contacts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This. ^
It's not the phone, nor the Sim. It sounds like a misaligned cutter. Note, a Sim cutter may also cut the Sim wrong if the user doesn't adjust / align it correctly. I suggest you borrow / find a precut Sim to compare alignment with before hand. There is very little room for error. Remember Sims are supplied either 1.8/2.95v power and you could short out your phone with the slightest error..

How did you cut? I used a $2 micro sim cutter from Amazon and its worked flawlessly. The sim is a hair thicker than the real t-mobile micro sim (have both T mobile and AT&T micro sims to test out services) but the alignment is perfect and no issue with the phone recognizing it.
The thing that makes me curious is your post from yesterday about the CSR telling you to use an AT&T sim. Im guessing they are out of the loop since StraighTalk has removed any reference of AT&T from their site, including the SIMs.

nextelbuddy said:
Sounds like you had to cut up a tmobile sim card to be micro for the N4 and then now it was cut wrong and is not seated and making proper contacts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bingo! That's exactly what is wrong with my phone but I chewed (Yes, you read that correctly. Lol) down the edges and right before shutting the sim tray fully, I push the sim card forward.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

ryan stewart said:
How did you cut? I used a $2 micro sim cutter from Amazon and its worked flawlessly. The sim is a hair thicker than the real t-mobile micro sim (have both T mobile and AT&T micro sims to test out services) but the alignment is perfect and no issue with the phone recognizing it.
The thing that makes me curious is your post from yesterday about the CSR telling you to use an AT&T sim. Im guessing they are out of the loop since StraighTalk has removed any reference of AT&T from their site, including the SIMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Although they are supposed to stick to a script, sometimes they fill in the blanks. Perhaps not understanding his real problem. I'm sure mentioning you cut their Sim would give you a few different responses.
I used a noosy kit from amazon for $7. And noticed it has some play/ adjustment and you could snip it wrong. The one I cut for my wifes iphone also left an edge unclean and slightly curled up. Which caused it to jam the tray..
Best and cheapest way to get a micro Sim for reference is the $1 simple mobile ones.. Cut right even allows you to use the letter piece as an adapter if you needed to switch back to reg sized Sim too.

[Q] Do you recommend using a Micro sim cutter?

I got my N4 yesterday and i also ordered a micro sim cutter off Amazon.com
I'm on T-Mobile. Do you recommend that I try and use the cutter on it or just go and get an official sim?
What is the failure rate of the sim cutter?

If you have some old unused sims, check the cutter out on them first and make sure they work.
The cutter I got was rubbish, where the sim could move side to side in the device. But I worked out if I made sure it was right up against a certain edge the cut sims worked OK.

I just used my xacto knife to cut my SIM. You could also sand down the edges, so they're smooth. I'm sure a regular knife would work too. Just print the template at 100% scaling, mark, and cut away.

I first used scissors and a template I downloaded online. I lined it up and cut the sucker. It wasn't pretty but it worked on my N4 lol. But I had a mini one ordered from tmo that only cost me $1.07. Now I see that Tmo is selling them for 10bux on their website. Not horrible, but 10x what I paid lol. Maybe try your luck and call a few tmo stores to see if they can replace your existing sim with a micro sim? Price quote and get a full name of the person giving you that price quote!
You may even get one for free!

kpjimmy said:
I first used scissors and a template I downloaded online. I lined it up and cut the sucker. It wasn't pretty but it worked on my N4 lol. But I had a mini one ordered from tmo that only cost me $1.07. Now I see that Tmo is selling them for 10bux on their website. Not horrible, but 10x what I paid lol. Maybe try your luck and call a few tmo stores to see if they can replace your existing sim with a micro sim? Price quote and get a full name of the person giving you that price quote!
You may even get one for free!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a couple of sim cards laying around. I'll test it on them first.
Sent from my SGH-T679 using xda app-developers app

DEFJAMVAN said:
I have a couple of sim cards laying around. I'll test it on them first.
Sent from my SGH-T679 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The one that I bought to cut the sim for my one x works perfect in my N4. But like others have said, make sure you don't have a cutter that's barely worth its weight.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

DEFJAMVAN said:
I got my N4 yesterday and i also ordered a micro sim cutter off Amazon.com
I'm on T-Mobile. Do you recommend that I try and use the cutter on it or just go and get an official sim?
What is the failure rate of the sim cutter?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get an official micro sim.

If you can get an official micro sim then do it. You won't have to go through the hassle of cutting. If you're like me and your company doesn't offer micro sims then cut it. I cut mine and everything works fine
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

I went to the T-Mobile store to ask for one when I got an HTC one s... They refused since I was not main account holder (mother is)
..went back to my truck and sent my wife in and out she comes with an already activated micro sim ready to use.
I always send my wife to do **** like that
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

You can get a free micro Sim card from a t mobile store.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

I have been cutting micro and nano SIMs with normal scissors and knife for forever. just print a template on the internet and cut away. There's little that can go wrong IMHO

Bought a cheap one off ebay (<$5) that came with adapters, it worked just fine and now I'm futureproofed with a micro sim that can be bumped up to a mini or a full size.

I receive it in the mail a few hours ago and it worked perfectly. Thanks you guy!

Sim swapping??

Can anyone confirm that you can swap sims? I thought I read that phone is locked to the first sim card.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

It is not locked to any sim card. You are able to swap sims freely between any Verizon 4g phones. You can even use micro sims in phones with regular sim card slots as long as you have an adapter.

It is locked in I believe. I had to go to Verizon and have them use a SIM pin unlock.. thing, to get it out. Similar to how to get one out of a device like the HTC One. Not sure why they got rid of where you can just press it up and it'll pop out.

Benjamin150 said:
It is locked in I believe. I had to go to Verizon and have them use a SIM pin unlock.. thing, to get it out. Similar to how to get one out of a device like the HTC One. Not sure why they got rid of where you can just press it up and it'll pop out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All you need to do is grab a small flat head screwdriver and apply a small amount of pressure to the top of sim card and push / pull out. Easy. Thx.

mrazwolverine said:
All you need to do is grab a small flat head screwdriver and apply a small amount of pressure to the top of sim card and push / pull out. Easy. Thx.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I figured that should work, luckily I got mine at the store so it was no hassle (besides noticing it in my car before I left and having to go back in). I wasn't 100% sure so better safe than sorry. Good to know you don't have to make a trip to Verizon, though.

Benjamin150 said:
I figured that should work, luckily I got mine at the store so it was no hassle (besides noticing it in my car before I left and having to go back in). I wasn't 100% sure so better safe than sorry. Good to know you don't have to make a trip to Verizon, though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I put a little scotch tape on the sim card then pulled it out that way.....

or use your thumb nail, that's how i pulled mine out... lol

Or just use the force like the rest of us.

I swapped sim cards out of my Galaxy Note 2 and it worked great in my Galaxy Note 3. No problems at all.

Physical lock - No, just use a corner of scotch tape or sticky note on SIM card, hold finger lightly on top to prevent slippage and pull out.
SIM carrier locked to phone - No. I've interchanged the same SIM between three different phones and even with adapter without a problem.

Good info! Getting mine tomorrow and plan on swapping my note 2 sim with unlimited data.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

i was able to swap to the nfc sim card to my primary line which was activated on my 2nd line. and keep my unlimited data.