How do I know if my SIM card is broken?

Turn your smartphone off and remove the SIM card. Insert the card into the alternate smartphone. If the second phone is also unable to read the card, your SIM card is to blame for your issues -- either because it is dirty or damaged.
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What happens if SIM card is broken?

If you've encountered the said instances, you can immediately call your SIM card provider to have it replaced when damaged. However, if the SIM card is lost or stolen, you need to file an incident report to your service provider for them to block the SIM card immediately.
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How can I test my SIM card?

Make a phone call using the phone book to find contacts saved to your SIM card. Look for a phone icon or the words "Phone book" or "Contacts." If your phone does not turn on, contact the manufacturer of your SIM card and have the card tested for damage.
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Can a SIM card stop working?

Sometimes dust can get between the SIM and your phone causing communication issues, to remove the dust: Turn off your phone and remove the SIM card. Clean the gold connectors on the SIM with a clean lint-free cloth. Replace the battery and turn your phone on without the SIM.
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What can cause a SIM card to fail?

If there's dust and debris inside the SIM card slot, gently blowing some air into it can dislodge any dust and debris that's getting in the way. If it still doesn't work, it's worth trying the SIM in a different phone to determine whether it's your SIM or your phone that needs a closer look.
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How to Repair and Reuse Any Damaged SIM card



How can I tell if my SIM card is working?

The best way to see if the SIM is active would be to insert it into a device which has a compatible SIM card slot. The good news is inserting any older SIM card into a phone will not harm the phone in any way or change any of the settings.
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Why is my phone not reading my SIM card?

Reboot or Shut Down Your Phone

If what's causing your SIM card error is a software issue, sometimes a simple reboot is all it takes to fix the problem. For Android: Press and hold the power button until the pop-up window appears with the Restart option. Tap on it to restart the phone.
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How do I get my SIM card to work again?

Basic Troubleshooting
  1. Remove the SIM Card and Reinsert It. ...
  2. Clean the SIM Card and SIM Card Tray. ...
  3. Reboot Your Device. ...
  4. Update Your Device. ...
  5. Turn Airplane Mode On/Off. ...
  6. Try a Different Device. ...
  7. Contact Tech Support. ...
  8. Is the SIM Card Active?
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How do you fix a crashed SIM card?

Quick Tips
  1. Toggle WiFi.
  2. Toggle Airplane Mode.
  3. Reinsert SIM Card.
  4. Restart your device.
  5. Set Network Mode To Auto.
  6. Search for available network operators.
  7. Update your APN Settings.
  8. Reset Network Settings.
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What is the lifespan of a SIM card?

There are tons of anecdotal web mentions of people using the same SIM card for up to 10 years. Given they are not terribly complicated IC devices, I would expect that on average they last a very long time, if not subjected to water damage, over-voltage or physical damage.
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Can a damaged SIM card affect signal?

A subscriber identity module, or SIM, card is inserted in your phone and identifies you to your cellphone carrier. Generally your SIM card doesn't directly affect how well your cellphone can pick up a signal, but a bad SIM card might prevent you from connecting to the network at all.
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How long will a SIM card last?

Each SIM stays active for 60 days, after which it goes inactive. There is then a 60 days grace period, however, if you do not top up within this time the SIM will expire.
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Can I get a new SIM card with the same number?

You can get a new SIM card and keep the same number. Your telephone number is associated with a replaceable Subscriber Identification Module. Mobile service providers use SIM chips to identify you on their network. Several situations warrant issuing a new SIM card for your phone.
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Why my SIM is not working in my phone but working in other phones?

you should contact an agent and get full manual settings and manually connect your sim, alternatively you can try popping it into another phone and see if you still have the same result if so then you would need to order a new sim which an agent will provide.
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Can you have 2 of the same SIM?

Can You Have Two SIM Cards With The Same Number? It is possible to use the same SIM card on two phones, but the options are quite limited nowadays. The only way to make that happen is to copy or clone your existing SIM card with the help of a SIM-card duplicator. However, not all SIM cards can be cloned.
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Can I change my SIM card without changing my number?

Through MNP, you can easily change your service provider without having to let go of your number. But before initialising this process, note that your existing connection must be active for 90 days and all your bills should be cleared.
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Is a phone number attached to a SIM card?

Your SIM card contains your phone number, and lets you make phone calls, send text messages, and more.
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Why do I need to replace my SIM card?

A SIM card replacement is done only on the following reasons; SIM Card/Handset Lost or Stolen. SIM Card Damaged or worn out. SIM Card Blocked (PUK or PIN Blocked)
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How will you know if your SIM is expired?

How to know if your Prepaid SIM Card expired? The easiest way to check the status of your prepaid sim card is by inserting your SIM to any mobile phones and if your prepaid SIM can still received signals or received a text message, your prepaid sim card should still valid.
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Does changing SIM card improve signal?

Not really. The radio reception is not affected by the SIM card since the antenna has nothing to do with the SIM. However, a newer SIM card does mean newer, better options and features that might be supported by your carrier.
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Can you clean a SIM card?

If your SIM card is dirty, your phone may not be able to read it. This can be frustrating, but you can do something about it. You can clean your dirty SIM card using an eraser or cotton swab, rubbing alcohol, or a microfiber cloth. You can also take it in to a professional.
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Can you replace SIM card?

How to Change Your SIM Card. On Android phones, you can usually find the SIM card slot in one of two places: under (or around) the battery or in a dedicated tray along the side of the phone.
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Can SIM cards be hacked?

All kinds of phones are vulnerable, including both iPhones and Android devices. Simjacker even works on embedded SIM cards (eSIMs).
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What is SIM hijacking?

Sim Card Hacking, also known as a SIM Swap Attack, SIM Port Hacking, or SIM Hijacking, occurs when a hacker persuades your cell phone carrier to move your cell phone number over to their device instead of yours. This causes any calls or texts to go to the hacker's device instead of your own.
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