SIM cards are the tech pieces that make it possible to identify and authenticate your identity as a mobile device owner.
They have been in use for roughly 3 to 4 decades now. They are coming shortly after mobile phones were developed and replaced land phones. Their selling point is their small size, reducing over the years.
SIM cards are now small and cost next to nothing. Knowing how far SIM card technology has come, you might be wondering, can they go bad? How long can they last? Do they expire?
SIM cards hardly go bad or expire. They can be used for a lifetime. However, it is possible for a SIM card to go bad if not properly maintained.
In this write-up, we’ve compiled all the relevant knowledge you need regarding your SIM card, and it’ll only take a couple of minutes of your time.
SIM Cards And Mobile Devices
SIM in SIM card is an acronym for subscriber identity module or subscriber identification module. It is a piece of plastic that houses a network of microcircuitry that stores a unique identification number.
This identity number key is used to identify and authenticate subscribers on mobile devices.
You can think of SIM cards as an identity, especially for your phone. Without a SIM card, you can’t make calls, text, or access the mobile data services of your mobile device.
They enable your mobile network provider to identify and authenticate your identity whenever you want to perform those actions.
SIM cards and mobile telecom devices are an inseparable combo. You can’t use a SIM card without a mobile device, and your mobile device is essentially crippled without a SIM card.
Can a SIM Card Go Bad?
While the technology behind SIM cards is already matured and guarantees long-term durability, it is indeed possible for your SIM card to go bad. So, depending on how well you use it, a SIM card can eventually wear out.
While good maintenance habits might significantly extend your SIM’s life durability, it is essential to know that as an electronic component, the SIM card is prone to damage from any number of things. Some might include:
- Electric shock from mobile device’s battery.
- Static electricity discharge.
- Corrosion of chip lines due to exposure to humidity.
- Bad handling – frequent removal leading to break of chip lines.
Generally, as long as the copper plating that houses the CHIP is still intact, the SIM card is usable.
Symptoms of a Bad SIM Card
A bad SIM can be very frustrating to have. Normal phone activities will be affected and, in extreme cases, cause your phone to stop functioning correctly due to recurring error prompts.
Bad SIM on iPhone
If you are using an iPhone and your SIM gets bad, you may begin to see a “No SIM Installed” message on your home screen even though you have your SIM card in. What this tells you is that your SIM is now bad.
Other symptoms you might notice include:
- Extended delay of messages and calls
- Deterioration of sound qualities
- Contact list corruption – display of only contact numbers (no names)
Bad SIM on Android
The symptoms of a bad SIM on Android are quite similar to those of an iPhone.
Damaged SIM conditions can cause your android to freeze at random intervals. The freeze can be broken by forceful rebooting or removing your android’s battery where applicable.
Other than phone freeze, irregular password authentication prompts might start popping up without you rebooting your phone.
How To Fix a Bad Sim
Unlike SD cards, SIM cards don’t get corrupted internally. A bad SIM card is either physically damaged or needs to be cleaned.
If your SIM card is physically damaged, you can’t fix it. You want to visit a service center and replace the SIM card. Depending on your preference, you can ask for a duplicate SIM or get a new one entirely.
However, if you have valuable and important data stored on your SIM card, it is possible to retrieve your data. You can try it by following this step-by-step guide:
- Purchase a SIM Card reader if you don’t have one. It usually costs only a few dollars.
- Plug the SIM card reader into a computer and complete the installation process according to the installation wizard.
- After successful installation, clean your SIM card gently and Insert the SIM into the card reader. Take care not to cause additional damage to the chip lines.
- Launch the SIM card reader software on your computer and explore your resolution options. For instance, if you wish to recover contacts and messages, you can browse through the stored files on the software interface to select and recover them.
- Click on the “Recover” button to save your data to your PC.
Conclusion
In this guide, we’ve explored the subtleties of SIM card technology and its interdependent relationship with mobile devices.
With this guide, you are now equipped with all the relevant knowledge about the nature of the SIM card. We hope that all your questions about the SIM card and its durability have been answered, and you can now use your SIM card knowing the DOs and DON’Ts of this tech.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, a damaged SIM card can’t cause any direct issue for your phone. However, a bad or damaged SIM card can disrupt the normal functioning of your mobile phone. And the lack of network connectivity can potentially strip your device of meaningful functionality – internet, calls, and messages.
Yes, and in extreme cases, it can freeze your phone. When you get the “Insert SIM” prompt, regardless of its frequency, your phone’s ability to send and receive signals is impacted negatively.
You can’t repair a physically damaged SIM card. However, if the SIM card isn’t working due to improper placement, or an incorrect or blocked PIN, you can repair it by paying a visit to a service center.
