Change the SIM Card to an Unlocked Cell Phone
A SIM card, short for subscriber information module, identifies a cell phone and stores information about the phone's owner and the phone number. This directs all calls to that specific number to go to your cell phone. If you buy a new phone before your contract is up and want to keep the same number, you can simply switch the SIM card and the new phone will think it's your old phone. You can also switch SIM cards out if you are traveling internationally. The Travel Insider advises that by using a SIM card from the country you're visiting, you can save money on calls without buying a new cell phone.
Instructions
1. Locate the SIM card on your phone. Your owner's manual should tell you where it is. Several phones keep the SIM card behind the battery. Slide off the back cover and remove the battery to find the SIM card. The card may also be in the bottom of some phoned. The iPhone's SIM card is located on the bottom edge of the device. To remove it, slide the end of a paper clip into the slit at the SIM card tray and use the paper clip to pull the tray out. You may need to bend the end of the paper clip slightly for a better grip.
2. Remove the old SIM card by taking it off the tray or sliding it out of its holder. Note which way the SIM card is facing so you can insert the new card properly. Place the new SIM card into the SIM card holder. Make sure it's the same way the old SIM card was facing.
3. Push the new SIM card in until it clicks or slides firmly into place. Slide the tray back into the phone, or reassemble the phone if necessary. Turn your phone on and your new SIM card should work.
4. Store the old SIM card inside a plastic bag and keep it in a safe place. If your other SIM card does not work or you need to switch back to your old card, you'll know where it is and can follow the same procedure to swap the two SIM cards out again.
5. Turn on your phone and see if it works with the new SIM card. If it does not, this means your phone is not unlocked or was not unlocked correctly. Most phones are locked when you get them. This means the company has programmed it so you cannot simply switch the SIM card. To unlock your phone, you need to know the security code and type it in on the number pad. The codes to certain phones are usually available online.
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