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Do SIM cards go bad?
SIM Cards can be damaged or stop working due to several factors like wear and tear, exposure to water, high temperatures and bending.
January 10, 2024
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Have you ever ended up without a data connection but knew you had paid your bill? Your chip might be damaged. But why do SIM cards go bad? Even though we rarely think about our cellular chip, there are many reasons, from scratches to water. We will dive into the answers to these questions and how you can solve it.
Why do SIM cards go bad?
You may experience various issues with your SIM card, but understanding the reasons behind their deterioration is vital. Here are seven common reasons for damage:
1. Water damage
Water is a SIM card’s number one rival. Even a tiny amount of moisture can lead to rush and malfunction. If you ever drop your phone in the water, make sure you take out the SIM card and dry it thoroughly. This way, you’ll avoid rush and moisture building up on the chip.
2. Physical damage
SIM cards are small, and this makes them delicate. Simply dropping or mishandling it can result in physical damage. If you need to remove it and keep it outside, it’s best to keep it in a rigid plastic pouch or container adapted to SIM cards. If you have the original SIM card, the size of a credit card, you can also reinsert it and keep it there for a while.
3. Temperature extremes
Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can adversely affect SIM cards. Don’t leave your SIM or phone out in the sun or exposed to outdoors weather.
4. Exposure to magnetic fields
Magnets are enemies of chips and electronics. They can destroy and scramble the information on drives and devices; this includes SIM cards. Keep any magnets, even your name tag, from work, away from our cellular chip, and even more, away from your phone.
5. Incorrect storage
Improper storage, such as bending or flexing the card, can lead to damage. This happens commonly when you insert it into your phone. Ensure you place the chip correctly, or else it’ll be difficult to slide in the tray, and you could end up bending the plastic, scratching it, or damaging it.
6. Wear and tear
As with anything in the world, including technology, SIM cards undergo wear and tear over time. SIM cards can last years if regularly cleaned and well maintained.
7. Manufacturer defects
In rare cases, SIM cards can have manufacturing defects. In this case, there’s not much to do. You can only go to the store or call and request a new one. One piece of advice is that when you pick up your first SIM card from the store, test it out. Make a call, connect to the internet, send texts and make sure it’s working correctly.
>Is you phone eSIM compatible? Find out here<
Bad SIM card signs: How do I know if my SIM card is bad?
Once you begin to notice that your SIM card is having issues, you can spot any other problems you might be having and look into repairing or replacing the chip. Take a look at the common signs that come up for iPhone and Android when the chop begins to malfunction.
Android
- Frequent network signal drops
- Not able to make calls or send texts
- Unexplained mobile data issues
iPhone
- “No SIM card” error message
- Constant network searching
- Inability to activate cellular data
How often do SIM cards go bad?
Even small, these chips are resilient. These little devices can last up to a decade! However, on average, it’s only half of that time frame. Overall, it depends on your use and care.
>Get the best virtual SIM for the USA here<
Do SIM cards expire if not used?
This generally doesn’t depend on the actual SIM card. If you had a data plan that you canceled or had a prepaid card that you stopped reloading, the chip is deactivated in the following three months to 180 days. This depends most of all on the cellular provider’s terms and conditions.
How do you fix a bad SIM card?
When a SIM chip is damaged, it’s practically impossible to repair it. Your best bet is to contact your provider and request a new SIM card.
Can a SIM card be replaced?
Definitely, as long as you have a valid and active data plan, you just need to contact your carrier and have a new one delivered, or you can pick it up at one of their local stores.
Will the SIM card ever disappear?
As virtual SIMs continue to rise in popularity and offer travelers and users perks and convenience, manufacturers and providers are adapting to this new technology. SIM won’t disappear anytime soon; however, eventually, the eSIM will take over the cellular communication industry.
Are there SIM cards that cannot be damaged?
As mentioned, SIM cards are susceptible to damage, breaking, and deterioration. However, there’s an innovation that gives you peace of mind. The new eSIM card is a digital version of the traditional SIM card. They have the advantage that they are not affected by external factors, nor do they wear out. You can read more about the similarities and differences between the SIM and eSIM.
Many domestic and international providers, like Holafly, offer eSIMs. It’s especially useful when you travel because you can get all the data you need for one flat fee and even make calls. Let’s take a look at some advantages.
- Unlimited Data
- Packages with multi-country coverage, such as the eSIM for Asia travel.
- Talk Time minutes
- 24/7 customer service
- No risk of damage
- Just one flat rate!
- User-friendly app
- Get it anywhere in the world
Frequently Asked Questions
Sometimes, SIM chips can come damaged or faulty from the factory, or they may have been incorrectly installed on your phone.
It’s possible frequent insertion/removal can wear out the SIM card and the slot. We recommend taking care of the SIM card and avoiding unnecessary removal unless completely necessary. With an eSIM, you won’t need to take out the chip.
A damaged SIM card can lead to connectivity issues, impacting call quality, text messaging, and mobile data. If you experience such problems, replacing the SIM card is a potential solution.
Contact your mobile carrier for guidance on transferring data from an old SIM card to a new one. They may provide instructions or assistance in transferring contacts and other information.
There’s no fixed timeline, but if you notice connectivity issues or have had the same SIM card for several years, it’s a good idea to consider replacing it for optimal performance.
