SIM card adapter

[Consolarificus]

Hello,

I am trying to use my Public Mobile SIM card with an older phone using the micro (not nano) format.

I already tested the nano card with a newer phone and confirmed that it works.

Yet in micro format, the SIM card is not being read by the older phone (and another one I tested it with).

The issue is that I am using a Bell nano to micro paper adapter. It seems to fit in fine, but are PM nano cards restricted to PM adapters? I lost the adapter that was sent in with my SIM card.

If so, is my only option to buy a new PM SIM card (which hopefully comes with the right adapter)?

Thanks.

[Consolarificus · Accepted solution]

Well, I just did a full reset on the Galaxy S4 and that got it to recognize the SIM card.

The phone I really needed to use was the Moto G, which, though it doesn't support 4G, at least doesn't spontaneously reboot like the S4 does under the slightest stress.

Maybe I'll just use the S4 to hotspot the Moto G...

(So much hassle to use an older device while my current one is being repaired!)

Thanks for all the possible solutions.

[will13am]

This sounds like an alignment issue.  Is the adapter ring fitting in nicely.  The ring and the SIM card have to be perfectly fitted so they are on the same plane.  

Onthe question of adapter ring compatibility, they are all the same size.  The specs are universal and not set by any carrier.  

Worse case, maybe it's time for a replacement SIM card.  

[Mana]

@Consolarificus if you are having the same issue with another sim with different adapters on the same phone then it's most likely your phone issue. 

Can you hold the battery in place with one hand and also push and hold the sim with a finger and them turn on the phone without the back cover? Maybe the sim is not making contact with the reader. 

[Consolarificus]

@Mana Not stupid at all. I followed the orientation from the picture and got a satisfying click as it went in (on both phones). A gentle push makes it click again and come out.

[Mana]

@Consolarificus please also make sure that you are inserting the SIM card in the correct orientation into the phone. 

For example, I know for a fact that you can still inset the sim wrong way into the Galaxy s4 sim slot. Galaxy s4 has a very tiny diagram on the SIM card card slot showing which way it supposed to be inserted, so please try following that. It should get insert and removed smoothly if inserted correctly. 

I know this sounds stupid but it's worth a try. 

[Mana]

@Consolarificus I have tried a non-public mobile adaptor to make the nano sim into micro sim and have then tried the micro sim in the Galaxy s4 without any issues. 

[matbasm]

Also, I believe the nano format is a little bit thinner than the micro.  Thus it needs to stay flush on the side with the contacts, and not the other side.

You could try a layer of tape on the back, but if it gets stuck inside the phone it would be almost impossible to get out.

[Consolarificus]

@Mana Sorry, I edited my post to specify it's an original Moto G (locked to Koodo) and a Samsung Galaxy S4 (unlocked). I tried another SIM Card from another provider; no luck...

I appreciate the responses. Hopefully we hear back from someone about whether or not the Public Mobile adapter is mandatory.

[Mr-Bump]

Hmm, then I'd think this is an issue with the SIM not making contact with the reader. If the adapter isn't damaged and both the nano SIM and adapter are flush in a flat surface, it could be a hardware issue with the phones reader. 

[Mana]

@Consolarificus most likely SIM card readable area is not making a good or full contact with the card reader inside the phone?

what phone is it that you are trying to use?

can you try taking out the sim from the phone, detach it from the adaptor, then put the adaptor on a flat table and then attach the sim onto the adaptor while on a flat surface, make sure it flushes into the adaptor nicely and then try putting it back in again. 

You can also try another sim into the phone and see if you have the same problem. It maybe a problem with the phone. 

[Consolarificus]

@Mana Yes, "No SIM Card" on an original Moto G and Galaxy S4

@Mr-Bump One I tried is unlocked, and the other is locked to Koodo

Edit: I also tried a universal adapter from Best Buy. No luck 

[Mr-Bump]

The older phone you are trying this on is definitely unlocked, correct?

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but the adapter being from Bell should not be an issue. The nano card is the only part readable, the rest is just for fitting it in the slot. 

[Mana]

@Consolarificus all adapters are pretty much generic and same. 

If for some reason, the electronics of the SIM card is not making contact with the SIM card reader in the phone then it may not read the sim properly. 

What message are you getting exactly? SIM card not found?