How to identify a micro-SIM

Summary

iPad Wi-Fi + 3G and iPhone 4 (GSM model) use a micro-SIM for GSM cellular connectivity and 3G communications. A micro-SIM, as its name suggests, is smaller than a traditional SIM. This article describes how to identify a micro-SIM and remove it from its card. 

 

Products Affected

iPad Wi-Fi + 3G, iPhone 4

Carriers often ship a micro-SIM on a card. You must punch the micro-SIM out of the card to use it in your device.

Micro SIM embedded within SIM

On some cards the micro-SIM is embedded within a traditional-sized SIM. In this case, punch the micro-SIM out of the traditional SIM:

Punching out micro-SIM

You can also remove the larger SIM and then the micro-SIM:

Micro-SIM after it's been cut out

In some cases, the perforation separating the micro-SIM from the larger SIM is hard to see. You may find it easier to see when held up to a light.

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