SIM cards – the tiny little piece of hardware that most people think little about, but is critical to your phone’s functionality.
SIM cards are something most people never mess around with unless they’re upgrading their phone. However, over time, it’s possible for them to break and cause issues with your phone.
So, how long do SIM cards last before they need to be replaced – and how can you tell when it’s time?
In this article, we’ll cover everything that you need to know!
How Long Do SIM Cards Last?
Generally speaking, you can expect your SIM card to last for at least 5 years assuming it has been properly cared for, and is not removed frequently.
However, reports from others have mentioned that they’ve been using the same SIM card for over 10 years without any problems.
In theory, SIM cards should be able to last even longer than this, assuming they aren’t subject to physical damage. This is because many modern smartphones (such as iPhones) never write data to the SIM card, only read from it – which is one of the main things that usually causes storage devices to fail.
Additionally, many modern SIM cards have even more space than they actually will ever use. This means that if part of the card goes bad, it can ‘move’ data to sections of the SIM card that are still functioning properly, which is pretty neat!
That being said, SIM cards can still become damaged in a variety of different ways, and damage is more likely if you frequently take the SIM card out of your phone.
Let’s look at some of the ways SIM cards can fail, and how you can avoid them.
What Causes SIM Cards To Fail?
Ultimately, there are a few different things that can cause SIM cards to become faulty or break over time.
By knowing the causes of SIM card failure, you can take steps to mitigate the risks to your SIM card and your device. This will keep it in optimal condition for years to come!
Bending
Starting out with one of the most obvious, SIM cards will break if they’re bent in any way.
This can come both from handling the SIM card yourself, as well as placing it improperly into your phone.
To minimize the risk of bending, only remove your SIM card from your phone when it’s absolutely necessary, and be very careful when loading and unloading it.
Corrosion
The metal on SIM cards may corrode over time, especially in areas with high humidity.
Although the contact points of most SIM card are plated with gold (which can prevent oxidation), other parts of the SIM card may still oxidize.
If you suspect corrosion on your SIM card, it can be cleaned! Get a Q-tip or cotton swab damp with rubbing alcohol, and gently rub your SIM card with it.
Be careful not to get any rubbing alcohol inside the phone, however.
Dust
Dusty or dirty SIM cards can cause issues with the SIM card working properly. However, this too can easily be fixed.
Gently wipe the SIM card with a microfiber cloth to get rid of any dust, dirt and debris that may have settled on the SIM card.
Additionally, if keeping the SIM card outside of your phone, store it in a protected case rather than throwing it in a drawer, or setting it on a table where dust may settle.
Static Electricity
Static electricity may damage the sensitive components of the SIM card.
Work to minimize the static electricity present when handling SIM cards, and handle it as little as possible to avoid the risk of static damage.
Outdated Support
Although SIM cards can last for years and perhaps even decades, this doesn’t mean that you’ll want to keep it around for that long.
For example, SIM cards that came out in the 2G era will not support the 4G or 5G networks we’re now used to.
So, even if the card doesn’t break, you still may want to replace it if an unsupported network rolls out in your area.
Do SIM Cards Expire?
Most SIM cards do not have any sort of expiration date, or time period in which they will be disabled.
That being said, many are built to withstand a certain number of connections to the network, and manufacturers may not have tested the SIM card’s lifespan beyond that point.
Generally speaking, you’ll want to replace your SIM card when it no longer works, or when new technology is introduced.
Note however that cellular providers may deactivate the SIM card if it is not being used, or service is not being paid for. This time period is generally between 6 months and 2 years.
After all, carriers want to free up phone numbers if they are no longer being used, so they can be reallocated towards other customers.
How Often Should SIM Cards Be Replaced?
Generally speaking, SIM cards only need to be replaced when they become faulty, and no longer work to provide service to your phone.
There is no need to preemptively replace them ahead of time, unless you are switching to a new phone that isn’t compatible.
While you can generally move your SIM card to a new phone, it’s important to keep in mind that SIM cards come in three different sizes – regular, micro, and nano.
While adapters are available to let each work regardless of the phone that you’re using, you may consider a new SIM card when upgrading or changing your phone regardless.
Of course, if everything’s working fine and you aren’t getting a new cell phone, there is no need to replace the card – even if you’ve been using it for years!
How Can You Recognize When A SIM Card Is Faulty?
If your phone is having problems, how do you know if the SIM card is at fault?
Likewise, how will you know when the SIM card should be replaced?
To answer this question, it helps to remember what the SIM card is responsible for.
SIM cards are only used for connecting to your cellular provider’s network. Without a working SIM card, you’re unable to place or receive calls, SMS text messages, or connect to your cellular provider’s internet network.
However, even with a broken or missing SIM card, you can still use all of the apps on your phone, and connect to the internet using Wi-Fi.
Therefore, if your phone starts having trouble placing calls or connecting to mobile data, it may point to a faulty SIM.
If your phone is experiencing other issues – like certain apps not working or slow speeds for example, this is likely due to another issue.
SIM cards only relate to the functionality provided by your carrier, such as AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, etc. Everything else on your device is separate.
Will A New SIM Card Help Your Phone Run Faster?
No. SIM cards either work, or they don’t. An old SIM card will not cause your phone or your internet to run any slower, nor will upgrading bring your phone any new features.
That being said, if your SIM card does not support the latest networks that your phone does (for example, 4G or 5G), you may benefit from higher upload and download speeds by getting a compatible SIM.
Conclusion
Generally speaking, SIM cards should last for 5 years or more without needing to be replaced.
Of course, SIM cards can break the first time you use them, so this is only a rough guideline.
With careful handling of your SIM card, it can last significantly longer – longer than the lifespan in which you’d want to keep it anyway.
I hope that you’ve found this article helpful. If you have any other questions about SIM cards or cell phones, please ask using the comment form below.
Wishing you the best,
– James McAllister