[How To] Convert A Mini-SIM Into A Micro-SIM For iPhone 4

As you may have known by now, Apple is offering SIM-free and unlocked units of iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 to customers in UK, France and Canada. Since these iPhones are not locked to a carrier, users can sign up with a compatible carrier of their choice.

Rumors are that unlike iPhone 3GS, the new iPhone 4 does not support the conventional mini-SIM's, instead, it uses the new micro-SIM. Micro-SIM for iPhone 4 can be a problem if your carrier does not offer micro-SIM cards yet or takes a long time to process the orders.

There is however an alternate solution. The following how-to guide will take you through a step-by-step process to transform your mini-SIM into a micro-SIM. For the process, you will require a mini-SIM, a marker pen, a ruler, cutter knife and a filing tool. The guide is quite similar to the one written for iPad's, which can be found here.

Important:

• We would strongly recommend you to wait for your iPhone 4 so that you can confirm the size of the micro-SIM that fits iPhone 4's SIM tray before using this guide.
• The chip on the SIM can be delicate and this procedure may permanently damage the circuitry on your mini-SIM. So do remember to proceed with caution. It is a nice idea to try the process out with a secondary SIM before carrying out the procedure on your regular SIM.

How To Convert A Mini-SIM Into A Micro-SIM For iPhone 4:

Step 1:

The most important part of a SIM is the central circuit that contains information about the subscriber's ICC-ID. The first step is to measure the area around this circuitry based on the size of the micro-SIM. 12mm x 15mm is the standard dimension of a micro-SIM. You may do this with the help of a ruler and a marker pen.

Step 2:

The mini-SIM needs to be cut along these marked lines. But before you proceed, run a cutter knife a few times over these lines to prominently mark the sections.

Step 3:

If done correctly, you may now be able to break away the plastic portion of the SIM that is not required. Alternately, use a scissor to cut along these marked lines.

Step 4:

You are almost done. Use a filing tool to soften the cut edges.

The new micro-SIM for iPhone 4 is ready. You may now insert this SIM into your iPhone for use.

Disclaimer:

This guide and the software is for testing & educational purposes only. We are not responsible for any loss of important data or malfunctioning of your device.

Note:

UK users can checkout this link to find out more details about getting the new micro-SIM from your carrier.

If you try this mod, be sure to share your experience with us in the comments below. And, stay tuned for more info by following us on Twitter and/or subscribing to our RSS feeds.