Every year our smartphones become functional, resembling more computers than the phone. And only one shared feature remains unchanged - the presence of a SIM card. It consists of a chip surrounded by plastic, and its main purpose is to recognize the subscriber in the mobile network. Smartphones have an interesting trend - change in size, becoming more and more practical. Similar processes occur with the SIM card - the amount of plastic is invariably decreased, freeing the place for new elements in the devices.
Being an integral part of our gadgets, the SIM card changes its appearance along with the development of technologies. Before proceeding directly to the pruning of the SIM card, we will deal in its kinds:
Mini-SIM cards have been very popular for a long time.
Micro-SIM saved herself from excess plastic
Nano-SIM - the smallest of the existing SIMICS
ESIM chips will not be removableTable: Types of SIM cards
Having an idea of \u200b\u200bexisting SIM cards, as well as their appearance and sizes, go directly to the use of SIM in Apple products.
Table: Using SIM cards in Apple devices
How to cut a sim card under the desired phone model
By defining the desired type of SIM card, go directly to the process cutting process, if necessary. As the tools you will need:
The sequence of actions is as follows:
Marking - a very responsible process, it is important to prevent errors when applying lines
It is necessary to compare the size of the slot with the outlined markup
Neat movements cut off unnecessary plastic
As a result, SIM should easily enter the card slotVideo: Slim Card Trim under the desired size
At first glance, the described process may seem complex. However, following all instructions, you will definitely get the perfect result and your SIM card will last for a long time.
What could be easier than an ordinary SIM card installed in our smartphone? Today, this product at least in one copy is almost every person. And many in the table such plastic cards could be littered with dozens of copies. It would seem that in the era of cramless smartphones, wireless charging, sending Tesla into space, nothing easier to be a little "sim cards", but in fact everything is not so simple.
The principle of SIM cards is undeservedly considered extremely simple, although, by and large, this is the real computer submitted in such a compact form factor. Today I will try briefly run through modules and varieties of SIM cards, and perhaps you will seriously interest this topic.
What is a SIM card
It is so familiar today to anyone a chip today is a subscriber identification module (this is how the Abbreviation SIM is allegedly translated). The history of the first SIMICs in the form in which we are accustomed to watch them begin with 1991, it was then the first to appear full-size cards.
Subscriber Identification Module - subscriber identification module.
Despite its sizes and, as it seems a simple man in the man, primitive, this card keeps a lot of information. This is the international subscriber identifier IMSI, and the phone number installed on the card, the tariff plan, connected services, and other information.
SIM card device
Due to the fact that the main purpose of telephone cards is the storage of subscriber data, many people mistakenly believe that the SIM card is a more primitive analog of the flash drive. It is not strange, because even in its form "SIM card" is quite similar to modern microSD cards. In fact, any SIM card is a meager analog of the computer. The composition of each card includes:
- Microprocessor;
- A permanent memory that is stored for information and OS (yes, there is an operating system on SIM-kak);
- RAM.
Of course, in the context of today's size of content and equipment installed in smartphones, laptops and stationary PCs, the volume of built-in and RAM on SIM cards seem insignificant, but they are enough to store operating and file systems, subscriber information, and even a custom phone book . What, no matter how it all confirms that any SIM card is the most real micro computer? 
Actual SIM Card Formats
In addition to the telephone card device, I also wanted to concentrate your attention on the existing formats, or the standards of the Simok used today. You can select them 5 pieces:
- Mini-SIM is a standard of cards that have not yet been installed in each phone, while smartphones with reduced slots have arrived at their shift. This card has a size of 25 to 15 and 0.76 millimeters, and today is used only in push-button and outdated models of phones;
- Micro-SIM card that came to replace the mini-option, and having a more compact size of the width and length (15 to 12 mm) while maintaining the same thickness of 0.76 mm. This card has become popular with the distribution of smartphones. However, today its popularity gradually "comes on no";
- Nano-SIM is the most common Simok format today, which has more compact dimensions and widths, and lengths, and thickness (12.3 by 8.8 by 0.67 mm). Its size is a little more than the chip of the golden color, which can always be observed on SIM cards;
- esim is another option of cards, the difference of which is not in size, but in the fields of application. Prefix "E" means "Embedded", or "built-in", "pre-installed". Such cards are installed by default to the contract models of gadgets. And, if such a need arises, remove and replace them becomes quite problematic. However, it is impossible to call such maps popular in the Russian Federation;
- Multi-Sim is the last option of maps representing the "Matryoshka", in which the default layers of the Card Stencil are already marked. By purchasing such a sim, simply pressing your finger, you can choose the desired card format suitable for the slot in your mobile phone.
It was a short science concerning history, formats and devices of modern (and not very) SIM cards. I hope this information was interesting and you learned something new.
iPhone XS and iPhone XS MAX, which are supplied to Russia officially support two SIM cards: one Nano-SIM physical format, second ESIM electronic standard.
What is ESIM? This is a digital Virtual SIM format, which actively promotes Apple. With it, you can activate the mobile operator's tariff plan without physical SIM.
Why do you need ESIM:
- To use the local operator's tariff plan abroad without searching the store with SIM cards
- To share calls and mobile Internet when you are abroad
- To leave one number on physical SIM for personal needs abroad, and the second on the virtual for working purposes
Keyword phrase abroad: We will talk about this and other nuances of ESIM in this material.
Can I use the second ESIM on the iPhone XS in the Russian Federation
Not! But why?
The fact is that rF Law "On Communication" Equifies the use of ESIM to cloning a physical SIM card.
The usual Nano-SIM is a unique subscriber identifier, but the ESIM does not allow this identification.
The question is also B. cellular operators of the Russian Federation. On the one hand, they consider ESIM and understand that the support of the standard will make their customers more loyal. On the other hand, they are afraid of mass transitions with you to competitors.
OK! And when can I?
In August, information about the work on the rules for using ESIM in Russia appeared. This seems to be the Ministry of Communications of the Russian Federation.
If you take as an example, the official implementation of SIM on the passport and the illegal sale of cards near each subway, with which they do not struggle, it becomes clear: the introduction of any innovation can not be simple.
And not in Russia you can already? Not!
September 14, two days after the iPhone XS presentation, on the official Apple website, a document dedicated to the support of two SIM cards.
According to it, at the start of sales of new ESIM smartphones in the iPhone XS will not work.
The virtual card will earn after updating iOS 12. When accurately is a question.
What operators support ESIM cards in iPhone XS
Apple official list:
- Austria: T-Mobile
- Hungary: Magyar Telekom
- Canada: Bell.
- India: Airtel, Reliance Jio
- Croatia: Hrvatski Telekom
- Spain: Vodafone Spain
- Czech Republic: T-Mobile
- United Kingdom: EE
- Germany: Telekom.
- USA: AT & T, T-Mobile USA, Verizon Wireless
- International: Gigsky, TRUPHONE
If the iPhone XS is blocked under a specific operator, you can use two different tariff plans only from it. If the first SIM works on the CDMA, the second will not support CDMA.
How to set up a tariff plan using ESIM
Firstly, Activate the operator's tariff plan.
Using QR code: Go to "Settings"\u003e Cellular communication\u003e Add fare and scan the QR code that the cellular operator will provide you. Enter password.
Using the application: Download the application of the Operator from the App Store, purchase the tariff plan.
Note! You can store several ESIM in the iPhone XS memory. You can use them in turn, switching through the "Settings"\u003e "Cellular Communication"\u003e "Tariff Plans".
Secondly, Give the definition of tariff plans for operators.
After connecting the second number you will have three options:
- Use the number on Nano-SIM as the main
- Use the number on ESIM as the main
- Use the number on ESIM for the Internet
The main number will be used by default in most cases. In some it can be configured.
You will also be asked to define each of the tariffs: the main and secondary, working and personal.
Thirdly, Configure the use of the second number.
iOS 12 will use the intelligent system to work with the second SIM. It will memorize which numbers and in what situation you use.
But part you can configure manually.
Contact number: Select the desired number in the "Preferred Tariff" menu.
Call number: Select the phone number from which you want to call the top of the dialer window; Use the icon (i) to select the number in the Favorite list.
You can receive calls on both numbers without switching: if you are talking at one number, the second will be busy.
Number for iMessage and Facetime: Go to "Settings"\u003e "Messages" menu and select the number in the "Number for iMessage and FaceTime" menu.
Message Number: Select the desired number right before shipping.
Internet number: Go to "Settings"\u003e "Cellular communication"\u003e "Cell data" and select a specific tariff, on the basis of which mobile Internet will work.
Use at once two for this will not work.
Where to find out the state of two SIM cards on iPhone XS
In "Management Point", sure.
Now in the left upper part of this menu, the status of both the first and second SIM is indicated.
What else you need to know about the use of the second ESIM
Contrary to news that the iPhone and iPad is not so in demand in the market, more and more people buy devices with the "grizzly" on the rear panel. Often, there are no particularly savvy in the technical part of the device owners, questions arise and is misunderstood about which SIM card they need. Let's put all the points on I.
Old "big" SIM card:
It is unlikely that among our readers there are those who have not enjoyed telephones classified today as a "dialer". They were used, and the SIM cards of the old sample are used, as in the image above.
The only reason I mentioned about them is the iPhone 3GS, which, despite the pension technical and moral age, is still in the ranks, even if it does not receive iOS 7. Also, if it is impossible and reluctance to change the "big" sim card on Micro SIM, With the help of skillful hands or employee of almost any online store, it simply cuts off to the size of Micro SIM and is quietly used on. But about the upgrade immediately to Nano format you can forget.
It is worth paying attention to the fact that if your full-size SIM card is purchased until 2010-2011, then circumcision to Micro SIM can become fatal due to the large size of the old chip.
A more modern generation of SIM cards, which is used in most modern smartphones, as well as in iPad, iPad 2, The New iPad (third generation), iPad C (OPAD 4) and iPhone 4 / 4S.
By size, the SIM card resembles a chip from the first generation analogs, just in case its image is shown below. 
With the capabilities of the upgrade, everything is perfect. If there is a special tool or proper skills, almost any Micro SIM (exceptions with a large chip are found and here) you can cut to Nano, although again I warn you that one awkward movement with scissors is guaranteed to send you to the operator's office.
Almost the crown of technologies, which is rarely found in non-Apple devices. If you know such - write about them in the comments, I will also be interested. While this type of SIM card is used in iPad mini and iPhone 5. With a high probability, we can argue that there will be iPhone 5S / 5C, as well as the next generation iPad. According to the sim, the SIM card is actually with the nail, it is definitely not to confuse with anything. 
Do not forget that in some cases, after successful trimming of the SIM card, the iPad or iPhone may not be able to work with the network. For example, do not give the device to enter the Internet or not to restore the network after its loss. If you observe similar (this happens not often), then the first thing is to replace the SIM card from the operator. And only if the problem is not solved already with the new SIM, it is worth thinking about contacting the service center.
At the moment, the SIM card replacement is literally ten minutes. All you need is to be the owner of the SIM card, have a passport (or owner with your passport) and contact your operator's office, calling the number and type of the SIM card that you need.
The most common microcomputer
Surprise a microcomputer today someone is not easy - they surround people everywhere. And this is not only a variety of "handhelds" - PDA or calculators, but also numerous microcontrollers of automation tools, which are already penetrating in conventional household appliances. But all these devices manufactured by a large number of firms have different architecture and parameters. But the most common model is the product, most of the users of which are not even suspected that this is a microcomputer. He is B. SIM cardsused in the cell phones of the GSM standard, and the number of owners of such phones on our planet is already approaching billion people!
The emergence of SIM -Cart
They are inalienable parts of GSM cell phones, however, the phones of many other standards are quite cost without them. Why did they need?
To identify phones in the GSM standard, a special 15-digit unique number of the international mobile equipment identifier - International Mobile Equipment Identifier (IMEI), assigned to each device during production (it is also written on the packaging box and on the phone itself - under the battery) and the cellular communications Networks when starting exchange.
Basically, SIM-card Could be made extremely simple and contain only the identification number of the subscriber. But its creators went to another way and immediately implemented in it functions associated not only with the identification of the subscriber, but also with the authentication of the map (authentication) and the chipserance of the negotiations. In other words, the entire set of functions performed in other standards directly by the phone, in GSM is divided between the apparatus itself and SIM card. All purely "connected" operations (reception and transmission of signals, their modulation and detection, playing sounds and displaying characters on the display, etc.) are performed in the phone, and all that concerns personal data is implemented in SIM-card. As a result of this approach, a completely working phone GSM independently (without) provides the possibility of execution only only calls "SOS" (usually on international code) in emergency services: police, firefighters, medical care, etc. - This requirement was originally laid in the standard . On the other hand, the need to fulfill in SIM-card Information processing operations led to its implementation on the principle of a specialized calculator operating under the control of its operating system and containing all the main elements of the micro-computer: 8-bit processor, input and output nodes, as well as permanent (ROM), operational (RAM) and reprogrammed (eeprom) memory. It is in non-volatile, but changing memory EEPROM (in modern SIM cards It has a capacity of up to 64 KB), and all applications are placed - both user and service.
In its computational power, quite comparable to the first personal computers of the eighties of the last century and the achievements of modern microelectronics make it possible to constantly increase their capabilities. As a result, in SIM-cards Many other functions began to be implemented: notebooks, capacity up to 100 or more phone numbers with names, lists of the latest and received calls, etc.
Truly revolutionary changes in any phone that supports the phase of development of the GSM 2+ standard (almost all models, release after 1998 fall here) Makes the technology created several years ago SIM Application Toolkit (STK). It is based on a broad use to exchange SMS information and represents special software applications recorded on SIM-card In the form of sets of executable procedures and commands. Under the control of such programs, the phone becomes capable of automatically performing various sequences of actions. This may be a call at a specific number, sending a short message at a specific number and with a certain content, sending email or fax, etc. All of these procedures, naturally, can be performed manually, but the process automation will significantly simplify and speeds up the use of . These include: access to information and reference services (weather forecast, currency exchange rate, recent news, road environment, etc.), connecting and disabled the services of the cellular network, Internet access, payment of various services with mobile phone, games, etc.
Purely technically, a kind of chip smart cards adapted to the needs of mobile communications, the parameters of which are set by the ISO 7816 group of international standards. Similar maps were initially focused on use in payment systems and therefore, even at the development stage, special attention was paid to the reliability of their work in A variety of conditions, sufficient mechanical strength and high resistance to electrical stresses, magnetic fields and other effects. In this regard, rarely fail, and if suddenly the phone refuses to work with the card, then it is necessary, first of all, to find out what the phone "dislike".
The reasons here can be different, and the phone always displays the corresponding message on the display. So, for example, if SIM-card Blocked by a special subscriber identifier code - PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER - PIN (protects the phone from unauthorized use by unauthorized people), then on the phone screen and message type "Enter PIN-Code" will appear. In making this code (4-8 characters), it is established individually and is issued to the user with the card (although sometimes it is given by manufacturers and the same immediately for whole groups of cards and even extremely simple: "0000"). PIN -Code is entered directly from the keyboard of the phone, while if you are mistaken in the code set, it can be repeated, but not more than 3 times. In the event that all 3 times the PIN -Code was entered incorrectly, SIM-card Enters the temporary lock state and now requires you to enter an 8-digit unlocking key code - Personal Unblocking Key (PUK), which is also issued to the user when selling a map. It is necessary to enter it carefully, because after ten erroneous attempts input PUK -Kode SIM-card It is blocked completely and its replacement is required, which and the message appears on the phone screen with the recommendation to refer to the cellular operator. If the removal of the locks was successful, then the PIN value can be changed at any time by the user itself. The key PUK - on the contrary, cannot be changed. In addition to PIN and PUK codes, there is also a similar pair of PIN2 and PUK2 codes (also contained in the documentation for SIM carduser received), employees to manage access to some functions (prohibiting incoming and outgoing calls, reset the duration meter and the cost of conversations, etc.). Incorrectly typed three-fold PIN2 code blocks the control of these functions and to unlock them require PUK2-Kod. PIN and PIN2 codes, as well as PUK and PUK2 should not be confused - they have different values \u200b\u200band perform different functions.
Almost for another reason, when you turn on the phone, you may appear "Insert SIM card"If it is not in the phone, then it is clear that you need to do, but if the card is installed, then such a message means that its phone does not see it. Most often the reason for this can be a trivial bad contact between the card and the phone. Here may be the following. First of all, you need to try to remove SIM card And put it in place again. If after that the phone did not start working, then you can try to rinse contacts on SIM-card And in the phone connector, ethyl alcohol or a special cleaning fluid and lightly wipe with a napkin made of soft not porous fabric. Apply any more "strong" means like ink gum or emery paper should not. The fact is that contacts on SIM-card And the phone is gilded, which eliminates their oxidation. Damage to this thin gold coating will inevitably lead to a subsequent deterioration of contacts. Also do not, and try to apply great efforts to SIM-card, Trying to close it to contacts, since it is in the end, it is possible to damage it, because, in fact, it is an inapproprous microcircuit on a plastic or ceramic substrate. If doubts about the contact density of contacts are really available, then quite a satisfactory result can sometimes give a small piece of paper, folded several times and put on top so that it presses it when connecting the battery.
If all the actions described did not give results, it remains to try to check the operation of the phone on the other SIM cardAnd this card is with a different phone. Perhaps this way will be able to identify the "guilty".
However, some types of "non-compatibility" are also known. SIM-card with separate models of phones. At the same time, in other combinations and cards and the phones work normally. The reason for this may be some (permissible standard!) Signal parameters that communicate the phone and the map in the process of collaboration. Such an effect can manifest itself, for example, only under certain conditions: as the battery discharge, in the heat or frost, etc., another cause of such a problem may be the inconsistency of operating stresses. All early versions SIM-card It was designed for the operating voltage (incoming from the phone) of 5.5 V, and modern maps usually work with a voltage of 3.3 V. The discrepancy of operating stresses does not lead to the failure of the phone or card, but may cause their unsatisfactory interaction.
From organizational and legal positions, the most successful decision of this technical problem is possible only if the phone was acquired with SIM card. In this case, we can talk about the inoperability of the kit. In other cases, the task is more difficult, as each of the devices, in principle, works. The only way out here can only be tested the phone right in the process of acquiring it with the card with which it is planned to be used.
Technically, this method of protection is implemented software and can be carried out in various ways, but its essence is as follows. The operator orders the phones from the manufacturer, which in the manufacturing process sets a special version of software containing protection based on a unique set of operator codes (NCC) and network location countries (MCC). Since the same codes contains SIM-card, each time you turn on the phone checks these codes. If they coincided, the phone works fine if not, the corresponding inscription appears on the screen.
If necessary, this type of protection can be removed by entering directly from the keyboard of phones of special unlock codes SIM-Lock, usually supplied by the manufacturer together with the part of the phones. Another way to disconnect the blocking (since no hardware changes in the phone for its input) is to replace the software. The operation is not very complex and can well be performed with handicraft methods. Strictly speaking, if the newly established information from it is available only to the internal processor, no way can be read from the outside. Thanks to such measures, "hacking" is possible only by the method of direct selection of the necessary numbers, which is achieved only in cases where the map is in the hands of attackers for a long time. But even against such actions in all new maps there is a special protection based on the limitation of the total number of permissible calls to the map, after the achievement of which it is blocked and stops working. This number is given quite large to not manifest in normal use in the phone for the entire real-time "life" of these products. However, the established limit is significantly less than the number of appeals, usually required for the selection of numbers when hacking the card. In other words, SIM-cardquite reliably protects the subscriber from various attempts to illegal use by his bond.
However, the victims of attackers do not know the limits, and a rather original method of rapid hacking SIM-card Also found. Extremely brief its essence is that when contacting SIM-card The activity of the internal processor, and, consequently, the current consumed by it through the appropriate contact contacts from an external power source is different in cases where the specified code does not fully match the required or partially coincides with it. Thus, controlling current consumed SIM card In the process of work, it is possible to make it possible to accomplish much more quickly.
In other words, the general advice to all owners SIM-card There may be only a recommendation not to give them to unauthorized people, for example, together with the phone when repairing, maintenance or temporary use. This Council, probably, should be considered fair and for other types of smart cards with a processor - banking, access control, etc.
Originally produced "large" format - in the size of a standard plastic card. This was done to ensure the possibility of universal use. SIM-cardboth in cell phones and in ordinary stationary payphones, which was implemented in some European countries. However, life showed the inexpediency of such versatility SIM cards). And this is not surprising - the idea of \u200b\u200ballocating all personal settings and subscriber data from a cell phone to a separate replaceable card with a microcomputer has already confidently proved its feasibility. Most likely, universal cards like modern SIM-cardIn the future, the most different mobile communication devices will become the belonging.
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