HT204686: How to erase your iOS device and then set it up as a new device or restore it from backups

Learn about How to erase your iOS device and then set it up as a new device or restore it from backups
aliok63
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: sim card

If I want to give my son my old iPhone when I upgade to the iPhone 5, how do I handle switching the SIM card?  I really don't understand what the SIM card is or what it does, so I'm wondering if I take the SIM card out of my 4S, how will he be able to use it?

iPhone 4S, iOS 5.1.1

Posted on Sep 16, 2012 12:22 PM

Close
aliok63

Q: sim card

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by wjosten,Helpful

    wjosten wjosten Sep 16, 2012 12:25 PM in response to aliok63
    Level 10 (94,634 points)
    iPhone
    Sep 16, 2012 12:25 PM in response to aliok63

    He will need a new sim card, as the current one will be deactivated as soon as you activate your iPhone 5. Go to your carrier's store & get a new sim card if you want him to use the phone with service. If you're gonna use it as a touch, just leave the deactivated sim in the phone.

  • by imobl,Helpful

    imobl imobl Sep 16, 2012 12:28 PM in response to aliok63
    Level 5 (7,176 points)
    iPhone
    Sep 16, 2012 12:28 PM in response to aliok63

    If he has his own wireless account, he can get a new SIM from his

    wireless provider. If he will be on your account, contact your wireless

    provider to get the old iPhone transferred to his number - this will entail

    having to get a new SIM card. The iPhone 4 will not operate as a phone

    without a SIM card.

     

    Message was edited by: imobl wjosten did a much better job explaining while I was still composing my message

  • by aliok63,

    aliok63 aliok63 Sep 16, 2012 12:41 PM in response to aliok63
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 16, 2012 12:41 PM in response to aliok63

    My biggest concern is if he is going from Android to iPhone on the Verizon network, I want to make sure him getting a new SIM card won't cause him to lose his unlimited data.  They told us if he obtains an iphone from someone or pays retail price, he can keep his unlimited data.  Just concerned a new SIM card will be considered a change to the plan. 

  • by wjosten,

    wjosten wjosten Sep 16, 2012 12:43 PM in response to aliok63
    Level 10 (94,634 points)
    iPhone
    Sep 16, 2012 12:43 PM in response to aliok63

    If your iPhone is a GSM iPhone, it won't work on Verizon's network.

  • by aliok63,

    aliok63 aliok63 Sep 16, 2012 12:44 PM in response to aliok63
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 16, 2012 12:44 PM in response to aliok63

      Oops! I guess I should have said we are both on the Verizon network on a family plan.  All of us currently have unlimited data.

  • by wjosten,

    wjosten wjosten Sep 16, 2012 12:47 PM in response to aliok63
    Level 10 (94,634 points)
    iPhone
    Sep 16, 2012 12:47 PM in response to aliok63

    Then your question is academic, as you are not using the sim card for service. Verizon will have to activate this phone for your son, the sim slot is for International Travel only.