Swapping SIM card to another phone

Richard53

Explain like I'm five - I don't know much about mobiles or the tech behind them. I have an iPhone 5s with a monthly contract with EE. I also have a Nokia 6310i (Orange) still in full working order. I know that Orange became EE a few years ago. Occasionally I want to put the SIM card from the iPhone into the Nokia. I have the correct adapter and I'm not worried about merging contacts etc, as I have all the numbers I need on the Nokia handset. I have done this successfully in the past (when I had an iPhone 4, so same contract but different physical SIM card), but when I tried it this week all I got was a variety of error messages, things like 'SIM card not recognised' and 'network unavailable'. Iphone is locked to EE and the Nokia was originally locked to Orange.


I am guessing that the Nokia is not recognising the new SIM card, even though it has worked fine with an iPhone SIM (same network) in the past.


If anyone can explain what is happening, and suggest a way round it, I would be very grateful.

eDicky

Richard53 wrote: »

I have done this successfully in the past (when I had an iPhone 4, so same contract but different physical SIM card)

So you have replaced your SIM with a new one since the last time you did this successfully? The latest generation of SIM are no longer compatible with older generations of handset, so this could be the problem.

Richard53

Exactly. It worked fine with the SIM from the iPhone 4, but not from the 5s (probably had that about a year). That would explain the issue. Is there any chance of using the current SIM, or will I have to get a new one (plus all the hassle of a new number) for the old phone (assuming they old type are still available)?


Thank you for your help.

AndyPK

Is your latest SIM 4G enabled? Is that the problem.

Ensure the SIM is making good contact etc.

The iP4 and iP5 have difference SIM sizes afterall. So I assume you have purchased a nano to mini sim converter when using the nokia.

Otherwise order a free SIM from asda. Uses EE network and 10 free minutes. 10 txt's

Richard53

AndyPK wrote: »

Is your latest SIM 4G enabled? Is that the problem.

I've seen the 4G symbol occasionally on the 5s, but I haven't a clue what that means, to be honest.

AndyPK wrote: »

Ensure the SIM is making good contact etc.

Done that with some thin card.

AndyPK wrote: »

The iP4 and iP5 have difference SIM sizes afterall. So I assume you have purchased a nano to mini sim converter when using the nokia.

Yes, it is the correct size adapter. Free from Carphone Warehouse just for asking The current SIM is tiny and the space in the Nokia is full size, and it all fits properly.

AndyPK wrote: »

Otherwise order a free SIM from asda. Uses EE network and 10 free minutes. 10 txt's

That would mean a new number, I assume. What I am trying to do is use my existing SIM and number, just have a more robust handset when I need it.


Thanks for the info.

20aday

4G is a fast version of the mobile internet plainly speaking.

One suggestion: order a free PAYG SIM from Asda (as mentioned above) and try that SIM in your Nokia 6310i.

If that doesn't throw up any problems then it could be your new SIM.

Another suggestion: on the Nokia 6310i try cleaning the chip contact with a pencil rubber? I've done that in the past when I've had a SIM that's misbehaving.

maxheadroom

Is the 6310i unlocked?

I Had a similar issue and it was because newer EE Sims use the old T-mobile IMSI Network code and not the old Orange IMSI Newtwork code (the IMSI code does the locking), so EE sims will work in old T-mobile locked handsets but not the Oranges locked ones. fixed by unlocking

The 6310i can be unlocked free, go to the giffgaff website for instructions

Richard53

20aday wrote: »

4G is a fast version of the mobile internet plainly speaking.

One suggestion: order a free PAYG SIM from Asda (as mentioned above) and try that SIM in your Nokia 6310i.

If that doesn't throw up any problems then it could be your new SIM.

Another suggestion: on the Nokia 6310i try cleaning the chip contact with a pencil rubber? I've done that in the past when I've had a SIM that's misbehaving.

Thanks. Will try those.

maxheadroom wrote: »

Is the 6310i unlocked?

I Had a similar issue and it was because newer EE Sims use the old T-mobile IMSI Network code and not the old Orange IMSI Newtwork code (the IMSI code does the locking), so EE sims will work in old T-mobile locked handsets but not the Oranges locked ones. fixed by unlocking

The 6310i can be unlocked free, go to the giffgaff website for instructions

The 6310i is locked to Orange. It worked before (I'm guessing about a year ago) with an EE SIM from the iPhone, but not with a newer one. Your explanation sounds right.


I'll check out giffgaff, thanks.