Change SIM card and keep number - how it works

If you want to change your SIM card but keep the number, you can do this with any mobile service provider. We show you how to proceed and what costs you will have to pay.

Change SIM card but keep the number

• If you buy a new smartphone, in some cases you will also need a new SIM card. The normal standard SIM is now obsolete, micro SIM and mini SIM are mainly in demand.
• In most cases, the new SIM card is free of charge for you. However, some providers charge a small fee for the new SIM. Simply contact your mobile operator by phone or in the shop.
• If you have applied for your new SIM card, you will usually receive the new SIM card by post after around two days. Then you have to activate the card by phone. Depending on the provider and choice of activation, you are often unavailable for several hours.
• In the following practical tips you will find the contact options for the various mobile phone providers: Vodafone, O2, T-Mobile, E-Plus, Aldi Talk, Lidl Mobile, Edeka Mobil, Blau.de, Tchibo Mobil, Fonic and Simyo.

Cut the SIM card instead of changing it

• If you need a smaller SIM card for your new smartphone, you don't have to wait long for the new SIM. Alternatively, you can simply cut the SIM card yourself.
• All you need is scissors. Little can go wrong even with two left hands. Should an error nevertheless occur, you can still request a new SIM from your mobile operator.
• In the following practical tips, we will show you how to cut a micro SIM and how to cut a nano SIM.

DIY instructions: cut the micro SIM - how it works

Next, we'll show you how to transfer your contacts to a new phone.