-
After 15+ years, we've made a big change: Android Forums is now Early Bird Club. Learn more here.
Verizon Sim Card Question
- Thread starter drmdrm25
- Start date
nickdalzell
Extreme Android User
I wasn't aware Verizon used SIM cards since they are a CDMA carrier and not a GSM Carrier
They are used for 4G/LTE (and global) but you can't just swap them like the OP poster seems to be asking. It's not like a GSM SIM in that regard. Still have to call/go online and switch the phone through Verizon's system, just changing the SIM won't work. All it does on Verizon is pull in the 4G, it stores no information that is 'switchable'.
(That's how I understand it anyway)
(That's how I understand it anyway)
jhawkkw
Chinchillin'
Because lte is a gsm technology, in order to use it the phones need a sim card. Early Verizon lte phones only had the hardware for the lte, however newer phones have been coming with Gsm radios that the sim card can control. However there are usually restrictions placed in order to block people from using the device on the American gsm carriers like t-mobile or at&t and we're only meant to allow people to use their phone if they traveled to Europe or other gsm only counties.
There was a post, not long ago, about installing a SIM from the user's phone into a new GNote 10.1 tablet.
According to his post, Verizon does not care at all. It's your account, you can use it with whatever device you choose. He did have a link to substantiate this.
Seems logical, the card only allows connection to the network. It's not like there is anything to gain, you would just be using the same plan with a different phone.
Although? if you don't own the phone outright (still paying for it on your plan) they may not be thrilled that it is not in your posession....especially if you have a protection plan.
According to his post, Verizon does not care at all. It's your account, you can use it with whatever device you choose. He did have a link to substantiate this.
Seems logical, the card only allows connection to the network. It's not like there is anything to gain, you would just be using the same plan with a different phone.
Although? if you don't own the phone outright (still paying for it on your plan) they may not be thrilled that it is not in your posession....especially if you have a protection plan.
Demache
Android Expert
Actually, I'm pretty sure all you need to do is swap the SIM card. It contains all the info the phone needs to configure itself. Verizon LTE phones operate very much like GSM phones, where the number is tied to the SIM, not the phone.
There is a limit how many times you can change handsets a month though.
Stu675
Well-Known Member
All you have to do is swap cards, Verizon does not charge you anything other than your monthly bill, since the SIM card is what has all your account info, so as long as you have your SIM card it does not matter what phone it is in.
Just for reference I have switched phones three times within the last two months.
Just for reference I have switched phones three times within the last two months.
So what is the update on this. I am looking to get another phone. The one I have the battery is no good and has to be plugged in or it will go dead in a matter of minutes. It is a Droid Razr. Can't even really use it to bring with me as a phone. I was thinking about getting a new phone. Buying it out right. Using the new phone when I go out(the whole reason to have a cell phone is to have a phone when you go out) and using the old at home for my hot spot(the reason the battery has pooped the bed to begin with). Is this possible with Verizon. Can't I just switch the sim card out to what ever phone I want to use at the time. I read above that Verizon puts a limit on how many times you can switch. Which is wrong if they do. I mean we pay for the plan not the phone that we use on the plan. Does anybody have any recent info on this?
jhawkkw
Chinchillin'
You should have no problem changing SIM cards as long as it's the correct size needed for your new phone. It might be smaller which would require getting a new SIM card, or cutting it down in a very precise manor (not something I recommend because it can ruin the card if done incorrectly).