How to recover data from a SIM card

Phones that run on the GSM (Global Satellite Network) can store data internally, but they can also keep it into a micro-chipped device called SIM card. SIM cards are a practical way to store data and they also make changing phones easier. However, they are also vulnerable to data loss. No matter how careful we are, all it takes is a moment of distraction to press the wrong button, or to select an option that we didn’t intended to, and our contact information, text messages and everything else that is stored in the SIM card can be gone. The good news is that it is possible to recover your data following a few steps.

close up view tiny sim card

1. Turn the phone off and take the battery out. The SIM card is usually located under the battery, but it can also be found in a small slot on the edge of the phone. If you are unable to locate the SIM card, check the phone’s manual, or refer to the manufacturer’s website for additional information.

2. There are many SIM card recovery applications available, including free options like SIM card recovery and Data Doctor Recovery. These programs enable you to find and restore data that has been deleted from the basic directories, but that is still on the card. Download and install the software on you computer. If you opt for a free program, make sure that you skip the special offers that would install unwanted secondary applications.

3. The next thing you will need to do is to attach the SIM card to a computer. For this purpose, you can get a SIM card reader, which will enable you to connect the card to the computer using a USB cable. Place the SIM card inside the receiving slot of the reader and the computer will be able to access the card.

4. Launch the SIM recovery program to read the card and look for the files that you want to recover. Usually the recovery software has an option called Recover files, which would start the process. Click on the option to retrieve your files and follow the application’s instructions. Some programs offer the option to select the type of files that you want to recover such as text messages, photos and contacts.

5. Select a location to save the restored files. You can opt for the computer’s hard drive, the SIM card, or any other location. If you want to get the files back on your phone, you should restore them to the SIM card.

6. In the Start menu, select Computer and then the SIM card. Go through the list of files to verify that the ones you were looking for have been fully restored. If they haven’t, you can repeat steps 4 and 5 to try to restore the missing files.

7. Insert the SIM card back into the phone and replace the battery. Check that the SIM card and the battery have been placed correctly and then turn the phone on.

8. When the phone is on, look for the SIM card folder and sync the SIM and the phone memory to ensure that all the files are available.

If the above doesn’t work, it may be that the SIM card is damaged and would not allow the program to recover the information. Also, if the files have been completely erased from the card, recovery programs would not be able to get the data back. If this is the case, you may try to require a tech expert to look into it. However, if the problem is that the SIM card is damaged, it would not be possible to recover the files and the only option would be to replace the card.

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