What is Stored on a SIM card and How it works

Every other human owns a smartphone these days and while our lives have become dependent on it, do you ever wonder what data is stored in it, especially in the SIM card. Well, in this blog, we will take you through what is stored in your SIM card, your SIM card storage capacity and much more. 

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What is stored in a SIM card?

To begin with, if you ask anyone what exactly a SIM card is, then the usual answer would be, it is the chip within their smartphones that helps them to make phone calls, access the internet, and so on. However, a SIM card can do much more than that.

The full form of the SIM card is Subscriber Identity Module, for those unaware. Now, the question is what is stored in the SIM card? Well, any regular SIM card can store information such as phone numbers, contact names, text messages, etc. It must be noted that the exact SIM storage capacity can also depend on the smartphone you are using, the telecom operator and other factors. 

Read more: A complete guide on how new SIM activation works

How much data is stored in a SIM card?

Regardless of your mobile storage capacity, here is the list of data that can be stored within a SIM card:

1. Advice of Charge (AoC) – It is a GSM service that measures the total cost of mobile services according to your telecom service provider. 
2. Authentication Key (Ki) – This key is unique for each mobile number and is a 128-bit value code which shows that your SIM card number is authentic.
3. International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) – It is the number that identifies your SIM within the services of the telecom service provider.
4. Mobile Country Code (MCC) – It is the first three digits of the IMSI number and can be used to determine GSM networks, across the globe.
5. Mobile Subscriber Identification Number (MSIN) – It helps to identify the subscriber and creates a link between the service user and the telecom network.
6. Mobile Station Integrated Services Digital Network (MSISDN) – It is the phone number that you dial to place a phone call.
7. Local Area Identity (LAI) – It consists of the mobile country code (MCC), the mobile network code (MNC) and the location area code (LAC).
8. Personal Identification Number (PIN) – It can be used as a SIM card lock, which can be easily enabled or disabled too.
9. Service Dialling Number (SDN) – These are the numbers that the users can dial to access the services of the mobile operator.
10. Service Provider Name (SPN) – It is the name of your telecom service provider.
11. Short Message Service Centre (SMSC) – It stores, processes, and delivers your text messages.
12. Unblocking code (PUK) – It is a code that can be used when users forget their SIM PIN in order to retrieve their SIM card.
13. Integrated Circuit Card ID (ICCID) – It is a unique code for each SIM, an 18-22 digits-based code that identifies a SIM card.
14. Value Added Services (VAS) – These are any additional services that the subscriber pays or opts for.

Read more: How to find your phone number by SIM – an easy guide

How to check what is stored in your SIM card?

Eager to find out what is stored in your SIM card? Here is how you can go about it:

What is stored in the SIM card of an Android phone?

For your Android device, follow these steps to see what is stored in your SIM card:

1. Open the Settings app and go to the ‘About Phone’ section
2. Click on Status
3. Go to SIM Status
4. You will now see your network, roaming status, phone number, etc.

What is stored in the SIM card of an Apple phone?

For your Apple device, follow these steps to see what is stored in your SIM card:

1. Open the Settings app and then go to Cellular
2. Click on the Cellular Data Option button
3. Now check if any applications are using your SIM card storage space by clicking on SIM applications in settings

Therefore, all it takes is just a few steps to check what is stored within your SIM card. 

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What is the future of SIM cards?

Storage settings have long been available on SIM cards. Not just in the smartphone era, but in fact, storage options were there back when the feature phones were popular too. In today’s times, as tech evolves rapidly with each passing day, SIM cards are changing and for good.

The latest innovation in the world of SIM cards is the introduction of the eSIM. The regular eSIM is no different in functionality than a regular SIM card – you still get to use the same plan benefits from your telecom operator, easily complete your online recharges, choose between prepaid or postpaid plans, do easy mobile number portability, and lots more. However, there is a catch – your SIM card will not exist in a physical form. The eSIM is just a software that can be downloaded on your smartphone via your mobile operator.

Also, it must be noted that the eSIM will go mainstream very soon. And you must also take cognizance of the fact that some of the new generation iPhones are also being released with an eSIM option which points out that eSIMs are about to take the world by storm, very soon. 

Read more: How to activate your eSIM – convert Airtel SIM to eSIM