Can I reuse an old iPhone SIM card with a different phone number?

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Level 1

4 points

Can I reuse an old iPhone SIM card with a different phone number?

I upgraded my iPhone several years ago but still have my old iPhone. It still has the original SIM card in it. I want to give it to my mother. She currently has an Android and I'm certain that SIM card is not usable with an iPhone. What I want to know is, can the iphone SIM still be used but be changed to her phone number, etc? If not, can you get a new SIM card that can be set up with her information?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Handing Down older iPhones

Posted on Nov 29, 2025 11:05 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Phil0124

Level 10

216,554 points

Nov 29, 2025 11:56 AM in response to jamcnat

Unless her Android phone is very, very old, there’s no reason to assume the SIM card won’t work

Androids and iPhones have used nano-sims for at least a decade now.

Regardless, you can just request a new nano-sim from her carrier to use with the iPhone. You don’t need to use the existing one at all. SIM cards are generally issued for free by carriers normally.

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Answer 2

6x6

Level 6

19,191 points

Nov 29, 2025 11:20 AM in response to jamcnat

No, you can’t reuse an existing SIM card for use with another number. You’ll need to request a new SIM card from the mobile operator your mother uses.

Here are the different type of SIM cards the iPhones use: Learn which type SIM your iPhone or iPad uses - Apple Support. Mention the type of card to the mobile operator if they don’t know which one to give you (which would be surprising.)

You also may want to consult this article to prepare your iPhone for reuse: What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support.

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