How to Use a SIM Card Reader

By Contributing Writer

Updated July 21, 2017

You have a fingernail-sized SIM card in your cell phone with all of your contacts' information stored on it. Don't you think it's time to back it up? A nifty device called a USB SIM card reader can help you avoid Murphy's law of losing everything. If you want to make sure your contacts and data stay safe, use a SIM card reader to back it up now.

Install the USB SIM card reader software on your computer from the CD that comes with your SIM card reader.

Click "OK" to all pop-ups.

Reboot for software changes to take effect.

Log in to your computer.

Remove the SIM card carefully from your phone.

Plug your SIM card into the side of the USB SIM card reader.

Insert the USB SIM card reader into your computer USB port. Wait for Windows to verify the new USB device.

Double-click on the SIM card reader icon.

Backup up your contacts, text messages and any photos from your phone SIM card by choosing "Archive now."

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