What Is a SIM Card Reader?

By Julie Davoren

You can use a SIM card reader to access the information on your mobile phone.
i George Doyle & Ciaran Griffin/Stockbyte/Getty Images

A subscriber identity module identification card is used in wireless devices. This card contains your personal information and your device's configuration, including telephone numbers, text messages and billing information. You can extract the information from your mobile phone SIM card using SIM card readers.

Definition

SIM card readers are small devices that allow you to read the content on your mobile phone’s SIM card. This means that you can recover and retrieve deleted text messages and call logs. SIM card readers combine hardware and software to allow access to the SIM card via your computer. With the reader, you can view, edit, create and back up phone book entries on your computer without using your mobile phone's keypad.

Operation

To use the SIM card reader, first take out the SIM card; the exact location varies by model, but you'll usually find it in the battery compartment of your phone. Insert the SIM card into the reader device, then plug the device into your computer’s USB port. You now have access to call logs, text messages and all other information on your SIM card, which means that you can also synchronize your phone book contacts on your mobile phone with your computer and save your important text messages.

Purposes

SIM card readers serve a variety of purposes, from allowing you to create a backup of your data to simply browsing the card's contents. Once you have stored the data of your SIM card on your computer using a SIM card reader, you no longer need to worry about losing your mobile phone content if you lose the phone. Parents also can use SIM readers to keep tabs on their children. They can check out their children's SIM card and read their text messages to find out about people with whom they are communicating.

Spyware Alternative

Cell phones are an integral part of our lives, and a SIM card is a vital part of the cell phone that requires security. You can install spy software, such as Flexispy and Mobile Spy, to monitor your mobile phone remotely, including intercepting text messages and phone calls. However, these software applications can be complicated affairs and can take up precious storage space on your phone. Instead, you can use SIM card readers which can be an easy solution for ensuring that you’ll always have access to the information on your mobile phone.

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