How Do SIM Cards Work?

SIM cards allow you to make calls and use data on your mobile network, but how do they work, and how can they restrict what you can do with your phone?

[thisisjmx]

although I consider myself to be a tech/network geek, it was great to have that explanation put simply. definitely would like to see more mobile network/cell network talk. thanks Luke.

[kaleb]

luke:
"vine and snapchats and other stuff the kids are doing"

*TINDER LOGO*

[JPennor]

now do a video explaining how gsm carrier locking works

[dylreesYT]

Two things that didn't make it to 2020: Vine and Luke without a beard.

[ananasupreme]

The worst part about Sim locking is that you need to get through it first before you can root. And this can be a problem if there isn't someone out there that has successfully opened a passage through the ADB bootloader.
And while a lot of contract companies are leaving the SIM behind, pay phone companies have started to adopt the SIM to stop people from removing sponsored applications.

[frostycreeper]

The ability store contacts on a SIM card is actually really useful when switching phones. It doesn't work all the time though

[michaelsegal]

I remember back in like the early to mid 90s in Canada the the Bell company used to use a network called CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) and the Rogers company which used to be called Cantel AT&T and then later was called Rogers AT&T before becoming just Rogers Wireless used to use a network called TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) neither of which required SIM cards in fact on most of those phones there wasn't even a space for a SIM card to go into but nowadays both companies are pretty much GSM now

[Rendog]

didn't appreciate the ad for square space (I pay for YouTube ad-free premium membership, so I just forwarded thru), but your sim card info was a big help.

[vp]

Very informative video, I learned a lot about tech last few years but didn't know much about sim cards, how they function, save contacts, etc... Also if unlocking your sim is legal now why do carriers still make phones with locks?

[jayp]

One thing people didn’t mention: Luke is back!! Glad to see you again on TechQuickie!

[AwesomeSauce]

I had to rewind the first thirty seconds because I couldn't get over how he wore a v-neck with a spray tan like that

[Duhich]

>Stuff that the kids doing
>Tinder logo
(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[Macusercom]

Technically what you're describing is not SIM locking but netlocking. SIM locking would mean that the SIM card can only be used on a particular phone.

[yosyp]

Why is the SIM card so much bigger than the actual chip?
Would't it been easier in the first place to manufacter smaller slots?
Why did we have to go in "steps"?

[lowgybear]

I think that you guys should do a video on GSM Vs. CDMA networks please! I work for Verizon and I still have trouble wrapping my head around it

[hrishekesh]

This was a really nice video explaining the science of sum cards.. Love the animation by the way.

[AzmielSinclair]

The square space ad came out the blue i think i like it

[DiaMortensen]

Would have been great if you also went into the difference between USIM and SIM. Also get into why Verizon SIMs can't be simply swapped between phones, and must register the SIM with the new phone. Metro (Which is no longer CDMA) and Sprint do this too. (I know they are CDMA, but need to know why swapping SIMs isn't easier.

[ruckbuk]

The Thumbnail made me not sleeping because my phone was there

[danb]

"iPhone, Galaxy or Windows Phone"
the ignorant over-simplifying, it's... it's killing me.