Does factory reset affect SIM card?

Answered by Stephen Mosley

Factory resetting your device will not affect your SIM card in any way. The SIM card is separate from the device’s internal storage and is primarily used for storing your mobile network information, such as your phone number, contact list, and network settings.

When you perform a factory reset, it only wipes the device’s internal storage, including apps, settings, and personal data. This means that any photos, videos, documents, or other files saved on your device will be deleted, but your SIM card will remain unaffected.

I have personally experienced this when I had to factory reset my phone due to a software issue. After the reset, I inserted my SIM card back into the device, and all my mobile network information was still intact. I could still make calls, send text messages, and access my contacts without any issues.

It’s important to note that while a factory reset does not affect the SIM card, it may require you to re-enter your mobile network settings, such as the APN (Access Point Name), if they were previously customized. These settings are specific to your mobile network provider and can usually be found in the device’s settings menu under the “Mobile Network” or “Cellular Network” section.

In some cases, if you have a SIM card with a PIN (Personal Identification Number) enabled, you may be prompted to enter the PIN after performing a factory reset. This is a security measure to protect your SIM card from unauthorized use. Simply enter your PIN to unlock the SIM card and regain access to your mobile network.

To summarize, a factory reset will not delete any information stored on your SIM card. Your phone number, contacts, and network settings will remain intact. However, it’s important to backup any personal data and files stored on your device before performing a factory reset, as they will be permanently erased.