SIM Data Recovery

Reading SIM Cards On Your Computer

The first step in recovering data from your mobile phone's SIM card is installing a data reader on your computer. SIM-data recovery software works by interfacing directly with your computer, reading the SIM card via a card reader. You will need a SIM card reader, which is an inexpensive piece of hardware that plugs into the USB port of your computer and reads SIM data. With a card reader you can manage some data on your SIM card and use cards as a data-storage system. To ensure your reader will work with data-recovery software, check with the reader's manufacturer to make sure you are using a reader that conforms to PC/SC or Phoenix standards. You can buy a SIM card reader from electronics or cell phone stores.

SIM Data Recovery Software

There is a wide range of SIM data-recovery software available that will work with your SIM card. Recovery software can be used to retrieve some information that has been deleted or become inaccessible in a working mobile phone. The software can also be used to provide a computer backup of SIM data so that if the SIM becomes damaged, identity information and contacts stored on the card can be restored at a later date. The recovery software is not free, but many programs offer demo or tryout versions that can be used to perform emergency operations and sample the card back-up options.

When Is SIM Data Recovery Not Useful?

SIM data recovery will not always work. If your mobile phone does not use a SIM card, SIM data recovery hardware and software cannot retrieve data. Some SIM cards are locked with a password or numeric code that SIM data recovery systems may have trouble breaking. In addition, some mobile phones store contact and messaging information on the phone's internal memory rather than the SIM card. Check with manufacturers to ensure your mobile phone's SIM card will benefit from data recovery.