Is it possible to change the model of the mobile phone in use to a SIM free smartphone? ｜@DIME at dime
"SIM-free smartphones" have become popular in recent years. Even those who are currently contracted with communication carriers such as Docomo, au, Softbank, and Rakuten Mobile can easily change models.
Let's introduce the preparations you want to do in advance when changing from a smartphone purchased from a telecommunications carrier to a SIM-free smartphone, and the work you need to do after changing the model.
You can change the model of a SIM-free smartphone without changing the communication carrier!
Sim-free smartphones have the impression that many people contract with MVNO companies, which are also called "cheap SIMs," but continue to use the SIM cards of the four carriers currently under contract. You can also.
However, depending on the smartphone, the frequency band of the communication carrier you want to use may not be supported, and data communication may not be performed satisfactorily. Before purchasing a SIM-free smartphone, check the frequency band of the communication carrier you have a contract with and the corresponding band of the SIM-free smartphone.
SIM-free smartphones can be purchased at MVNOs as a set with a SIM card, or from the manufacturer's official website or EC sites such as Amazon.
Before changing to a SIM-free smartphone, first back up your current smartphone. In addition to copying photos and contact data to an SD card or computer, you can also use cloud services such as "Google Drive" and "iCloud" to back up.
In addition, services such as Gmail and iCloud mail originally store data in the cloud, so you can view the previous data by logging in to your account even on a smartphone after changing models.
In the case of LINE, you have to make a backup yourself before changing models, so if you want to keep your history so far, don't forget.
Apps such as games often have data linked to your account, but some data will disappear if you don't make a backup, so check in advance as much as possible. It is a good idea to keep
Once you have created a backup on your old smartphone, you can transfer the data to your new SIM-free smartphone. Download the data you want to save to your smartphone from an SD card, computer, or cloud.
In addition, SIM-free smartphones may require you to set the "APN (access point name)" yourself when performing data communication. The APN varies depending on the telecommunications company you use, so check the respective HP.
[Reference] mineo user support
Depending on the model, instead of manually setting the APN, you may be able to set the APN by installing the "APN configuration profile" of each carrier.
As I introduced at the beginning, if the frequency band provided by the communication carrier you want to use does not match the band supported by the SIM-free smartphone, it may not be possible to receive radio waves well, so before purchasing the smartphone, should be checked as soon as possible.
In addition, the size of the SIM card you want to use and the part where you insert the SIM in your SIM-free smartphone may be different. In this case, it is necessary to have a new SIM card issued or purchase a part that converts the size of the SIM card. Check the size beforehand.
In recent years, some telecommunications carriers have issued "eSIM (electronic SIM)" instead of card type. Some smartphones may not support eSIM, so it is a good idea to check before making a contract.
* Data is based on editorial research as of early July 2021. *Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the content. * Please use the product at your own risk.
Text / Fumihiko Sato
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