SIM card memory is a small amount of built-in flash memory that mobile operators allocate for storing contacts, SMS and service data. Despite the fact that modern smartphones practically do not use this memory (preferring internal storage or the cloud), sometimes you need to know its current state. For example, when transferring contacts from an old phone, diagnosing network errors, or checking compatibility with a new device. Android practically do not use this memory (preferring internal storage or the cloud), sometimes it is necessary to find out its current state. For example, when transferring contacts from an old phone, diagnosing network errors, or checking compatibility with a new device.

In this article you will find 5 working methods check the SIM card memory on any Android device - from flagships Samsung Galaxy S24 to budget Redmi and outdated models on Android 6.0. We will analyze both standard methods through the phone settings and hidden engineering menus, and also explain why this information may not be available on some devices. If you encounter the error “SIM card is full" or just want to know the technical characteristics of your card, read on.

1. Standard method: through Android settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in system tools. However, there is a nuance here: starting from Android 10, many manufacturers (for example, Google Pixel or OnePlus) hid the section with information about the SIM card, leaving only basic data like phone number and operator. However, on most devices Samsung, Xiaomi and Huawei this method still works.

Instructions:

  • 📱 Open the application "Settings"** (gear icon on the main screen or in the menu applications).
  • 🔍 Scroll down and select the section About phone (on some devices it may be called About device or About phone).
  • 📋 Find the item SIM card status or Information about SIM General space (sometimes it is hidden in the submenu General or Net).
  • 💾 Will be displayed here total memory capacity (usually 32–256 KB) and free space.

If your menu does not have such an item, do not be upset - proceed to the next method. Also note that on some firmware (for example, MIUI 14 from Xiaomi) information about SIM memory can only be displayed when a card with an active network is inserted.

💡

If section SIM card status is missing, try inserting the SIM into another slot (if the phone has a dual-SIM) - sometimes data is displayed only for the main card.

2. Through the engineering menu (USSD codes and service commands)

The engineering menu is hidden section of Android, which contains technical data about the device, including information about the SIM card. It is accessed through special USSD codes or combinations of characters. Important: not all commands work on modern devices due to manufacturer restrictions, but it’s worth a try.

The most effective codes for checking SIM memory:

  • 📞 ##4636## - universal code for testing (section Phone information).
  • 🔢 *#06# —shows IMEI and sometimes SIM information (does not work on all models).
  • 🔍 ##83781## —direct command to display SIM information (rarely supported).

How to use:

  1. Open the standard application "Phone"** (not messenger!).
  2. Enter one of the codes above (as if you were dialing a number).
  3. Press the call button - the service menu will open.
  4. Look for tabs like SIM Info, Memory Status or USIM Data.

⚠️ Attention: Do not change the parameters in the engineering menu, if you do not understand their purpose! Incorrect settings can lead to loss of network or blocking of the SIM card.

What to do if the code does not work?

If nothing happens after entering the command, then the manufacturer has disabled access to the engineering menu. Alternative -. use applications like MTK Engineering Mode (only for MediaTek processors) or Shortcut Master to search for hidden functions.

3. Applications for SIM card diagnostics

If standard methods do not work, third-party utilities will come to the rescue. They will not only show the amount of SIM memory, but also. will provide additional information: card type (mini-SIM, micro-SIM, nano-SIM), supported frequencies, signal strength and even the history of network connections. We tested 5 popular applications and selected the most reliable ones.

Application Functions Android support Rating in Play Market
SIM Card Memory, IMSI, operator, SIM type 5.0 and higher 4.3 ⭐
Network Signal Info Memory + signal level, cells 6.0 and higher 4.5 ⭐
Phone INFO ★Samsung★ Full diagnostics (including SIM) 4.1 and higher 4.7 ⭐

Recommendations for use:

  • 🛡️ Download applications only from official Play Market —avoid APKs from unknown sources.
  • 🔍 After installation, open the application and provide access to Phone i SMS (this is necessary to read SIM data).
  • 📊 In the main menu, select section SIM Card or Memory Info - there will be capacity and free space are indicated.

💡 Tip: If you need not only to check the memory, but also clear contacts from SIM, use the application SIM Contacts Backup. It allows you to export data to a file before deleting.

📊 How do you usually check SIM card information?
Through phone settings
I use USSD codes
Third-party applications
Never checked

4. Checking through a computer (for advanced users)

If you have card reader for SIM cards (or an adapter for microSD), you can connect the card to a computer and read its memory using specialized software. This method is suitable for in-depth diagnostics, but requires caution - incorrect actions can damage the data on the SIM.

Required tools:

  • 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux.
  • 🔌 Card reader or an adapter (for example, USB SIM Card Reader).
  • 🛠️ SIM reader: PySIM (for Linux) or SIM Card Data Recovery (for Windows).

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Remove the SIM card from the phone and insert it into the card reader.
  2. Connect the reader to the computer and wait for the device to be detected.
  3. Run a SIM reader app (for example, PySIM in the Linux terminal: 
    python3 pysim-read.py --pcsc-reader-number 0
    ).
  4. In the output, find lines with Memory capacity or Free space.

⚠️ Attention: Not all SIM cards support reading through modern card readers. data-i="150">(3G/4G) often block access to memory without special software from the operator. eSIM And USIM (3G/4G) often block access to memory without special software from the operator.

Make sure that the card is not blocked by a PUK code|

Use an original card reader (not cheap Chinese ones adapters); data-i="158">to check the status of the SIM card, including memory. These commands are universal and work on any phone, but their set depends on the provider. Below we have collected the current commands for popular Russian operators.

Back up your contacts before connecting|

Disconnect your phone from the mobile network during the procedure -->

5. Operator USSD commands for SIM verification

Some mobile operators provide USSD commands to check the status of the SIM card, including memory. These commands are universal and work on any phone, but their set depends on the provider. Below we have collected current commands for popular Russian operators.

Operator Command What shows
MTS *111*0887# SIM status, memory for SMS
Beeline *110*10# Card information (including memory)
MegaFon *105# General data about SIM (memory is not always)
Tele2 *155*1# Tariff details + card status

How to use:

  1. Open the application "Phone"** on Android.
  2. Enter the command for your operator (see table).
  3. Press the call button - in a few seconds you will receive an SMS or a pop-up window with data.

📌 Important: Commands may change without notice. If the code does not work, check the current combination on the operator's website or in your personal account.

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Operator USSD commands are the fastest way, but they do not show the technical SIM memory, but the available space for SMS and contacts from a network point of view.

6. Alternative methods: when nothing works

If none of the above methods help, radical measures remain. They are suitable for old phones (up to Android 7.0) or devices with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS).

Methods for advanced users:

  • 🔧 ADB commands: Connect the phone to the PC, turn on USB debugging and run: 
    adb shell dumpsys telephony.registry

    In the output, look for blocks with SIM.

  • 📟 Call the operator: Call the support of your provider (numbers: MTS — 0890, Beeline — 0611, MegaFon — 0500) and request information about SIM.
  • 🔄 SIM replacement: If the card is old (issued before 2010), its memory may be damaged Contact the salon. operator for a replacement with a new one (usually free).

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB requires superuser rights (root) on some devices Incorrect commands can lead to resetting network settings.

What to do if the SIM card is not detected?

If the phone does not see the SIM card at all, the problem may be:

- physical damage to the card (check contacts);

- incompatibility with the format (for example, 5G-SIM in an old phone);

- blocking by the operator (check the status by IMSI number).

Frequent errors and their solutions

When checking SIM memory, users often encounter typical problems. We have collected the most common errors and ways to fix them.

Problem 1: There is no “SIM card status” section in the phone settings.

  • 🔹 Solution: Update the phone firmware to the latest version - sometimes manufacturers return hidden functions.
  • 🔹 Use application from the manufacturer (for example, Samsung Members or Mi Tools).

Problem 2: When entering the USSD code, the message “Command not is supported.”

  • 🔹 Solution: Try to enter the code without the last character # (for example, #06# → #06).
  • 🔹 Check whether your operator is blocking the code (relevant for virtual operators like Yota or Tinkoff Mobile).

Problem 3: Diagnostic applications do not show SIM memory.

  • 🔹 Solution: Provide to the application all requested permissions (especially access to phone and SMS).
  • 🔹 Try another application - some utilities do not work with dual-SIM phones.

💡 Useful advice: If you often work with SIM cards (for example, testing phones), create a bookmark in your browser with this article - many commands and menu paths are difficult to remember.

❓ Is it possible to increase the memory SIM cards?

No, the SIM card memory is hardwired during production. If you don't have enough space for contacts, transfer them to the phone's internal memory or to the cloud (for example, Google Contacts). Modern SIM cards (USIM) have a memory of up to 256 KB, but even this is only enough for ~250 contacts.

❓ Why does the phone write “SIM card is full” if there are few contacts?

The error may occur not because of the contacts, but because SMS or operator service data. Try:

  1. Delete old SMS (especially in the “Drafts” folder).
  2. Reset network settings in the menu Settings → System → Reset.
  3. Contact your operator to clear service logs.
❓ How to transfer contacts from SIM to phone?

Instructions:

  1. Open "Contacts"** (default application).
  2. Click on the three dots (menu) → Manage contacts → Import/Export.
  3. Select Import from SIM card and specify internal memory or Google account.

On Samsung the path may differ: Contacts → Settings → Manage contacts → Import.

❓ Why is it easy to see SIM memory on iPhone, but on Android - no?

This is due to politics Apple i Google. iOS provides a unified interface for working with SIM, while Android manufacturers often modify firmware, removing “unnecessary” functions. In addition, the iPhone is traditionally aimed at users who store contacts in iCloud, and not on SIM.

❓ Is it possible to recover deleted contacts from a SIM card?

Theoretically yes, but in practice it is difficult. The SIM memory does not have a “recycle bin”, so after deletion, data is overwritten with new ones. Try:

  • Use apps like SIM Card Data Recovery (Windows only).
  • Contact the operator's service center - sometimes they can restore the backup.

The chances are higher if you did not add new contacts after deleting.