SIM Details – SIM Card Types, Sizes & Technical Guide
A technical guide to SIM cards in Pakistan — the difference between prepaid and postpaid SIMs, how eSIM works, how to check your ICCID number, and what your SIM card status means. For official methods to verify your own SIM registration, visit the SIM ownership verification guide.
SIM Card Types in Pakistan
Pakistani mobile operators offer different SIM types for different needs. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right SIM.
Prepaid SIM
Pay-as-you-go. Requires top-up before use. Most common in Pakistan. No monthly commitment. Available at all operator franchises.
No credit check, no monthly bill, easy to obtain
Must remember to recharge, higher per-unit rates
Postpaid SIM
Monthly billing after usage. Requires CNIC verification and credit check. Includes package plans with minutes, SMS, and data.
Convenient billing, better package rates, no recharge needed
Credit check required, monthly commitment, bill payment required
eSIM (Embedded)
Digital SIM built into the phone. No physical card needed. Available for selected Jazz, Zong, and Ufone postpaid customers, and through the ONIC app.
No physical card to lose, dual SIM without dual tray, instant activation
Limited operator support, phone must be eSIM-compatible
Data-Only SIM
SIM designed for tablets, routers, and IoT devices. Internet access only — no voice or SMS. Limited to 3 per CNIC.
Cheaper data rates, dedicated for devices
No voice or SMS, limited to data-only plans
SIM Card Sizes & Formats
SIM cards come in different physical sizes. Most Pakistani operators now provide multi-cut SIMs that work with all sizes.
| Format | Size | Used In | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard SIM (1FF) | 85.6 × 53.98 mm | Older phones (pre-2010) | Rarely used today |
| Micro SIM (3FF) | 15 × 12 mm | Smartphones ~2010-2015 | Can be cut from standard SIM |
| Nano SIM (4FF) | 12.3 × 8.8 mm | Modern smartphones (2015+) | Most common in Pakistan today |
| eSIM (embedded) | Built-in chip | iPhone XS+, Pixel 3+, S20+ | No physical card |
What Is an ICCID Number?
The ICCID (Integrated Circuit Card Identifier) is the identifier associated with a SIM or eSIM profile, commonly 19–20 digits depending on the numbering scheme used by the issuer. Unlike your mobile number, the ICCID identifies the SIM card itself rather than the subscriber.
To find your ICCID: on many devices it is shown in Settings under About Phone > SIM status, and some devices display it through *#06# — the exact method varies by phone. You can also read the number printed directly on the SIM card. The ICCID is useful for troubleshooting SIM issues and activating new connections.
SIM Activation & Status
A SIM card goes through several status stages during its lifecycle. Understanding these statuses helps you troubleshoot connectivity issues and verify your registration.
- Not Registered: New SIM before biometric verification. Cannot make calls or use data.
- Active: Fully registered and working. All services available.
- Suspended: Temporarily blocked, often due to expired CNIC or billing issues.
- Blocked: Permanently deactivated due to fraud, loss, or PTA enforcement.
- Deactivated: Voluntarily deactivated by the user or after prolonged inactivity.
Check your SIM status by dialing *668# or visiting cnic.sims.pk — both official PTA services show SIMs registered on your own CNIC. For more on official verification methods, see the SIM ownership verification guide.
Note: This page covers the technical details of SIM cards — types, sizes, ICCID, and status. For official methods to verify your own SIM registration — *668#, cnic.sims.pk, and MNP 667 — visit the SIM ownership verification guide.
Official Verification Links
To verify your own SIM registration, use the official PTA services below. Per-operator codes can change — confirm on the operator's official website.
- *668# — dial from any mobile phone to see SIMs registered on your own CNIC
- cnic.sims.pk — official PTA web portal with activation dates
- MNP to 667 — confirms the current network of the SIM in your hand
- complaint.pta.gov.pk — report unauthorized SIMs and telecom issues
Frequently Asked Questions About SIM Details
What are SIM details?
SIM details include SIM type (prepaid/postpaid/eSIM), ICCID number, activation status, and card format. For official verification methods, see the SIM ownership verification guide.
What is an ICCID number?
The identifier associated with a SIM or eSIM profile, commonly 19–20 digits depending on the numbering scheme. Often printed on the SIM card and visible in phone settings on many devices.
What are the different SIM card sizes?
Standard (old), Micro (2010-2015), Nano (modern), and eSIM (embedded). Most operators now provide multi-cut SIMs.
What is the difference between prepaid and postpaid?
Prepaid requires top-ups before use. Postpaid bills monthly after usage. Prepaid is more common in Pakistan.
What is eSIM and is it available in Pakistan?
eSIM is a digital SIM. Jazz, Zong, and Ufone offer it for postpaid customers; ONIC activates it through its app. Requires eSIM-compatible phone.
How do I check my SIM card's ICCID?
Check Settings > About Phone > SIM status on many devices, or read the number printed on the SIM card; the exact method varies by phone.
How do I check SIM activation status?
Dial *668# or visit cnic.sims.pk to check SIMs registered on your own CNIC. See the SIM ownership verification guide for official verification methods.
What is a SIM detail app?
Most third-party SIM apps are unsafe. PTA blocked 1,400+ fake platforms. Use web-based tools instead.
How do I know what SIM type I have?
Check phone settings > About Phone > SIM Status. Shows SIM type, operator, ICCID, and signal strength.
Can I convert my physical SIM to eSIM?
Jazz, Zong, and Ufone offer eSIM conversion for postpaid; ONIC activates eSIM through its app. Visit operator franchise with CNIC. Phone must be eSIM-compatible.
Sources & Methodology
This guide is based on publicly available information from official government sources and mobile network operators. SIM card specifications, ICCID standards, and activation procedures are sourced from:
- Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) – SIM registration policies and USSD codes.
- NACTA – PECA 2016 – legal framework for unauthorized SIM access.
- PKCERT – cybersecurity guidance on fake SIM apps and malware.
Disclaimer: Lynn Batten is an independent cybersecurity researcher and privacy advocate. This guide is for informational purposes only. See our Disclaimer, Terms, and Privacy Policy.