Every SIM card has a special ID; the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) is used to determine the user of a cellular network and has an unique ID associated with a particular cellular network. SIM ID is stored as a 64 bit field and is transferred from the phone to the network. The Home Area Register (HLR) is locally copied in the visitor location register.
Sim Card Cloning
The IMSI mobile network interconnects with all other networks. The Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) and Long Term Evolution (LTE) network contact number is provider in the SIM card.
When switching on a mobile phone, when the phone is turned on, the phone registers its SIM with the network. The mobile network carries out authentication and permission against the HLR and marks the IMSI as being active. If the IMSI is marked as active the permission will fail, the network will prohibit the mobile to access its services.
Step-by-Step SIM Card Cloning Procedure
- Power your phone off and get rid of the back cover. Next get rid of the battery from your phone. Remove the SIM card’s carrier tray, and pop out the SIM card. Copy the IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identifier) number. An IMSI is from eleven to fifteen digits long. The IMSI is inscribed on the SIM card. i.e. IMSI: 32112345678
- Now that you have the IMSI number you’ll require t he authentication key (ki), unique to your SIM. Use the SIM card reader that you will insert into the SIM card slot. SIM card readers can be purchased for around $10 online. Do a Google or Bing look for “SIM card reader” to locate a seller.
- Link the SIM card reader to your SIM and your PC, the ki number will be recovered and copy the whole contents. After the duplication is complete the brand-new SIM will be identical to the old. Pop in the brand-new SIM card and power your phone on to use.
What Other Say
Very easy to check out or copy a SIM if you can physically get the card (anyone leaving the phone alone on a desk etc for a couple of minutes for instance.) Different software and hardware exists that lets you see the SIM card.
Cloning though is a lot harder, especially if you are presuming use of the cloned SIM on the network. MOBILEdit will clone a SIM but I believe it can not connect to a network. From what I know you require the symmetric key (Ki) to clone it totally which key is only understood by the supplier – the card will not disclose it
