# Reusing SIM Cards Across Accounts

Learn about moving SIM cards between WhatSnap accounts and why we recommend against it.

## Can I re-use a SIM card in another account?

**Technically: Yes** - It's very easy to swap a SIM card from one WhatSnap account to another.

**Recommended: No** - We strongly recommend against reusing SIM cards across different client accounts.

***

## Why Reusing SIMs is Possible

### How It Works

**Simple Technical Process:**

1. Remove SIM from Device A (Client A's account)
2. Insert SIM into Device B (or keep in same device)
3. Disconnect from WhatSnap Account A
4. Connect to WhatSnap Account B (different GoHighLevel sub-account)
5. SIM now sends/receives for Account B

**No Technical Barriers:**

* WhatSnap doesn't prevent SIM reuse
* No carrier restrictions on switching accounts
* Device can be reassigned in WhatSnap dashboard
* Takes only 5-10 minutes to switch

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Just Because You Can, Doesn't Mean You Should**: While technically simple, reusing SIMs causes significant operational problems.
{% endhint %}

***

## Why We Don't Recommend Reusing SIMs

### Problem 1: Random Replies to Wrong Account

**What Happens:** When you move a SIM from Account A to Account B, the **phone number stays the same**.

**The Issue:**

* Account A's customers still have this number
* They may reply days, weeks, or months later
* Replies go to Account B's GoHighLevel
* Account B sees random messages from Account A's customers
* Creates confusion, unprofessional experience, potential data privacy issues

**Real-World Example:**

```
Day 1: SIM used for "ABC Plumbing" (Account A)
  - Send messages to 1,000 customers
  
Day 15: Move SIM to "XYZ HVAC" (Account B)
  - Start messaging XYZ's customers
  
Day 20: ABC Plumbing customer replies: "Can you come fix my sink?"
  - Message appears in XYZ HVAC's GoHighLevel
  - XYZ team sees message for wrong business
  - ABC Plumbing never gets the reply
  - Customer service failure
```

### Problem 2: Message Tracking Issues

**Conversation History Confusion:**

* Messages sent from Account A are in Account A's history
* Messages sent from Account B are in Account B's history
* Same phone number, split conversation history
* Hard to troubleshoot delivery issues
* Reporting becomes inaccurate

**Compliance Issues:**

* Opt-outs from Account A don't carry to Account B
* Someone who said "STOP" to Account A may get messages from Account B
* Potential TCPA violations
* Risk of spam complaints

### Problem 3: Number Reputation Carryover

**Spam Flags Follow the Number:**

* If Account A sent spam-like content, number may be flagged
* Account B inherits the damaged reputation
* Lower deliverability for Account B from day one
* Not fair to new client

**Carrier Restrictions:**

* If Account A got flagged or blocked, carrier restrictions stay with number
* Account B may start with limited capacity
* May be blocked immediately on first campaign

***

## When SIM Reuse Might Be Acceptable

### Scenario 1: Same Business, Different Sub-Account

**Acceptable:**

* Moving SIM within same company
* Example: Reorganizing your own sub-accounts
* Same customer base, same business

**Still Requires:**

* Update contact tagging
* Inform team of change
* Verify message routing

### Scenario 2: Complete Client Offboarding + Waiting Period

**If You Must Reuse:**

1. **Completely offboard Account A:**
   * Stop all messaging
   * Wait 90 days minimum
   * Ensure no ongoing campaigns or follow-ups
2. **Clean the slate:**
   * Verify no messages sent in 90+ days
   * Check for lingering opt-outs or issues
   * Confirm carrier standing is good
3. **Treat as New Number:**
   * Full 2-week warm-up process for Account B
   * Don't assume historical sending reputation carries over
   * Monitor closely for issues

**Why 90 Days?**

* Most customer responses occur within 30-60 days
* Allows time for delayed replies to settle
* Reduces risk of crossover messages

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Still Not Ideal**: Even with 90-day wait, occasional delayed responses can occur. Fresh SIM is always safer.
{% endhint %}

***

## Best Practice: Dedicated SIM Per Account

### Why Fresh SIMs Are Better

**Cost is Low:**

* SIM cards cost **$5-30** depending on carrier
* Trivial compared to operational headaches
* Small price for clean separation

**Benefits:**

* ✅ No crossover messages
* ✅ Clean reputation for each client
* ✅ Clear conversation history
* ✅ Proper opt-out tracking
* ✅ Professional operation
* ✅ Easier troubleshooting

**Simple Rule:**

> **If you're no longer using a SIM with a specific account, cancel that SIM and purchase a new one for your new client.**

This keeps things clean, organized, and ensures each client account has a dedicated communication flow without unexpected crossovers.

***

## Managing SIM Inventory Efficiently

### For Agencies with Multiple Clients

**Best Practices:**

**1. Buy SIMs in Bulk (When Possible)**

* Some carriers offer bulk discounts
* Have backup SIMs ready for new clients
* Faster onboarding (no waiting for SIM delivery)

**2. Track SIM Assignment**

* Maintain spreadsheet of SIM → Client mappings
* Document purchase date, phone number, carrier
* Track when SIM is retired

**3. Retire Old SIMs Properly**

* Cancel carrier plan when client offboards
* Remove SIM from device
* Store or discard (don't reuse)
* Update tracking spreadsheet

**4. Budget for SIM Costs**

* Include SIM cost in client setup fee
* Or amortize into monthly pricing
* Don't try to save $10 by reusing

***

## What to Do When Client Cancels

### Proper SIM Retirement Process

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Stop All Messaging

1. Pause all workflows in GoHighLevel
2. Stop WhatSnap Gateway service
3. Ensure no messages queued
   {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Disconnect from WhatSnap

1. In WhatSnap dashboard, go to Devices
2. Find the client's device
3. Disconnect or delete device
4. Remove sub-account connection
   {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Cancel Carrier Plan

1. Contact carrier
2. Cancel the SIM card's plan
3. Confirm cancellation
4. Document final billing
   {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Physical SIM Handling

**Option 1: Dispose**

* Remove SIM from device
* Cut SIM card to destroy
* Dispose properly

**Option 2: Store (Not Recommended)**

* Remove SIM from device
* Label clearly (client name, date retired)
* Store in case of emergency recovery need
* Still don't reuse for new client
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Update Records

* Mark SIM as retired in tracking system
* Document date of retirement
* Note phone number for reference
* Archive related documentation
  {% endstep %}
  {% endstepper %}

***

## Alternative: Using One Device for Multiple Clients

### Question: Can Multiple Clients Share One Device?

**Answer: No** - Each SIM card must be dedicated to one GoHighLevel sub-account.

**Why:**

* WhatSnap routes messages based on contact tags
* Tags are tied to specific sub-account
* Sharing would create message routing conflicts
* Technical limitation, not just best practice

**What IS Possible: Dual-SIM Device**

* Some Android devices support 2 SIM cards
* Each SIM connects to different sub-account
* 2 clients on 1 device (but 2 separate SIMs)
* Proper separation maintained

See: [Dual-SIM Usage Guide](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/dual-sim-usage)

***

## Cost-Benefit Analysis

### Reusing SIM (Not Recommended)

**Savings:**

* $5-30 per SIM saved

**Costs & Risks:**

* ⚠️ Confused customers receiving wrong responses
* ⚠️ Unprofessional image
* ⚠️ Time spent troubleshooting message issues
* ⚠️ Potential compliance violations (TCPA)
* ⚠️ Damaged reputation for new client
* ⚠️ Risk of losing clients due to poor experience

**Verdict:** Not worth the tiny savings

***

### Fresh SIM Per Client (Recommended)

**Cost:**

* $5-30 per SIM (one-time)
* $10-30/month for carrier plan

**Benefits:**

* ✅ Clean operation
* ✅ Professional experience
* ✅ No crossover confusion
* ✅ Clear tracking and reporting
* ✅ Proper compliance
* ✅ Peace of mind

**Verdict:** Worth every penny

***

## Summary: SIM Reuse Decision Matrix

| Scenario                                         | Reuse SIM? | Recommendation                              |
| ------------------------------------------------ | ---------- | ------------------------------------------- |
| **New client**                                   | ❌ No       | Buy fresh SIM                               |
| **Same business, new sub-account**               | ⚠️ Maybe   | Only if carefully managed                   |
| **Client cancelled, want to use for new client** | ❌ No       | Buy fresh SIM                               |
| **Testing/Development**                          | ✅ OK       | Can reuse for testing only                  |
| **Same client, replacing device**                | ✅ Yes      | Same SIM, new device is fine                |
| **Dual-SIM same device**                         | ✅ Yes      | Each SIM stays dedicated to one sub-account |

***

## Key Takeaways

**Simple Rule:**

> **One SIM = One Client Account = One Phone Number = Clean Operation**

**Why It Matters:**

* Prevents customer confusion
* Maintains professional image
* Avoids compliance issues
* Simplifies troubleshooting
* Worth the minimal cost

**Best Practice:**

* Treat SIMs as disposable/dedicated
* Budget $20/month per client (SIM + plan)
* Buy fresh SIMs for each new client
* Retire SIMs when client offboards

{% hint style="success" %}
**Bottom Line**: Since SIM cards are very affordable, our best practice is simple: **If you're no longer using a SIM with a specific account, cancel that one and purchase a new SIM for your new client.** This keeps things clean, organized, and ensures each client account has a dedicated communication flow.
{% endhint %}

***

## Related Resources

* [Multiple SMS Accounts](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/sms/multiple-sms-accounts) - Managing multiple SIMs properly
* [Dual-SIM Usage](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/dual-sim-usage) - Using dual-SIM devices
* [Device Specifications](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/sms/sms-specifications) - SIM plan recommendations
* [Reselling WhatSnap](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/reselling-whatsnap) - Agency pricing strategies

***

**Questions about SIM management?** Contact support at <support@whatsnap.ai> for guidance on managing SIMs across clients.
