Sensors/ SIM/ SIM800C

SIM800C GSM/GPRS Module

The SIM800C is a versatile GSM/GPRS module that provides quad-band connectivity for voice, SMS, and data applications. Its compact design and low power requirements make it suitable for a wide range of communication projects.

SIM800C GSM/GPRS Module image
SIM800C · UART
UART
Interface
8pins
Connections
3.4-4.4V
Supply
-40 to +85 °C
Operating temp
0.8mA
Power
$5.50
Typical price
On this page

SIM800C pinout

8 pins · UART

The SIM800C pinout includes power, UART communication, control, status indication, antenna connection, and SIM card interface pins. This compact variant offers the same GSM/GPRS functionality as SIM800A in a smaller form factor.

View:
SIM800C GSM/GPRS Module pinout
PinTypeDescriptionNotes
VBATPowerPower supply input (3.4V to 4.4V)Requires stable power supply with peak current up to 2A
GNDGroundGround connectionConnect to common ground
TXDUART TXUART Transmit Data (connects to microcontroller RX)Default baud rate: 9600 bps
RXDUART RXUART Receive Data (connects to microcontroller TX)Default baud rate: 9600 bps
PWRKEYControlPower on/off control (active low)Pull low for at least 1 second to power on
RSTControlModule reset (active low)Pull low to reset the module
NETLIGHTStatusNetwork status indicationLED indicator for network registration status
ANTAntennaAntenna connectionRequires external GSM antenna
  • Compact quad-band GSM/GPRS module (850/900/1800/1900MHz)

  • Smaller form factor compared to SIM800A

  • Supports voice calls, SMS, and GPRS data transfer

  • GPRS multi-slot class 12/10

  • Requires SIM card for cellular connectivity

  • Power consumption: 2A peak during transmission

  • Default baud rate: 9600 bps (configurable via AT commands)

Wiring the SIM800C to ESP32

7 connections · 2 optional

Connect the SIM800C to your ESP32 via UART for AT command communication. Despite its compact size, the module requires a stable 3.4V-4.4V power supply with sufficient current capacity (peak 2A). An external GSM antenna is required for network connectivity.

SIM800C GSM/GPRS Module wiring with ESP32
SIM800C pinESP32 pinPurpose
VBAT3.7V-4.4V Power SupplyProvide stable power (NOT from ESP32 pin)
GNDGNDCommon ground connection
TXDGPIO16 (RX2)SIM800C TX to ESP32 RX
RXDGPIO17 (TX2)SIM800C RX to ESP32 TX
PWRKEYGPIO4Power control (pull low to power on) · optional
RSTGPIO5Module reset control · optional
ANTExternal GSM AntennaConnect GSM antenna
  • CRITICAL: Use a dedicated power supply (3.4V-4.4V, 2A peak) - DO NOT power from ESP32 pin!

  • Compact form factor ideal for space-constrained projects

  • Default UART baud rate is 9600 bps

  • External GSM antenna is mandatory for network connectivity

  • Pull PWRKEY low for at least 1 second to power on the module

  • Monitor NETLIGHT pin for network registration status

  • Insert active SIM card before powering on

  • Ensure good antenna placement for optimal signal reception

SIM800C code examples

5 platforms
Platform:

SIM800C Arduino example

Copy
// SIM800C on ESP32 UART2: module TXD -> GPIO16 (RX2), RXD -> GPIO17 (TX2), PWRKEY -> GPIO4
#define PWRKEY_PIN 4
#define MODEM_BAUD 9600

HardwareSerial modem(2); // UART2

void powerOnModem() {
    pinMode(PWRKEY_PIN, OUTPUT);
    digitalWrite(PWRKEY_PIN, LOW);
    delay(1200); // Hold PWRKEY low to power the module on
    digitalWrite(PWRKEY_PIN, HIGH);
    delay(5000); // Give the module time to boot and register
}

void sendATCommand(const char *command) {
    modem.println(command);
    delay(500);
    while (modem.available()) {
        Serial.write(modem.read());
    }
}

void setup() {
    Serial.begin(115200);
    modem.begin(MODEM_BAUD, SERIAL_8N1, 16, 17); // RX=GPIO16, TX=GPIO17

    powerOnModem();

    Serial.println("Testing AT communication...");
    sendATCommand("AT");       // Should answer OK
    sendATCommand("ATI");      // Module identification
    sendATCommand("AT+CSQ");   // Signal quality
    sendATCommand("AT+CREG?"); // Network registration status
}

void loop() {
    // Bridge the Serial Monitor and the modem so you can type AT commands directly
    while (Serial.available()) modem.write(Serial.read());
    while (modem.available()) Serial.write(modem.read());
}

This sketch talks to the SIM800C over the ESP32's second hardware UART (UART2, RX on GPIO16, TX on GPIO17) - the ESP32 has three hardware UARTs, so the AVR-style SoftwareSerial library is neither available nor needed. GPIO4 pulses the module's PWRKEY to power it on, then a few basic AT commands verify communication, signal quality and network registration. The loop bridges the Serial Monitor to the module so you can type further AT commands interactively. Power the module from a supply that can deliver its transmit-burst current - not from the ESP32's 3.3V regulator.

SIM800C ESP-IDF example

Copy
#include <stdio.h>
#include <string.h>
#include "driver/uart.h"
#include "driver/gpio.h"
#include "freertos/task.h"

#define TX_PIN 17
#define RX_PIN 16
#define PWRKEY_PIN 4
#define UART_PORT UART_NUM_1

void init_uart() {
    uart_config_t uart_config = {
        .baud_rate = 9600,
        .data_bits = UART_DATA_8_BITS,
        .parity = UART_PARITY_DISABLE,
        .stop_bits = UART_STOP_BITS_1,
        .flow_ctrl = UART_HW_FLOWCTRL_DISABLE
    };

    uart_param_config(UART_PORT, &uart_config);
    uart_set_pin(UART_PORT, TX_PIN, RX_PIN, UART_PIN_NO_CHANGE, UART_PIN_NO_CHANGE);
    uart_driver_install(UART_PORT, 1024, 0, 0, NULL, 0);
}

void power_on_sim800c() {
    gpio_set_direction(PWRKEY_PIN, GPIO_MODE_OUTPUT);
    gpio_set_level(PWRKEY_PIN, 0);
    vTaskDelay(1000 / portTICK_PERIOD_MS); // Hold PWRKEY low for 1 second
    gpio_set_level(PWRKEY_PIN, 1);
    vTaskDelay(5000 / portTICK_PERIOD_MS); // Wait for the module to initialize
}

void app_main(void) {
    init_uart();
    power_on_sim800c();

    char *test_cmd = "AT\r\n";
    uart_write_bytes(UART_PORT, test_cmd, strlen(test_cmd));

    while (true) {
        char data[128];
        int len = uart_read_bytes(UART_PORT, data, sizeof(data), 100 / portTICK_PERIOD_MS);
        if (len > 0) {
            data[len] = '\0';
            printf("Response: %s\n", data);
        }
        vTaskDelay(1000 / portTICK_PERIOD_MS);
    }
}

This ESP-IDF example initializes UART communication with the SIM800C module and powers it on using the PWRKEY pin (GPIO4). The UART interface is configured with GPIO17 as TX and GPIO16 as RX. An AT command is sent to test communication, and responses from the module are printed to the console. The function power_on_sim800c() toggles the PWRKEY pin to activate the module.

SIM800C ESPHome example

Copy
uart:
  tx_pin: GPIO17  # module RXD
  rx_pin: GPIO16  # module TXD
  baud_rate: 9600

# ESPHome's sim800l component speaks the generic SIM AT command set
sim800l:
  on_sms_received:
    - logger.log:
        format: "Received '%s' from %s"
        args: [ 'message.c_str()', 'sender.c_str()' ]

ESPHome's sim800l component speaks the SIM800/SIM900 AT command set, which the SIM800C shares - the old custom-platform example no longer works (that component was removed from ESPHome in 2025). Wire UART2 as shown (9600 baud) and you get on_sms_received triggers plus sim800l.send_sms and USSD actions. Power the module from a supply that can deliver its transmit-burst current.

SIM800C PlatformIO example

Copy
[env:sim800c]
platform = espressif32
board = esp32dev
framework = arduino
monitor_speed = 115200
src/main.cppCopy
#include <HardwareSerial.h>
#include <Arduino.h>

HardwareSerial sim800c(1);
#define PWRKEY 4

void power_on_sim800c() {
    pinMode(PWRKEY, OUTPUT);
    digitalWrite(PWRKEY, LOW);
    delay(1000); // Hold PWRKEY low for 1 second
    digitalWrite(PWRKEY, HIGH);
    delay(5000); // Wait for initialization
}

void setup() {
    Serial.begin(115200);
    sim800c.begin(9600, SERIAL_8N1, 16, 17); // RX, TX
    power_on_sim800c();

    // Test AT command
    sim800c.println("AT");
    delay(1000);
    while (sim800c.available()) {
        Serial.write(sim800c.read());
    }
}

void loop() {
    sim800c.println("AT+CMGF=1"); // Set SMS to text mode
    delay(1000);
    sim800c.println("AT+CMGS=\"+1234567890\""); // Replace with recipient's number
    delay(1000);
    sim800c.print("Hello from PlatformIO");
    delay(1000);
    sim800c.write(26); // CTRL+Z to send SMS
    delay(5000);
}

This PlatformIO code interfaces with the SIM800C module using HardwareSerial on an ESP32. The power_on_sim800c function toggles the PWRKEY pin (GPIO4) to activate the module. The AT command is sent to test communication, and SMS functionality is implemented in the loop. GPIO16 (RX) and GPIO17 (TX) are configured as serial pins.

SIM800C MicroPython example

Copy
from machine import UART, Pin
import time

# Initialize UART
uart = UART(2, baudrate=9600, tx=17, rx=16)
pwrkey = Pin(4, Pin.OUT)

def power_on_sim800c():
    pwrkey.value(0)
    time.sleep(1)  # Hold PWRKEY low for 1 second
    pwrkey.value(1)
    time.sleep(5)  # Wait for module to initialize

def send_at(command):
    uart.write(command + '\r\n')
    time.sleep(1)
    while uart.any():
        print(uart.read().decode('utf-8'), end='')

# Power on the module
power_on_sim800c()

# Test communication
send_at('AT')

# Send SMS
send_at('AT+CMGF=1')  # Set SMS to text mode
send_at('AT+CMGS="+1234567890"')  # Replace with recipient's number
uart.write("Hello from MicroPython" + chr(26))

This MicroPython code communicates with the SIM800C module over UART. The power_on_sim800c function activates the module using the PWRKEY pin (GPIO4). The send_at function sends AT commands and prints the responses. The script initializes the module, tests communication, and sends an SMS with a specified message.

SIM800C specifications

From the datasheet
Frequency Bands
Quad-band 850/900/1800/1900MHz
Supply Voltage
3.4V to 4.4V
Power Consumption (Sleep Mode)
0.8mA
Dimensions
17.6mm x 15.7mm x 2.3mm
Operating Temperature
-40°C to +85°C
GPRS Connectivity
GPRS multi-slot class 12
SIM Card Support
1.8V and 3V SIM cards
Interfaces
UART, USB, SIM, GPIO

About the SIM800C

The SIM800C is a quad-band GSM/GPRS module, 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, which puts it in a different league from the dual-band SIM800A (900/1800 MHz only) despite SIM800C’s package actually being smaller - 17.6 x 15.7 x 2.3 mm against the SIM800A’s 24 x 24 x 3 mm. The extra bands mean it can register on networks that use the 850/1900 MHz pair as well as the 900/1800 MHz pair most of Asia, Europe and Africa use, so it is the more portable choice of the two for a design that might ship to more than one region. It also carries Bluetooth (SPP/OPP/HFP profiles, plus a dedicated audio path for mic and speaker) in place of the FM radio receiver built into the plainer SIM800L - a detail worth knowing since the two modules otherwise look interchangeable on a breakout board.

Band coverage aside, 2G’s actual availability is the bigger question by 2026, and it is genuinely different depending on where the module ends up. US carriers have shut 2G down entirely - T-Mobile’s GSM network, the last one running, went dark on August 3, 2026 - so extra US-band support buys nothing there. In the EU the picture is mixed: some carriers are committed to running 2G into the late 2020s or later for fallback, IoT, and emergency-call use, while others have already sunset it. In India, where dual and quad-band SIM800-family modules both sell heavily, 2G stays commercially active with no announced retirement date as of 2026. That makes checking the target carrier’s roadmap, not just the module’s band list, the real first step.

Same power caveats as the rest of the family apply: it needs a 3.4V to 4.4V supply that can source multi-amp current bursts during transmission, not the ESP32’s own 3.3V rail. TinyGSM names SIM800C explicitly in its supported-modem list. Where 2G is alive and a project doesn’t need voice or GPS, this remains a cheap, well-documented option; for GPS in the same footprint see SIM808, and for a design meant to outlast 2G shutdowns, SIM7600G or A7670 are the LTE equivalents.

SIM800C troubleshooting

5 common issues

Module Fails to Power On

›

Issue: The SIM800C module does not power up or respond to commands.

Possible causes include insufficient power supply, incorrect wiring, or faulty hardware.

Solution: Ensure the module is connected to a stable power source within the recommended voltage range of 3.4V to 4.4V. Verify that all connections are secure and correctly configured. If the problem persists, consider testing the module with a different power source or replacing it.

SIM Card Not Recognized

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Issue: The module fails to detect or register the SIM card.

Possible causes include improper SIM card insertion, unsupported SIM card type, or SIM card lock.

Solution: Ensure the SIM card is properly inserted into the module's SIM card slot and is compatible with the GSM network. Verify that the SIM card is active and unlocked. If necessary, test the SIM card in another device to confirm its functionality.

Poor Network Signal or Connectivity Issues

›

Issue: The module experiences weak signal strength or fails to maintain a stable network connection.

Possible causes include improper antenna connection, environmental interference, or network coverage limitations.

Solution: Ensure the GSM antenna is securely connected to the module and positioned for optimal signal reception. Avoid placing the module near sources of electromagnetic interference. Check the network coverage in your area to ensure adequate signal strength.

AT Commands Not Responding

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Issue: The module does not respond to AT commands sent from the microcontroller or computer.

Possible causes include incorrect baud rate settings, faulty serial connections, or improper command syntax.

Solution: Verify that the baud rate of the module matches that of the microcontroller or computer; the default baud rate is 9600 bps. Check that the TX and RX lines are correctly connected and that there are no loose connections. Ensure that AT commands are correctly formatted and terminated with a carriage return.

Module Overheating

›

Issue: The SIM800C module becomes excessively hot during operation.

Possible causes include overvoltage, excessive current draw, or continuous high-power transmission.

Solution: Confirm that the power supply voltage is within the recommended range (3.4V to 4.4V). Monitor the current consumption to ensure it does not exceed the module's specifications. If the module is transmitting continuously, consider implementing power-saving modes or reducing the transmission frequency to prevent overheating.

Where to buy the SIM800C

SIM800C GSM/GPRS Module
SIM800C GSM/GPRS Module
$5.50per unit, typical
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