SIM Cards
Getting the right size SIM card for your smartphone or tablet
Standard, Nano, micro and eSIM - what do I use?
As technology advances and smartphones become more powerful, SIM cards are changing. Not only are physical SIM cards getting smaller to take up less hardware space, but most phones are also now dual-SIM - meaning they have both a physical SIM card slot and a digital eSIM already built in.
At the moment, physical SIM cards come in three sizes:
Standard SIM
micro SIM; and
Nano SIM
If you're unsure what SIM to use for your device, you're in safe hands - our Multi-SIM card contains a Standard, micro and Nano SIM. And if you choose an eSIM, you won't need to worry, as you won't use a physical SIM for your device.
Whichever option you go for, you won't need to get a new SIM card if you change phones in the future.
Can I put any SIM in my device?
The SIM you'll need depends on the make and model of your phone or tablet. Our Multi-SIM will fit any of your devices, as it can be turned into any SIM size.
If you need it to fit your iPad Mini or iPhone 5 for example, you can convert your SIM or micro sim to a Nano SIM, and you're good to go.
But if you choose an eSIM, you'll need a phone that's eSIM compatible. Check out the list of compatible devices
Where can I buy a SIM that fits any phone or tablet?
If you're on Pay as you go you can get a SIM card for free and choose how much you want to top up visit our Free SIM site for more details
Or, find out more about our cheap SIM Only deals for even better value.
Where does the SIM card go?
Every phone and tablet model is designed differently, so there isn't one universal location for your SIM card.
For more help, check out our device guides
Existing customer in need of a new SIM card?
Simple, you can easily swap your old SIM card to a new one or to an eSIM, using our SIM swap tool. A SIM swap lets you keep your current Vodafone number when you get a replacement SIM.
You'll need to do this if you have a new device that requires a different sized SIM (for example if you've upgraded), if your device is lost or stolen, or if your SIM is damaged.
How do I get eSIM?
You'll need an eSIM compatible phone. Check out the list of compatible devices
You can swap your plan from a physical SIM to an eSIM in your My Vodafone account at any time.
eSIM leaves space in your phone for a physical SIM card, so you can use two numbers without needing two phones - perfect for business or roaming. Just make sure your phone is dual-SIM compatible first.
The different SIM types
Standard SIM
This is the largest SIM type around now. These were introduced in 1996, and they're still used in some older smartphones today such as the iPhone 3GS, Blackberry Curve, and Samsung Galaxy Note.
Micro SIM
micro SIMs are used in many smartphones today but they're no longer the smallest size. Introduced in 2003 to save space, they were used for almost 10 years. They're found in phones like the iPhone 4s.
Nano SIM
The Nano SIM was released in 2012 and, to date, is the smallest SIM around - even in its thickness. This SIM is used in most smartphones today, from the iPhone 5 upwards, and in most android phones.
eSIM
Because eSIM is a chip inside your phone that can be updated online, it means that setting up a new device, swapping SIMs or switching networks can all be done with one quick download.
Compare our best SIM only deals
Whatever handset you've got, you can find a great SIM only deal that offers the right blend of minutes, texts and mobile data.
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