What sim card does iphone 7 use

You’ve just bought yourself an iPhone – welcome to the club! However, while you thought you’d just be able to pop your existing SIM card into your iPhone, you might be wrong. That’s dependant on not only which size SIM card you have, but model of iPhone you have too, as older iPhones use standard SIMs while more recent iPhones opt for the Micro- or Nano-SIM. Here, we explain the differences between SIM, Micro-SIM and Nano-SIM, and explain which size SIM you’ll need for your iPhone.  

Read next: How to find the SIM number (ICCID) on your iPhone | How to unlock an iPhone

Which size SIM do I need for my iPhone: SIM, Micro-SIM and Nano-SIM

Before we explain which size SIM your iPhone requires, we thought we’d explain a little bit about the different sizes available. Let’s start off with the full-size SIM card, measuring in at 85.6 x 53.98mm, making it the largest currently available. While the standard SIM card had once been the go-to size for SIM cards, the recent trend in making technology in smartphones as compact as possible means that smartphones can’t provide enough room for the standard SIM – this is especially true of iPhones.

That’s why, starting with the iPhone 4, Apple decided to switch from the standard SIM to the Micro-SIM. The Micro-SIM was much smaller than the standard SIM measuring in at 15 x 12mm, making it ideal to fit into more compact smartphones. However, while the Micro-SIM is small, Apple (and other smartphone manufacturers) needed something smaller, so the Nano-SIM was developed.

The smallest SIM currently available, the Nano-SIM measures in at only 12.3 x 8.8mm, and is the standard for many 2016/2017 smartphones as it allows smartphone manufacturers to use as much available space as possible.

Now we’ve explained a little about the three types of SIM card available in the UK, let’s take you through the iPhone requirements to make sure you’ve got the right size SIM for your phone.

What sim card does iphone 7 use

You might also like: Best SIM-only deals.

Which size SIM do I need for my iPhone: iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS

For those with the original iPhone, an iPhone 3G or 3GS, you’ll need a standard SIM card. You can either call your mobile carrier and request one (they may charge you for this) or alternatively, you can buy a SIM card adaptor that’ll let you fit a Micro- or Nano-SIM into a standard SIM slot.

Which size SIM do I need for my iPhone: iPhone 4, iPhone 4s

But what about those with an iPhone 4 or iPhone 4s? You’ll need a Micro-SIM to use the smartphone, the second-smallest SIM card available. Those with a Nano-SIM that require a Micro-SIM can use a SIM card adaptor to bump it up, but what about those with a standard SIM? If you don’t want to speak to your mobile carrier about being sent a Micro-SIM, you can cut the standard SIM down to size. We can talk you through that process, simply head here: How to cut a SIM card for the iPhone

Which size SIM do I need for my iPhone: iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus

For those with an iPhone 5 or later, the Nano-SIM is the SIM card you’ll need. Unlike with the above options, users can’t opt for an adaptor because it’s larger than the size it needs to be. This means that you’re left with two options – cut it yourself, or call your carrier and request a Nano-SIM.

  1. Home
  2. Sim-only
  3. Mobile Phones

What sim card does iphone 7 use

Apple's iPhone 7 bought a new feature in the form of water-proofing, but that wasn't all. While the design stayed largely like the previous generation, underneath were lots of new upgrades. From a slightly extended battery life to faster processing and even a better camera – there are plenty of reasons to opt for the iPhone 7.

If you already have one or are thinking of grabbing a handset, then the information you need to know is that for the iPhone 7 the SIM card slot fits a nano SIM. And as well as more information below, we'll also tell you how to get the best SIM only deal for your iPhone 7.

What is a nano SIM card?

The SIM card is at the heart of every phone and has been since the smartphone became a staple part of our realities. It's changed subtly though, getting smaller over the years. From standard SIM, it's slimmed down to mini SIM, then micro SIM and now is in the nano SIM format for most new phones - including the iPhone 7.

How do I get a nano SIM card?

You can grab a nano SIM for your iPhone 7 from your network provider either in a shop or via the phone and post. In both cases it will be free and issued quickly, meaning there's not much to hold you back from going SIMO. 

Deciding your network doesn't need to be limited by the SIM either if you have an unlocked handset, meaning you can pick the best deal for you. Check out our guide to the best SIM only deals here to find the ideal one for you.

How do I keep my old number?

If you want to make the jump to a new network you can do so while hanging onto your old number so as to avoid pesky updates for all your contacts. All you need is the ever helpful PAC code.

This is something you can get from your current network over the phone. Then, when you have a new SIM, call the new network and dish out that PAC code. They should have you up and running on your old number within 24 hours so you can carry on where you left off, only with a fresh new phone and network deal.

  • Get the best price on the SIM-free iPhone 7
  • See all of the best iPhone 7 deals on contract

Adam was formerly the Content Director of Subscriptions and Services at Future, meaning that he oversaw many of the articles TechRadar produces about antivirus software, VPN, TV streaming, broadband and mobile phone contracts - from buying guides and deals news, to industry interest pieces and reviews. Leading and developing a great team, Adam also dusted off his keyboard to write articles for the likes of TechRadar, T3 and Tom's Guide.

Does iPhone 7 and iPhone 13 use the same SIM card?

Yes you'll need a new SIM card for your iPhone 13 to get 5G functionality, but your old sim from your 7 will work fine too - just won't get 5G.

Do all iPhones fit all SIM cards?

If you cut or modify your SIM card to fit a different device model, you might not be able to connect to cellular networks or access certain features using that device. If you get a new iPhone and your old SIM card won't fit, contact your carrier to move your account to the SIM card that came with your iPhone.

Can I use my SIM card from iPhone 6 to iPhone 7?

Use only the SIM tray that came with your device. For example, a SIM tray from an iPhone 6s will not fit in an iPhone 7.