iPhone SIM Card deals

What is an iPhone SIM?

An iPhone SIM is simply a SIM card for your iPhone, with a monthly allowance of minutes, texts and data. There’s nothing special about them compared to other SIM cards, but depending on what iPhone you have you’ll need one of several different SIM card sizes, explained below.

Will I get a new iPhone?

No. An iPhone SIM refers to a SIM Only contract for your iPhone, meaning you have to supply the iPhone yourself. But if you want a new one you could always buy one outright and still enjoy the benefits of iPhone SIM Only.

What’s the advantage of iPhone SIM Only?

iPhone SIM Only deals don’t come with a new phone, but that means they’re a lot cheaper than a typical phone contract, where part of the phone’s cost is added to your monthly bill.

iPhone SIMs are also often available on shorter length contracts than a Pay Monthly iPhone contract would be.

Which networks offer iPhone SIMs?

The following networks all offer iPhone SIM cards: EE, Three, O2, Vodafone, BT, Tesco Mobile, Virgin Mobile, Sky Mobile, Smarty Mobile, VOXI, Lebara and iD Mobile.

Do I have to stick with my current network?

No. As long as you’ve finished the minimum term of your contract (or are on Pay As You Go), you’re free to switch to any network you want, so simply look for the best iPhone SIM deals on this page.

Which network should I choose?

You have a wide choice of networks to get an iPhone SIM card on, and they all have their own strengths and weaknesses, but the main things you’ll probably want to consider are their 4G and 5G coverage, whether they let you tether, and where you can roam for free. Read on below for information on all of that.

Coverage

Every UK network now has widespread 4G coverage, but there are still some differences, detailed below.

Tethering

Tethering is the sometimes known as a portable or mobile hotspot and refers to the ability to use your phone’s network and allowances to get other devices online, by broadcasting its own Wi-Fi network. At the time of writing, all the networks on this site allow tethering.

Roaming

All of the networks on this site let you use your allowance of minutes, texts and data abroad in the EU at no extra cost.

If you want to roam beyond Europe your best options include Three, which on all current plans lets you roam in 71 international destinations, many of which are further afield.

Alternatively, select O2 plans let you roam in 75 locations, while Vodafone’s ‘Unlimited Max’ plans let you roam in 81 destinations. Vodafone also offers 5G roaming in a number of European cities.

Another option is to opt for a Smart Plan on EE, which – if you choose a Roam Further pass as one of your benefits - lets you roam in the US, Canada, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand, as well as the EU.

Can I get an iPhone SIM with unlimited data?

Yes, at the time of writing Three, Vodafone, O2, EE, Smarty Mobile, iD Mobile, VOXI, Lycamobile, Tesco Mobile, Virgin Mobile, Asda Mobile, Giffgaff and Lebara Mobile all offer unlimited data SIMs that you can use in an iPhone.

How do I keep my number?

Once you’ve ordered your new iPhone SIM, just text 'PAC' (from your old number) to 65075, or alternatively give your old network a call and tell them that you’re leaving and want your PAC code.

Then, give that code to your new network and they’ll do the rest, porting your number, usually within the next working day. Find out more.

What SIM card size do I need?

If you’re using an iPhone 5 or newer (up to and including the iPhone 12) you’ll need a nano SIM – that’s the smallest SIM card size currently available.

In all likelihood, you have one of the above iPhones, however if you have an iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S you’ll need a micro SIM, which is slightly larger, while any older iPhone handset (the original iPhone, iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS) will need a standard size SIM card. These are the largest, and rarely used any more.

The good news is that most networks will supply a trio, multi or combi SIM, which has all three sizes in one. You then just pop out the size you need.

It’s worth noting that some modern iPhones also have an eSIM, which is a SIM card that’s built into the phone. Not many networks support these yet, but it will be an option on some. However, these iPhones also have slots for removable SIM cards, so you don’t need to worry about this if you don’t want to use it.

Will I lose service if switching network?

Yes, assuming you’re porting your number, but only usually for a few hours or less – often you’ll only be out of action for a matter of seconds.

Can I switch from a Pay Monthly phone contract to an iPhone SIM Only contract?

Yes, just as long as you’re not currently tied into a contract. If not, simply order your iPhone SIM and then call your network to tell them you’re leaving or changing contract type.