What Is A Nano SIM Card? The Quick Guide!

You just upgraded to a new iPhone after using your old phone for years. Your carrier gave you a new SIM card, but it's much smaller than your old one! In this article, I'll tell you everything you need to know about Nano SIM cards, how they differ from standard SIM cards, and where you can get one.

Nano SIM Card: Defined!

The acronym SIM stands for Subscriber Identity Module. A SIM card is what connects your device to your carrier's wireless network.

A Nano SIM card is just like other SIM cards, but it's the newest version and is used in the latest smartphone including the iPhone 11 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S20.

Nano SIM cards are very small, measuring only 12.3 x 8.8 millimeters.

Nano SIM Cards vs. Standard SIM Cards

Besides the size, there aren't any significant differences between Nano SIM cards and standard SIM cards. Nano SIM cards have less plastic around it, making them smaller. A smaller SIM gives a smartphone more space for internal components like its battery and camera.

What Devices Use Nano SIM Cards?

The majority of modern smartphones use Nano SIM cards. Anything newer than an iPhone 5 or a Samsung Galaxy S6 uses a Nano SIM card.

If you upgraded from an older iPhone or Android, you probably noticed that your old SIM card doesn't fit in your new phone!

However, it is possible to cut your Standard or Micro SIM to fit in a Nano SIM slot. We typically don't recommend doing this because your wireless carrier will almost always be able to transfer phone number, contacts, and other data on your old SIM card to a new one.

How Do I Insert Or Remove A SIM Card From My Phone?

There are many tutorials online about how to remove SIM cards from all types of phones. We've created a video showing you how to remove an iPhone SIM card.

No matter what type of phone you have, here's a basic guide to help you remove its SIM card:

1. Make sure your phone is off.
2. Locate the SIM card tray. For newer iPhones, it is on the right underneath the power button. For Samsungs, the location depends on which model you have.
3. Insert a SIM card removal tool or a straightened paper clip into the small hole on the SIM tray. Apply a small amount of pressure until the tray pops out.
4. Gently pull on the tray to remove it from your phone.
5. Use your fingers to gently remove the SIM card from the tray.

To put the SIM card back in:

1. Put the SIM card back in the tray.
2. Gently insert the tray into the slot and push.

Where Can I Buy A Nano SIM Card?

It's very easy to find and purchase a Nano SIM card. You can get one from your wireless carrier when you sign up for a new cell phone plan, you can order one online, or you can go into a store like Target or Best Buy to find one.

How Expensive Are Nano SIM Cards?

You can buy a Nano SIM card by itself for around $1.00 – $5.00. Many wireless carriers will send you a free SIM card when you sign up for a new cell phone plan.

Dual Nano SIM Card Trays

In China, Hong Kong, and Macau, iPhone XS and XR come with two SIM card slots. This allows you to use two numbers on one device, utilize different plans for travel, or separate voice and data plans.

If you are not in these areas, these iPhones can still have two SIM cards, but one is called an eSIM. This eSIM is a virtually activated SIM that allows you to utilize the same features mentioned above.

Nano SIMs, Explained!

You're now an expert on Nano SIM cards! Make sure to share this article on social media to teach your friends and family about the different types of cell phone SIM cards. Leave any other questions you have about your phone in the comments section below.