The chart below provides a clearer look at the exact size of each SIM card type. You’ll note that combi SIMs aren’t included and that’s because at their full size they’re the same size as a standard SIM, then if you pop out a smaller section it will match the relevant SIM card size below. SIM Type Turbo boost your credit chances and get your free Experian credit report. Credit Card & Loans Eligibility Calculator A standard SIM is the biggest SIM card size currently in use, and despite being thought of as the ‘standard’ it’s the most rarely used. It has a large amount of plastic around the chip, and tends to only be found in the oldest of phones (and some other devices).

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However, there are alternative options. If your SIM card is too large for your phone, then you can buy a SIM card cutting tool. These tend to look a bit like a stapler, but they trim your card down to the correct size and shape.

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The exception is if you want to use an eSIM, in which case you will usually need to request one – though many networks don’t support them. 3. SIM adapters and DIY downsizing A combi SIM (sometimes called a multi SIM or trio SIM) combines all three sizes of SIM card into one, so you can easily just pop out the one you need. Plus, multiple networks and numbers can potentially be stored on an eSIM, so you can theoretically have multiple numbers on a single SIM. And you won’t need to worry about navigating all the different SIM card sizes detailed above.

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If you need to replace your mobile phone, make sure your old one is properly recycled. With up to 80% of the materials in every phone being recyclable according to Recycle Now, this can help to ensure materials aren't wasted, and that the device doesn't end up in landfill. For most phone users, nothing will need to change provided your phone supports 4G services. However, some older phones, including simple phones, will no longer be able to connect to a network to use data. There are different-sized SIM cards because it has become increasingly desirable to have smaller SIM cards, since that frees up more space in a phone (or other device) for other tech, without making the phone larger. We now have 5G in parts of most major UK towns and cities, as well as lots of smaller towns and villages. Find out more about O2 5G.If you put your SIM card in another phone then – as long as the card and phone support the same network – people will then be able to call and text you on that phone, and you’ll be able to make calls and send texts of your own from it, using the same network and allowances as you had on your old phone. This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby. In 2021, the government made an agreement with mobile network operators Vodafone, EE, O2 and Three that 3G and 2G mobile services will be phased out by 2033. However, the providers are free to choose when they end 3G and 2G services, within this timeframe.