iPhone 5 SIM cards, using your iPhone abroad and what you can connect to your iPhone 5.

iPhone 5This article contains instructions for using the the iPhone smartphone overseas, different SIM card options and how to connect to a growing collection of Bluetooth speakers. Different SIM cards can all be used in your iPhone, this page highlights how to adapt each SIM card to use in the iPhone 5.This is a list of 6 bluetooth devices which are compatible with the iPhone 5 and links to articles on how to connect them together.

Charging the iPhone 5

Which charger does the iPhone 5 use?

If you want to use an iPhone 5 in the US then you simply need a USB adapter such as Type A USB charger. If you are travelling abroad this all depends on which region you wish to charge your iPhone 5, as different shaped power outlets are used in different countries. Read our section on using an iPhone 5 abroad to select where you will be visiting for full instructions on a suitable power charger to power your iPhone 5. [2] [AD]

Which type of USB cable is compatible with an iPhone 5?

You will need to use a USB to Apple Lightning cable to recharge the iPhone 5, this connects from a USB port to the charging port located on the base of the Apple iPhone 5. Apple should have supplied the iPhone 5 with a Lightning cable, if not you can purchase a spare (as a backup at work, in the car or travelling) from a retailer by looking for a USB to Apple Lightning cable[3] [AD]

Can you use the Apple iPhone 5 during charging?

Yes, the Apple iPhone 5 can be used while it recharges. However the charging time may take longer than 2 hours.

Can I use the iPhone 5 power adapter with another electronic device?

It is possible to power other devices providing they can be charged using USB port.

Where is the charging port on an iPhone 5?

The charger port is located on the bottom of the phone.

iPhone 5 SIM cards

Which size is an iPhone 5 SIM card?

The Apple iPhone 5 takes a Nano SIM card which is 12.3mm long by 8.8mm wide. The iPhone 5 was first device to implement a Nano SIM in 2012. [4]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subscriber_identity_module

Where is the SIM card on the Apple iPhone 5?

The SIM card slot is located on the righthand side of the iPhone 5 opposite the volume buttons and mute switch. [5]

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201337

How do I replace the Apple iPhone 5 SIM card?

  1. Switch off the Apple iPhone 5.
  2. Locate the SIM card slot located on the righthand side of the iPhone 5 opposite the mute switch and volume buttons.
  3. Next insert a paperclip, pin or the SIM-ejection tool supplied with the iPhone 5 in the small hole next to the SIM card tray.
  4. Slide out the SIM card tray.
  5. Insert or swap the SIM card.
  6. Push the SIM tray slowly back into the iPhone 5.
  7. Finally turn the power back on your iPhone 5.

Can I use a Nano SIM in an iPhone 5?

The iPhone 5 will use a Nano-SIM card without needing a converter.

Will a Micro SIM card work in an iPhone 5?

To use a Micro SIM in the iPhone 5 which accepts a Nano SIM card you will need to use a Nano SIM card cutter. As the larger 15mm x 12mm Micro SIM card needs to slide into a slot intended to accommodate the smaller 12.3mm x 8.8mm Nano SIM card this tool is used to reduce the overall size of the card. A SIM card cutter tool looks similar to a stapler and is designed to quickly and precisely convert a larger Micro SIM card into a Nano SIM card by removing the surplus plastic away from the chip. With the low price of buying a cutter this is the cheapest option without needing to pay for a new SIM card from your mobile phone provider or paying for a high street store service.

We recommend a Nano SIM card cutting tool which also includes free Micro and Mini SIM card adapters as this enables you to switch between different phones using different SIM card variations. [6] [AD]

Will a standard size Mini SIM card work in the iPhone 5?

It is possible to use a Mini SIM card in your iPhone 5 by using a Nano SIM card cutter to alter it into a Nano SIM card. Similar to the method for using a Micro card in an iPhone 5 you can use a SIM cutter tool to remove the excess plastic from the chip. This means you can reduce the size of the larger 25mm x 15mm Mini SIM card so that it slides in the slot intended to accommodate a smaller 12.3mm x 8.8mm Nano SIM card. [6] [AD]

Why should you avoid using a SIM card template for an iPhone 5?

Do not attempt to use scissors to cut a SIM card as it risks bending or damaging the copper contacts on the chip, instead use a SIM card cutter which is designed specifically for the task.

There is a risk that damaging the copper between the phone and SIM card will result in reduced signal strength leading to dropped calls, unstable data and higher battery drain because of the iPhone 5 continually scanning for a new network. This article on why you shouldn’t cut a SIM card with scissors from a T-Mobile employee has more information.

If you have inaccurately cut your SIM card with scissors and are now encountering problems with the Apple iPhone 5 then you may need to contact your network provider to send a replacement card. Using a card which has been cut with scissors can potentially invalidate the warranty therefore Apple may reserve the right to repair your iPhone 5 caused by damages of using a poorly modified SIM.  [7] [8] [AD]

What can I connect to the iPhone 5

Beats Pill speakers which can connect to the iPhone 5

Jabra Bluetooth speakers which are compatible with the iPhone 5

Using your iPhone 5 abroad

Choose from this list of regions to discover how to use your iPhone 5 in that location:
Using the iPhone 5 abroad

Using the iPhone 5 in Africa

Using the iPhone 5 in Asia

Using the iPhone 5 in Europe

Using the iPhone 5 in North America

Using the iPhone 5 in Oceania

Using the iPhone 5 in South America

  1. Apple - official iPhone user guide.
  2. Type A USB power plug adapter - With its two-blade, ungrounded design, the Type A USB power plug adapter offers a straightforward way to convert electrical outlets in countries like the United States and Canada into USB ports for easy device charging..
  3. USB to Apple Lightning cable - The Apple Lightning cable is a charging and syncing cable for more recent Apple devices and connects compatible iPhones and iPads to a USB port.
  4. Wikipedia - SIM card -
  5. Apple - Apple iPhone SIM card support -
  6. Nano SIM card cutting tool - Used to convert an older larger SIM card for a phone designed to accept the smaller Nano sized SIM cards.
  7. Linkedin - article on why you shouldn’t cut a SIM card with scissors -
  8. Multi SIM card cutting tool - A 3 in 1 SIM card cutter allowing you to cut a standard Mini SIM card to micro SIM, a micro SIM card to Nano SIM card and standard SIM card to Nano SIM card.