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

iPhone 5SA guide for using the your iPhone 5S smartphone overseas, different SIM card options and how to connect to a growing collection of Bluetooth speakers. Nano, Micro and Mini SIM cards can all be used in the iPhone, this page highlights how to adapt each SIM card to use in the iPhone.This is a list of 6 bluetooth devices which you can connect to the iPhone 5S.

Charging the iPhone 5S

Which charger should I use with an iPhone 5S?

If you want to use your Apple iPhone 5S in America then you only need a USB adapter such as Type A USB charger. If you are travelling abroad this depends on which country you wish to charge your iPhone 5S, as different shaped wall outlets are used in different regions. Refer to our section on using an iPhone 5S abroad to select which country you will be visiting for full instructions on a suitable power adapter. [2] [AD]

What type of USB cable is compatible with the iPhone 5S?

The iPhone 5S uses a USB to Apple Lightning cable to recharge, this connects a USB port to the charging port located on the bottom of the phone. Apple should have supplied your iPhone 5S with a Lightning cable, you can purchase a replacement or spare (as a backup in your car, at work or travelling for example) from an online retailer by looking for a USB to Apple Lightning cable[3] [AD]

Is it possible to use the iPhone 5S while charging?

The iPhone 5S can be used during the recharging cycle. The charging time may take longer than the normal 2 hours charge time.

Can I use an iPhone 5S USB charger with another device?

Yes it is possible to recharge other cell phones as long as they can be charged using USB port.

Where is the charging port on the iPhone 5S?

You'll find the charging port located on the bottom of the iPhone 5S.

iPhone 5 SIM cards

Where is the SIM card on an iPhone 5S?

The SIM card slot can be located on the right side of the iPhone 5S opposite the volume buttons and mute switch. [4]

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

How can I swap the SIM card in an iPhone 5S?

  1. Switch the power off on the iPhone 5S.
  2. Then locate the SIM card slot found on the right side of the iPhone 5S opposite the mute switch and volume buttons.
  3. Press a paperclip, pin or the SIM ejection tool supplied with the iPhone 5S into the hole in the SIM card tray.
  4. Slide out the SIM card tray.
  5. Insert or swap the SIM card.
  6. Slide the SIM tray firmly back into the iPhone 5S.
  7. Turn on your Apple iPhone 5S.

What type of SIM card does an iPhone 5S take?

The Apple iPhone 5S uses a Nano SIM card, this is 12.3mm long x 8.8mm wide. [5]

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

Can you use a Nano SIM card in the Apple iPhone 5S?

The iPhone 5S is designed to accept a Nano SIM card without needing a SIM card adapter.

Can you use a Micro SIM in the Apple iPhone 5S?

In order to use a Micro SIM card in your iPhone 5S which accepts a Nano SIM card you will need to use a Nano SIM card cutter.

Because the 15mm x 12mm Micro SIM card needs to sit in a slot intended to accommodate a smaller 12.3mm x 8.8mm Nano SIM card this tool is designed to reduce the overall size of the card. A SIM card cutter tool looks similar to a stapler and is designed to easily and precisely convert an older Micro SIM card into a Nano SIM card by removing the surplus plastic surrounding the chip. With the low price of buying a cutter online this is the cheapest option without needing to pay for a new SIM from your network provider or paying for a high street store service.

It is advisable to buy a Nano SIM card cutting tool which includes free Micro and Mini SIM card adapters as this will allow you to switch between different mobile phones which take different SIM card types. [6] [AD]

Will a regular Mini SIM card work in the iPhone 5S?

You can use a Mini SIM with the iPhone 5S by using a Nano SIM card cutter to alter it into a Nano SIM card. As with the method for using a Micro SIM card in an iPhone 5S you can use the same SIM card cutting tool to remove the excess plastic surrounding the chip.

This enables you to cut the larger 25mm x 15mm card so that it slides in the area intended to house a smaller 12.3mm x 8.8mm Nano SIM card. [6] [AD]

Can you use a SIM card cutting template for the Apple iPhone 5S?

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

There is a danger that damaging the copper contacts 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 phone repeatedly scanning for a new signal. This article on why you shouldn’t cut a SIM card with scissors from a T-Mobile employee contains more in-depth information.

If you have inaccurately cut your SIM card with scissors and are now encountering problems with your iPhone 5S 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 5S caused by damages of using a poorly modified SIM.  [7] [8] [AD]

What can I connect to the iPhone 5S

Beats Pill speakers which can connect to the iPhone 5S

Jabra Bluetooth speakers which are compatible with the iPhone 5S

Using your iPhone 5S abroad

Select from this list of countries to find out how to use the iPhone 5S in that location:
Using the iPhone 5S abroad

Using the iPhone 5S in Africa

Using the iPhone 5S in Asia

Using the iPhone 5S in Europe

Using the iPhone 5S in North America

Using the iPhone 5S in Oceania

Using the iPhone 5S 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. Apple - Apple iPhone SIM card support -
  5. Wikipedia - SIM card -
  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.