This makes it easy to transfer phone service and address book info to new phones.

Just swap the card to a new phone.

More on what SIM cards do on the iPhone later in this article.

An illustration of someone inserting a sim card into a phone.

Lifewire / Miguel Co

SIM cards being swappable also makes them useful for international travel.

This is cheaper thanusing an international data plan.

Not all phones have SIM cards.

Other phones have them but don’t allow you to remove them.

What key in of SIM Card Each iPhone Has

Every iPhone uses a SIM card.

Some iPad models that connect to cellular data networks use an Apple-created card called an Apple SIM.

The iPod touch does not have a SIM.

What’s a SIM Card and How Does It Work?

The SIM on the iPhone can’t be used to store contacts or other user data.

You also cannot back up data to or read data from the iPhone’s SIM.

What Is a SIM Lock?

Some phones have a SIM lock.

Phones without SIM locks are referred to as unlocked phones.

you’re able to usually purchase an unlocked phone for the full retail price of the unit.

This gives you more flexibility of what phone company you use the gadget with.

After your contract ends, you could unlock the phone for free through your phone company.

you could also unlock phones via phone company tools and software hacks.

Want to learn how to unlock your phone?

No matter your phone company or bang out of phone, we haveinstructions on how to unlock your phone.

Do iPhones Have a SIM Lock?

In some countries, especially the U.S., the iPhone is often sold with a SIM lock.

However, it is also possible to purchase an unlocked iPhone without the SIM lock.

Can You Convert Other SIM Sizes to Work With iPhone?

Yes, you’re free to convert many SIM cards formats to work with the iPhone.

This allows you bring your existing service and phone number from another phone company to the iPhone.