SIMs for tablets: do you need a tablet SIM and how do you use one?

Key takeaways

• A tablet only needs a SIM card if it's a cellular model with a SIM slot or eSIM. WiFi-only tablets can't use a SIM and get online through WiFi or a hotspot instead.
• A data SIM is a mobile plan with data only, no calls or texts. It's the simplest way to get a tablet online away from WiFi. A phone SIM can also work in a tablet if the tablet is unlocked, the size fits and the plan allows it.
• Before buying a tablet SIM, check three things: the tablet has a SIM slot, it isn't locked to another network, and the SIM size matches (most tablets use a nano SIM).

 

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A tablet on WiFi is brilliant. A tablet on a train without WiFi is a very smart-looking black rectangle. A tablet SIM fixes that, as long as your tablet can accept one. Here's how to find out, what to put in it and how to switch on mobile data.

Do you need a SIM card for a tablet?

Not always. It depends on which version of the tablet you have.

Tablet type	Takes a SIM?	How it gets online
WiFi-only tablet	No. It has no SIM slot.	WiFi, or a hotspot from a phone or portable WiFi device.
WiFi + Cellular tablet (often labelled LTE or 5G)	Yes. It has a SIM slot, an eSIM, or both.	WiFi, or mobile data when there's no WiFi.

Which tablets take a SIM card?

SIM card for a Samsung Galaxy tablet

Galaxy tablets with LTE or 5G in the model name accept a SIM card. WiFi-only models don't. The slot is usually a small tray on the edge, opened with a SIM ejector pin.

SIM card for an iPad

Only iPads labelled WiFi + Cellular accept a SIM. Many of them also support eSIM, so you may not need a physical card.

Other tablets

Amazon Fire tablets are generally WiFi-only. Lenovo and other Android manufacturers vary by model, so check the spec sheet or the box for "Cellular", "LTE" or "5G" before buying a SIM.

Not sure? Look for a tiny tray on the edge, or open Settings. If there's no Mobile Data option, the tablet is probably WiFi-only.

Can you use a phone SIM in a tablet?

Often, yes. If the tablet is unlocked and the SIM is the right size, a phone SIM will usually work and use your phone plan's data. Check three things first:

• Plan terms. Some plans are for phones only, or charge extra for an additional device.
• Your allowance. Streaming on a tablet uses data faster than most people expect.
• Calls and texts. Many tablets can't make calls or send texts, so a phone SIM mostly gives you data.

If you'd rather keep your phone plan to yourself, a separate data SIM is the tidier option.

What is a data SIM for a tablet?

A data SIM is a SIM on a data-only plan, with no calls or texts. That makes it a good fit for tablets, MiFi devices and even cars with a built-in SIM slot.

Why use one instead of WiFi or your phone's hotspot?

• It's your own connection, so your phone's battery and data allowance stay untouched.
• It's usually safer than open public WiFi, with no log-in pages or fees.
• It's often faster and steadier on the move, depending on the signal where you are.

Many tablets can also share their connection as a hotspot, which helps when a laptop needs to get online and there's no router nearby. The steps are similar to those on a phone, but check your plan allows hotspotting first.

How to turn on mobile data on a tablet

Once the SIM is in, activate it with your network, then switch on mobile data.

Turn on mobile data on an iPad

1. Go to Settings.
2. Go to Mobile Data.
3. Switch Mobile Data on.

Turn on mobile data on a Samsung Galaxy tablet

1. Go to Settings.
2. Go to Connections.
3. Go to Data Usage.
4. Switch Mobile Data on.

No signal? Restart the tablet and check the SIM tray is fully closed.

Getting a data SIM for your tablet

With SMARTY, data-only plans run month-to-month with no contract, so you can switch plans or pause whenever you like. They include 5G speeds where coverage is available, up to 12GB of EU roaming and unrestricted hotspotting. Pop one into an unlocked tablet with a SIM slot, and you're set. Allowances and prices are on our data SIM page.

FAQs

1. Can I put my phone SIM card in a tablet?

Usually, yes, if the tablet has a SIM slot, isn't locked to another network, and the SIM size fits. Some plans are phone-only or charge extra for additional devices, so check your plan's terms first.

2. What size SIM card does a tablet need?

Most current tablets use a nano SIM, the smallest standard size, though some older models use a micro SIM. Your tablet's SIM tray or manual shows which size you need, and our SIM card sizes guide covers the rest.

3. How can I get mobile data on a tablet without a long contract?

A one-month rolling data SIM is usually the simplest option, because you can change or stop it each month.