If you see 'invalid SIM' or 'no SIM' on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support (2024)

FAQs

If you see 'invalid SIM' or 'no SIM' on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support? ›

Make sure that the SIM tray closes completely and isn't loose. If you use a SIM tray from a different model iPhone, iPad, or from another phone manufacturer, it might not fit properly. If your device has a physical SIM card and you've completed the previous step, try using another SIM card.

A SIM is the tiny plastic component that fits inside your device,stores data for your phone and lets you make calls and use mobile internet, among other things. If your iPhone says “No SIM”, it's possible you have a damaged or dirty SIM card, software issues, or your carrier settings may need to be updated.

A: To fix the “Invalid SIM” or “No SIM” error, you can try restarting your phone, checking the SIM card slot, cleaning the SIM card and slot, ensuring SIM card compatibility, updating your phone's software, resetting network settings, trying another SIM card, or contacting your mobile service provider.

Your device may display a message such as "SIM card not recognized" if it has trouble reading the SIM card. This might happen because: SIM card is damaged (e.g., cracked, worn, split, etc.). Make sure the SIM card isn't damaged before inserting it into the SIM card tray or slot.

Damaged SIM card, dusty or dirty SIM tray, improperly inserted SIM card, malfunctioning SIM tray, etc.

Are you getting a “No SIM Card” message on your Android™ even though there's a SIM card in your device? There are several possible causes for this like a software glitch, network settings issues, a damaged card, or maybe your SIM card isn't securely in place.

SIM cards last 5 to 10 years, but this duration can vary based on the quality of the card and how frequently you insert and remove it. Naturally, if you often expose your device to extreme temperatures and moisture, your SIM card (and the device itself) will not last long.

If you have a SIM card in it, and it's not working, contact your cellular carrier and get a replacement. If you're getting a message that says you have an Invalid SIM, that means the phone is carrier locked. Only the carrier it's locked to can unlock it.

To unlock your SIM card, you need to enter a special security code known as a PUK code. You should have been provided with this code when you first received your SIM card. If you do not have your PUK code and your SIM card is still blocked, please contact our Customer Services team!

Do SIM cards expire? ›

Your SIM card expires for a few reasons: If you don't activate or use it by the expiration date on the SIM pack envelope. If you've activated it, but haven't used it for a year since you last added credit. If you don't use your activated SIM for 120 days after your balance reaches zero or any promotions expire.

Your iPhone doesn't think a SIM card has been inserted. If you've inserted the SIM card, ensure it's been inserted properly and free of dust and debris. Try the SIM in another device if possible. If it doesn't work in any devices, the SIM card is damaged and needs to be replaced by your mobile carrier.

If you're using a physical SIM card, remove the SIM card and put it back in. If your SIM card is damaged, doesn't fit in the SIM tray, or you transferred your physical SIM card from another device, ask your carrier for a new SIM card.

Faulty SIM Card: If the SIM card is damaged or faulty, it may not be detected by the device. Software Glitch: A software glitch or bug in the operating system can also cause the 'No SIM Card Detected' error. Airplane Mode: If Airplane Mode is enabled, it can disable the SIM card, resulting in an error message.

One or both SIM cards are not inserted properly or they are not supported by iPhone. Your iPhone is locked to a mobile service provider. The mobile carrier is having technical difficulties. The activation server may be temporarily unavailable.