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Why Does My Phone Say 'No SIM'? Causes & Solutions

If your Android or iOS smartphone has popped up with a message reading "No SIM Card" when you know there is certainly one inserted, don't panic. Here we will go through all of the possible causes and offer simple solutions to restore your SIM service.

Solutions If Your Phone is Not Recognising a SIM Card

woman restarting her mobile phone

1. Restart Your Phone

Sometimes, all your phone needs is a quick refresh by turning it off and on again. This can quickly clear minor glitches, including the one causing the "no SIM card" error message.

sim tray taken out of phone to inspect SIM

2. Realign the SIM Card and Tray or Replace it

A phone failing to read its SIM may just need it adjusted to its correct position. Take out the SIM card and tray and check everything is clean and dust-free. Insert it back in carefully, ensuring everything fits as intended and nothing is damaged. If you can see damage to the tray or surrounding area, you may need a new SIM tray or even take it to your phone retailer for specialist repairs.

man trying to get signal from his mobile

3. Check Network Coverage

Problems with your network that are out of your control can sometimes lead to a no SIM card error message on your phone. Try checking with your provider's website to see if you're in an area with good network coverage.

man resetting his phone's network settings

4. Reset Your Network Settings

Reset your phone’s network settings, which erases previous configurations and allows your phone to start anew. It can fix hidden issues that may be affecting your phone's ability to detect the SIM card.

woman updating her device software

5. Update Device Software

An obsolete system might struggle to recognise the SIM card. Look for available updates and install them if possible. Doing so can fix the missing SIM card issue and even improve your device's efficiency.

person replacing their SIM card

6. Replace the SIM Card

If every other solution hasn't kicked your SIM back into life and cleared your error message, you may have to change the physical SIM card with your network provider.

Causes of the No SIM Card Error Message

SIM card error

1. Incorrectly Inserted SIM Card

Even if your SIM card is inserted in the closed tray, there is a chance it can become dislodged, or you may have inserted it upside down or the wrong way round (this is easily done). Your phone won't know if it's missing entirely or millimetres out of place. This can happen if you have a worn or slightly damaged SIM card tray.

SIM card incompatible

2. Your SIM and Phone Aren't Compatible

It is possible for your mobile phone and SIM card to be incompatible, leading your phone to not recognise that there is one inserted. Some phones made before 2021 may only work with specific carriers, predating the UK regulation changes, which means all phones are to be sold 'unlocked' and can be used with any network carrier.

settings icon

3. Software Issues

Software issues can also cause a "no SIM card" message to appear. This might happen if a bug or glitch in your phone's operating system prevents it from reading the card correctly. Unfinished or failed software updates can also interfere with your phone's ability to detect the SIM card.

damaged SIM

4. The SIM Card Is Damaged

Damage to your SIM card can impact its functionality and even stop it from working altogether. If you can see any chips, scratches or even missing chunks, this can certainly cause the SIM not to be read.

sim card tray error

5. SIM Card Tray is Damaged or Broken

If the SIM is not able to be aligned and held securely in the card tray, the phone will not be able to read the SIM card.

no signal icon

6. Network Connectivity Issues

If the phone struggles to establish a stable connection with the network, it might display a no SIM card error, indicating trouble connecting to the cellular network.

If Your SIM Card Is Not Working on Your iPhone, iPad or Android

  • apple icon Apple
  • android icon Android
If you see an alert like "Invalid SIM" or "No SIM Card installed" on your iPhone or iPad, here's a series of steps you can follow to troubleshoot the issue.

1. Check Your Plan and Device Lock Status

First, make sure your SIM plan is active and available on your device. You also need to confirm that your phone isn't locked to a specific carrier by heading to Settings > General > About. Next to Network Provider Lock, you should see "No SIM restrictions." If you see a restriction, you'll need to contact your carrier to try and unlock the device. However, this shouldn't impact any iPhone or iPad after 2021.

2. Restart Your Device and Check for Updates

Sometimes, a simple restart is all you need to fix minor glitches. After restarting your device, check for any pending carrier settings updates by going to Settings > General > About. If an update is available, a prompt will appear asking you to confirm.

3. Inspect and Reinsert Your SIM Card

A loose or improperly seated SIM card can cause connection problems.
  • Power off your phone.
  • Use a SIM ejector tool or a paperclip to open the SIM card tray.
  • Carefully remove the SIM card.
  • Check the card and tray for any dirt or damage.
  • Place the SIM card back into the tray, ensuring it's aligned correctly.
  • Insert the tray back into the phone and power the device back on.

4. Try a Different SIM Card

If the problem persists, you may need to contact your provider's customer service to arrange for a different SIM card to be collected or delivered, as the issue may be with the SIM card.

If you see an alert like "Invalid SIM," "No SIM Card installed," or "No Service" on your Android device, follow these steps to troubleshoot the issue.

1. Restart Your Phone

A simple restart can resolve temporary software glitches. Turn your phone off, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on.

2. Check for a Carrier Update

Your carrier may release updates to improve network connectivity.
  • Go to Settings.
  • Tap About phone.
  • Look for an option like Carrier settings update or System updates. If an update is available, download and install it.
3. Reinsert Your SIM Card

A loose or improperly seated SIM card can cause connection problems.
  • Power off your phone.
  • Use a SIM ejector tool or a paperclip to open the SIM card tray.
  • Carefully remove the SIM card.
  • Check the card and tray for any dirt or damage.
  • Place the SIM card back into the tray, ensuring it's aligned correctly.
  • Insert the tray back into the phone and power the device back on.
4. Test with a Different SIM Card

If the problem continues, the issue might be with the SIM card itself.
  • If possible, try a different, known-working SIM card in your phone.
  • If the new SIM works, your original SIM card may be damaged or faulty. Contact your network provider to get a replacement.
  • If the new SIM also doesn't work, the issue may be with your phone's SIM card reader. In this case, you may need to take your phone to a repair shop or contact the manufacturer.
5. Verify Your Network Settings

Ensure your phone's network settings are correct.
  • Go to Settings.
  • Tap Network & internet (or similar, depending on your phone model).
  • Go to SIMs or Mobile network.
  • Make sure your SIM card is enabled.
  • Check that the Preferred network type is set to an appropriate option (e.g., 5G/4G/3G auto).
  • You can also try a "Network settings reset," which will clear all Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular settings. Find this option under Settings > System > Reset options.

man using his mobile

Need a SIM or eSIM?

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