How to Get Rid of No SIM on iPhone

iPhone users may face the “No SIM Card Installed” error while using an old iPhone or activating a new device. If it keeps occurring repeatedly, you might get worried. Moreover, failing to identify the cause of iPhone SIM failure can be frustrating.

Without the SIM, the phone remains usable. However, you cannot make calls and send text messages. This article will teach you about the no SIM on iPhone error and how to fix it.

What Does SIM Failure Mean on iPhone?

SIM failure on an iPhone means your phone cannot detect anything in the tray. In recent years, technology has evolved drastically, and electronic SIMs have been introduced that do not require you to insert a card into the phone.

However, most mobile phone users have not yet shifted to eSims. If you are also using conventional SIM cards and your iPhone says no SIM detected, you should look for issues with the hardware or software.

Why Does My Phone Say No SIM?

You can check and find the reasons behind your iPhone saying no SIM. Here are some of the possible causes:

• Sim Card Tray: iPhone users place a SIM card on a tray and insert it into the device. Improper installation of the tray can result in no SIM available. Eject the tray and card, then reinsert them.
• Damaged SIM Card: A physical SIM card can be broken or damaged. Examine the chip to ensure it does not have scratches or cuts.
• Malfunction: Electronic components can wear out with time and start malfunctioning. Check for issues with the mobile and SIM card.
• Faulty Update: After installing the iOS or network updates, you may see that SIM signals disappear.
• Active Plan: Cellular carriers can deactivate your plan due to non-payment of the phone bill. You may contact the network admin to ensure your number is not canceled.

Method 1) How to Fix SIM Failure iPhone Via Airplane Mode

Airplane mode turns off all the phone’s wireless networks, including cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. It can also fix network-related glitches like No SIM on iPhone. 

You can access the option in the Control Center by swiping down/up on the iPhone’s display or visiting system settings. Switch on Airplane mode, wait for ten seconds, and then turn it off. You will start seeing the network signal indicators in your phone’s status bar.

Method 2) Resolve No SIM Available on iPhone by Restarting

An iPhone can stop reading the SIM card due to a system glitch, which can be fixed by restarting the device. If you cannot do a simple restart, force restart is also an option. 

The method to perform this troubleshooting technique varies between different iPhone models.

Apple iPhone X and Later:

Step 1) Hold the Power and Volume Down button until you see the slider. 

Step 2) Drag the slider to the right to shut the phone down.

Step 3) Wait a few seconds, then turn it on.

Apple iPhone 8 and Earlier:

Step 1) Hit the Power button located on the right side or top of the phone. Then, Slide to the right.

Step 2) Restart the device by holding the power button again.

Method 3) Confirm Network Availability For No SIM Card Installed

If your phone keeps saying no SIM card iPhone, ensure you are not out of coverage. Cellular companies install towers for wireless signal transmission to and from mobile phones. 

Most of the time, the weak signal issue occurs when you are in the basement of the building. To improve signal strength, you may go into the open area.

Method 4) Try Different SIM Cards to Fix SIM Failure iPhone 13

The damaged card could cause SIM failure issues on iPhone 13. Try putting in another SIM to confirm the problem is not with the card itself. 

You can borrow the SIM card from your friends and family. The SIM from a different cellular network will allow you to determine the issue with the particular carrier. Once you realize the cause, replace the card.

Method 5) Check Activation Status for iPhone No SIM Error

Some states have laws to register mobile devices with the authorities. Otherwise, you may not be able to use cellular service. Contact the forum established by the local authority to address such issues.

Moreover, the network administrator could be delaying the activation of your number due to the large number of applications. You can file a complaint or opt to wait.

Method 6) Update Carrier Settings to Fix iPhone Sim Failure

Mobile network settings often receive updates from the carrier. They are important for the compatibility of cellular service and mobile devices. When you insert a SIM, it gets a package for installing the features to work properly on the new phone.

iPhones have an option in the settings that allows you to download updates whenever you want. Updating the carrier settings can fix the iPhone’s no SIM issue.

Here are the steps to update your network settings:

Step 1) Launch the Settings app with the gear icon on your iPhone.

Step 2) Navigate to the General and then the About section.

Step 3) Pending updates will appear here. Select the “Update” button to begin the process.

Method 7) Fix the Issue With Resetting Network Settings

A network settings glitch can occur on any iPhone model, causing the device to fail to detect the SIM card. Resetting the network settings can fix the problem on your mobile phone. 

However, you should know that it will delete the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and VPN connection data alongside the cellular data. After executing this method, you will need to reenter the passwords of saved Wi-Fi networks, reestablish connection with Bluetooth devices, and add the VPN again.

Here are steps to reset network settings on your iPhone:

Step 1) Go to the General tab in your phone settings.

Step 2) Scroll down and select Transfer or Reset iPhone.

Step 3) Tap on the Reset button.

Step 4) Choose Reset Network Settings.

Step 5) Insert the password to confirm your action. Then, restart the device. 

When you get access to the device, you will see the sim failure on the iPhone is resolved.

Method 8) Contact The Service Provider For iPhone Says No SIM

The reason behind your device’s No Sim iPhone issue may not be specified here. After trying all these solutions, the problem could still be there. Contact carrier support through the website. They can help you fix the issue or at least pinpoint the cause.

Method 9) Download the Latest iOS Updates

Having an up-to-date operating system version is necessary to enjoy all the functions of your phone, including cellular. Outdated iOS software on iPhones is prone to errors, such as no SIM card being installed.

Here are steps to download the latest iOS updates:

Step 1) Open Settings and go to the General tab. Then select the Software Update option.

Step 3) Turn on Automatic Updates and install the pending package.

Method 10) Repair iPhone Hardware Damage 

Every phone has a component called an antenna that receives the signal from the cellular tower. The hardware may be broken, causing the issue of no SIM on the iPhone. You can take the phone to the local repair shop to get that antenna replaced. Since the component is inexpensive, it will only cost you a few bucks.

Method 11) Contact Apple Support for Hardware Replacement

Finding a capable mobile technician could be challenging for some people. Taking your phone to Apple Customer Care is recommended if it is under the warranty. 

Even if the device warranty has lapsed, the tech giant also provides paid services. The benefits of getting the products repaired by the manufacturer are:

• Guaranteed original components
• Compatibility 
• Optimal performance

Apple technicians are specially trained to perform accurate diagnostics on the iPhone. Instead of replacing the parts, they can even make the old one work to save you unnecessary expenses.

Method 12) Factory Reset iPhone 13 For Network Issue Resolution

If none of the above methods work, erasing everything can renew the device. You can also back up the device with iCloud to avoid losing your important data. Once the sim failure iPhone issue is resolved, you can restore all the files from iCloud.

Backup on iCloud:

Step 1) Click on the Apple ID profile in Settings.

Step 2) Tap on iCloud and then iCloud Backup.

Step 3) Enable the feature and hit Back up Now.

Wait for the process to complete, then start with the reset method. Here are steps to factory reset your iPhone:

Step 1) Move to the General tab in the Settings of iPhone.

Step 2) Click on Transfer or Reset iPhone and select Erase All Content and Settings.

Step 3) Hit Continue and enter the password to confirm.

Conclusion

The article provides the 12 best techniques tried and tested by experts, which makes them safe to use on your device. No SIM issue on the iPhone makes you lose access to the text message service. In that case, you can still use the iMessage service on Wi-Fi or ask someone to share the internet.

Many iPhone users report that iMessage also stops working when no SIM card is installed. You can check out ways to fix the iMessage signed-out issue or find more tips and tutorials for iPhone devices.