How to Fix Invalid SIM on an iPhone?
Since Apple has a profound grip on delivering a premium-quality user experience through iOS on various gadgets, users get nervous when they get errors. Similarly, an Invalid SIM card or No SIM card error is among the most common errors many iPhone users face.
You may encounter this issue due to software glitches or a damaged SIM card tray. However, the causes are not confined to only these reasons. Many factors prevent SIM cards from running properly on iPhones.
Here, we have added some of the most common factors that encourage Invalid SIM Card errors and highlighted simple solutions to fix an invalid SIM card on an iPhone.
Why Does My iPhone Shows Invalid SIM or No SIM Error?
There could be many reasons behind an Invalid SIM or No SIM card error. This includes:…
- Software glitches / Bugs
- Outdated iOS Software
- Network and Internet connectivity error
- Carrier settings
- Broken or loose SIM card tray
Solutions to Fix Invalid SIM on an iPhone – Easy Fix Guide
1) Make Sure You Have an Active SIM
If you have inserted your new SIM card into your iPhone, but it’s still not working or shows ‘Invalid SIM’ on your iPhone, then there is a chance that the SIM Card has been inactive. You may also face such errors on your device due to issues with terms and conditions.
Before proceeding with technical solutions to fix the Invalid SIM on your iPhone, ensure you have an Active SIM on your device—moreover, you can check the SIM plan in Settings > Cellular > Cellular Plans.
2) Restart Your iPhone
If you have checked the activity status of your SIM Card and the error still occurs, restart your device. Restarting your device can help you eliminate your iPhone’s Invalid SIM Card error. Here’s how to renew your iPhone.
- Press and hold the Volume Down button and Power Button simultaneously.
- Slide the right side to power off your device.
- Wait a while and hold the power button for a few seconds until you see an Apple logo on your screen.
- Check if the SIM card starts working or not.
3) Enable / Disable Airplane Mode
Airplane Mode is another way to fix the network and connectivity errors. Follow the below steps to turn Airplane Mode on and off on your iPhone.
- Swipe down from the home screen.
- You will see an airplane icon on the top left side of the panel. Click on it.
- Now, wait a few seconds and tap the icon again to disable the Airplane Mode.
4) Check the Carrier Settings
Before updating your iPhone’s carrier settings, connect your device to a stable internet network. Now, let’s look at the steps to update carrier settings on iPhone.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Go to the General option.
- Tap on the About option.
- Here, you will see a Carrier Settings Update pop-up menu.
- Finally, tap on the Update option.
5) Re-insert the SIM Card into Your iPhone
The SIM card tray should be appropriately aligned and well-fitted into the space. If your SIM card tray is loose or includes dirt and debris, then eject the SIM card and clean the tray.
- Power off your iPhone.
- Use the ejector pin tool to remove the SIM Tray.
- Clean the tray using a microfiber cloth and insert SIM into your iPhone.
6) Reset Network Settings
Before proceeding with the Reset Network Settings, save your necessary data, such as your password, paired Bluetooth device, and Wi-Fi network connectivity, to prevent further damage. Here are simple steps to reset network settings on your iPhone.
- Go to the Settings app from the Home Screen of App Library.
- Tap on the General option.
- Now, scroll down and tap on the Transfer & Reset iPhone option.
- Tap on the Reset option.
- Here, you will see different menus. Select Reset Network Settings.
- Enter the password and confirm the process.
7) Erase All Content and Settings
Follow the steps below and erase all content and settings on your iPhone to fix the Invalid SIM on your device.
- Go to the Settings app on your iPhone
- Tap on the General option.
- Scroll down and tap on the Transfer or Reset iPhone option.
- Now, confirm the process by tapping the Erase All Content and Settings.
8) Update iOS Software
If you are using an old iPhone or your device runs on an outdated iOS version, then you should update your device to the latest iOS version. Sometimes, old iOS versions can hinder the system’s performance and create software glitches. Here’s how to update iOS software on your iPhone.
- Open Settings application.
- Tap on the General option.
- Now, go to the Software Updates and check whether any update is pending.
- Download and install the latest iOS version on your iPhone and check whether the issue is resolved.
9) Use Different SIM Card
If you have tried the above methods to solve an Invalid SIM on your iPhone but none of them worked well, then use a new SIM card and activate it. If the error persists, then the issue is more significant than expected.
10) Contact the Apple Support Team
Even after applying the above fixes and using a new SIM card on your iPhone, contact the Apple support team if you can’t make a positive outcome. The official team can help you to get rid of this error. Moreover, you can contact an authorized Apple retail store and exchange the device if you have an iPhone warranty.
Final Words
So that’s all readers! Finally, we are at the bottom of this article, covering detailed information about Invalid SIM Card errors on iPhones.
If you have been experiencing this error for a long time and are worried about the solution, this article will help you eliminate it. If you have followed the above steps and have a solution, comment on which method worked best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What Does Invalid SIM Mean?
If your device’s SIM card is damaged or not inserted properly, you may encounter an Invalid SIM Card error on your iPhone.
- Why Does My iPhone Say Invalid SIM?
You may see an Invalid SIM or No SIM card error on your iPhone for various reasons. However, an outdated iOS version, network connectivity errors, and a damaged SIM tray are some leading causes that trigger the problem.
- How Does a SIM Card Get Damaged?
Your SIM card may be damaged for internal and external reasons, including water damage, accidental drops, physical damage, or system short-circuiting.