The “No SIM Card Installed” Error on iPhone is also known to come up with other variations like “Invalid SIM” or “Insert SIM Card”. You will find below steps to Fix No SIM Card Installed Error on iPhone.
No SIM Card Installed Error On iPhone
Error Messages reading “No SIM Card Installed” or “Invalid SIM” should normally appear on iPhone when the SIM card is Missing, Locked or Damaged.
Such Error Messages can easily convince any iPhone user to take the route of replacing the SIM card with a new one, in order to fix the problem.
However, in many cases the problem does not go away even after replacing the SIM card.
Hence, it is recommended that you try methods as provided below to fix No SIM Card Installed Error on iPhone, before going out for a New SIM card
1. Restart iPhone
In case you haven’t already tried this, simply Restart your device and see if the problem goes away.
1. Press and Hold the Power button for about five seconds, until you see Slide to Power Off option on the screen of your iPhone.
In case of iPhone X and newer models of iPhone, press and hold the Side button (Volume UP or Down button), until you see Slide to Power-OFF screen.
2. Power OFF your iPhone by using the slider and Wait for about 30 seconds
3. Now, Restart your iPhone and see if this resolves the problem on your device.
Move to next solutions in case the problem is not fixed.
2. Turn ON/OFF Airplane Mode
Turning ON Airplane Mode and Turning it OFF again to Fix No SIM Error has been recommended on Apple’s website.
1. Open Settings and toggle ON Airplane Mode by moving the slider to ON position (Green)
2. Switch OFF your iPhone
3. After about 30 seconds, switch ON your iPhone and toggle OFF Airplane Mode by moving the slider to OFF position (White)
3. Update to the Latest Version of iOS
Make sure that you have the latest version of iOS installed on your device. In case you are not sure, follow the steps below to check if an update is available for your device.
1. Open Settings > General > Software Update
2. On the next screen, see if an Update available and Install the Update.
This should fix No SIM Card error on your iPhone.
4. Check For Carrier Updates
The No SIM Card Error on iPhone can also be generated in case your Carrier has issued a Software Update and this update is not installed on your device.
1. Open Settings > General > About
2. On the next screen, see if an Update is available and Install the Update on your iPhone.
5. Check For Updates Using iTunes
1. Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes Installed on your computer.
2. Connect iPhone to the USB Port of your computer and this should automatically start iTunes on your computer. If not, manually start iTunes on your computer.
3. Once your iPhone is recognized by iTunes, it will automatically check for Updates and prompt you to Install the Updates (if they are available).
Checking for Updates with iTunes is more reliable as it rules out chances of your device being unable connect to Apple servers and check for Updates.
6. Check SIM Tray and Card
1. Remove the SIM Card from your iPhone and make sure there is no dust in the SIM Tray and put back the SIM Card after making sure that it is free of dust particles (if any).
You can use a flashlight to take a look inside the SIM tray opening and blow out the dust (if any).
2. In case you have an Unlocked iPhone, try replacing the SIM Card on your iPhone with a SIM Card from another iPhone and see if it works.
3. Make sure that the SIM card tray is completely closed.
Note: SIM Card data can be erased in case it is improperly handled. For removing and handling SIM Cards you can refer to Apple’s page dedicated to removing and replacing Sim cards on all iPhone models.
7. Rule Out Water Damage
Water or Liquid Damage can also cause No SIM Card Error on iPhone. Hence, you may as well rule out this cause while you are taking a look at the SIM Tray and SIM Card.
1. Take a good look inside the SIM Tray opening and see if you can see a white circular sticker. If the sticker is all white or silver, your iPhone is free from Liquid/Water damage.
2. In case you see the white sticker with a Red dot in the middle, it means that the sticker has come into contact with water or a liquid containing water at some point.
The white Sticker is known as Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI) and is designed to activate whenever your iPhone comes in contact with water or any liquid containing water.
8. Soft Reset iPhone
A Soft Reset can fix minor software conflicts on your device that could be causing No SIM Card Installed Error message on your iPhone.
To Soft Reset iPhone, press and hold Home + Sleep/Wake (Power) buttons at the same time for a few seconds, until your iPhone shuts OFF and begins to Restart with Apple Logo.
Let go of the two buttons when you see Apple logo appearing on the screen of your iPhone
Once your iPhone Re-starts, you will see the Home Screen. Hopefully, you won’t see “No SIM Card Installed” Error on your iPhone.
9. Reset Network Settings
Resetting Network Settings clears the memory Caches, DHCP settings and resets the network settings to factory recommended settings.
1. Open Settings > General > Reset
2. On the Reset screen, tap on Reset Network Settings option.
3. On the pop-up that appears, tap on Reset Network Settings to confirm.
Note: This step resets WiFi Networks, WiFi passwords and Cellular settings on your iPhone. Hence, make sure that you note down or remember your WiFi Network Name and Password before going ahead with this step.