Although mobile phones have changed significantly over the past few decades, they still require a SIM card. Some phones have switched to eSIM, but many still use physical SIM cards. If you have a working phone, chances are there’s a SIM card in there, physical or virtual.
So what if your phone says “no SIM”? This error message is common and can appear for a variety of reasons. Usually, if you get the “no SIM” message, you probably won’t be able to use your cellular features, such as making calls, sending SMS messages, or using data. This can be frustrating, especially if you get the error frequently.
So why does your phone say “No SIM” and how can you fix it? Below we explain what the no SIM message on your phone could mean and what you can do to get rid of it.
Why does my phone say “No SIM”?
There are several reasons why your phone might say “No SIM”. The most obvious is that there is actually a missing SIM card, an improperly installed SIM card, or a damaged SIM card. If you encounter this message after trying to set up an eSIM, it is likely that your eSIM installation was not successful.
Of course, there are other reasons why your phone might show the error. They include:
- Temporary error: A momentary problem caused by a bug in your phone’s software or your network operator’s operations.
- A problem with your SIM card slot or other phone hardware: Your iPhone or Android phone’s hardware may have a problem that prevents it from detecting the SIM card.
- Problem with your SIM card configuration: There may be a temporary problem with your SIM card configuration or network settings.
- Upcoming software update: Your phone may have a software update that needs to be done before you can use the phone’s cellular capabilities again.
- Problem with your carrier or mobile account: There may be a problem with your network operator or your carrier account may have been disabled for some reason.
The error message you see may vary depending on your phone model. On iPhone, the message will say “No SIM” in the status bar next to the empty network bars, and a message “No SIM installed” or “No SIM available” will appear in a pop-up window and in your notifications. You may also see an “Invalid SIM” message on your iPhone. On Android phones, the messages will be similar, accompanied by empty network bars, sometimes with a cross (x) next to the icon.
If your phone shows SOS instead, check our explanation of why your phone says SOS.
Read more: New iPhone? How to activate a new SIM card in 5 easy steps
What to do if your phone says “No SIM”
There are a few steps you should try. Some of these are simple, quick fixes that you can try on your own, but some may require the help of a professional.
Apple offers few fixes if your iPhone is showing No SIM error:
- Check if your SIM card is linked to an active plan. You can contact your carrier to double check that the issue is not due to account suspension, unpaid bills, or any other issue that may have caused the carrier to suspend your connection.
- Restart your device. This step should get rid of any temporary software issues causing the problem.
- Update your network provider settings. You can do this in Settings > General > regarding. Select OK or Update if an update is available. This should fix any major software or configuration issues.
- If you are using an eSIM, contact your carrier. eSIM issues are more complex so it is best to contact your service provider to properly identify the problem and solution.
- If you are using a physical SIM card, remove the SIM card tray with a SIM card ejector tool. Remove the SIM card from the tray, insert it back and insert it again. Make sure the SIM tray is the original one for your phone and is not loose or deformed. If it doesn’t fit, you may need a replacement tray. Also check if the SIM card itself is damaged.
- Try using a different SIM card. You can use a spare you may have in another phone or visit your network provider’s retail store and ask them to try another SIM card in your phone. You may need to get a spare SIM card from your carrier.
For Android phones, the same steps should work to fix the No SIM error. However, the steps to access network settings will vary depending on the exact make and model of your phone.
Get help for a hardware problem with your phone
If these steps don’t fix the problem on your phone, there’s probably a problem with your phone’s hardware. You may need to contact your phone manufacturer or a trusted third-party repair shop to diagnose the error and fix it. If it’s a new phone, you might want to consider a replacement instead of a repair.
Note that it will cost you to fix a hardware problem unless the phone is under warranty and the problem is caused by physical damage. In most cases, a hardware problem causing the SIM-free error should be a relatively inexpensive fix, but if there’s a bigger hardware problem, the repair estimate could be closer to the cost of a new phone.
If you are experiencing frequent problems with your carrier, such as getting a no SIM error or being stayed in SOS modeyou might want to change telephone operator. Alternatively, if your phone has had issues and you need a replacement, you can check out our recommendations for the best phones in 2024.
