Your SIM card works as it should, but there are a few reasons why the possibility is not. You may not see a particular error message if your phone simply cannot connect to the network, but you will most likely see an error stating that your SIM card is not working or is not inserted.
When this is the case for you, here are the most common approaches to troubleshooting your phone and getting your SIM card working again. You need not have to change your SIM card right away because there are various modifications that you may apply to your phone that may resolve your issue. If none of these work, you should get your SIM card changed.
SIM Card Not Working Error
Your phone displays no SIM card error because it is unable to correctly read the contents of your SIM card. This commonly takes place when your SIM card is not correctly placed, is broken, or your phone has software issues following a software upgrade.
As such, the phone will not recognize the SIM card and will display the message “No SIM card detected.” There are several reasons why your phone may not identify a SIM card. It might be an issue with the SIM card.
You may have failed to insert the SIM card into the tray properly, or the card may be unclean or damaged. If your old SIM and your new phone are incompatible, you will have connectivity problems.
How to Fix a No SIM Card Error on Any Device
Restart your phone
Most device problems may be resolved with a simple restart, so it can be useful in this case. A software error caused by your device’s memory can stop your SIM card from getting detected. Many people have found having a quick restart can resolve the issue.
So you may give it a try and check if it works for you. Restarting the phone may be required to resolve the issue. Press down the power button to get the power options menu, then select the Power off or Restart option. After a reboot, see when the phone can read the SIM card.
Make Sure the SIM Card is Well-positioned and in Good Condition
Once you have previously rebooted the device and the issue continues to be you should next verify the position of your SIM card. Because, if your SIM card fails to be properly inserted, the mobile phone will be unable to identify it, and you are going to keep having problems until you resolve problems.
You may regularly check your phone’s manual or trial with other SIM card placements. If you can perform this correctly, the problem will be resolved. To make sure that your SIM card is not stopped working, clean it before reinserting it.
This can stop your SIM card from getting correctly read. Once your SIM card has several scratches, we recommend that you replace it with one from your mobile network service.
Troubleshoot Software Problems
SIM card-related problems can happen if your iOS or Android version is out of the present. Link your device to a Wi-Fi network and look for available software updates. Once any important updates are waiting, you should receive a notification or an alert, depending on the device. Follow the on-screen instructions after clicking on it. Simply verify that your phone has a full charge because system updates might take a long.
Check the Phone hardware like SIM tray, etc
Check that the SIM tray on the phone is damaged or broken not. The tray does not simply release or you must push it back into the phone, you may need to replace it. You may check the SIM card on another phone to see if it’s a hardware problem. When it operates on other devices, your phone definitely has a hardware issue. To repair or replace your mobile device, visit an official service centre.
Confirm that your SIM card is switched on (For Android)
Every smartphone includes an option enabling people to turn on or off their SIM card, and deactivating a SIM card makes it look to be removed. You can make an incorrectly deactivated SIM card and be irritated by the “no SIM card” warning on your phone. But you can easily verify this in the settings of your device and allow the SIM card.
- Go to the ‘Settings’ option on your Android phone.
- Select the SIM card and mobile network.
- On the following page, choose the SIM card slot you want to activate and change its option.
- Allow the network to be set up and your SIM card to turn back on.
Enable and Disable Airplane Mode
Try inserting the SIM card into another mobile device to see if it works. If your new phone receives signals, your signal problem might be an error between the surrounding mobile towers and your old mobile phone. In this case, Airplane mode may be the best option. Once you enable Airplane mode, all the wireless connections on your smartphone, including mobile radio waves, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, are turned off.
Connectivity using mobile phone tower signals is immediately shut off. When you exit Airplane mode, your device is required to restart a connection. To enable Airplane Mode on your smartphone, follow these steps.
- To get to the notification bar, swipe down on your mobile screen.
- Select the “Flight Mode” or “Airplane Mode” option.
- On the pop-up window that displays, specify that you want to enable Airplane mode.
- After a few moments, exit flight mode and verify to see if your SIM card is again visible.
Change the Network Mode to Auto
When the no SIM card problem happens, the phone is able to connect to any accessible network, considering that it indicates the data connection is disabled. Once you set the network mode to “Auto”, the device can only be able to connect to mobile networks such as 3G or 4G.
This should fix most network connectivity and SIM card restoration issues. Changing the Network Mode to Auto allows your device to detect and select the best connection for you. If you’re not comfortable using this option, follow the steps below.
- Go to the “Settings” option on your smartphone.
- Look for the “Mobile Networks” tab.
- Select the “Network mode” option.
- Choose the “LTE/3G/2G (auto connect)” option.
- Now you can change the network mode to auto
Force Stop and Clear SIM Toolkit Data (For Android)
The SIM Toolkit is an app set into your smartphone that allows you to use many of the SIM card’s features. It mostly operates as software for drivers for your SIM card’s functionalities. When the SIM Toolkit app information becomes damaged, an unknown SIM card issue may develop, just as with any other program. As such, take the steps below to delete the app data.
- Go to Settings and remove the unidentified SIM card on your phone.
- Click on App Settings after searching for it in the search field at the top of the Settings screen.
- Go to SIM Toolkit on the app list after entering the App Settings.
- Choose Storage and Cache by clicking on the app.
- Then, clear the SIM Toolkit’s data and cache.
- After that, insert your SIM card and reboot your phone.
- This solution should solve the problem. But it depends on the phone you’re using.
Reset Network Settings
When you are unclear about which software problem the smartphone is experiencing that stops it from detecting the SIM card, you may also reset the network settings completely. This does not remove any data; it only changes your network settings to default. Follow the instructions below.
- Launch the Settings app on the smartphone you’re using.
- Scroll to the bottom and choose System.
- Choose Reset Options.
- Then press reset Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Mobile.
- Click on Reset Settings once again to confirm your selection.
- Check to see if the problem has been resolved.
Check if the SIM Card is not Working on Other Phones
You may also try inserting the not accessible SIM card into a working phone. Once the SIM card fails to work on another phone, the problem is with the SIM card. Or if your SIM card fails to work on your phone but is operating on other phones, the problem is with your phone’s SIM card reader. You may decide on the possibility of a SIM or SIM tray issue. If it still cannot be used on this device, contact your network operator and get the SIM changed.
Ensure You Have a Valid IMEI Number
- An actual IMEI number is required for all phones. If your phone has this feature, it is completely unusual; the service provider will be unable to help you with their services. You may check for an IMEI number on your smartphone without using any software.
- Go to the Settings menu on your phone, select About phone at the bottom, and then touch Status to show your phone’s IMEI number.
- The other option to check the IMEI number is to dial *#06# from your phone’s dial pad.
Boot your Phone in Safe Mode
In a few cases, virus files or plans on your phone are responsible for the No SIM card error. It can help if you set your phone in safe mode to see which unwanted application is causing the issue. Simply, your phone’s system files and applications are active in safe mode. If the error continues to happen in this mode, you must remove any recently downloaded files or applications from your phone to resolve the issue.
Safe mode on the Android
- Hold down the power button until the Power off and Restart menus show.
- Continue pressing the Power off or Restart options to bring up the Safe Mode window.
- To set your Android in safe mode, click it.
Safe mode on the iPhone
- Hold down the Power button to turn off your iPhone.
- Then, restart the device.
- When the iPhone boots up, press and hold the volume down button until the Apple logo displays.
- After that, the device will boot into safe mode.
Perform a Factory Reset
Your SIM card is working well and has been checked by putting it into another device, and it may be necessary to reset your phone to factory default settings. Make a backup of your data before proceeding since everything will be erased during this process.
On Android
- Go to Settings and then General Management.
- After clicking reset, press Factory data reset on the following screen.
- Click on the Reset Device or Reset button based on your Android model.
On iOS
- Go to the Settings option, General, and select the Reset option.
- You’ll be sent back to the menu page when resetting your network settings.
- Remove All Content, and Settings should be selected.
What does “NO SIM Card” indicate on your Phone?
When you receive the No SIM Card notification, your phone is unable to recognize your SIM due to a software or hardware fault. You will be unable to use the SIM card until the problem is fixed, which may be linked to your SIM card network in some situations.
Can third-party application reason my phone’s “No SIM Card” error?
We’ve noticed situations when an unauthorized file stops your phone from recognizing the SIM card. This is where Safe Mode comes in helpful when trying to resolve the problem. Yes, third-party applications or files may cause the “No SIM card” problem.
What is the Simplest way to resolve the “No SIM Card” message?
If you have a SIM card set up the simplest solution is to restart your phone and double-check that your SIM card is correctly inserted. When you do not possess a SIM card and will not be using one, the alert-blocking app can do that.