What is “no SIM available”? And how to fix it

Seeing the “no SIM available” message on your phone can be frustrating, especially when you rely on your device for calls and data. This error usually indicates that your phone isn’t detecting a SIM card, even if there’s one inserted; this can happen for various reasons, from minor software glitches to hardware issues.

“No SIM available” can appear on both Android and iPhone devices due to a loose or improperly inserted SIM card, software bugs, or network issues. Basic fixes include restarting your phone or reinserting the SIM card, but if the issue persists, you can also try things like resetting your network settings and testing the SIM in another device.

In this guide, we’ll cover seven possible fixes to help you connect to the network, and what to do if none of them work. First, it’s worth knowing what the possible causes of this issue are.

What does “no SIM available” mean?

The “no SIM available” error means your phone can’t ‘see’ the SIM card, which means you won’t be able to make calls, send texts, or use mobile data. It doesn’t mean that there is no SIM card in the phone, just that it cannot be detected. 

There are several possible causes, including:

• A misaligned or incorrectly inserted SIM
• A faulty SIM card
• Software glitches
• Out of date software

“No SIM available” on iPhone

On an iPhone, this error usually appears when the device can’t recognize the SIM card. Generally, you can fix the issue by reinserting the SIM card or updating to the new iOS software.

“No SIM available” on Android

Android users may see this message for similar reasons, such as a misaligned SIM or network settings issues. Quick fixes include toggling airplane mode on and off or manually selecting a network. 

What to do when phone says “no SIM available”: 7 possible fixes

Seeing a “no SIM available” message on your phone can be frustrating, especially if you need access to calls and data. Since there are several causes of the issue, you may need to go through all of the troubleshooting steps until you find something that works.

Below, we’ll walk you through seven possible fixes to help get your SIM card working again.

Restart your phone

Restarting your phone is the easiest and often the most effective way to resolve the issue. A simple reboot can clear minor software glitches, refresh the network connection, and so on. 

On Android

1. Press and hold the Power button until the power menu appears.
2. Tap Restart or Power off, and wait for the device to power down. If you turned it off, wait a few seconds and then turn it back on.
3. Wait for the device to reboot and check if the “no SIM available” message disappears.

On iPhones with Face ID (iPhone X and later):

1. Press and hold the Side button and either Volume button until the slider appears.
2. Drag the slider to turn off the phone.
3. Wait a few seconds, then press and hold the Side button again to turn it back on. 

On iPhones with a Home button (iPhone 8, SE, and earlier models):

1. Press and hold the Power button until the slider appears.
2. Drag the slider to turn off your device.
3. After a few seconds, press and hold the Power button again to restart.
4. Once your iPhone reboots, check if the SIM card is detected. If the error persists, continue to the next troubleshooting step.

Check if SIM card has active plan

A “no SIM available” error can appear if your SIM card is not linked to an active cellular plan. Your carrier could deactivate your SIM due to an expired plan or billing issue, which prevents your phone from detecting the card. Follow these steps to check if your SIM is active.

1. Check your carrier account: Log into the carrier website or app to find your plan. Look for alerts about unpaid bills or account suspensions. If your plan has expired, renew it or contact your provider for assistance.
2. Try making a call or sending a text: if your SIM is active, you should be able to make calls or send texts. If you get an error message like “Not registered on network”, your SIM may not be active.
3. Check the signal: If your phone has no service along with the SIM error, there could be a problem with your plan or network coverage. Try moving to a different location to see if your phone reconnects.
4. Contact your carrier: If you suspect your SIM has been deactivated, call your carrier’s customer support using another phone. Provide them with your SIM card number or account details to check its status.

If your SIM card is active but the error persists, move onto the next troubleshooting step.

Check for network provider settings updates

Sometimes, outdated network settings can cause the issue. Carriers occasionally push updates to improve connectivity or fix bugs, and if your phone hasn’t received these updates, it may struggle to recognize the SIM card properly.

On an iPhone:

1. Connect to WiFi or a mobile network.
2. Open Settings, then tap General and About.
3. Wait a few seconds. If an update is available, a pop-up will appear.
4. Tap Update to install the latest carrier settings.
5. Restart your iPhone to apply the changes.

On an Android:

1. Connect to WiFi or mobile data,
2. Open Settings, then go to About phone and SIM status.
3. Look for an option like Update carrier settings or Update profile (this varies by manufacturer).
4. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions.
5. Restart your phone to apply the update.

Check SIM card tray and SIM card

A misaligned, damaged, or even dirty SIM card can prevent your phone from detecting it properly. Over time, dust and debris can build up in the SIM tray, or slight movements of the SIM card can interfere with proper contact between the card and the phone’s SIM reader.

Here’s what to do:

1. Turn off your phone to avoid any potential damage.
2. Locate the SIM tray (typically on the side of the phone or under the back cover) and use a SIM ejector tool or paperclip to gently push into the small hole next to the tray and eject it.
3. Remove the SIM card and check for visible damage, scratches, or dirt.
4. Clean the SIM card using a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust or fingerprints.
5. Reinsert the SIM card properly, ensuring it aligns with the tray.
6. Push the tray back in and turn your phone back on.

If your SIM card is cracked or scratched, you may need to contact your carrier for a replacement. Meanwhile, if the SIM tray is bent or broken, it may not hold the SIM securely, so you’ll need a repair or replacement.

Contact your provider if using eSIM

If you’re using an eSIM and your phone displays a “no SIM available” message, the issue may be related to your network provider. Unlike physical SIM cards, eSIMs are digital and rely on correct activation and provider support.

But if there are any software glitches or account problems, the phone may not detect the eSIM. Your eSIM profile could be missing, improperly configured, or disabled by your carrier. 

First, check if your eSIM is active by going to your Settings and looking under Cellular plans, or by going to the provider’s app and checking your account and profile status.

If your eSIM is active but not working, reach out to your mobile carrier for support. They may send you a new QR code to set up your eSIM again, or they can confirm network outages that could be causing the problem. 

Try using different SIM card or eSIM

If none of the previous fixes have resolved the issue, the problem might lie with the SIM card itself. You can rule this out by using a different one to see if the error disappears. If the new SIM card works, it likely means that the original one is damaged or faulty.

1. Borrow a SIM card from a friend or family member and insert it into your phone. If your phone detects the card, then your original SIM may be the issue. But if your device is still showing the error with the new SIM, the problem is likely with the phone itself.
2. If you have access to another phone, you can also try inserting the SIM card into it. If the error appears on the second device, it confirms that your SIM card is the culprit.
3. If you’re using an eSIM, try removing your current eSIM profile and adding a new one. 

Factory reset the phone

Finally, you can try a factory reset. This is a more drastic measure that will restore your phone to its original settings, erasing all configurations. While it can help fix persistent software issues, it should only be used as a last resort.

DISCLAIMER: A factory reset can cause you to lose your data, including contacts, photos, and apps. Make sure you back everything up before you begin to avoid losing important information.

On an Android:

1. Open your Settings, then scroll down and tap System.
2. Tap on Reset (this may be under Advanced on some devices).
3. Tap Factory data reset and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Confirm that you want to reset the device, then tap Reset phone.
5. Once the reset is complete, set up your phone again and check if the issue has been resolved.

On an iPhone:

1. Open the Settings app, then scroll down and tap on General.
2. Tap Transfer or reset iPhone, then tap Erase all content and settings.
3. You will be asked to enter your Apple ID password and confirm that you want toe rase your iPhone.
4. Once confirmed, your iPhone will reset.
5. After the reset, follow the on-screen instructions to set up your phone again and see if the issue is resolved.

Bringing your phone to a repair shop

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and the issue persists, it’s likely that it’s a hardware-related problem. There could be a problem with the SIM card reader, motherboard, or other internal components. 

At this point, it’s best to bring your phone to a professional repair shop where they can diagnose and fix the issue. You’ll usually have to pay for repairs unless your phone is under warranty, and the price can vary depending on the type of damage and the repair shop.

It’s a good idea to get an estimate before the repairs, as it could be expensive depending on the extent of the issue.