When your iPhone suddenly shows No SIM available, you lose the ability to make calls, use mobile data and send regular text messages. So why does this issue occur and how can you solve it effectively? You can find the reasons and solutions here.
We will show you how to fix No SIM on iPhone step by step. We’ll go through the quick fixes(e.g. Passixer iPhone Unlocker)you can try at home, which solves the issue immediately in most cases.
Why Does My iPhone Say No SIM
When your iPhone says No SIM or No SIM available, it usually means that the device cannot read the inserted SIM. This can happen for different reasons. Let’s go through them one by one.
Broken SIM Card
That tiny chip inside your tray is delicate, with golden edges that carry the connection. Over time, scratches, bends, or even invisible cracks can appear. A casual drop or rough re-insertion can also make those cracks worse. Besides, demagnetization may have caused your SIM card to fail.
Undetected SIM Card
Another reason is the phone failing to detect the SIM even when it’s sitting in the tray. This happens when the tray doesn’t sit flush with the frame, when the card is slightly misaligned. iOS bugs or dusty SIM card could also cause the undetection. The result is your iPhone reading “No SIM”.
Locked iPhone
A carrier lock can also trigger the error message. This lock simply ties your iPhone to one network. When you insert a SIM chip from another carrier, the device won’t recognize it and the screen flashes “No SIM” or “No Service” instantly.
Improper iPhone Settings or Outdated Carrier Settings
Your carrier regularly sends hidden updates that help your phone connect to its network well. Many users don’t realize this update need to be installed manually. Here’s how to check:
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap General.
- Select About.
Once inside the About section, a pop-up may appear asking you to update carrier settings. Tap Update and wait about 10 seconds for the update.
iOS Glitches
Lastly, software glitches in iOS itself can cause the problem. These are less frequent, but they do happen. Some users, especially on carriers like Verizon, reported the issue after certain iOS 17 builds.
How to Fix No SIM/No SIM Available on iPhone
So, now that you have seen the reasons, let’s look at how to fix them. Let’s walk through the fixes and get your iPhone network connection back immediately.
Fix 1. Re-insert SIM
This one is simple. Remove the SIM tray and lift out the SIM. You can even check for any cracks by holding the card under good light and looking closely at the golden contacts.
Then pop it back gently. This simple reset will help your iPhone re-connect to your SIM and you will not see the “No SIM” error.
Fix 2. Reboot iPhone
For any iPhone model running iOS 11 and later:
Simply open the Settings menu, go to General and then scroll all the way down.
Click on the Shut Down button and then slide the power slider to the right. Then you can use the Side (or Top) button to power on your phone.
Note: Many Redditors suggest combining the Fix 1 and Fix 2: first reinsert the SIM and then restart the iPhone.
Fix 3. Unlock iPhone Carrier Restrictions
The “No SIM” error can also appear when you insert a SIM from another provider to your carrier-locked iPhone. To unlock your iPhone carrier fast without carrier, Passixer iPhone Unlocker offers a direct solution.
Passixer enables you to remove iPhone carrier lock with your computer. It doesn’t matter which carrier has locked your iPhone, be it AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile in the US; EE and Vodafone in the UK; Rogers in Canada or any other carrier, Passixer can unlock your iPhone with a 99% success rate. No data loss and data leak happens during the SIM lock removal. You can use it to fix “No SIM”, “SIM Not Supported” or “Invalid SIM” issues easily.
Key Features:
- Help you sign out of an existing Apple ID on iPhone without Apple ID password.
- Lift Screen Time limits and Parental Controls instantly when the passcode is lost.
- Wipe all types of screen passcodes from iPhone, including 4-digit/6-digit passcode and custom alphanumeric/numeric code.
- Bypass iCloud Activation Lock screen without password or official unlock request.
Here Is How Passixer Removes Carrier Lock from Your iPhone:
Step 1. Launch Passixer iPhone Unlocker on your Mac or Windows machine and choose Remove SIM Lock from the main screen.
Step 2. Connect your iPhone to the computer via USB and tap Trust on the iPhone when prompted. Head back to Passixer and click Start.
Step 3. Follow the on-screen jailbreak guide and tap Next once completed.
Step 4. Verify your device details and click Start SIM Lock Removal to begin.
Step 5. Follow the onscreen instructions to remove all saved Wi-Fi networks and turn Wi-Fi off on your iPhone.
Step 6. Passixer will begin carrier unlocking and inform you with“SIM Lock Removed Successfully” when it has finished.
Fix 4. Turn on Airplane Mode and Then off
Enable Airplane Mode from Control Center or through the iPhone’s Settings menu. Leave it turned on for a few seconds and then switch it off. Once disabled, you’ll notice the word Searching where it earlier showed No SIM.
This means the iPhone is trying to reconnect with your carrier’s network. Often, this simple reset is enough to bring back the network bars.
Fix 5. Clean SIM Card
Now clean the SIM card, if you haven’t already. Many people ignore this step or do it the wrong way.
The right way is straightforward:
- Turn off your iPhone completely.
- Eject the SIM tray.
- Take a lint-free microfiber cloth and give the gold contacts a soft wipe.
- When the card looks clear, clean the SIM tray too.
- Place the chip back and push it in carefully. Power on the iPhone again.
By clearing away tiny dust particles, you allow the iPhone to recognize the SIM properly and re-establish the network without errors.
Fix 6. Enable “Turn on This Line” in Settings
At times, the “No SIM” error appears because the line has been disabled in Settings. This means the iOS is not allowed to search for the network itself. The line can be off because of swapping SIM cards, installing carrier updates or adding a new eSIM profile.
To Enable Turn on This Line:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data).
- Select the SIM you want to check.
- Make sure the switch for Turn On This Line is enabled.
Once it is turned on, the iPhone will search for service and your network should appear as usual.
Fix 7. Reset iPhone Network
When the above fixes haven’t helped, you can use the Reset Network Settings button on the iPhone. This clears out any outdated network configurations on the iPhone and rebuilds them from scratch. In the process, all network-related settings, like the saved Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth pairings and VPN profiles will also be wiped. So, make a note of those details beforehand.
Here’s How to Do It:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Scroll down and select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset.
- Choose the Reset Network Settings option.
- Confirm when the pop-up appears.
Your iPhone will restart after the process and the “No SIM” error will disappear.
Fix 8. Replace SIM Card
The reason for the “No SIM” error can also be a damaged or worn-out SIM card. In this case, the best solution is to replace it.
You have two ways forward:
1. Switch to an eSIM
Most carriers today allow you to move from a physical SIM to an eSIM profile. This usually doesn’t cost anything and the process is simple. You scan a QR code or install it and your plan continues as it is. Plus, all newer iPhones, starting from iPhone XR and XS, support eSIM, so you don’t have to worry about the compatibility.
For example, to change your SIM card to an eSIM on Visible, you can do this right in their app:
- Install the Visible app on your iPhone and sign in.
- Go to Account > Devices > Switch to eSIM is SIMple.
- Follow the on-screen steps and complete the setup.
You’ll see the usual signal bars again once the eSIM is set up.
2. Get a Replacement SIM Card
If you still want a physical SIM, simply visit your carrier’s local store. Most carriers will give you a new SIM with the same number and plan for free usually.
Fix 9. Reinstall eSIM Card
The “No SIM” error on an eSIM means the profile is corrupted. In such cases, contact your carrier and explain the problem. Generally, they will suggest removing the eSIM profile from their end. Once that is done, you can install the eSIM again, either through their app or by scanning the QR code.
Sum Up
“iPhone No SIM” error doesn’t need a trip to the store most of the time. You have seen simple ways to fix the error from the content above. If nothing works and you think the SIM card is broken or damaged, switch to an eSIM.
The only tricky case for the No SIM error is when the iPhone is carrier-locked. For that, you can use Passixer iPhone Unlocker to remove the SIM lock from your couch. You can install it on your Mac or Windows PC and unlock your iPhone within 30 minutes. Once unlocked, you will start seeing the signal bars even with the new SIM card from a different brand.