Is your iPhone showing a “No SIM card installed” error? Here’s how to fix the problem, step-by-step.
While an iPhone 14 model in the United States doesn’t have a SIM card, majority of iPhone models require a physical SIM card to make phone calls, send and receive text messages, and connect to the Internet while out and about. Unfortunately, the network connection can fail on your iPhone because of hardware and software issues.
There is nothing new about the issue of iPhone showing “no SIM card installed” error as it has existed on almost all iPhone models. The issue has affected many iPhone models, including iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6S, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XR, iPhone XS, XS Max, iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone SE. Fortunately, if you are experiencing a “No SIM card installed” error on your iPhone, this troubleshooting guide will show you what you can do to fix it.
Why your iPhone might not detect a SIM card
There are a few reasons your iPhone might not detect a SIM card. It could be a problem with the SIM card itself. You might not have placed the SIM card in the tray correctly, or the card might be dirty or damaged. It could also be a problem with the iPhone’s software. There might be a problem with the network settings. Whatever the case, here’s what you can do to fix the “No SIM card installed” error on iPhone.
How to fix a “No SIM card installed” error on iPhone
1. Check the SIM card
The first step to fix the “No SIM card installed” error on iPhone is to check the SIM card. Remove the SIM card out of the tray and place it back carefully. It should sit flush with the tray and not pop out easily. Insert the SIM tray in the iPhone and check if the error goes away. A dirty or damaged SIM card might also cause this issue. Clean the SIM card before you insert it into the iPhone again. If it’s damaged, your only option is to get a new SIM from your network carrier.
2. Check the phone hardware
Ensure that the iPhone’s SIM tray isn’t bent or damaged. If the tray doesn’t release easily or you need to force it back into the iPhone, you might have to replace it. You can confirm whether it’s a hardware issue by checking the SIM card on another phone. If it works on other devices, you likely have a hardware problem. Contact Apple Support or an authorized technician to repair or replace your smartphone.
3. Software problems
If you’re getting the “No SIM card installed” error on your iPhone because of software problems, there are a few basic troubleshooting steps you can try.
- Restart the iPhone: Simply rebooting the phone might be enough to fix the problem. Go to Settings > General > Shut down. Check if the iPhone can read the SIM card after a reboot.
- Toggle Airplane mode: Try toggling Airplane Mode on and off to re-establish the phone’s network connections. Bring up the Control center on your iPhone and tap Airplane mode. You can also go to Settings and enable and disable Airplane mode.
- Reset network settings: You might have to reset your iPhone’s network settings if nothing else works. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > and tap Reset network settings. Keep in mind that this will also reset your Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and VPN settings.
4. Contact customer service
If you see the “No SIM card installed” error on a new iPhone, you might have to contact your network provider to see if there’s a network or settings issue. You likely need a new SIM card if the error pops up suddenly on your older iPhone. You can also contact Apple Support to check whether this is a known software problem and see if they can help out in any way.
Successfully fixed “No SIM card installed” error on iPhone
To fix the “No SIM card installed” error on iPhone, check if the SIM card is inserted correctly or if the SIM tray is bent or damaged. See if the SIM card works on another phone. If it doesn’t, you will need to contact your network provider to get a new one. If it’s a software bug, try restarting the iPhone, toggling Airplane Mode on and off, and resetting the iPhone’s network settings. You might have to pick up a replacement device if nothing works and the error doesn’t go away.