Is your iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro not detecting SIM card? There are many reasons why your iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro won’t read the SIM card. Some possible causes could be that you didn’t insert the SIM card correctly or your phone is experiencing a software glitch. Whatever the reason, a solution needs to be found quickly when your iPhone 13 says: “No SIM card installed” or “Invalid SIM”
Your iPhone ‘s SIM card or Subscriber Identity Module card is the key that creates a unique connection between your phone number and the phone itself.
Without a SIM card that’s working properly, your iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro cannot place or receive calls, send or receive text messages, or access the internet via cellular connection.
See also: iPhone 13 / 13 Pro Not Making Calls? How To Fix
When the SIM card isn’t recognized, your iPhone 13 can’t send or receive calls or texts or connect to the internet via cellular service.
But don’t panic, your iPhone’s cellular days probably aren’t over in fact, you can likely troubleshoot the SIM card issue yourself in just a few minutes. You just need to determine what the issue is first.
Why Does My iPhone 13 Say Invalid SIM or No SIM Card installed?
There are a number of things that can cause the Invalid SIM or No SIM Card installed message to appear on your iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro. These can include:
- An out-of-place SIM card or tray
- A system malfunction
- SIM card damage
- A glitchy software update
Unfortunately, with the exception of a misplaced or damaged SIM card, the cause of your iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro Invalid SIM or No SIM Card installed error isn’t always readily apparent.
What to do if you see ‘invalid SIM’ or ‘no SIM’ on your iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro
The easiest way to resolve the ‘invalid SIM’ or ‘no SIM’ error on your iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro is to work through the quickest potential fixes first, so we recommend tackling the troubleshooting steps in the order below.
Here are some fixes for those times when your iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro can’t detect the SIM card:
#1. Confirm You Have an Active Plan With Your Carrier
This might seem like cliché fix, but do you currently have an active plan with a cellular carrier? If not, you won’t be able to make calls, send texts, or otherwise access a mobile network. Similarly, if it’s been a while since you’ve used the SIM card in question or paid your cellphone bill, your carrier might have canceled your number, either temporarily or for good. Check on your carrier’s app or contact them directly to ensure that your phone number is on an account and in good standing.
#2. Turn On (and Off) Airplane Mode
Toggling your iPhone’s cellular data is one of the simplest ways to fix an array of network-related problems, including ‘invalid SIM’ or ‘no SIM’ errors. You can do this by opening the Control Center and turn Airplane Mode on and off.
#3. Restart Your iPhone
As a wise man once told me, “try turning it off and back on again.” Occasionally, a minor software hiccup might cause your iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro to say Invalid SIM or No SIM Card installed. Whether force restart or simple, hard reset or soft, this oldie-but-goodie troubleshooting tip might be all your iPhone needs to recognize your SIM card.
To restart your iPhone:
press and hold both the Volume Down and right Side buttons until you see the Power Off slider. Then drag the slider, wait for your iPhone to shut down, and turn your iPhone back on.
#4. Remove and Reinsert Your SIM Card and Tray
When it comes to a fully functioning iPhone, almost everything is riding on the delicate balancing act that is a SIM card in its tray. If your iPhone 12 Pro has taken a tumble recently, or if the SIM tray was unceremoniously shoved into the slot, it’s possible that the SIM card has been jostled out of place or otherwise damaged.
Just turn off your iPhone, grab your straightened-out paperclip (or the actual SIM tray ejector tool, if you’re a responsible adult), insert it into the small hole next to the tray (on the right side and apply gentle pressure. If the tray is especially difficult to remove, this could indicate that it was indeed inserted improperly.
While the SIM card is out, take some time to inspect it for any scratches or other damage and wipe it off with a soft cloth. If everything looks ok, carefully nestle the SIM card back in the tray and reinsert it into your iPhone.
#5. Update iOS
From time to time, a glitch in the software might cause your SIM card to appear invalid or make it look like you have no SIM card in your iPhone 13 at all. Fortunately, Apple is usually quick to spot these buggy updates and release a new version. To manually check if an iOS update is available, go to Settings > General > Software Update, then select Download and Install if necessary. Be sure to back up your iPhone before actually installing any updates just in case.
#6. Check for a Carrier Settings Update
Similar to Apple with iOS updates, your carrier might also release the occasional update to help improve cellular connectivity on your network. Slacking on these updates not only results in you missing out on the latest technology from your mobile provider, but it could also cause your SIM card to not work properly.
To manually see whether a carrier settings update is available, connect to WiFi then go to Settings > General > About, then select Update if prompted.
#7. Reset Your Network Settings
If you’re still struggling with an Invalid SIM or No SIM Card installed alert, it could be due to a software error within your phone’s network settings. This includes WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular data, and any VPN you might have. The easiest way to resolve this is by resetting your network settings. Keep in mind that this will erase any WiFi passwords you have saved, so be sure to write any important passwords down for your reference later.
To do this, go to Settings > General > Transfer or reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. When prompted, enter your iPhone’s passcode, then tap Reset Network Settings again to confirm.
#8. Try Another SIM Card
Well, you’ve updated, restarted, and reset almost everything possible. Before we go for the nuclear option, it’s worth confirming that your SIM card isn’t the problem. Borrow a SIM card from a friend or go to your carrier’s store and ask for one to test with.
If the Invalid SIM or No SIM Card installed error goes away, it’s safe to say that your SIM card is the culprit and it’s time to replace it. If not, it’s probably your phone. Fortunately, there’s one more thing you can try before waving the white flag of defeat.
#9. Factory Reset Your iPhone
If you’ve followed the previous steps and your iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro is still struggling with SIM card issues, consider a factory reset your last-ditch effort to fix it. It should go without saying, but be sure to save a backup copy of your iPhone before restoring it to factory settings.
To factory reset your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. When prompted, confirm your identity using Face ID, or a passcode then select Erase iPhone.
If All Else Fails, Contact Apple
Hopefully walking through the above steps solves your iPhone 13 Invalid SIM or No SIM Card installed problem, but if not, the best thing you can do is contact your carrier’s customer care team, reach out to Apple support, or go into an Apple Store. Depending on your mobile plan and which carrier you choose, a replacement SIM card can run the gamut as far as prices. Sometimes, the best solution may be to get an entirely new iPhone, especially if it’s still covered by AppleCare.