How To Fix Invalid SIM Card or No SIM Error on Android and iOS

In this age, using a phone without any carrier service is obsolete. Therefore, you as a user can’t afford that your SIM is not working. Whether the problem you are facing is an invalid SIM card or the absence of one, you need to get it fixed as soon as possible. Today, we have written this guide so that you can resolve that problem in a jiff.

Before you dive into fixing this issue, you need to remember that solving your missing or invalid SIM card error will require you to troubleshoot your device, which means you will need to go through several steps until you find the one that works perfectly for you. Let us continue with our guide on fixing invalid SIM cards or “no SIM” errors on Android and iOS.

Method #1: Restarting Your Device

Whether you are using an Android or an iOS device, a soft reset of your device is the fastest way to deal with any issue, including a missing SIM card error. To restart your Android or iOS device, press and hold the power button until your device turns off. 

Once your device is off, restart it and check whether the issue is fixed. If the problem isn’t fixed, no need to worry as the below-mentioned steps could still help you deal with it.

Method #2: Switching Airplane Mode On/Off

Activating your Airplane Mode allows your device to suspend digital data service. Therefore, by switching it on and off, you can get a resetting effect on your SIM card; this, in turn, can make your SIM card detectable by your device. 

Turning On Airplane Mode on Android

Follow the instructions below to turn on the Airplane Mode on an Android device.

1. Open your Mobile Settings.
2. Go to “Connections“.
3. Toggle Airplane Mode on.

You can also access the Airplane Mode through your phone’s Quick Settings, which you can open by swiping down on your screen. However, remember that you need to toggle it back off once you turn on the Airplane Mode.

Turning On Airplane Mode on iOS

If you have an iPhone or iPad, turning on Airplane Mode is not that different from Android. All you need to do is swipe up on your screen, and it will open a Quick Settings tab. Inside the Quick Settings tab, you will see an Airplane icon; press it to toggle your Airplane mode on or off. 

You can also access the Airplane Mode from your Settings menu. If you want to take the Settings menu approach, follow the same steps mentioned for Android.

Method #3: Clearing SIM Toolkit’s Cache

If you face problems with an app, the fastest way to deal with it is to clear your app’s cache. However, clearing an app’s cache will restore it to its original state, meaning you might need to set that app up again. 

Sometimes clearing your SIM Toolkit’s cache can help delete files that got corrupted and are causing invalid SIM card errors. Therefore, by following the below-mentioned steps, you might be able to fix your SIM card issue.

1. Go to your Mobile Settings.
2. Search “Apps” on the Search Bar.
3. Look for “SIM Toolkit“, and go to the storage tab.
4. On the bottom-left of your screen, press on “Clear cache“.

Keep in mind that this method only works on an Android device.

Method #4: Resetting Network Settings

Resetting your network settings is one of the last resorts for you. Therefore, before going with this method, ensure that you have followed all of the suggested methods. If you want to reset your network settings, follow these steps for Android devices.

1. Open your Mobile Settings.
2. Go to General Management > Reset.
3. Inside the Reset menu, select “Reset Network Settings“.

Here are the instructions for iOS devices.

1. Tap Settings and go to “General“.
2. Go to Reset > Reset Network Settings.
3. Enter your passcode to confirm it.

Before you reset your device’s network settings, try backing up your WiFi and Bluetooth configuration. You can backup your network settings by syncing them to your account.

Method #5: Re-Inserting Your SIM Card

If none of those mentioned above worked for you, it is time to take your SIM card out and reinsert it. Sometimes dust particles or other residues can get inside your SIM card jacket and cause issues. To re-insert your SIM, you will need an ejector tool or something similar. Here are the steps to follow.

1. Turn off your phone.
2. Use the ejector tool to open your SIM card tray.
3. Take your SIM card out and clean it gently.
4. Put the SIM card back in and power on your phone.

Method #6: Replacing Your SIM Card

Usually, your SIM card is never the reason behind an invalid SIM card error, but we can’t rule out that you may be rocking a faulty SIM card. You can check whether your SIM card is functioning or not by putting it on a different device. If the SIM card is unresponsive, there is a high chance that your SIM card is either damaged or disabled. 

If your SIM card is damaged, you need to go to your carrier provider and ask for a replacement. However, if your SIM card is disabled instead, follow the next step.

Method #7: Check Whether Your SIM Is Disabled

Lastly, it is time to call your carrier’s customer service. It would help if you asked your provider whether your SIM card is disabled or not. If it is disabled, ask them to guide you through all the necessary steps you will need to get your carrier services back and reactive your SIM card.

Furthermore, there is always a chance that your device is carrier-locked. In the case of a carrier-locked device, you will need to call the carrier service that locked it and ask them to unlock it. 

Summary

Trying to pinpoint a reason for an invalid SIM card error can be frustrating, as several factors can be causing this issue. However, by following all of the steps mentioned above, you will be able to fix the problem in no time.  Moreover, you won’t only be able to fix this specific issue, but you will also be able to solve other carrier-related issues.

Frequently Asked Questions