Why your phone says ‘no SIM card’ and how to fix it

When your phone keep saying "no SIM card" — or a variation like “SIM card not found” or “SIM not available” it's likely due to one of these reasons:

• The SIM isn't placed correctly in its tray, it's damaged, or it's dirty.
• It's the wrong SIM for the phone.
• You need to update settings.
• There's a problem with your plan or the network you're on.

You’ll need to troubleshoot what’s going on, because the SIM card is crucial for connecting to a cellular network. Definitely don't ignore it, because a SIM or phone that suddenly stops working could be a sign you've fallen victim to a SIM swap scam. 

How to fix 'no SIM card' issues

1. Try the easy fixes first 

Often, a simple action or two can resolve “SIM not found” problems.  

• Try turning Airplane Mode on, then back off after 10 or 15 seconds.  
• Restart your phone. A restart can clean up lots of issues, and most of us don’t remember to do it very often.  
• Check for software updates and apply them if you’re not current.  
• Make sure you actually have network coverage and there’s not a wide service outage.  
• Make sure you have active service — did you accidentally miss a payment, leading your provider to suspend the account?  

If the “no SIM card” message still pops up, here are some other reasons it might be happening and what to do next.  

2. Make sure the SIM is seated correctly and isn’t damaged 

To work well, the chip on a physical SIM card has to make a connection with contact points in your phone.  

• Turn off your phone and open the SIM tray. Examine the SIM to make sure it’s not bent, scratched or otherwise damaged, such as by exposure to moisture. While you’re there, check to make sure the tray itself isn’t damaged or dirty.  

• Gently wipe off the SIM and tray with a soft cloth to remove any dirt or dust. 

• Next, reset the SIM in the tray, close it and power up the phone to see if that solved the problem. If not, you may need to buy a new card from your provider (SIM card cost isn’t high).  

3. Verify that it’s the correct SIM for your phone or service 

Not every physical SIM card can fit and work in every phone. It has to be the right size and type of SIM card for your device, and the phone has to be compatible with the carrier you are trying to use. You also need to activate the SIM. 

• Check your phone model online for the correct size of SIM to use.  
• Make sure the phone you’re trying to use is unlocked. On iPhones: Go to Settings -> General -> About and look for “no SIM restrictions” next to Carrier Lock. On Androids: Check under Settings -> About Phone or System.  
• See if the phone meets the carrier’s compatibility requirements. There will be a compatibility checker on its website, or you can contact customer service. 
• If you’re using a dual SIM phone, make sure you’ve enabled the SIM slot for the line you’re attempting to use. 

If you’re using an eSIM, rather than a physical card, take these steps: 

• Make sure you activated the eSIM properly with the QR code or other activation instructions the carrier gave you. 
• Check whether the eSIM is actively selected for cellular data. 

4. Check whether it’s a problem with settings, not the SIM 

Maybe your service provider has updated carrier settings. Usually, it prompts you when there are new settings to apply. You can also check what carrier settings version you’re on and confirm with your carrier that you’re up to date.  

For Androids: Go to Settings -> About Phone -> SIM Status and check under Network.  

For iPhones: Go to Settings -> General -> About, then scroll down to where it lists Network and Carrier. 

Also, resetting your network settings may fix configuration problems and solve a “no SIM” message. Be prepared, though: This will wipe out saved Wi-Fi passwords and VPN settings, so back up that info before the reset.  

For Androids: Settings -> System -> Reset Options, then choose Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile & Bluetooth. 

For iPhones: Settings -> General -> Transfer or Reset iPhone, then choose Reset and Reset Network Settings.

What if the 'no SIM card' message won’t go away? 

If you have another SIM card of the right size, you could try it in the phone to isolate whether it’s the SIM itself or the phone that’s giving you trouble.  

Or, contact customer support for your service provider, either online or in a physical store if it has them. It can help you troubleshoot what’s going on and may be able to reset your network connection.  

If the carrier says it’s a phone problem, look online or contact the maker’s customer support for help.

Frequently asked questions about SIM cards