Why does my phone keep saying 'no SIM card'?

If your phone’s displaying messages about its SIM card, you’ll need to diagnose and fix the issue so you can use your phone service. A few simple tasks may resolve a SIM card that's not working, or you may need to go deeper.

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What does ‘no SIM card’ mean?

This message — or a variation like “SIM not found” or “SIM not available” — indicates your phone can’t detect or communicate with its SIM card , which is crucial for any cellular functionality. You’ll need to troubleshoot what’s going on.

TextNow Tip: A SIM card or phone that suddenly stops working could be a sign you've fallen victim to a SIM swap scam. Learn more about SIM swaps, including what steps to take.

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 a payment fall through the cracks, leading your provider to suspend your account?

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

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).

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

Not every physical SIM card can go in every phone and work. 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 use or are attempting 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.

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 address 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.