Have you ever looked at your iPhone only to be greeted with the dreaded “No SIM” or “Invalid SIM” message? We know how frustrating that can be. Whether you're in the middle of a call, waiting for an important text, or trying to access mobile data, this issue can completely disrupt your day.
If your iPhone is not recognising your SIM card, don’t panic. You're not alone, and the good news is that there are solutions. At Imfixed, we’ve helped countless customers in this exact situation. In this blog, we’ll walk you through what might be causing the issue and the steps you can take to fix it. And if you're still stuck, bring your device to us at Imfixed for fast, expert repairs.
What causes the “No SIM” error on an iPhone?
There are a number of potential causes when an iPhone doesn’t detect a SIM card. These range from simple software glitches and poor SIM placement to faulty hardware. Even something as minor as a bit of dust in the tray can trigger the issue. But no matter the reason, there are a few steps we recommend trying before you worry about needing a replacement.
1. Remove and reinsert your SIM card
First, double-check the SIM card placement. Use a SIM ejector tool or a paperclip to gently remove the SIM tray from the side of your iPhone. Check the SIM card for scratches or dust and clean it with a soft cloth. Make sure it's properly aligned in the tray before reinserting it securely into your iPhone.
2. Restart your iPhone
It might sound too simple to work, but restarting your iPhone can resolve many software hiccups. Hold down the power button, switch off the phone, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on. This refreshes your system and might get the SIM recognised again.
3. Try using a different SIM card
If you have access to another SIM, try inserting it into your iPhone. If the new card works, the issue likely lies with your original SIM. In that case, speak with your network provider to request a replacement.
4. Update iOS and carrier settings
Keeping your iPhone up to date is crucial. Head to Settings > General > Software Update and install any available iOS updates. Also, check for carrier settings updates by going to Settings > General > About. If prompted, accept the update. These small tweaks can often resolve SIM recognition problems.
5. Toggle Airplane Mode
A quick fix that sometimes works is toggling Airplane Mode on and off. Swipe down from the top-right to access Control Centre, tap the airplane icon to activate it, wait 10 seconds, and turn it off again. This forces your iPhone to reconnect to the network.
6. Reset network settings
If your iPhone still doesn’t detect the SIM, try resetting the network settings. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This won’t delete your data, but you’ll lose saved Wi-Fi passwords and VPN details.
7. Manually select your carrier
Sometimes your iPhone can’t auto-connect to your carrier. Go to Settings > Mobile Data > Network Selection and disable the automatic option. Choose your network manually and see if that resolves the problem.
8. Check for physical or water damage
Have you dropped your phone recently or had it near water? The SIM card reader may be damaged. Look around the SIM tray area with a torch and see if anything appears out of place. If you notice any corrosion or broken pins, don’t risk making things worse. Come to us at Imfixed and we’ll inspect it thoroughly.
9. Try a factory reset (if all else fails)
If nothing has worked so far and you're confident the SIM card is working fine in another device, try a factory reset. But please back up your iPhone first! Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. After the reset, either set up your iPhone as new or restore from a backup.
Can I use an iPhone without a SIM card?
Technically, yes. Your iPhone will still work over WiFi for apps and browsing. But without a SIM, you can’t make calls, send texts, or use mobile data. Some parents use this option to give their children access to apps without the risks of full phone access.
Still having SIM issues? Let Imfixed help!
If your iPhone is still not recognising the SIM card after all these steps, it’s time to bring in the experts. At Imfixed, we’ve dealt with everything from SIM tray replacements to motherboard-level repairs. We offer fast diagnostics and reliable service that you can trust. No need to visit Apple or guess the problem yourself.
📍 Visit our shop or book your repair online
📧 Email: info@imfixed.co.uk
📞 Call: 01204 520520
FAQs
Why is my iPhone saying “No SIM”?
This can be caused by improper SIM placement, a damaged SIM, outdated software, or a hardware issue.
What if a different SIM card works in my iPhone?
Then your original SIM is likely faulty. Contact your network provider for a replacement.
Is it safe to reset network settings?
Yes, but you’ll lose saved WiFi passwords and VPN settings.
How can I fix a damaged SIM tray?
We recommend not attempting a fix yourself. Come to Imfixed for professional help to avoid further damage.
Do you fix SIM issues at Imfixed?
Absolutely. We fix SIM tray problems, software issues, and even deep hardware faults. Contact us today.
