One of the most common SIM-related errors on iPhones is “invalid SIM”, as it appears due to a wide variety of reasons. And if you do get it, you are not able to make or receive calls or texts, two of the main reasons why we still need phones for.
However, this doesn’t mean that your phone is broken, since the issue can be easily fixed, by going through a series of steps.
Below you will find a detailed guide on how to fix this problem, including a part about what actually causes it. Just keep reading and you will definitely find a solution suitable for your phone.
What causes the iPhone invalid SIM issue?
There is not an exact reason why this is happening, since the causes are actually variable, as it follows:
- An improperly placed SIM card
- A damaged SIM card
- A glitch in the system
- Water-inflicted damage
- Drop-inflicted damage
- A faulty software update
The problem is that, except the improperly placed SIM card, you can’t exactly tell which of these are making your phone to show the “Invalid SIM” error.
How can I remove the “invalid SIM” error on iPhone?
You can try a couple of solutions and see which one actually solves the problem. It’s highly recommended to start with them in this exact order since a lot of users reported that the first one actually solved the problem.
Toggle Airplane mode
Turning this mode on, then off again can actually solve a lot of network-related problems. Specifically, when it’s on, networks and phone calls are disabled, which automatically caused the iPhone invalid SIM.
By toggling the mode on then off again, your phone should automatically connect to the network, in most cases.
Reboot your iPhone
A simple restart can solve a lot of problems, including the “invalid SIM” error. Reboot your phone, by pressing the power button, the slide the button on the display, to turn off the phone.
Check the SIM card tray
With the phone turned off, remove the SIM card tray and see if it’s properly placed. If you notice that the tray is hard to take out, it’s obvious that the SIM was misplaced.
While the SIM is still out, examine it for a few moments and see if it looks like it took some damage or if the golden parts on it look scratched. If it looks damaged, contact your carrier and ask for a new one. If it’s ok, insert it back in the phone and see if you still get the error.
Reset the network settings
The invalid SIM error can also be caused by a problem with your carrier, so you can try resetting all the current network settings to solve the problem.
Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. See if you get the error after doing this.
Check for iOS updates
As mentioned above, there are situations in which Apple releases a software update that’s not properly optimized and ends up causing errors, including the invalid SIM one. Fortunately, enough, they’re pretty quick at spotting faulty update and immediately release a new variant.
Before you get a pop-up saying that a new update is available, you can check for one manually. Go to Settings > General > About > Software update, and wait until the phone scans for new updates. If there is something available, tap on Download and Install.
Reset your iPhone
Finally, if none of the methods above worked for you, you might as well reset the iPhone to the factory settings. This will also erase all the content, so it’s highly recommended to backup all your data before doing this.
Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
Take it to an Apple Store
Obviously, the last resort is to take your device to an Apple Store and leave the authorized personnel take care of your phone. If it’s still under warranty or if you have Apple Care, you might as well get a new phone, with no issues at all.
Which one of these solutions worked for you? Let us know, by dropping a few lines in the comments section below!
My iPhone 6 was active but then I went out of state we’re there was no service but then once I got back to my original state it says invalid sim not even my carrier knows what happend
I just got my new iphone x and everything was working perfectly including the sim then i reset and erased everything to reset the icloud and after that put it on again and it didn’t recognize my sim and any other sim i tried, then i tried the whole methods above none worked what can i do
I have the same issue! It is so stressful
One week I had this problem with my iphone, but after the last update everything is normal. hope to be ok for now long.
i don’t know how but with airplane mode worked for me. thanks a lot guys.
Glad to hear that. Best regardes.
I got my IPhone 5s just today and this is happening but I’ll try one of these methods. hope to work
We hope too. Tell us if it worked for you.
i have an android will it work??
Yes, these methods can also work for phones with android. You can try.
thank you, i did it after i turn it off and on again.
Great. It’s good that our method worked for you.
how can i remove the sim card of the phone?
You can to this by using the SIM card pickup pin
These tricks actually worked
What method solved the problem of your iPhone?
All I had to do was reset my phone thank you man
You’re welcome. Have a nice day.
Yeah man it worked for me, thanks
Happy for that. Which solution worked for you?
Worked on an iPhone 8+ with AT&T service. In 2018. Thank YOU!
You’re welcome. All best.
I reboot my phone over a hundred time and it didnt work
We’re sorry. Have you tried other methods in the article?
my son phone said no sim and i found you
What method solved the problem?
Thank you! The reboot worked for me
You’re welcome. Best regardes.
Just go to setting and go reset your network settings
Thanks for your advice. In the article you will find more details about this method.
My problem is that i don’t have a sim card
You have to buy or borrow one to check if it works and also to try the methods presented.
I have a sim card inserted but it say invalid sim card
In the article you will find different methods to solve the problem. Try it and tell us if you’ve solved it.
the only solution was to take him to an apple store.
Sorry to hear that. Have you tried all the methods?
Omg first option (Toggle Airplane mode) worked for me. Thank you dude!
Good to hear that.
Thanks! This article helped a lot!!
Thank you for your comment. Which method worked for you?
Thanks man restarting my phone worked
You’re welcome. Have a nice day.
the phone says. No Sim Card Installed….. can you help.. thanks!
Try each method in the article and tell us if the problem is resolved, especially resetting the phone and reinserting the SIM Card.
Thanks so much I rebooted it and it worked
Glad you managed to solve the problem. All the best.
I did all but still invalid sim
Have you tried all the methods in the article?
Thank you resetting network settings worked
Good for that. Best regardes.
My sim is just acting slow
Resets the phone and reinserts the SIM card
I dropped my phone and now it says no sim. Please help
The fall may have affected him inside. Take him to a service for a check.
How do you remove the SIM card?
Using the SIM card pickup pin. It’s in the phone box.
Thank you resetting network settings worked
You’re welcome. Thank you for the feedback.
I have a sim installed, but it said “No SIM”
Have you tried every instruction in the article?
Thank you for providing the answer I needed!
Happy to be useful. All the best.
Thanks all i did was reboot it and it worked
Very good to hear that. Have a nice day.
I dropped my phone and now it says no sim. Please help
Did you try the methods in the article?