Besides your iPhone alerting you with an error message, you’ll know your iPhone is having a problem with its SIM card if the carrier name and signal bars/dots at the top of the screen are missing, or have been replaced by messages like No SIM or Searching.
Causes of iPhone No SIM Error
There are a number of reasons for the iPhone No SIM error. It could be that the iPhone doesn’t recognize its SIM card, which is used to connect to these networks. This problem can also be caused by your SIM card becoming slightly dislodged or a problem with your phone’s software. The “No SIM” error can be displayed in multiple ways, including:
No SIMNo SIM Card InstalledInvalid SIMInsert SIM
Whatever the cause and the type of error, the solution is pretty easy: All you need to fix this is a paper clip and some software settings. Here’s what to do if your iPhone says “No SIM.”
How to Find the iPhone SIM Card
To fix SIM card issues, you have to know where the SIM card is; the location depends on your iPhone model.
iPhone, iPhone 3G, and iPhone 3GS: Look between the sleep/wake button and the headphone jack at the top of the phone for a slot with a tiny hole in it. This is the tray that holds the SIM card.iPhone 4 and newer: On the iPhone 4 and newer, the SIM tray is on the right side of the phone, near the sleep/wake (or Side) button. The iPhone 4 and 4S use a microSIM. Later models have the slightly smaller, more-modern nanoSIM.
How to Fix the iPhone No SIM Error
If your iPhone is displaying the No SIM error, or you don’t have any cellular bars when you should, try these steps, in this order, to fix the problem.
How can I activate my iPhone without a SIM card? If your iPhone is unlocked and uses iOS 11.4 and above, dismiss the “No SIM Card” message during activation. For iOS 11.3 and below, ask to borrow someone’s SIM card just to activate your iPhone. Or install iTunes on your PC, and then connect your iPhone to your PC. iTunes will display a prompt and instructions to activate the iPhone. Choose Setup as New during activation. Can I use my iPhone without a SIM card? Yes. After activating your iPhone, feel free to remove the SIM card and continue using your phone for everything except texting and calling through a cell phone carrier. As long as you’re connected to Wi-Fi, you’re able to browse the internet and message people through apps such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.
If it doesn’t, remove the SIM and check if the card or the slot is dirty. If they are, clean them. Blowing into the slot is probably OK, but a shot of compressed air is always best. If the No SIM Card Installed warning disappears after inserting another SIM, then your iPhone SIM is broken. You can get a new one from Apple or your phone company.
