SIM card stopped working? Here’s what to do

Can a SIM card stop working?

Yes, SIM cards can “go bad” and stop working. They are small chips embedded in plastic — while designed to be robust and durable, SIM cards are not immune to physical damage and software issues. 

Why do SIM cards stop working?

If you notice that you suddenly no longer have a signal on your phone, it could just be your provider facing technical issues. But your SIM card could also be at fault, so you should carefully remove and inspect it for:

1. Physical damage. Exposure to heat or water and significant bending or scratching may damage the chip or its circuits.

2. Wear and tear. Over time, frequent swapping between devices or simple aging can wear out the metal contacts on the SIM card.

3. Dirt. Accumulation of dust and dirt on the card’s metal contacts can break the connection between the SIM card and your phone’s internal circuitry.

4. Improper handling. Inserting or removing the SIM card improperly can damage both the card and the phone’s SIM slot.

How do I know if my SIM card is damaged?

Seeing a “no service” or “emergency calls only” status on your phone screen is a strong indication that you have a SIM problem. But it may also mean you’re simply in a poor reception zone.  How do you know which issue it is?

Smartphones will display certain messages if there’s a problem with your SIM card. You can check your settings to get more information as well.

On iPhones:

• iPhones display a "no SIM" alert in the status bar.

• Go to “Settings” > “General” > “About.” If there is no information next to "Network" or "Carrier," it’s a strong indication that your SIM card is failing. 

On Androids:

• Android devices might show a notification about a non-detected SIM or ask you to check the SIM card’s status.

• Go to “Settings” > “About phone” > “Status.” If "Network," "Mobile network type," or "Service state" show unusual or no data, it could indicate a SIM problem as well.

What should I do if my SIM card stops working?

When you suspect your SIM card has stopped working, you can try to diagnose and potentially fix the issue yourself:

1. Restart your device — doing so could be enough for the phone to reconnect to the SIM card.

2. Remove the SIM card, check if it is correctly placed in the SIM tray, and carefully reinsert it. 

3. Clean the SIM card — gently wipe the contacts with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using any liquids or abrasive materials.

4. Insert your SIM card into another phone to see if the issue is with the SIM card and not your device.

5. Clear any network-related issues by resetting your network settings. On iPhone, go to “Settings” > “General” > “Reset” > “Reset network settings”. On Android, go to “Settings” > “System” > “Advanced” > “Reset options” > “Reset network settings”.

Contact your carrier if none of the above steps work — your SIM card may be defective or have been deactivated. 

How long do SIM cards last?

SIM cards last 5 to 10 years, but this duration can vary based on the quality of the card and how frequently you insert and remove it. Naturally, if you often expose your device to extreme temperatures and moisture, your SIM card (and the device itself) will not last long. To avoid these problems, switch to an eSIM if your phone supports it. 

If you only swap out your SIM card for a local one while you travel, you might want to consider getting an eSIM app like Saily. With it, you won’t have to replace SIM cards every time you’re abroad and want to access the internet.