What does “no SIM available” mean, and how can it be fixed?

What does “no SIM available” mean?

“No SIM available” means your iPhone or Android phone doesn't have a SIM card in it. But what if you get this message when you’re 100% sure you’ve inserted your SIM card into the phone? Well, in such a case, it’s most likely that your cell can’t read the SIM card for one of the reasons listed below.

What are the possible causes of the “no SIM available” error message?

Your phone may show the “no SIM available” error for multiple reasons. Most of the time, it’s the result of a SIM card being put in incorrectly, but it can also be due to a more serious cause.

SIM card issues

Quite often, users trigger the “no SIM available” error themselves by damaging the card while putting it in the slot. If you scratch or otherwise damage it, a SIM card can go bad because the phone will not be able to read it, rendering the SIM card useless.

Hardware problems

Even an iPhone or Android phone can face hardware problems. When it comes to SIM errors, these problems can include a damaged or defective SIM card slot or some other internal components. Hardware problems can also mean some phone parts are dirty and need cleaning for the SIM card to work.

A software glitch

Faulty updates, software issues, and bugs can also cause the “No SIM available” message to pop up on your cell screen. While unlikely, it may happen from time to time.

Carrier settings

Finally, the problem of the “no SIM available” error can also lie in the midst of your carrier settings. Incorrect or outdated carrier information can cause your phone’s SIM card to glitch out, prompting the SIM card error message.

How to fix “no SIM available” on an iPhone and Android

Fixing the “no SIM available” error on an iPhone or Android phone is no big deal if it’s a carrier or software-related issue. But if your SIM card was physically damaged, then we’re afraid there’s not much you can do except ask your carrier for a replacement card. Here are some other tips you can try to fix the “no SIM available” issue on iPhones and Android.

iPhone

• Restart your iPhone.

• Check for updates. Go to Settings > General > About. Install an update if one is available.

• Remove and reinsert your SIM card. Make sure that the SIM card tray closes completely and isn’t loose. Keep in mind that different phone models use different-sized SIM trays, so if you’ve just got a new phone, your old SIM card might not fit properly, causing the issue.

• Turn airplane mode on and off.

• Try using another SIM card. If you don't have one, go to your carrier's retail store and ask them to test your iPhone with another SIM card.

• Reset network settings. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset network settings. This will reset Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN and APN settings.

• Contact your carrier. This is especially important if you’re using an eSIM.

Android

• Restart your Android phone.

• Check for updates. Go to Settings > About phone > Software information or system updates. Install an update if one is available.

• Remove and reinsert your SIM card. Make sure that the SIM tray closes completely and isn’t loose. Keep in mind that different phone models use different-sized SIM trays, so if you’ve just got a new phone, your old SIM card might not fit properly, causing the issue.

• Turn airplane mode on and off.

• Try using another SIM card. If you don't have one, go to your carrier's retail store and ask them to test your Android with another SIM card.

• Change network mode to auto. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network > Preferred network type and set it to "LTE/3G/2G (auto connect)."

• Reset network settings. Go to Settings > System > Advanced > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile & bluetooth. Confirm to reset.

• Contact your carrier. This is especially important if you’re using an eSIM.

How to prevent the “no SIM available” error message

Technically, you can't prevent the "no SIM available" error, only lower the chances of it occurring. While you can take several actions (such as regularly cleaning the SIM card and its tray or keeping your cell up to date), it's easier to just get yourself an eSIM.

When comparing the differences between eSIMs and physical SIM cards, you’ll soon notice eSIMs’ superiority — the freedom of not needing to use a physical card, dual SIM connection, and easy setup process. All of these perks reduce the chances of experiencing the “no SIM available” error and offer some extra benefits.

If you’re a seasoned traveler, you’ll agree that having an eSIM while traveling is way more comfortable and cheap than relying on carrier data roaming or storming local shops for physical SIM cards. If you want to avoid repenting for overusing plastic SIM cards and cast prayers such as “forgive me, Father, for I have SIM’ed” (or bother yourself with all the SIM hassle), consider using eSIM data apps (such as Saily) to get reliable, cheap, and quick access to mobile data.

FAQ

Can a damaged SIM card cause the “no SIM available” error?

Yes, a damaged SIM card can cause the “no SIM available” error. To fix the issue, you should ask your carrier for a replacement SIM card or enable eSIM (if your phone and carrier support it).

What causes SIM failure?

SIM failure has several causes, from damaged SIM cards and SIM trays to software glitches. To reduce the chance of SIM failure, handle your SIM card carefully, keep your cell software up to date, or switch to an eSIM.

Can a software update fix the “no SIM available” error?

Yes, a software update can fix the “no SIM available” error if it’s caused by a software glitch. If the error persists, restarting your phone, turning airplane mode on and off, and reinserting your SIM card can also be worth trying.