If you’re wondering, “Why does my iPhone say Invalid SIM, you’ve come to the right place. This issue is generally pretty easy to diagnose, and I’ll walk you through the process step-by-step so you can fix the “Invalid SIM” error on your iPhone for good.
Physically remove and reinsert the SIM card
The first thing to try when your iPhone says Invalid SIM is to eject the SIM card from your phone, then put it back in.
If you recently dropped your iPhone, the SIM card may have been knocked out of place.
If your device has a physical SIM card, remove your iPhone SIM card from the SIM card tray and then put the SIM card back. Make sure that the SIM tray closes completely and isn’t loose. If you use a SIM tray from a different model iPhone, or from another phone manufacturer, it might not fit properly.
If your iPhone has an eSIM, contact your carrier.
Try A Different SIM Card
If your iPhone has a physical SIM card and you’ve completed the previous step, try using another SIM card.
Find a friend with an iPhone, and try putting their SIM card into your SIM tray and inserting it into your iPhone. Does it still say Invalid SIM?
If your iPhone says Invalid SIM, you’re experiencing an issue with your iPhone specifically. If the “Invalid SIM” error goes away, we’ve determined the culprit: You’ve got a problem with your SIM card.
If your iPhone is causing the Invalid SIM problem, move onto the next step. If there’s a problem with your SIM card, visit your carrier and tell them you need a replacement SIM card for your iPhone. It’s a quick process and you should be back up and running in no time.
Turn Airplane Mode On and Back Off
Often simply switching cellular data off and then on again will refresh your phone and help it to recognize the SIM card again. There are several ways to shut off data on your iPhone, but the fastest way is by using the iPhone’s Airplane Mode.
- Once your iPhone is unlocked, swipe down from the top right corner of the screen.
- Tap the Airplane Mode icon that looks like a circle with a white airplane in the middle.
- Tap the Airplane Mode icon again to turn data back on. When Airplane Mode is on, this icon will turn orange. When it’s off, it will have a transparent background.
Turn your phone off and on again
If the quick reset of Airplane Mode didn’t do the trick, try the same tactic that has worked with everything from game consoles to computers for years: turn it off and then back on.
iPhones With Face ID
Press and hold the side button and either volume button simultaneously until slide to power off appears. Swipe the power icon from left to right to shut down your iPhone. Wait a moment, then press and hold the side button until the Apple logo comes onto the screen.
iPhones Without Face ID
Press and hold the power button until slide to power off appears. Turn off your iPhone by swiping the power icon from left to right. Wait 30–60 seconds, then press and hold the power button again to turn your iPhone back on. Let go of the power button when the Apple logo appears on the screen.
Check for carrier updates
If your wireless service provider, such as Verizon or T-Mobile, has released an update, your outdated phone may not be connecting properly, and this can appear to be a SIM card issue. Completing a manual carrier settings update may help.
Connect your iPhone to the internet and then go to Settings -> General -> About to install the wireless carrier settings update,. Your iPhone will automatically check for the update and a screen will appear after a few seconds if an update is available.
Update your iOS software
As with carrier updates, an iOS update may resolve the SIM card issue. Using the latest iOS system available might fix the invalid SIM problem, and if not at least it helps to narrow down the causes of the issue.
Go to Settings -> General -> Software Update on your iPhone to see if a new version of iOS is available. Tap Update Now if there’s a new iOS update.
Reset your network settings
If you’ve gotten nowhere so far, it’s time to wipe your current network settings off your phone and reset them. Just make sure you have any important Wi-Fi passwords written down. If a network reset doesn’t resolve the SIM troubles, it’s time to get help from Apple or from your carrier.
Open Settings and tap General -> Transfer Or Reset iPhone -> Reset -> Reset Network Settings. Enter your iPhone passcode, then tap Reset Network Settings to confirm your decision.
Contact Your Wireless Carrier Or Apple
If it still says Invalid SIM on your iPhone after you’ve reset the network settings, it’s time to contact your wireless carrier or Apple support.
Check out Apple’s website to get support online, in-store, over the phone, or through live chat. You can find your carrier’s customer service center by typing their name and “customer support” into Google.
Invalid SIN on iPhone, fixed
You’ve fixed the problem and your iPhone is working again. Next time your iPhone says Invalid “SIM, you’ll know exactly what to do. Leave a comment down below if you have any other questions!