I woke up yesterday morning, my iPhone 18 Pro was saying “No SIM Card installed” (a popup message on the home screen).
You may also experience this problem: (a) you may notice the “No SIM” notification in the status bar (top left corner) or (b) a popup alert notification may say “No SIM Card installed”. So why does your iPhone 18 Pro says No Sim Card?
This error can happen when your SIM card is not properly placed and thus your device could not read it. However, it may also mean that some sort of corruption in the iOS software may cause this error, preventing your device from detecting the sim. Another possible reason for this can be a faulty SIM card, like your card might be damaged or missing. And lastly, you may be having this issue because of a network connection problem.
Also, note that your iPhone will still work. You will be able to use most of your device’s features other than making a phone call or doing things that require a cellular connection (in short, no cell data and no phone calls). This article explains how you can fix this error.
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models may have this issue, whether they have an eSIM or a physical SIM card.
iPhone 18 Pro No SIM Error Fixes
Luckily, there are a few fixes that you can try If you get an alert that says No SIM Card Installed. Please try each step below until your issue is resolved:
- The first thing you should do is to check with your wireless network operator. They may help you. They may have to replace your SIM. Make sure that your account is in good standing e.g., you do not have any unpaid bills.
- The second thing you should do is to make sure that the SIM card is placed in your iPhone. I know this is silly but it happens. It happened to me. I forgot about it when I was traveling internationally.
- If your iPhone is locked to a carrier, it can be used only by that carrier. To check if your iPhone is unlocked: Settings > General > About. If your iPhone is unlocked, “No SIM restrictions” appears next to Carrier Lock.
- Restart your device. Here is how you can restart your iPhone: Press and hold either volume button and the side button until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider, then wait 30 seconds for your iPhone to turn off. To turn your iPhone back on, press and hold the side button (on the right side of your iPhone) until you see the Apple logo.
- Toggle Airplane Mode. Go to Settings > Airplane Mode and turn it on for at least 15 seconds. Then turn it off again.
- There may be a carrier settings update. Go to Settings > General > About. If an update is available, you’ll see a prompt to select OK or Update.
- If your iPhone has an eSIM, contact your carrier.
- Check the SIM and tray. Take out the SIM card and put it in again. Turn off your device and remove the SIM card from your device by inserting a paper clip or a SIM-eject tool into the hole beside the SIM tray. Push in, towards your iPhone, but don’t force it. Then place the SIM and turn on your device to see if it is working. Make sure that the SIM tray closes completely and isn’t loose. Use only the SIM tray that came with your device.
- If your iPhone has a physical SIM card and you’ve completed the previous step, try using another SIM card. If you don’t have one, go to your carrier’s retail store and ask them to test with another SIM card. You might need to replace your SIM card.
- Update your iPhone. Before doing this, you may want to back up your device (Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup). After backing up, you can do so wirelessly by going to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
- Reset your network settings. On your iPhone, Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Note that this action WILL reset your network settings, e.g., your Wi-Fi passwords will be removed.
If your iPhone 18 Pro still doesn’t detect your SIM card, contact Apple Support. You may also be having a hardware problem. You may want to make a Genius Bar reservation.
