If you keep getting a "No SIM" error message on your phone, even when you have a SIM card inserted, it may stop you from receiving and sending texts and calls. This wikiHow article will give you some possible causes and troubleshooting options to fix your phone.

1

The SIM isn't inserted properly.

  1. Remove the SIM and reinstall it. Sometimes, the SIM is loose or not pushed in all the way which can trigger an error code. All you need to do is eject the SIM card tray, which is on the side of the phone, and take the SIM out.[1] Wait for around 30 seconds and put the SIM back into the tray. Push it back in and restart your phone.[2]
    • If you've got an Android phone, your SIM card might be located near the battery on the back. You may have to open a tiny metal door that covers the SIM in order to take it out.
    • You may need to push the end of a paperclip or a tiny metal SIM key tool onto a button that's on the side of the SIM card tray.
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4

The SIM is worn out or damaged.

  1. Replace the SIM if it's scratched or the edges are fraying. A SIM card is a piece of hardware that will eventually wear out, especially if you frequently take it out and put it back in. Buy a new SIM card from your carrier, technology stores, or online, and see if your phone recognizes it—all you have to do is remove the old one and pop your new SIM in place.
    • In general, a new SIM card costs up to $20, but it depends on storage capacity and whether or not a carrier requires a plan. Keep in mind that you will get a new phone number when you buy a new SIM card.
    • Try not to handle the SIM card unless it's absolutely necessary. This way, you won't wear it out as quickly.
6

You're not connected to your carrier's network.

  1. Go into "Connections" in the settings menu and click "Mobile networks." From there, you can search the available networks. Your phone might be sending the SIM error message if you aren't connected to your network. Your network should be the same as your SIM card. [6]
    • Not sure which network your SIM card works with? Look at the SIM card—it has the network logo printed directly on it.
    • Your phone might connect to the wrong network if you have it set to automatically connect to a network. Disable this feature so you can manually select your carrier's network.
9

There's an app that's malfunctioning.

  1. Restart your phone in safe mode if an app is causing the problem. Some Android and Apple phones have a safe mode feature that can help you diagnose problems with apps. If your phone has it, you'll see the option when you hold down the power button. A power menu that says "Safe mode" will pop up. Selecting this might be enough to fix the issue. If your phone still doesn't recognize the SIM, uninstall your recently downloaded apps until you identify which one caused the problem.[9]
    • If your phone runs perfectly well in safe mode with no error message, an app might be triggering the error code. Try uninstalling the newest apps you've put on your phone along with the ones you never use.
    • Once you've removed the app that caused the error message, you can reinstall the other apps that you uninstalled.
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About This Article

Mobile Kangaroo
Co-authored by:
Computer & Phone Repair Specialists
This article was co-authored by Mobile Kangaroo. Mobile Kangaroo is a full service repair shop and Apple Authorized Service Provider headquartered in Mountain View, CA. Mobile Kangaroo has been repairing electronic devices such as computers, phones, and tablets, for over 19 years, with locations in over 20 cities. This article has been viewed 102,326 times.
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Co-authors: 3
Updated: February 4, 2022
Views: 102,326
Categories: Cell Phones
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