How to Fix "No SIM Card Installed" Error for iPhone
Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team
1. Introduction
If your iOS device displays a "Invalid SIM" or "No SIM Card Installed" message, or can't connect to your cellular network or cellular data, the following steps may help resolve these issues for you.
This guide will cover:
Restarting your iOS device
Checking for a Carrier settings update
Updating your iOS device
Resetting your SIM card
2. Restart
To restart your device:
Restart your iPhone X
Press and hold the Side button and either volume button until the slider appears.
Drag the slider to turn your iPhone X completely off.
After your iPhone X turns off, press and hold the Side button again until you see the Apple logo.
Restart your iPhone 8 or earlier, iPad, or iPod touch
Press and hold the Top (or Side) button until the slider appears.
Drag the slider to turn your device completely off.
After the device turns off, press and hold the Top (or Side) button again until you see the Apple logo.
With iOS 11 or later, you can also turn off your device by going to Settings, then General, then Shut Down.
3. Check for a Carrier Settings update
To ensure that your device is able to check for and perform this update, make sure your iOS device is connected to Wi-Fi before proceeding.
Tap Settings.
Tap General.
Tap About.
If a carrier settings update is available, you'll be prompted to update. Select Update to perform the update.
4. Check for Updates
To check and see if updates are available for your iOS device:
Open Settings on your phone or tablet.
Select General.
Select Software Update.
Your iOS device will perform a search for available iOS updates.
If no update is available, it will display your current version of iOS and inform you that your software is up to date.
If an update is available, it will be displayed.
Select Download and Install to begin the update process.
If prompted, enter your passcode to proceed.
5. Sim Card
To open the SIM card tray, insert a paper clip or your device's SIM-eject tool into the hole beside the tray.
Push the paperclip or eject tool in firmly towards the device, but do not force it. The SIM tray should pop out and away from the body of the device.
Pull out the SIM card tray and remove the SIM card. Inspect the SIM card and ensure there is no damage to it.
Insert the SIM card back into the tray and re-seat the tray into the device completely. Ensure the SIM card and tray are inserted using the same orientation it had when it was removed.