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Error messageFor Apple’s documented Invalid SIM or No SIM Card installed alerts. They are not Wi-Fi failures and do not prove a canceled line. The next steps depend on whether the device uses a physical card or eSIM.

iPhone shows Invalid SIM or No SIM

Invalid SIM

Check the plan, carrier lock and settings before handling a physical SIM or deleting an eSIM.

Try this first

1 quick checks · ~4 min

  1. Check the plan and carrier lockDo not buy another SIM before checking service entitlement.

Step-by-step solutions

01

Check the plan and carrier lock

  • Estimated time: 4 min
  • Easy
  • Low risk

Do not buy another SIM before checking service entitlement.

  1. Confirm with the carrier that your plan is active. In Settings > General > About, check Carrier Lock.

  2. No SIM restrictions indicates an unlocked device. For a lock to another carrier, contact that carrier; restarting does not remove the lock.

Sources:
02

Restart and check carrier settings

  • Estimated time: 5 min
  • Easy
  • Low risk
  • Restart required

Use a normal restart and system-offered updates.

  1. Restart iPhone normally. Return to Settings > General > About and accept a carrier-settings update if offered.

  2. For eSIM with a persistent alert, contact the carrier. Do not delete the eSIM: reactivation may be required.

Sources:
03

Have the physical SIM checked where applicable

  • Estimated time: 5 min
  • Easy
  • Low risk

The tray must be appropriate for that model.

  1. For a physical card, Apple recommends reseating it and ensuring the tray closes correctly. If unfamiliar with your model’s procedure, ask the carrier to do it; do not force the tray or use one from another phone.

  2. If it persists, ask the carrier to test another SIM. Do not apply this step to an eSIM-only device.

Sources:
Next step

Still not working?

If the carrier rules out the plan, lock and SIM, contact Apple for service. Share phone numbers, IMEI or activation details only through official private channels.

Sources

Documentation behind this guide. Editorial recommendations are identified separately.

Source review: . A documentation review, not a physical hardware test.