Why Does This iPhone Say No Sim? (Answered)

Have you ever been in a situation where you need to make an urgent call, but your iPhone says ‘No SIM Found’? 

Incidents like this can cause a lot of havoc and leave you wondering, “Why Does This iPhone Say No SIM?.”

There might be multiple reasons triggering the “No Sim Available” pop-up on your iPhone. In today’s article, we will decode all the possible conditions leading to the iPhone saying no SIM and also suggest troubleshooting tips to fix the iPhone reading no SIM issue once and for all.

So without making any more ado, let’s start by answering why iPhones say no SIM!

Why Does iPhone Say ‘No Sim’? (Overview)

When you see a ‘No SIM available’ pop-up on your phone, it is generally because your Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card is at fault. A SIM typically refers to a plastic component inside a card tray that stores your phone’s data, letting you make calls and use the internet.

Therefore, if your phone says ‘’No SIM’’, it is typically because of either network connectivity issues or the damaged SIM card. Read the preceding section to know the possible reasons why does this iPhone say no SIM?’. 

5 Possible Reasons and Solutions to Fix the No SIM Available Error (For iPhone Users)

Encountering SIM-related issues on your iPhone is very common these days, but have you ever tried to figure out the potential factors behind it? 

Here are the possible reasons mentioned that can trigger the no SIM available situation, so give it a good read!

1. Dirty or Damaged SIM

One of the most commonly encountered reasons why your iPhone is showing No SIM available is because of a dirty or damaged SIM. If your SIM card is corned or dirty, it would show No SIM.

• Solution: You need to take your SIM card tray out and clean it in case your SIM card is dirty or damaged. If it is broken, contact your SIM card provider and request a SIM change. 

2. Technical Glitch

Sometimes, your iPhone shows No SIM because of technical glitches, such as your security update is not updated to the latest version, lots of cache data available in your iPhone, and more. 

• Solution: Perform a soft reset on your device, turn it off for some time and restart it after some time; this helps clean the temporary cache and refresh lagging apps. 

3. Network Settings

Network settings are one of the major reasons why your iPhone is showing a No SIM pop-up. If your iPhone’s network setting is not functioning properly, you need to perform the listed solution. 

Solution:

1. Go to Settings, and search General.

   

2. Click on Get Started.

   

3. Look for ‘Reset’.

   

4. Click on reset network settings.

   

4. Operating System

If your iPhone is still running on the outdated operating system and a new update is lined up, it might show No SIM available. Generally, iPhones start having these minor issues while running on an outdated operating system. 

Solution: To avoid such issues, update your iPhone to the newest update. To do so, follow the listed steps.

1. Search Settings, and go to General.

   

2. Look for Software Update.

   

3. Check if any new update is available or not. In case there’s a new update, click on the Update Now option, or you can also choose the Update Tonight option.

   

5. Hardware Issues

Another reason why does this iPhone say no SIM is the faulty hardware. So if you have performed all the troubleshooting steps mentioned above and still your network settings aren’t working, you should consider taking your device to the Apple Service Center. It is a hardware issue, and you need to get it checked.

• Solution: In case of a hardware issue, seek professional help only from an authorized Apple service center. You can get your iPhone repaired from any nearby service center.

This no SIM available problem is not limited to only iPhones. Many Android users also face similar issues due to technical or software-related glitches. That’s why in the subsequent section, we’ve discussed the best ways to fix the no SIM reading issue in Android devices. 

5 Potential Reasons and Troubleshooting Steps to Fix No SIM Available Error (For Android Users) 

No SIM available errors have become common these days. So, let’s take a look at the possible reasons behind them and the troubleshooting steps for the same.

1. SIM Card or Battery Placement at fault

One of the major reasons for this error in your Android device is either your SIM card or battery at fault. Sometimes the phone drops, the SIM card tray and battery get displaced from their original spot, which can lead to the No SIM available pop-up.

• Solution: You can either restart your phone or re-insert its SIM card tray and battery (if it’s removable). After performing these steps, wait for 3–4 minutes and it’ll solve this issue. 

2. Wrong Network Selection

Sometimes when you restart your Android mobile phone, it tends to change its network settings because of technical glitches, which can result in this frustrating issue of No SIM available pop-up.

• Solution:  In the occurrence of a network issue, you need to manually change the settings. Follow the below-listed steps to change the configuration. 

1. Search for Settings and go to Connections (Wi-Fi and SIM Manager).

   

2. Find SIM or Mobile Network from the listed options.

   

3. Look for the Network Mode.

   

4. Set it according to your device model and preferred network type.

   

3. Temporary Cache Files

Having cache files on your device can make it sometimes lag and even result in software glitches such as no SIM available, apps malfunctioning, and more. 

• Solution: To have a smooth functioning device, you need to constantly make sure that your device is free from the cache files. It usually takes a lot of storage and is known as the origin of minor software issues. 

Follow the listed steps to clear cache files:

1. Search for Cleaner on your phone.

   

2. Click on the cross icon and then at the center to remove all the cache files.

   

4. Software Defects

Facing software defects on your Android device is fairly considerable, as mobile phones tend to get such malfunctions after a point of time. Even if your cell phone’s SIM card tray is functioning properly, you can still face such minor issues sometimes.

• Solution: The only way to troubleshoot this issue is to keep a cross-check on your device, update it regularly, clean its cache data, remove the third-party apps that take excessive storage and more. By making these little changes, you can use your device for a long period.

5. Hardware Malfunctions

Hardware malfunctions are one of the prime reasons for such No SIM available encounters. If you are tired of performing the listed solutions and still not able to troubleshoot the issue, you need to seek professional help from a reliable source.

• Solution: Suppose you are a Redmi user, and the device is persistently facing the same issue. So, for you, Redmi’s nearest service center would be a reliable source for getting it fixed. 

When to Seek Professional Help?

Although all the mentioned problems and solutions are enough to troubleshoot this issue in both iPhone and Android devices, if the issue persists, you are advised to seek expert advice from a licensed service center. You know you need professional help when you see any of the following signs: 

1. SIM tray is broken
2. The SIM is torn
3. Your device is not turning on
4. The display is not working
5. Charging Port is not working
6. In case of any malfunction that is not related to a software glitch, you shall contact the expert professionals.

Summing Up!

iPhone reading no SIM can be a concerning situation and can make you wonder why does this iPhone say no SIM. However, by performing the abovementioned solutions, you can fix this issue without any hassle. 

In case you’ve tried everything in your range and the no SIM available pop-up persists, immediately contact the nearest Apple service center and get your iPhone checked.

Moreover, if your iPhone is under warranty, it will be checked free of charge. So, you don’t have to worry about the repair bill. In case your device has passed the warranty period, you’ll have to pay the servicing fees.