How to fix the .error when the SIM card is not installed on the iPhone.
Your iPhone will quickly notice if you forget to insert a SIM card into it. After all, you can’t text messages, make calls, or use cellular data without this tiny piece of metal and plastic. But what if the iPhone says “SIM not installed” when one is inside?
Many factors, such as a faulty cellular radio, outdated carrier settings, or a damaged SIM card, can cause the “SIM card not installed” error to appear on the screen. However, in most cases, the reason is trivial and you can quickly resolve it.
The list of troubleshooting tips and fixes below will help you fix the SIM not installed error on your iPhone.
Turn Airplane Mode ON/OFF
On rare occasions, networking components inside your iPhone can run erratically for no particular reason. Luckily, you can get it working again by toggling airplane mode on / off.
Start by opening the Settings app on your iPhone. Then turn on the switch next to airplane mode and wait at least five seconds before turning it off.
This should restart the iPhone’s networking hardware and allow the device to recognize the SIM card.
Restart iPhone
If your iPhone still displays the “SIM not installed” error despite turning on / off airplane mode, it is recommended that you restart your device. This should fix minor glitches or anomalies that prevent it from recognizing the SIM card inside.
Restart iPhone with Face ID
Quickly press and release the iPhone volume up and down buttons one after the other, and immediately press them while holding the side button. Then drag the power icon to the right to turn off the device.
Wait 30 seconds and press the side button again to turn on the iPhone.
Restart iPhone with Touch ID
Press and hold the side/top iPhone button and drag the power icon to the right to turn off the device. Then wait 30 seconds and press the side / top button again to restart it.
Eject SIM and Re-insert It
Did you drop your iPhone? This could end up with the SIM card flying out, so it is recommended to remove and reinsert it.
Use the SIM eject tool that came with your iPhone (a paper clip will also work) to remove the SIM tray. You should find it on the right side of the iPhone, but if you’re using an iPhone 12 or newer, look for the left side instead.
Next, remove the SIM, insert it correctly into the SIM tray (use the notch on the card and tray for a guide), and insert it back into the iPhone.
Clean SIM Card
If you are in the habit of regularly changing your SIM card between devices, it may have become covered in a layer of dirt. You have to clean it up.
Try wiping the SIM card and then the SIM card tray with a soft, dry cloth. This should remove dust and dirt blocking the SIM card slots from contacting the iPhone.
It’s also a good idea to clean up debris from the SIM card slot with a few jets of compressed air. Do not insert the attachment inside, as this could damage the internal components of the iPhone.
Update Wireless Carrier Settings
You can fix the SIM not installed error by updating your iPhone carrier settings. They contain important instructions that can help him identify the SIM card correctly.
The problem is that you can only install a wireless carrier update if your iPhone prompts you to do so. Fortunately, there is a way to “push” him to do this.
Connect to a Wi-Fi network first. Then go to Settings> General> About and wait a few seconds. If you see a prompt to update your carrier settings, click Update.
If after a minute of waiting nothing appears, most likely, the latest version of the operator is installed in the settings of your iPhone.
Update iOS
Outdated versions of iPhone system software – iOS – can cause all sorts of network problems. Apple is quick to fix known issues, so consider updating your iPhone.
Go to Settings> General> Software Update and click Download & Install to apply the latest iOS updates.
Reset Network Settings
Your iPhone may also not recognize the SIM card due to incorrect network settings.
Resetting them might help fix this, so go to Settings> General> Reset and select Reset Network Settings.
The network reset procedure will delete all saved Wi-Fi networks and APN (Access Point Name) settings. If corrupted network settings were the cause of the problem, your iPhone should recognize the SIM after that.
Check for Damage
If you still see the “SIM not installed” error on iPhone, you should check for damaged SIM or iPhone. A quick way to do this is to insert another SIM card.
If the iPhone detects this without issue, you have a faulty SIM card in your hands. However, if it doesn’t work, then something is wrong with the iPhone itself.
Contact Wireless Carrier
Call your wireless carrier’s support team – if you haven’t already – and let them know about the problem. They may offer additional instructions and advice on what you should do next. You can also rule out account issues right now.
Go to Apple
If none of the above fixes helped (and if contacting your carrier hasn’t worked), you’re probably dealing with a faulty or damaged SIM card reader on your iPhone. Take it to the Apple Store for repair or replacement.
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How to fix the .error when the SIM card is not installed on the iPhone
How to fix the .error when the SIM card is not installed on the iPhone