Why your SIM card isn’t working and how to fix it

⚡ Fast fix

• Restart first: Sometimes all it takes is a quick reboot to reconnect your SIM.
• Reseat your card: Remove, wipe, and reinsert the SIM—dust or misalignment can break contact.
• Still no luck? Try your SIM in another phone to see if it’s the card or your device.

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You pull out your phone and notice a strange message: "No SIM Card Detected." Calls won't go through, and you can't browse the internet. "Why is my SIM card not working?" you wonder.

Asurion Experts know tech, and we fix issues like this one every day. Whether you want to transfer contacts from a SIM card or need an iPhone SIM troubleshooting guide, count on us for a solution. Here's why your SIM card is not working—and what to do about it.

Physical and connection issues

Why is your SIM card not working? iPhone® and Android™ devices rely on the tiny pins of a physical SIM card or eSIM to connect to mobile networks. If your smartphone doesn't detect the pins, it can't finalize the connection.

Some reasons why your SIM card may not work include:

• Improper insertion: placing the SIM card incorrectly in the device tray
• Faulty SIM: scratches, grime, or moisture on the SIM card
• Incompatible SIM: using the wrong size or type of SIM card
• Damaged phone: internal damage to the phone's hardware, including the SIM tray
• Carrier issues: problems with the carrier's network or your account

How to troubleshoot SIM card problems

If there's a physical issue with your SIM card, you may be able to resolve it with one of these quick fixes.

Restart your phone

If you just inserted a new SIM, try restarting your device. That can clear out any temporary conflicts that are hindering a connection.

On iPhone:

1. Open Settings. Tap General > Shut Down.
2. Drag the slider to turn it off. Press the side button to restart the iPhone.

On Android:

1. Press the Power button. Tap Restart.
2. Tap Restart again.

Remove and reinsert the SIM card

You can remove a physical SIM card and reinsert it into the SIM tray. This may be necessary if the SIM card is dislodged or inserted incorrectly. Follow these steps to remove an iPhone SIM card or Android SIM card.

1. Press the end of a paperclip or a similar small, pointed object into the circular hole of the SIM card tray. The tray should pop out.
2. Use your fingers to carefully remove the SIM card. Place it back in the tray with the gold pins facing up.
3. Verify the card aligns with the shape of the tray. It should fit snugly inside.
4. Push the SIM card and tray back inside your device.

Clean the SIM card and device tray

Give your SIM card and phone a quick clean—dust or grime in the slot can sometimes stop your device from detecting the card.

1. Press the end of a paperclip or similar small, pointed object in the circular hole of the SIM card tray on your iPhone or Android device. The tray should pop out.
2. Wipe the SIM card with a dry, lint-free cloth.
3. Use a can of compressed air to blow out any accumulated dust from the SIM card slot.
4. Reinsert the SIM card into your device.

Test the SIM card with another device

Do you have another working smartphone available? Try inserting the SIM card into the device. If it works, the problem may be related to your phone. If this is the case, there may be an issue with the SIM card.

Resetting network settings or reactivating an eSIM

Conflicts between your phone and the carrier's settings can cause connection issues. This can occur with a physical SIM or eSIM.

Reset the network settings

A network reset restores your smartphone's cellular and Wi-Fi settings to their default state. It may resolve temporary network glitches with your SIM card.

iPhone:

1. Open Settings. Tap General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
2. Tap Reset > Reset Network Settings.

Android (except Samsung Galaxy®):

1. Open Settings. Tap System > Reset Options.
2. Tap Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth > Reset settings.

Samsung Galaxy:

1. Open Settings.Tap General management > Reset.
2. Tap Reset network settings > Reset settings.

Verify your eSIM is turned on

If you're using an eSIM, make sure that you've enabled the cellular connection on your device.

iPhone:

1. Open Settings. Tap Cellular.
2. Locate and tap the eSIM. Enable Turn On This Line.

Android:

1. Open Settings. Tap Connections > SIM card manager.
2. Tap the eSIM. Turn the switch to On.

When to contact your carrier or replace the SIM card

An iPhone or Android phone without a SIM card won't have internet service when you're not connected to Wi-Fi. If you continue to experience problems, you may have a damaged SIM card or there may be an issue with your account. Visit your provider's local store or contact the carrier via their customer service line for assistance.