'Why does my iPhone say invalid SIM?': 6 ways to troubleshoot your iPhone and SIM card if they aren'

Publish date: 2024-03-04

There are many reasons your iPhone might say its SIM card is "invalid," or not properly recognized, from a needed update to a card that has been physically jostled out of position.
Your iPhone's SIM card — or Subscriber Identity Module card — is the key that creates a unique connection between your phone number and the phone itself.
Without a SIM card that's working properly, your iPhone cannot place or receive calls, send or receive text messages, or access the internet via cellular connection.
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Without a properly working SIM card, your iPhone may still be a great camera, alarm clock and timer, compass, voice memo recorder, and so much more — but it's not a phone.

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How to troubleshoot your iPhone and SIM card connection

Always start trying to fix a SIM card issue with the quickest potential fixes. Steven John/Business Insider

When the SIM card isn't recognized, the phone can't send or receive calls or texts or connect to the internet via cellular service.

But don't panic, your iPhone's cellular days probably aren't over — in fact, you can likely troubleshoot the SIM card issue yourself in just a few minutes. You just need to determine what the issue is first.

Physically remove and reinsert the SIM card

Make sure the SIM card is not scratched or otherwise damaged. Steven John/Business Insider

If your iPhone's SIM card is not properly inserted into its slot, it's not going to work properly in the phone. Remove the SIM card using a SIM card removal tool or a paperclip, then reinsert it into the phone, ensuring it's in the tray properly.

Put your iPhone in Airplane Mode

When Airplane Mode is on the icon will turn orange. Steven John/Business Insider

Often simply switching cellular data off and then on again will refresh your phone and help it to recognize the SIM card again. There are several ways to shut off data on your iPhone, but the fastest way is by using the iPhone's Airplane Mode.

1. Once your iPhone is unlocked, swipe up from the bottom of the screen.

2. In the upper-left corner tap the Airplane Mode icon that looks like a circle with a white airplane in the middle.

3. Tap the Airplane Mode icon again to turn data back on. When Airplane Mode is on, this icon will turn orange. When it's off, it will have a transparent background.

Turn your phone off and on again

Depending on which iPhone you have, the process for restarting your phone may be different. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

If the quick reset of Airplane Mode didn't work, try the same tactic that has worked with everything from game consoles to computers for years: turn it off and then back on.

Check for carrier updates

If there's a network update available it'll be in the "Carrier" section of your About page in the Settings app. Isabella Paoletto/Business Insider

If your wireless service provider, such as Verizon or Sprint, has released an update, your outdated phone may not be connecting properly, and this can appear to be a SIM card issue. Completing a manual carrier settings update may help.

Update your iOS software

An iOS update may be the solution to your SIM card issues. Isabella Paoletto/Business Insider

As with carrier updates, an iOS update may resolve the SIM card issue. Using the latest iOS system available might fix the invalid SIM problem, and if not at least it helps to narrow down the causes of the issue.

Reset your network settings

You can reset your network settings by tapping the "Reset" button at the bottom of the General page in the Settings app. Isabella Paoletto/Business Insider

If you've gotten nowhere so far, it's time to wipe your current network settings off your phone and reset them. Just make sure you have any important Wi-Fi passwords written down. If a network reset doesn't resolve the SIM troubles, it's time to get help from Apple or from your carrier.

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Steven John Freelance Writer Steven John is a freelance writer living near New York City by way of 12 years in Los Angeles, four in Boston, and the first 18 near DC. When not writing or spending time with his wife and kids, he can occasionally be found climbing mountains. His writing is spread across the web, and his books can be found at www.stevenjohnbooks.com. Read more Read less

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