Phone says No SIM: what each message means and how to fix it

No SIM means the phone cannot find a usable SIM or eSIM line. Common causes are a line that is turned off, a plan that is not active, a carrier-locked phone or a physical SIM that is not seated. Start by turning the line on, restarting and checking Carrier Lock, and never delete an eSIM as a test.

How do No SIM, Invalid SIM, SIM not supported and No Service differ?

Each message points in a different direction, and reading it correctly saves you from fixing the wrong thing.

How do you fix an iPhone that says No SIM, step by step?

Work through these steps in order, based on Apple Support guidance.

1. 1Turn the line onGo to Settings > Cellular, tap the line and, if it is off, tap Turn On This Line. Some regions call the menu Mobile Service.
2. 2Toggle Airplane ModeTurn Airplane Mode on for at least 15 seconds, then off.
3. 3Redémarrez le téléphoneSwitch off and on again, then wait for the network to register.
4. 4Check Carrier LockGo to Settings > General > About. "No SIM Restrictions" means the phone is not locked.
5. 5Update carrier settings and iOSConnect to Wi-Fi, open Settings > General > About to see if a carrier settings update appears, and update iOS.
6. 6Contact the carrierConfirm the plan is active and have your IMEI or EID ready from Settings > General > About.

What should you do on Android when the SIM or second SIM does not show?

Android menus vary by maker, such as Samsung and Google Pixel. The paths below are only those given in official support pages; on other phones, look for the closest menu name.

• Pixel: go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs and make sure Use SIM and Mobile data are on.
• Pixel: power off, wait 30 seconds, power on and check that airplane mode is off.
• Pixel last resort: Settings > System > Reset options > Reset mobile network settings.
• Samsung: check Settings > About phone > Status information > SIM card status, then try Settings > General management > Reset > Reset mobile network settings.
• Samsung: restart by holding Side and Volume down for more than 7 seconds, reseat or clean a physical SIM, or run Samsung Members diagnostics.

Which settings cause a travel eSIM to show No SIM?

Three settings usually explain a travel eSIM problem: the line is off, Data Roaming is not on, or the wrong line is chosen for cellular data.

• Line on: Settings > Cellular, tap the eSIM line and use Turn On This Line.
• Data Roaming: Settings > Cellular > turn on Cellular Data > tap the line > Cellular Data Options > turn on Data Roaming. Apple says roaming with an eSIM works the same as with a physical SIM.
• Data line: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data and select the travel line. Apple says one number at a time can use cellular data.

If the eSIM installed and a network name appears but you still have no signal, see the guide “eSIM installed but no signal: how to fix it”. This guide covers the case where the phone does not see the line at all.

Can a carrier lock make a SIM not appear on an iPhone?

Yes. A phone locked to a carrier will not accept another network's SIM or eSIM. Apple says an iPhone used with a travel eSIM cannot be locked to a carrier.

• Check Settings > General > About next to Carrier Lock for "No SIM Restrictions".
• If a SIM not supported alert appears, the phone is still locked and only the carrier can remove it.
• Contact your original carrier before the trip because conditions and timing are set by each carrier.

Does deleting an eSIM fix a No SIM problem?

No. Apple says not to erase an eSIM as a troubleshooting step unless your carrier directs you to, because after erasing you must contact the carrier to get a new one.

What should you prepare for your connection before flying and on arrival?

Check your SIM and eSIM while you still have home Wi-Fi, because Apple says an iPhone needs Wi-Fi to set up an eSIM.

• Keep the home line on for bank OTP texts and check roaming terms with your carrier.
• Check Carrier Lock and your IMEI before flying and note them in case you must contact the provider.
• If you bought the phone abroad, Apple suggests asking the carrier whether the government requires IMEI registration.
• On arrival, turn on the travel line, enable Data Roaming and select the data line.

Vérifiez si votre téléphone est compatible eSIM