What an "Invalid SIM" error means and how to fix it

An invalid SIM means that your phone can't communicate with the small card or chip that your mobile network needs to identify your device. This means you won’t be able to make calls, send SMS texts, or use mobile data until you solve the problem.

Read on to find out what triggers an “invalid SIM” error and how you can fix it, with extra advice for an “invalid SIM” for iPhone users.

Invalid SIM meaning

If you’re asking yourself “why does my phone say ‘Invalid SIM’”, luckily the answer is fairly straightforward.

An 'Invalid SIM' card error means your phone can’t connect to your mobile network. This issue might be something physical like a damaged SIM card or something digital like an issue with the software.

The problem might be:

Your SIM card is damaged or dirty
You haven’t inserted the SIM card correctly or it’s come loose
There is a fault with your phone
There is a problem with your mobile account
There are glitches on your mobile network.

You’ll still be able to connect to Wi-Fi to make calls, send messages, and access the internet.

However, as soon as you step out of the range of the Wi-Fi network, you won’t be able to access those features.

Note: “Number not valid” means that you may be having issues with your account or mobile service. It’s a different issue from an invalid SIM.

How to fix an invalid SIM

Take these five easy steps to fix your invalid SIM problem with your phone:

1. Clean your SIM card

To fix an invalid SIM error, you should first turn off the phone. Next, remove your SIM card and tray.

If the SIM card or tray is damaged or dirty, gently clean them with a soft, dry cloth. For a deeper clean, use either a cotton swab or a microfibre cloth. Dampen the swab or cloth first in equal parts water and alcohol.

Let both dry off completely before you put them back into your phone.

When you put your SIM back in, make sure it’s on the right part of the tray. You should check they’re securely in place when you insert both back into your phone.

2. Software or network problems

If you still see the error when your phone powers up again, check to see if there are any software or network updates available.

Go to your phone’s Settings menu, then select General, and tap About. This may vary depending on what handset you use.

If there is an update ready for you, your phone will ask you to install it. You should do so straight away.

These updates often solve the connection and SIM problems you’re having.

3. Network setting reset

The next step is to reset your network settings.

On most Android phones, you can reset your network settings by going to Settings > System > Reset options > Reset network settings.

The exact menu names may differ depending on your phone model. Check out the manual that came with your device if this method doesn’t work.

If you have an iPhone, there are instructions further down this article.

Bear in mind before you do this that it will fully wipe all saved Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth connections from your phone’s memory.

4. Check SIM in another device

If you’re still having a problem, you can check your SIM card in another device.

This time, put it into another phone, tablet, or laptop that has a SIM card slot. If it works on the other device, the problem might be your phone.

Another test you can run is putting a SIM card from another device into the phone that’s having problems. If your phone starts working again, the SIM card is your likely issue.

5. Check with your network provider

The final step should be to get in touch with your phone provider.

Sometimes, you might get a SIM Invalid error if there’s a problem with your account.

On the other hand, problems on your carrier’s end can cause an issue but this should eventually be fixed by your provider.

If the problem isn’t resolved, get back in touch with them for help or to ask for a SIM card replacement.

Good SIM card care

Always be gentle when handling your SIM card. They are fragile and water, heat, and other environmental factors can easily cause them damage.

Be especially careful when you insert or remove your SIM card so you don’t scratch or bend it.

Fixing an invalid SIM on an iPhone

If you have an iPhone, take these steps if you’re getting an invalid SIM error. For iPhones that use a physical SIM card, follow the instructions for cleaning your card earlier in this article first.

To begin with, make sure your iPhone software is up to date.

Next, check for network updates. To do this, go to Settings > General > About. If Apple has an update for you, follow the prompt to install it.

If the phone’s still showing the error, try resetting the network settings. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Be aware that this will wipe all your settings including any saved Wi-Fi passwords.

As a last step, you might need to restore your iPhone to factory settings. Before you do this, make sure to back up your iPhone to avoid losing any data.

If none of these steps fix the problem, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for help.

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