If the iPhone does not see the SIM card, do it exactly according to the instructions.

Since the iPhone is, first of all, a device for making calls, which also allows you to surf the Internet and send messages to loved ones, it simply requires a SIM card from a suitable operator. But what to do if the gadget does not recognize the SIM card? Although Apple technology has always been distinguished by its quality and reliability, failures can occur with any technology.

The problem of SIM malfunction is easy to identify: the notification “SIM card not found or not installed” will appear on the display of your gadget. And in the top status line, where there is a signal strength icon and the name of the operator, it will be written “No SIM card” or “Searching...”. What to do in such a situation? Is it possible to fix an unpleasant breakdown yourself? This article will describe all possible solutions to the problem when an Apple gadget cannot detect an inserted SIM card or produces errors during operation.

Main reasons

An iPhone can malfunction when actively used, and there are many reasons why SIM malfunctions occur. The list is quite impressive: starting with factory bugs and crashes, ending with a malfunction in the update. As practice shows, 90% of cases are due to external influence on the smartphone. The remaining 10% comes from software bugs or careless use.

What technicians usually find out in service centers after they fall into the hands of a “problematic” device:

• Falls and blows . If you think that if you accidentally drop your phone on a hard floor, you will get at least a scratch and at most a broken screen, then you are very mistaken. Shocks and falls may well affect the hardware, and not always with the SIM (it can be a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi module). So, if such a problem occurs, try to remember how often and how long ago you dropped your device;
• Moisture ingress . Not a single iPhone, even the latest model, is 100% protected from water. If the gadget has some kind of protection, then the device should not “float” for hours - sometimes it can already be written off. Older models are generally poorly protected from moisture. If water gets into the SIM card slot, then, unfortunately, you cannot do without visiting a service center;
• Old SIM card . Like any other thing, a card with a chip tends to wear out, especially if you often change iPhone models and constantly rearrange it. The chip wears out over time, preventing mobile communications from working correctly, and sometimes it is difficult for a smartphone to read the SIM card;
• Locked gadget . If you bought a gadget abroad or secondhand, then you may well encounter the problem of a locked iPhone. What it is and what to do about it is written later in the article.
• Update glitch. Incorrect installation of iOS or a hacked version of Jailbreak may well lead to this.
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After identifying such a bug, owners immediately panic, because repairs at a service center are expensive. But in fact, according to statistics, users of Apple products can do without the help of a specialist and special equipment. The most important thing is to understand the cause of the problem, and you will find instructions for solving it in the material of this article just below. Let's look at each reason in more detail and offer a solution to the problem.

Why doesn’t the iPhone see the SIM card and says “Search”

Why they can’t get through to an iPhone - possible reasons

If your smartphone constantly displays the phrase “Searching for network” on the screen, then common root causes of failure include:

• incorrectly selected mesh. The initial settings specified the parameters of another operator. It’s difficult to call this phenomenon a problem; reconfiguration takes a few minutes and does not require qualified assistance;
• Automatic discovery is not specified in the settings. To resolve the issue, just go to the main menu and go down to the “Network discovery” section. When you click on it, a shortcut with a slider will appear that allows you to enable automatic mode. The device must make the connection on its own. If the problem has not been resolved, the user will have to manually enter information;
• problem card. Lack of communication is associated with both zero balance and mechanical damage. Frequent reinstallation is the main source of its rapid wear. How much will a replacement cost? Some operators provide it for free; you need to find out about tariffs from consultants;
• breakdowns in the device. This includes both unstable software operation and damage to electronic components. In the first case, restoration is carried out on our own through special programs; in the second, replacement of damaged parts is required. A visit to the service center cannot be avoided;
• careless handling. Cell phones rarely break due to unreliability. In most cases, they are “helped” by their own owner or younger family members. Violation of operating rules, placing the gadget in direct sunlight, dipping in water and periodic falls lead to failure of even the most reliable smartphone.

Note! Failures may also occur due to planned technical work or temporary disruptions in the operation of the mobile operator. No company can guarantee the uninterrupted operation of the towers, the absence of power surges, etc. A visit to the operator’s website is enough to get a complete list of planned technical work.

Communication issues can arise on any smartphone and do not depend on the length of its use or general condition. The largest number of violations is related to software, the second place is occupied by mechanical damage to the gadget or its “bathing” in water.

Questions about the impossibility of identifying a card on a mobile or tablet can be resolved using the above instructions or the service center employees. Experts recommend not to self-medicate a gadget that refuses to work, but to bring it in for a diagnostic test. This approach will help resolve the issue faster.

Mechanical damage

If, after a fall (or self-disassembly), the iPhone no longer sees the SIM card, then you should contact a technician at a service center. It's no secret that smartphones are fragile equipment that requires careful and careful handling. Components can easily be damaged by falls, shocks, strong shaking, or attempts to change hardware. The card reader may become loose, causing insufficient contact with the surface of the SIM card. It is also easy to damage the landing part of the slot if the element is installed incorrectly or carelessly. When inserting the SIM, carefully ensure that the element fits tightly into the part. You can only remove the SIM card using the key included in the box or a metal paper clip.

And you are unlikely to be able to find out what the exact cause of the problem is on your own. That is why it is better to send the gadget for diagnostics even if the user of the Apple device is going to fix the smartphone himself. It’s better to order new parts to replace old ones in official Apple stores and the Apple website or purchase from trusted dealers. Chinese analogues on Aliexpress may be cheaper, but they break down faster and do not work as quickly as original spare parts.

Old generation SIM

Changing your SIM card periodically (at least once every 5-7 years) is a good habit. These elements, unfortunately, have their own expiration date and over time they exhaust their service life, ceasing to contact the iPhone. To make sure that the problem is in an outdated plastic carrier or natural wear and tear, it is enough to find a suitable SIM size (remember that for models 4 - standard size, for 4S - a micro-SIM card, and for iPhones 5 and newer - nano-SIM are used).

What does this come from? As practice shows, this will inevitably happen to those owners who frequently and carelessly rearrange SIM cards. Unfortunately, not a single model for the Russian market has yet provided a second SIM slot, so this problem occurs quite often among users. The contact tracks on the surface of the element are erased, worn out, and small scratches appear, interfering with the normal operation of the contact and the board. At the same time, the transmission of the mobile signal deteriorates.

If the mobile connection on your smartphone has stopped working, then you should visit the nearest mobile phone store to replace the current SIM card and get a duplicate. Usually, replacing an old card with a new one is a free procedure, but it is better to clarify this issue with the employees of a local authorized salon. What are the advantages of getting a duplicate:

• The money transferred to the account balance will not go anywhere and will be saved;
• The phone number will be saved, which means contact with friends and relatives will not be lost;
• The selected tariff from the operator and services will also be saved (which is very convenient, because tariff plans are constantly changed and removed, so the user can always save a profitable package of options).

A duplicate is much more profitable and convenient than buying a new, clean number.

If the SIM card still cannot be read, you will have to visit a service center for diagnostics - in most cases, this procedure is provided free of charge. And if the iPhone is still under warranty, then there is a high probability that the issue is a manufacturing defect. Contact the place where you purchased the device, employees there are required to accept the device, check, repair or replace it.

Reboot your iPhone to fix communication error

If none of the above helped, restarting the iPhone is a universal solution for most problems, such as: the Internet has disappeared, the phone does not see another iPhone via Bluetooth, the iPhone does not see (does not show) the SIM card. You'd be surprised at the number of problems that a reboot can fix. There are two ways to reboot:

• The first method is carried out through the interaction of the mechanical and software parts. As you understand, we are talking about a soft reboot.

• The second method is carried out exclusively with buttons, using only the mechanical part.

How to soft reboot iPhone?

1. Press the power off button and hold it for a few seconds.

2. Wait until the message “Slide to Power Off” appears on the screen.

3. Swipe your finger across the screen.

4. Press the button again to turn on the phone.

5. You will need to enter a password to identify yourself, even if you would normally use your fingerprint.

How to hard reset iPhone?

It is quite simple to do a hard reboot of a smartphone, however, with the release of new series of smartphones (starting with the iPhone 7), this method was constantly changing.

To learn in detail how to restart any smartphone model from Apple, read the article: How to restart iPhone X, 8, 7, 6, SE? or take a look at the screenshot attached below.

Moisture ingress

If the iPhone fell into water, was exposed to rain, drops got on the case, or the owner simply took it with him to the shower or steam room, then it is important to act quickly so that the SIM card contacts do not oxidize. Despite being waterproof, the iPhone cannot guarantee 100% water resistance. Some devices leak water, which causes the slots to short out. If the device gets into a humid environment, sometimes it is necessary to seek the help of a qualified technician. It is unlikely that you will be able to repair and dry it yourself - not every home has a set of suitable tools. But there are a few tips that can help in an emergency:

• Take the SIM card out of the slot, and if it has not yet completely turned yellow, carefully, point by point wipe the chip with a cotton pad dipped in alcohol liquid;
• Place the gadget up to the edges in a container with rice. Rice absorbs moisture very well;
• If you have the necessary tools, then disassemble the gadget and remove excess water and leave it open for several hours. It is best to contact a service center for help as soon as possible, especially if the SIM slot is flooded;
• After drying, try inserting a new SIM card. If the situation is really bad, the iPhone itself will tell you about it - in the place where the element is inserted, there is an indicator of contact with liquid: in case of strong moisture, the upper part of the SIM slot will turn red. There is no way without repairs and contacting a specialized workshop.

iPhone accidentally fell into water or got wet

The steps to correct the situation are as follows:

• Remove your iPhone from the water as quickly as possible.
• Immediately contact the nearest Apple service center to remove moisture from the smartphone and dry it.
• If you have the necessary knowledge, you can dry your iPhone yourself. To do this, disassemble it, carefully and carefully remove all excess moisture inside it, especially from the cables and fastening points, and leave it open for a sufficient time to dry. Then reassemble it in reverse order and turn it on. If the smartphone does not turn on, contact a specialized workshop.

Locked iPhone model

The problem here is not in the SIM at all, but in the gadget itself. Many iPhone models that are offered to consumers at attractively low prices are, in fact, unofficially imported from abroad. Users who do not understand the intricacies of smartphones often fall for this “bait.” A huge and significant drawback of such devices is the lack of a full manufacturer’s warranty. This is a lottery: someone is lucky that a smartphone brought, say, from the USA works flawlessly, while someone else is tied to the local cellular operator Verizone or AT&T and does not work with Russian ones.

You can find out whether the gadget is locked even before the moment of purchase. Some services provide their services for free, others ask you to pay. To do this, you need to know the unique IMEI number indicated on the original box and in the settings of the device itself. And even here it cannot be guaranteed that the site will help accurately determine the locking of the model.

If the gadget has already arrived in the hands of the user in this state, then it is easy to determine whether the gadget is locked or not. When I try to insert a SIM card from any Russian operator, the phone does not read it and refuses to work with it. There are several options to solve this problem:

• The first and most obvious recommendation is to give the phone to the seller or return it to the store, if possible, and purchase the desired device from a trusted place;
• Contact the communication center of the associated operator and ask to unlink. We warn you: the procedure is not quick and will require a lot of paperwork. This service can also be provided for a fee or free of charge. Sometimes you will need to provide proof of purchase and have a SIM from this linked operator. For some companies, not everything is so complicated (for example, with AT&T everything is simple: you just need to leave a request on their official website in English) and you will need a regular application;
• Service centers take on such a problem, but very rarely, and it is not a fact that the repair will be cheap. Be prepared to pay several thousand, maybe even tens;
• Try to unlock the device yourself (we do not recommend performing such a complex procedure yourself). There are online services that offer services that are not as expensive (from 10 to 100 dollars) as service centers charge. If you still decide to do the unlocking at home and are not afraid of ruining your equipment, then read the reviews and clarify this issue on the forums - there are a lot of scammers here;
• Recently, Turbo-Sim appeared on the market - this is an adapter that is inserted into a slot that allows you to unlock the radio module. The cost of such a device is from 2,000 rubles. Disadvantages: deterioration in communication quality, signal interruptions during calls and a long delay in sending messages.

Always buy from official Apple stores and websites, from certified dealers and partner stores, so as not to encounter a locked gadget. Do not buy from private individuals or in unverified places, especially if the price is several times lower than the market price. Often, savings lead to the owner not only buying an iPod at the price of a full-fledged smartphone, but also overpaying for the “unlocking”, the ability to simply call and get in touch.

Problems with settings

It often happens that completely new Apple devices and models may not see the SIM card due to a normal system malfunction. Let's figure out how to reset the settings for the correct operation of mobile communications:

1. Reboot the device using the required keys, depending on the model;
2. Go to “Settings” of your gadget;
3. Next, go to the “Basic” tab;

4. Go to the “Reset” tab;

5. In the list that appears, select “Reset network settings” and confirm the action.

This should help, since all the reset parameters should be calibrated as needed. Network settings will be reset to factory settings, as if the user turned on the device for the first time. Don't worry, this action will not affect photos and important documents.

Firmware malfunctions

It is difficult to find out on your own whether there is a problem with the current version of iOS, or whether it is the firmware that is causing the SIM card that is unreadable and not working. It is impossible to accurately diagnose, but it is still worth trying to reflash if there are no other possible provoking factors. There are two ways in this method: roll back to the previous version or try to update to the latest one. What is best to do is up to you. Advice: if the gadget worked properly and without errors on the previous version of iOS, then it is better to return to the previous version.

To carry out the flashing procedure, thereby solving the problem of a software failure, you will need a computer running macOS or Windows with the official iTunes utility installed. Next, the order of your actions is as follows:

1. Connect the device to the PC via the original USB cable. Wait until iTunes recognizes the connected gadget;
2. Find your iPhone icon in iTunes on the left side of the top bar;
3. Click on the "Restore" button. It can be found on the right side of the window;

4. The firmware will install within a few minutes;
5. Disconnect the device from the computer and check the functionality of the SIM card.

What are the most common problems with SIM cards?

Experts highlight the most popular problems why the iPhone does not see the SIM card.

1. Strikes. After physical impact, the slot or card reader is damaged. It is usually corrected by soldering the contacts or completely replacing the SIM card module.
2. Software glitches. Outdated firmware, system glitch or error may cause failure.
3. Getting wet. The operator card slot is a poorly protected element. Water and steam often enter through the cracks and close the internal contacts.
4. Worn SIM card contacts. When a card is frequently replaced or reinstalled, grooves or severe abrasions appear on its working surface, which greatly impairs contact.

Summary and universal troubleshooting instructions

What to do if the iPhone does not see the SIM card or the card does not work:

• Make sure there is cellular coverage in the area you are in;
• Update your device to the latest version of iOS;
• Turn on Airplane mode and turn off the mode after about 10 seconds (the function can be found in the curtain or in Settings);
• Reboot the gadget or perform a forced reboot;
• Update operator settings. In the About this device section under General, check for updates. If there is one, install it;
• Conduct an external inspection of the SIM for external defects by carefully pulling it out of the groove;
• Make sure the card reader is the right size for your current iPhone model;
• Periodically change your SIM card to a new one in communication stores, as this part tends to wear out naturally;
• To check the functionality of the current card, try inserting a SIM of another operator that is suitable in size.

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Method 3: Reboot iPhone.

If the previous methods did not help you solve the problem, then you should try restarting your iPhone. Rebooting is one of the most universal methods of solving problems.

To reboot your phone:

1. Press and hold the Power button until the slider appears on the screen to turn off your iPhone
2. Release the Power button and drag the slider from left to right.
3. Press the button again and hold it until the Apple logo appears on the screen
4. Wait for the device to boot.