SIM card is invalid - users often encounter this activation error after reinstalling/replacing the SIM card or restoring the system and resetting to factory settings. There may be several reasons for this, and below we will consider the most common of them.
ON THE TOPIC: iPhone new, demo or refurbished (ref, CPO) - how to check by model number.
What Apple recommends
There is a standard set of recommendations that should be done in this case:
1. Make sure that the SIM card is not blocked, is activated and has an active tariff plan.
2. Update your iPhone to the latest available version of iOS.
3. Enable Airplane mode on your device and turn it off after 10 seconds.
4. Restart iPhone.
5. Check that the SIM card is installed correctly.
6. Restore firmware on iPhone via iTunes.
Failure of the SIM card or receiver (SIM tray)
If the iPhone stops working after replacing or reinstalling the SIM, then there is a possibility that the card itself or the reader module in the iPhone has failed. In this case, identifying and solving the problem is much easier:
- Make sure that the SIM card is active and not damaged by simply installing it in another smartphone;
- Check for problems with the SIM receiver by contacting a service center.
ON THE TOPIC: Hidden features of the iPhone: 25 iOS functions that you might not know about.
If it doesn't help
This error often occurs during iPhone activation or after updating the firmware on the device. It can appear in one of three cases:
1. The SIM card itself has failed
Yes, this happens.
It’s very easy to check: we insert the problematic card into another device and/or another card into this iPhone and the version with the SIM card not working will disappear.
2. The SIM card receiver has failed
Sometimes this happens while using the iPhone, especially for those who often change cards on the device.
If, before activation, the iPhone displays a cellular network indicator and the problem itself arose during activation or flashing, most likely the problem is not with the SIM card receiver.
3. iPhone is locked to another operator
Oddly enough, this is most often the cause of the error. The smartphone was brought from another country and was locked to a local operator.
For use with domestic SIM cards, special devices called Turbo-SIM . This is a miniature board installed in the SIM card tray. It helps activate a locked iPhone on any SIM card.
It could have been inadvertently removed along with the SIM card with which the iPhone worked.
If there was no Turbo-SIM, it is not a fact that the smartphone is officially unlocked. It could have been unlocked in a non-official way.
There are ways to enter smartphone data into the operator’s database, allowing the device to work with the SIM card installed at the time of unlocking; when you change the card, such unlocking is lost.
You should check if your iPhone is locked to a carrier. If there is one, you will have to contact the operator's support service and fulfill the requirements for disconnection.
4. Problems with refurbished iPhones
Our reader Johnny Kurzin shares his experience in solving a similar problem. It turns out that the error can occur when changing the operator or even turning on devices marked “as new” for the first time.
The problem is resolved through Apple Support, but this may take from several hours to several days.
Thanks Johnny Kurzin.
← Return to help section
Activation error
Activation is permission to use the phone with a new SIM card. The error will block the phone if the smartphone has a malfunction or an invalid iPhone SIM card is installed.
Error “SIM card is invalid” iPhone 5s blocks the phone:
- after replacing the SIM card;
- after system recovery;
- after update;
- when you turn on a new device for the first time.
We change without leaving home
You can change the card without leaving your home - this is done with the help of a courier, by calling 88007000611 or by writing an application by email. When calling, you must provide your passport details, but if the number is registered to an organization, then you must provide the TIN number. If you decide to write by email, you should indicate a contact phone number so that someone can call you.
There are two delivery methods: express service or courier delivery. Delivery costs range from 180 to 450 rubles.
↑ 2. Update your iPhone
Apple recommends installing the latest iOS system updates.
In fact, each new update solves a huge number of problems, whether they have been encountered or not. What do I need to install the latest software? Follow the instructions below:
- Connect your device to Wi-Fi with a good Internet connection.
- Open settings on your phone, go to the “General” section, and then to “Software Update”.
- If there are updates available, then click the “Download and Install” button.
- Be sure to enter your Apple ID password if asked.
Did it help? No? Then try the next tip.
↑ 9. Locked iPhone
In our phone market, “gray” iPhones are very popular, which are sold much cheaper than the official ones.
Their disadvantages include the lack of warranty. They are also often blocked for a specific operator. Unscrupulous sellers sell their phones without informing the buyer that they are blocked, that is, they do not work with Russian operators. Unfortunately, the unlocking process is either impractical, as it is expensive, or complex, requiring the user to have a huge number of documents and actions. It will not be possible to find a universal solution, since it does not exist. If you find out that you have a carrier model, then you will have to look for a way to unlock specifically for it.
Be that as it may, we recommend immediately returning such gadgets back to the sellers.
iPhone is locked - the reason why it does not recognize the SIM card
The problem of “locked” iPhones is faced by those who purchase a device in another country or imported from there. As a result, the smartphone becomes cheaper, but it will only work with SIM cards of a certain operator.
What does “locked” mean and what are the signs?
The term "locked" means that the iPhone is designed to work on a specific carrier's network. The smartphone will not be able to interact with “foreign” SIM cards; it simply “does not see” them. Most often we are talking about American operators, such as AT&,T, Verizon, Sprint or T-Mobile.
How to Unlock iPhone
But also in other countries there is a system for “locking” devices. iPhones that work with all operators are called “SIM-free”. When purchasing, you should choose this type of device.
The easiest way to determine whether your iPhone is locked or not is to insert a SIM card and look at the top line of the iOS system. If the operator’s name is written there, then you have a “SIM-free” device.
Unfortunately, attackers have gone further and, using a special tool (we’ll look at it later), can temporarily remove the operator’s blocking. After turning on, the iPhone works and even sees the SIM, but as soon as you try to update and activate iOS, the iPhone will no longer connect to the network.
What to do if the SIM card is invalid Tele2
Smartphones purchased abroad may be tied to a local operator, which is why they only work with its SIM cards. Craftsmen unlock such gadgets using cards that are placed under the SIM. Devices are unstable and often stop working after firmware updates.
1. Check the most obvious (read more...)
It is quite difficult to accidentally break a SIM, so damage can only be caused by rough mechanical force due to improper installation or removal. Most often, SIM cards become unusable when you cut them yourself from the Mini-SIM to Micro-SIM format or from Micro-SIM to Nano-SIM. In such cases, you can only replace the card with a new one at the operator’s office.
How to activate Tele2 SIM card
- Call the contact center at 611 and provide all the necessary information for identification.
- Go to your personal account in the appropriate section and click on “Unblock”.
- Come to the company office in person, taking your passport with you.
Is it possible to unlock without a PUK code?
Methods to unlock Tele2 SIM card
You should not try to enter the number for luck, so that the matter does not reach the extreme stage when the only way out is to change the SIM card. It is better to immediately find the required house number or find out it when a window appears on your phone asking you to enter the PUK code.
- if within 120 days the subscriber does not make expense transactions (calls, messages, Internet), then from the 121st day 3 rubles will automatically be debited from the account daily;
- as soon as the balance reaches zero and payment is not received, the countdown of 180 days for non-use of the SIM card begins;
- If you do not make a payment within six months, the number will be blocked.
Mechanical damage to the smartphone
Don’t be surprised if after a fall the iPhone stops seeing the SIM card - only a master knows what to do in this case. The problem is that smartphones are delicate devices and require careful handling. As a result of falls or impacts, it is easy to damage the internal part, and it is not always possible to find out what the problem is on your own. It is worth giving the smartphone for diagnostics to identify the problem, even if the owner intends to repair the iPhone himself. It is best to order spare parts from official Apple stores - although Chinese analogues are cheaper, they work poorly and regularly break down.
Contacting your telecom operator
- Check if your operator supports unlocking. Only your carrier can unlock your iPhone.
- Contact your operator to remove the blocking. Your account may not meet the requirements to remove the ban. It may take several days from the moment you submit your request until the block is lifted. To find out the status of your request, contact your operator.
- When your carrier confirms that your iPhone is unlocked, follow these steps:
How to set up the keyboard on iPhone
On iPhone version 6 or later, you can customize the keyboard so that it is convenient to type with one hand. To do this, perform the following actions:
- Go to “Settings”, then to “General”, “Keyboard”.
- This will open a list of available options that you can change. Click on "One-handed input".
- It becomes possible to choose from several options: the position of the keyboard for the left or right hand, for working with both hands. Select the one you need, then exit the settings.
When one-handed input is no longer needed, you will need to go back to the keyboard settings and select the option that is used for two-handed input.
Sometimes the user sees that the letters on the keys are too small. In this case, the situation can be corrected by making them in capital letters. To do this, go to the “Universal Access” section in the settings. Then, going to “Keyboards”, set the “Capital” parameter. After this, not lowercase, but uppercase characters will be visible on the keyboard.
Sometimes it is convenient to use a larger keyboard for input. To do this, just set the iPhone screen to a horizontal position. It will be located along the bottom edge of the screen and will increase in size.
The following options are also available in the settings:
- You can turn on spell checking in the language for which the keyboard is designed.
- Automatic error correction is available.
- At the user's request, you can enable predictive dialing. In this case, when typing a word, the user will be offered input options.
These options are located in the keyboard section of the settings.
Setup procedure.
Resetting network settings
To reset network settings:
- Go to “Settings” - “General”
- Go to the "Reset" (located at the very bottom of the list)
- Select an item "Reset network settings"
This will restore the network configuration to its factory state. This will fix software problems in the processes that run in the background and are responsible for managing your iPhone's connection to cellular and other networks.
Before you begin this process, please note that this will delete all Wi-Fi connections configured on the device, so make sure you remember all of their passwords. After restarting your iPhone, you will have to reconnect to the network. To do this, go to the “Settings” , then “Wi-Fi” , and select the desired network to connect to.
