The story goes something like this: You recently bought a refurbished iPhone and the description of the online market (or the person who sold it to you, local retailer or personal transaction) promised the iPhone is Network Unlocked. But as soon as you inserted your Carrier’s SIM card you got the ”iPhone SIM not supported” message.
Depending on the iOS version this message could also be:
- No SIM card Installed
- Invalid SIM
So, what can you do when the SIM card inserted in this iPhone does not appear to be supported?
- Is the iPhone really SIM locked?
- And if it is, what can you do to Carrier Unlock this iPhone?
How to fix the ''iPhone SIM not Supported'' problem
First of all, don’t panic! You have to determine if the ”iPhone SIM not Supported” error is a Software, Hardware or Network Lock issue!
Before you try to SIM unlock this iPhone, check all the ”Fix Invalid SIM” tips below. Maybe one of them will bypass the SIM Not Supported issue on your iPhone.
- Make sure that the SIM card you inserted in the iPhone is still under an active contract with your Mobile Network.
- Contact your Cellular Network and check for activation or network issues. Maybe you need to replace your current SIM card.
- Update your iPhone to the latest iOS version.
- Try turning airplane mode on and off.
- Restart the iPhone.
- Go to iOS Settings > General > About and check if there is a Carrier settings update.
- Remove the SIM card from the SIM card tray and then put it back. Make sure that the SIM tray closes properly. Sometimes using a SIM tray from a different iPhone model or another smartphone manufacturer creates this ”invalid SIM” problem.
- Try using another SIM card. Maybe your SIM card is damaged! After all, SIM card not installed alerts are displayed when a SIM card is damaged, locked, or missing.
- If another SIM card was used with this iPhone until recently and even if the SIM card’s contract has expired, the iPhone might need this specific SIM card in order to get activated.
- In case you are using a cellular data connection, try to connect to a Wi-Fi network (that you know that is reliable) instead. If the Wi-Fi connection fails, try connecting to iTunes.
- If you’re using iTunes to activate your iPhone, make sure that iTunes is updated to the latest version.
- Use recovery mode and restore the iPhone.
Sources: Apple Support page and various Apple SIM card issues question threads
If you were able to bypass iPhone SIM Not Supported error with one of these tricks then it was just a Hardware issue or an iOS bug.
How to check if ''SIM not supported'' means that the iPhone is SIM Locked
If the ”iPhone SIM not supported” problem persists after all the ”SIM Card Not Installed Fix” hints I showed you, then the iPhone you are holding in your hands is definitely SIM locked to a Wireless Network or even Blacklisted!
The only way to determine the overall Lock Status of an iPhone is the IMEI Check Service which will provide all the IMEI info below:
- SIM Lock Status and which Telecoms Network is locking the iPhone
- Blacklist Status, why the iPhone was blacklisted and by which Carrier
- iCloud Activation Lock Status
- Contract/Warranty Status and expiration date
- Outstanding Financial Balance Status (existence of unpaid bills)
- Replaced IMEI/Serial number Status
- iPhone Specs (original IMEI & Serial, model, capacity, etc.)
A verified IMEI Lookup Provider will access GSMA and GSX databases, using your iPhone’s IMEI number and deliver a Full IMEI Check report.
The IMEI Search will not only help you bypass Invalid SIM prompt but also ensure that your iPhone will remain unlocked.
How to bypass SIM not Supported on your iPhone
Now that the iPhone IMEI Check Service exposed the real source of evil, you know which demon to banish and you have 2 iPhone Unlocking Options at your disposal:
- Mobile Network’s SIM lock deactivation services
- 3d party IMEI Unlock Services (aka Factory iPhone Unlock)
An iPhone IMEI Unlock tool usually costs around $200 and Factory Unlock Providers make you believe that it is impossible to unlock your iPhone through the Wireless Network that is locking it.
But this is not true at all.
We created the best iPhone Unlock Guide based on the results of an IMEI Checker and the Carrier’s SIM Unlock Policy.
Use it wisely and you will be able to bypass iPhone SIM Not Supported with a simple IMEI Check & a SIM Unlock Request to the Cellular Network.
Leave a comment below or even better ask a question if you still don’t know how to fix ”iPhone Invalid SIM-SIM Card Not Installed-SIM Not Supported” and we will provide additional help. Until next time, take care iPhone Unlockers!
2 comments
Hello, my iPhone cannot be activated.
Please, help.
Hey, Jhoemar.
Maybe you can’t activate your iPhone because it is blacklisted or something else is going on.
The only way to find out exactly what is going on with your iPhone is to use an IMEI Check Service.
As soon as you have more info about your iPhone, come back for further help.
Take care!