Depending on the iOS version, this message may also be “SIM Card not installed” or “Invalid SIM”
- So, what can you do in this case?
- Can you bypass SIM not supported?
- Is the iPhone really locked in some Carrier or something else is going on?
- And if the simlock is enabled, how can you get rid of it and use your SIM or any other card you want?
The answer you`re looking for lies right here.
Updated on 04/17/2019
What does SIM Not Supported & Invalid SIM iPhone mean?
Okay, the story goes like this:
You recently bought a used iPhone and the one who sold it promised that the iPhone is unlocked. However, once you have inserted your SIM card, you received the “SIM not Supported” message.
Before you start cursing the seller, we’ll have to look at what’s really going on with your iDevice. Frequently the solution is much simpler than you think because your iPhone is not locked.
iPhone SIM Not Supported – 6 ways to bypass Invalid SIM iPhone screen when it is unlocked
Before I show you what to do if the phone is actually locked by a network, follow the steps below and maybe you will put the error screen behind you in just a few minutes.
1. Make Sure the SIM Card is Active and Works
As obvious as it may sound, remove the SIM card from the SIM tray, and then reinsert it. Make sure the SIM holder closes correctly. Sometimes using a card from a different iPhone model or another smartphone manufacturer can cause the “invalid SIM card” issue.
Make sure the SIM card that you inserted is still active with your mobile network. Contact your Carrier and check for activation or network problems. You may need to replace your current SIM card.
Try using another SIM card. Perhaps the one you already used causes the issue. After all, messages such as “SIM Card not installed” appear when a SIM card is damaged.
Finally, if until recently another SIM card was used with this iPhone (even if its contract expired), the iPhone may need this particular SIM card to get activated.
2. Restart the iPhone
3. Try turning the airplane mode on and off
4. Make an Emergency Call
Return to the activation screen, press the Home button and select Emergency Call (911 in the United States or any similar number depending on the country you are living) and disconnect the call as soon as it is connected and tap the Power button. If this trick is successful then you will be transferred to the main screen of your iPhone, successfully bypassing the SIM not supported error screen.
5. Update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS
If you are using a cellular data connection, try connecting to a Wi-Fi network (you know it is reliable). If the Wifi connection fails, try connecting to iTunes.
6. Use iTunes
Make sure that iTunes is updated to the latest version
Open iTunes on your pc and connect your iPhone
- If “Set up as New” or “Restore from Backup” show up then iTunes activated your iPhone and SIM Not Supported is history.
- If iTunes says that the SIM card isn’t compatible instead, then you can try using recovery mode and restore your iPhone
But even in this case, there are solutions and they’re coming right at you.
How to fix iPhone SIM Not Supported when it is SIM Locked
Just by taking a look into various carrier forums, unlocking the SIM sounds impossible.
And the list could go on forever…
Of course, all mobile networks are suggesting that you use their services, but we all know that they are unlikely to do us the favor. You do not have anything to lose, however, because their SIM not Supported Bypass Services are free or for a small amount of money.
But the point is: Do you know which Carrier has your iPhone locked?
The situation becomes more complex. Especially in the case of used devices, problems such as blacklist, outstanding balance or an active contract make it impossible to use the unlock services of any wireless network.
The only thing left to you is the classic unlocking services:
- IMEI iPhone Unlock (aka Factory Unlock)
- Hardware Network Unlock
But which one is suitable for you?
I have already described everything in a previous article.
I suggest you consulting it before making any choice but the actual solution is one and only one, to IMEI check your iPhone first.
This will give you the opportunity to learn your phone’s status accurately in just a few minutes, but at the same time, iPhone unlock specialists will get you the most appropriate service for your case.
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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!