How to fix a SIM Not Supported – SIM Not Valid – Invalid SIM iPhone whether it’s locked or not

Updated on 07/08/2019

If you are currently seeing the irritating “iPhone SIM Not Supported” error screen, you already know that you can not make or receive calls or send text messages.

Whatever has to do with your mobile network is blocked until you find the problem and of course, resolve it.

Depending on the iOS version, this message may also be “SIM Card not installed”, “SIM Not Valid” or “Invalid SIM”.

• So, what can you do in this case?
• Can you bypass this screen?
• 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?

Let me show you how to ByPass the iPhone SIM Not Supported Error quickly and easily.

If you have the iPhone “No Service” error, you can read a detailed tutorial to our “iPhone No Service Fix – Identify the problem & Quickly solve it” article.

What does SIM Not Supported 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 following 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 computer 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

How to fix SIM Not Valid on a locked iPhone

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, the iPhone SIM Unlock.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.

Conclusion on iPhone SIM Not Supported

SIM Not Supported can be fixed regardless of whether your iPhone is locked or not. The only difference is that in the first case it is surely free but in the second case no (unless you do so through a mobile network).

The real problem is to locate the source of the Invalid SIM issue and treat it properly, since only an IMEI Check, before selecting any unlock service, can provide it to you.

I wish you good luck. Don’t forget that you can send me your questions in the comments below. I will do what I can to help you. Take care.