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

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

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

Whether it’s because of a mobile network or not, the iPhone is locked until you find the problem and of course, resolve it.

Updated on March 31, 2020

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 take a look at what’s really going on with your iDevice.

The first question that needs a definitive answer and at the same time is a complete game changer is the SIM Lock Status.

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 financial balances or an active contract make it impossible to use the unlock services of any wireless network.

So, we will need a third party IMEI Unlock Service to get the job done.

However, there are new questions added on the table:

• Which service is suitable for you?
• Does your iPhone fullfils the necessary requirements to use a service
• Is the service currently active?

A Premium IMEI Check:

• Gets the overall IMEI status 
• Determines if an iDevice is eligible for unlock
• Searches for verified unlocking solutions
• Provides a detailed guide on how to proceed generated by an iPhone Unlock expert, especially for your situation

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.

iPhone SIM Not Supported – 6 ways to bypass Invalid SIM iPhone screen when it is unlocked

Frequently the solution is much simpler than you think because your iPhone is not locked.

If your iPhone isn’t 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

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 a Premium IMEI Check, before selecting any unlock service, can provide it to you.