12.06.24
If you run into trouble with your phone connecting or it starts showing messages like “no SIM available,” you can try to reset your SIM card.
SIM stands for Subscriber Identity Module, and it’s necessary for connecting your phone to a cellular network so you can use it beyond Wi-Fi. There are a few kinds of SIM cards, both physical and digital (which is called an eSIM). We'll focus on how to reset a physical SIM, because an eSIM cannot be reset, but as you’ll see there are other steps you can take to troubleshoot that also might help with an eSIM.
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What to do before resetting the SIM card
There’s not much prep here, other than turning off the phone. These days the phone’s internal memory or cloud storage hold your contacts, messages, photos and apps — so don't worry that removing the SIM card will cause you to lose those.
Steps to take when a SIM or eSIM isn’t working right
Here’s some things to try first, before resetting your SIM card:
Make sure you’re using the latest software version
Phone makers regularly update the operating systems for their devices. If you haven’t downloaded and installed the latest one, try that first. Updating your device’s software this way could clear up issues you’re having.
For Androids:
When you get a notification there’s a software update, follow the included instructions. Or, at any time, go to Settings -> System -> Software Update and follow the instructions.
For iPhones:
Go to Settings -> General and then tap on Software Update if one is available. While there, you can also toggle on Automatic Updates so your phone will automatically update while plugged in and not in use (usually overnight while charging).
Turn Airplane Mode on then off
After you’ve checked that you’re on the latest software, you could try simply turning on Airplane Mode and then turning it back off after a minute. That causes your phone to refresh its connection to the network, which might solve your issue.
Turn the phone off and back on
Similarly, switching your phone off briefly may solve a problem. On powering back up, the phone refreshes its connection and frees up memory.
Steps to reset a SIM card
If you’re on the latest software version and have tried Airplane Mode and turning the phone off/on, the next step is to remove and dust off the physical SIM card if your phone has one.
Reset SIM in iPhone
The iPhone 14 and later models use an eSIM only, but most models before the 14 have a physical nano SIM card.
Turn off the phone, then find the SIM card tray, which depends on what model you have.
Look for a small hole next to the tray and insert the tray opener tool that came with the phone. You can also use an opened paper clip or earring post. It shouldn’t take much pressure to make the tray eject; if it’s not working, don’t force it. Instead, take your phone to the store where you bought it or an Apple store for help.
When the tray slides out, carefully remove the SIM card. Clean the tray of any dust or debris. Gently wipe off the SIM card with a clean, soft cloth.
Reinsert the SIM card (it only fits one way) and gently press the tray closed. Turn the phone back on.
Reset SIM in an Android
Most Androids have a nano SIM.
Turn off the phone and then find where the SIM card is housed; you might need to check your phone’s manual or look up the model online, but most newer models have the SIM tray along one side.
Insert the tray opener tool, an opened paper clip or the post of an earring in the small hole next to the SIM tray to eject it. Don’t use force if it doesn’t open or open all the way; instead, get help at the store where you bought the phone or a phone repair shop.
Carefully remove the SIM card, clear the tray of dust or debris, and gently wipe down the SIM with a clean, soft cloth.
Reinsert the SIM, close the tray and power up the phone.
Still having issues?
Further steps you can try:
Make sure you’re within your network coverage area and the carrier’s not having an outage.
Check with your service provider to make sure you don’t have problems with your account, such as an overdue payment.
Seek help at a physical store, either your service provider or the store where you bought the phone. If you use an online-only provider, call or chat with the technical support department. It’s possible you may need a new SIM card.
