Fix SIM Not Supported iPhone [9 Proven Methods]

Why is SIM not supported iPhone?

Once you encounter "iPhone does not support SIM card" when transferring from your old iPhone to your new iPhone, you won't be able to make calls or send messages. "Why is my SIM not supported?" You may wonder. Here are the reasons:

• Carrier Lock. You insert a SIM card from another carrier.
• Network issues. A poor network might be stopping your iPhone from recognizing the SIM card.
• SIM card issues. SIM card is damaged, not inserted correctly, or is incompatible with your iPhone model.
• Software bugs. Your software is outdated, or there are bugs in the current version.
• IMEI issues. IMEI might be blocked or reported as stolen.

Follow these 9 proven fixes – including carrier unlock, network reset, and emergency bypass tricks, among others- to fix the error.

9 methods to fix SIM not supported on iPhone

Now that we have identified the potential causes, let’s explore some effective methods to fix your iPhone SIM is not supported.

Method 1. Turn Airplane Mode on and off

Switching the Airplane Mode on and then off can help reset your iPhone’s network. Then your iPhone can recognize your SIM card. You can turn on the Airplane Mode in the Control Center and wait for a few seconds to turn it off. Or finish the process from the Settings.

Step 1. Go to Settings on your iPhone > Turn on Airplane Mode.

Step 2. Wait for a few seconds > Turn off Airplane Mode.

Please wait for your iPhone to reconnect to the network.

Method 2. Check the SIM card

Ensure that the SIM card is inserted correctly into the SIM card slot and check whether the SIM card is damaged. You can reinsert your SIM card into the SIM card slot and check whether the issue is solved. Or just put another new SIM card into your SIM card slot to check whether the SIM card has been damaged or has software issues.

Method 3. Restart the iPhone

You can restart the iPhone as usual because the process will solve all the temporary bugs. If it cannot work, you can also try to Force Restart your iPhone.

For iPhone 8 and later

Step 1. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button and Volume Down button.

Step 2. Press and hold the Side button > Release the button when the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone 7 or 7 Plus

Step 1. Press and hold the Volume Down button >The Wake/Sleep button.

Step 2. Hold both buttons > Release them when the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone 6 and earlier models

Step 1. Press and hold the Home button and the Wake/Sleep button.

Step 2. Hold both buttons > Release them when the Apple logo appears.

Method 4. Update iOS system

Meet the “SIM not supported, but iPhone is unlocked” issue? Outdated software can cause various issues, including the SIM not supported error. So, please update the iOS system to the latest version.

Step 1. Go to Settings and tap on General.

Step 2. Select Software Update > Tap on Download and Install to update your iOS version.

Method 5. Reset the network settings

Resetting the network settings can solve issues related to network connection.

Step 1. Go to Settings > General.

Step 2. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.

Step 3. Tap Reset > Select Reset Network Settings.

Step 4. Enter your passcode > Tap on Reset Network Settings to confirm.

Method 6. Make an emergency call

Making an emergency call can sometimes force your iPhone to recognize the SIM card.

Follow the steps to bypass the SIM lock on your iPhone:

Step 1. Turn on your device > Push the Home button on your screen.

Step 2. Tap on the Emergency Call on the screen.

Step 3. Dial 999 or 112 > Immediately hang up after it connects and press the Home button again.

Then you will be able to reach the main screen of your iPhone.

Method 7. Bypass SIM issue with iTunes

If you have access to a computer with iTunes installed, you can use it to bypass the SIM issue. This method can sometimes solve software-related issues.

For iPhone without a Home button:

Step 1. Launch the latest iTunes > Connect your iPhone to the computer with a USB cable.

Step 2. A box will pop up > Select Set Up as New iPhone and click Continue.

Step 3. Follow the instructions on the screen to finish the process.

After the process, your SIM card should be fixed.

For iPhone with a Home button:

Step 1. Launch the latest iTunes > Connect the iPhone to computer with a lightning cable.

Step 2. Hold the Power and Home buttons simultaneously > After 10 seconds, release the Power button but continue holding the Home button for 5 seconds. Your iPhone should enter DFU mode, indicated by a blank screen.

Step 3. iTunes will pop up > Click Restore > OK > Allow iTunes to download and install the appropriate firmware package for your device.

Method 8. Use IMEI unlocking service

If your iPhone might be locked to a specific carrier, you can consider using an IMEI unlocking service. These services can unlock your iPhone, allowing it to work with any carrier’s SIM card. Check this guide to learn how to unlock iPhone using IMEI number.

Method 9. Contact Apple Support or the Carrier

If none of the above methods work, it’s time to seek professional help. Contact Apple Support or your carrier’s customer service. They can provide further assistance and may be able to unlock your iPhone or replace a faulty SIM card.

How to back up your iPhone to avoid data loss

FoneTool is an iPhone data management tool that can help you back up all your data with simple clicks or selectively transfer photos, videos, or other types of files to optimize your storage space.

Follow the steps to back up your iPhone with FoneTool.

Step 1. Download and launch FoneTool > Connect your iPhone to your computer with a USB cable.   

Step 2. Select Phone Backup > Select Full Backup, and then click Get Started.

Step 3. You can enable Backup encryption to encrypt local backup > Choose a backup storage path > Click Start Backup.

FAQs

Conclusion

If your iPhone shows SIM not supported iPhone error, there is nothing to worry about. By understanding the reasons and following the methods outlined in this guide, you can solve this issue easily.