We are all already accustomed to using mobile communications and can no longer imagine life without it, but you have probably encountered such a problem when your phone refuses to see the SIM card and you simply cannot use communication services. No one is immune from such a problem, but don’t worry, since this glitch can be cured quite quickly and, after reading this article, you will definitely find a solution to your problem and restore the functionality of your SIM card.
There are many reasons why your SIM card does not want to work.
The problem may lie either in the card itself or in the phone, but let's look at all the possible reasons one by one.
Possible causes of the problem
- Loose contact: It happens that the contacts do not fit tightly to the SIM card itself, and then you will see an error on your display stating that the SIM card is missing. In this case, you can try to place a piece of paper in two or three layers to strengthen the contacts between the SIM card and the phone.
- Long loading time: Due to the large number of installed programs, the phone may take quite a long time to turn on, and until all the programs are loaded, you may see the following picture: your phone does not see the SIM card, but you need to wait a little time and it will appear. Sometimes this process can take two to three minutes.
- Dirty contacts: During operation, various types of dirt and dust may accumulate in your device, which will interfere with good contact with the SIM card, and you may periodically experience difficulty in using mobile communications.
- SIM card damage: in extreme cases, but it also happens that the SIM card itself could be damaged and then you need to replace it.
- Damage to microcircuit contacts: This reason is quite rare, but it does occur, and to eliminate it you will need to take your device for repair.
Solving the SIM card detection problem
Quite often this problem can be solved using the following algorithm of actions, just repeat it, and with a high probability your phone will detect the SIM card.
- Reboot the phone and wait until it boots completely; if after several reboots the error still appears, then turn off the device and remove the battery and the card itself.
- Using a soft rag or rubber rag (everyone has one in the kitchen), wipe all contacts, both on the phone and on the card itself. Be careful not to break or damage anything.
- If after this the problem is not solved, then take a small piece of paper and insert it together with the card into the phone, probably the problem arose due to poor contact, just make sure that the paper does not overlap the contacts, and it is best to place it on top of the SIM card, the result will be the same. Try turning on the phone and the problem should resolve itself.
If these manipulations did not lead to a solution to the problem, then you need to specifically determine what the problem is - in the SIM card or in the phone itself. To do this, just take a SIM card from another phone and check - if everything works well, then the problem is in the phone itself, and if the problem remains, then the problem is in the card.
Quite often, such a problem can arise due to a malfunction with the phone itself, and now we’ll look at what exactly can happen and how to fix it.
- Your phone is “locked” to a specific telecom operator. Quite often, companies sell phones that only work with a certain carrier. In most cases, such devices come to us from abroad, but you can also find “locked” phones in our stores. They cost much less than their analogues, but you can only use such a device with a specific mobile operator, so before buying a phone, be sure to make a test call and if you are sure that your SIM card is working, but the phone does not see your SIM card, then, most likely, it is “locked” for another operator.
- The SIM card slot is broken. This problem occurs in those phones where cards are replaced quite often, since during mechanical stress the elements of the device can easily be damaged and simply become unusable. Here, only repairs that can be provided to you at the service center will help solve the problem.
- Problems with the device software. There are cases when the device does not see the card due to the software, namely an unsuccessful attempt to reinstall it, when a fatal error occurred during the installation process and the installation was terminated. Restoring factory settings or completely reflashing the software will help solve this problem.
If you do not have special technical knowledge and skills, then you will not be able to solve these problems yourself, and you will have to contact a service center, where specialists will accurately determine the cause of the breakdown and restore the functionality of the device.
If you have established by any method that the cause of this error is in the SIM card itself, then there may be various options for its failure, and now we will consider them in more detail.
- The card's expiration date has expired. If you have not used the card for quite a long time (usually 180 days), it is automatically blocked or disabled. You need to contact your operator and clarify the blocking conditions. The operator will accurately answer whether your card was blocked or not.
- The SIM card must be activated. Some carriers give out their cards for free, but you won't be able to use it until it's activated. How to activate a card of a specific operator, check with the operators. Or you can look at the instructions for each operator in the corresponding sections of our website.
- Damage to the card due to mechanical impact. Quite often, cards are damaged in the process of an unsuccessful attempt to cut it and or nano-sim. In this case, you will have to get a duplicate, since it will no longer be possible to restore it because you damaged the microcircuit chip when trying to cut it.
- Card damage. During long-term use, the card may simply become damaged due to frequent mechanical impact on it. For example, you quite often take it out of the tray or carelessly carry it in your pocket, as a result of which the microcircuit chip is damaged.
Each telecom operator will not refuse to solve a problem for its subscriber if you contact them with a similar question, since they are interested in retaining regular customers.
Let's figure out where to go if a similar problem arises.
- Your operator Megafon. You need to contact the support service at 0500 and tell them why your SIM stopped working and strictly follow all the operator’s instructions.
- Your operator MTS. You need to dial a single number 8-800-250-0890 and follow the instructions of the assistant, who will help you return your card to working condition.
- Your operator Beeline. You must contact the customer support center at 0611 and tell us the reasons why this problem appeared. The operator will help solve the problem.
As you have already seen for yourself, there are quite a few problems that may cause your SIM card to not work. I hope you found an effective solution in this article and are no longer bothered by this problematic situation.
Nowadays it is difficult to imagine your life without a mobile phone. However, like all other devices, they tend to break down. A breakdown in which the phone does not see the SIM card is very common. In this article we will talk about the main causes of this malfunction and consider ways to solve the problem.
Reason No. 1: The SIM card has expired
If you have been using this SIM card for many years, then this may well happen. Also, if you have not used it for a long time, the operator will block it as inactive. In this case, contact the operator and find out what the reason is, if you have such an opportunity.
Reason #2: Damage
A SIM card is the same device that tends to break down. This can happen if you very often move your SIM card from one mobile device to another.
Reason #3: Failed Conversion
Many new devices use microSim format SIM cards. Often an entire SIM card is cut off at the store where it was purchased. Also, many users do this themselves. If handled carelessly, you can damage the SIM card and the mobile phone will no longer recognize it.
Reason No. 4: The phone model is customized for a specific telecom operator
This problem occurs on those phones that were brought from abroad. It is widespread there and is very popular due to the low cost of such phones. This happens quite often with the iPhone if you purchase it second-hand. Therefore, before purchasing, be sure to check whether the device you are using supports the connection you are using. 
Reason #5: Slot Damage
Many reasons can contribute to this: frequent transfer from one phone to another, moisture getting on the SIM card, the device falling from a great height and other mechanical impacts. In this case, we advise you to contact the service center.
Reason #6: Malfunction
This problem can be encountered after an unsuccessful firmware update or rearrangement of the mobile phone OS. What to do in this case? Try reinstalling the system again or return to factory default settings.
Reason #7: Damaged contacts
This problem quite often arises when the SIM card is handled carelessly.
Reason: 8: Pollution
If dust or dirt gets under the SIM card, this may cause malfunctions. Solving this problem is very simple. Carefully remove it from the slot and wipe it with an eraser, then insert it back. If the reason lies in this, then the phone will again see the SIM card.
On the video, the phone does not see the SIM card, what to do:
Temporary faults
The phone sees the SIM card every once in a while: what to do?
First, let's figure out what can cause such a malfunction.
First reason– incorrect position in the mobile device slot. If the SIM card suddenly moves from its place, this could cause malfunctions in its operation.
Solving this problem is as easy as shelling pears. Open the cover of the device and look at the position of the SIM card. If it has moved out of place, then correct it. If the problem is precisely the wrong position of the SIM card, then the problem will disappear.
The signal may also disappear periodically due to contamination of the slot and the SIM card itself. How to solve this problem was described above.
In the video, after flashing the firmware, the phone does not see the SIM card:
Have you checked the position of the SIM card, cleaned it with an eraser, but the device also does not see it?
In this case, the breakdown may be serious and you will not be able to solve it yourself. It is best to contact a service center for help. If the slot is broken, it can be fixed. However, as statistics show, it will not work for long after repair. But there are times when the breakdown lies somewhere else entirely. And there are quite a few of them.
For what reason the tablet does not see the SIM card and what to do about it, the contents of this article will help you figure it out.
But what to do when some buttons on the laptop keyboard do not work is detailed in this article
The contents of this article will help you figure out what to do when Android won’t load.
Most often, problems with detecting SIM cards occur in phone models with two slots.
At the same time, during a device breakdown, it does not see two SIM cards at once. In this case, it is very difficult to determine the specific cause of the breakdown.
This could be a normal system glitch or an incompatibility between two telecom operators. This problem can be solved. Most often, this means that a person takes out a less useful SIM card from his phone.
But it happens that the breakdown has nothing to do with two SIM cards. The mobile phone itself can serve this purpose. It may simply turn out to be a fake. If this happens, then you need to go to the store where you bought your smartphone, along with the receipt and documents for it.
Tell the store that you have a fake phone model and ask to replace it with another smartphone. If you receive a refusal at the store, you can go to court.
Debugg
In many cases, you can solve the problem when the smartphone does not see the SIM card yourself by performing the following steps.
First of all, reboot your phone several times. If after several attempts it still does not recognize it, then turn off the device, remove the battery and the SIM card itself.
- Take a regular eraser or rubber rag (the kind you can find in almost every kitchen) and carefully wipe all the contacts on the SIM card and on the phone. The main thing is not to break anything, so as not to cause new breakdowns.
If the above steps do not help, then try another way to fix the problem.
- Take a small piece of paper and place it on the SIM card. The phone may not recognize it if the contact is poor, and paper will help correct this problem. Make sure that the paper does not cover the contacts, but it is best to place it on top of the SIM card.
On video, the phone stopped seeing the SIM card, what to do:
If the steps taken did not help, then determine what the problem is: in the mobile device or in the SIM card. Insert another card into your smartphone.
If everything works well, then the problem is with the SIM card. Therefore, you need to contact a mobile phone store and ask for a replacement, but leave the old number. However, if the phone does not see all SIM cards, then take the phone to a specialist for repair.
Today, phones are equipped with various additional features, but the most important function is still to ensure stable communication. Without the function of receiving calls and SMS, any, even the most sophisticated Android, turns into a poorly functional toy. However, smartphone users may periodically experience situations when the device does not see the SIM card, and the phone writes “no signal.” Let's get acquainted with the causes of the problem and methods for eliminating it.
Reasons why Android does not see SIM
- The card has expired - Most likely you had a temporary SIM card that is active for a certain time. These are usually sold in kiosks or subways and are in demand among tourists. How to fix the situation? Contact your mobile operator and order a new SIM card with the same number;
- long-term non-replenishment of the number - some tariffs provide for blocking the number if funds are not received for a certain time. To fix the problem, call the operator, you can use another phone, when contacting an employee, indicate your number;
- card size correction - many modern smartphones use nano and micro connectors, which standard cards do not fit. Sometimes this procedure can damage important contacts and render the SIM card inoperative. This situation is possible if the user performs the circumcision procedure personally or turns to non-professional employees;
- the phone is locked - similar cases arise when buying a smartphone abroad, where a common practice is to sign a contract with a specific operator. Accordingly, after Android is taken out of the country, it becomes non-functional. What to do? The only option is unlocking;
- Damage to the SIM card slot - the problem occurs after Android crashes. It is almost impossible to resolve the issue on your own. It is recommended to contact a service center;
- glitches in the operation of the software - a malfunction can occur after an unsuccessful root or after firmware that has become crooked. To resolve the issue, you should return to the factory settings or try to flash the model again from another specialist.
Why else might Android not see the SIM card?
A popular reason for a SIM card not to work correctly may be its contamination. Dust and small particles can collect even in the most difficult to reach places, including the SIM slot. In this case, the smartphone malfunctions and writes “check the readiness of the card”, without identifying it. To fix the problem, you need to remove the card and wipe it with a rag or eraser.
A broken card holder can also lead to communication problems. Breakdowns usually occur after physical damage; a malfunction can manifest itself after water gets inside the phone. The slot and the SIM card itself do not fit tightly together, so the connection may be lost or interrupted at times.
In some cases, problems with a SIM card are caused by the actions of the users themselves. Often they forget to turn off the set “airplane mode”. Android continues to function fully, but receiving and making calls remains unavailable.
The problem may occur after a factory reset. In this case, the SIM card may simply be inactive. To resolve the issue, you need to go to the main menu of your smartphone and check the box in the SIM card menu for activation. If manual actions are not effective, then you need to try sending any SMS from the card that does not support communication. After this, the system will automatically request permission to activate it.
Communication may be lost when glitches occur in the phone's IMEI code. Each Android is assigned its own unique code, without which maintaining communication is simply impossible.
How to set up a SIM card - algorithm of actions
Often, communication problems arise after turning on Android. Many models start to work quite slowly over time. Therefore, it takes time for them to restore full functionality of all options. If immediately after turning on the smartphone the connection is unavailable, we recommend that you just wait a little.
Often the phone does not see the SIM card if it has moved a little in the holder. To fix the problem, you just need to remove the back cover and check the position of the SIM card. In some cases, a simple sheet of paper can be a panacea. Select the correct shape and size of paper, placing it between the SIM card and the battery. This will strengthen the signal and resolve the problem.
Often, a lack of communication occurs when a smartphone model overheats. Such malfunctions are seasonal and typical for the warm season. To fix the problem, it only takes time for the Android to cool down and restore the optimal functioning of all systems, including cellular communications. Similar problems can arise in winter due to sudden temperature changes. The way out of the situation is to buy thicker covers.
A situation where the phone does not see the SIM card can arise for a subscriber of any Russian operator - MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2, or Yota. This can happen for a number of reasons, not always dependent on the person using the device. Today we will tell you why the phone may not see the SIM card, and what needs to be done to solve the problem.
Finding out the reason
The main thing to do if the phone does not see the SIM card is to find out the reason. The cause of the problem may be either the device itself, which uses the SIM card, or the card itself.
You need to determine why this is happening - the phone does not see the SIM card at all, or the operator’s network is just unavailable. It's quite easy to find out. If you installed a SIM card in your phone, and the device writes that the SIM card is not installed, this means that the phone does not see the SIM card. If the phone does not display a notification about the absence of a card, but does not see the operator’s network, then this may be due to both the SIM card itself and the device.
There are many reasons why the phone does not see the SIM card, and this problem occurs both on push-button phones and smartphones on Android and iOS. If the cell phone does not see the SIM card or the network, then analyze why such a problem appeared - after a fall, or a software update, or maybe this situation occurs periodically.
You shouldn’t rush to take a phone that doesn’t see the SIM card for repair, since the problem may lie in the SIM card itself, and you can also solve it yourself. The first thing to do in such a situation is to turn off the device and remove the SIM card. After that, insert the SIM card into the phone and turn it on. If the problem persists, then you need to check the device with a different SIM card, as well as the SIM card in another phone. These simple steps will help you determine why the device does not see the SIM.
If no phone sees the SIM card, then the problem is most likely in the card itself. If the SIM card works normally in another device, then the reason can only be a gadget.
Solution
If the problem is with the SIM card itself, then the only solution is to replace it. There are many reasons why a SIM card can fail: it can be damaged or blocked by the operator.
All mobile operators replace SIM cards for free, and the procedure itself will not take much time. To do this, just go to the nearest company salon with your passport and apply for a new SIM card. Within a few minutes the subscriber will have a new card in his hands.
After replacing the SIM card, you will have access to both the previous number and the tariff and services connected to it. The account balance will also be maintained. Paid replacement is made only if the SIM card is sent by mail, which will require some time from the subscriber, since delivery is carried out by regular mail.
Even if the problem lies in the device itself, then you should not rush to the service center, since in most cases the problem can be solved yourself.
Most often, subscribers encounter this problem after updating the software or installing new software. If the problem occurs in this case, then you need to reset the device to factory settings. How to perform this procedure can be found in the user manual, or by contacting the manufacturer's hotline.
Situations also arise when a person bought a new phone that does not see the SIM card. This mainly concerns gadgets that were not officially imported to Russia and are “locked” either under a specific operator or European providers. If the phone is intended for use in European Union networks, then the situation can be resolved simply by inserting a SIM card from any European operator into the phone. You can remove the blocking for a specific provider (most often this applies to American ones) remotely, using the services of “craftsmen” on the Internet.
If none of these options are suitable - you are not ready to look for a technician on your own online, or buy a European SIM card, then you will have to contact a service center. Please also keep in mind that official services often do not perform such unlocking, so you need to use the services of unofficial salons.
If the device is not “locked” to a foreign operator, or previously worked normally, but now does not see the card, then you need to contact a service center to have it repaired. We recommend that the device be diagnosed and repaired only by an authorized representative. This will not only allow you to be confident in high-quality repairs of the device, but will also help to avoid additional costs. This is due to the fact that third-party services may add additional repair services to the bill that were not performed on the gadget. Also, if the device has a warranty, then its repair will not cost a penny if the cause of the malfunction was not your fault.
conclusions
If the device stops seeing the SIM card, then the first thing you need to do is determine the reason. You can check the functionality of the card itself in any other device, and if necessary, replace it free of charge at the operator’s salon.
If the reason lies in the gadget itself (the SIM works in another phone), then determine why it stopped working normally. If this happened after a software update or flashing, then resetting to factory settings or re-flashing will help.
In case of another problem, you must take the device for diagnostics and repair to the manufacturer’s service center. Don't forget to take your warranty card with you, which can save you money.
The phone does not see the SIM card? This is one of the most common problems that everyone faces. This misfortune always happens unexpectedly, and, despite its apparent obviousness, there can be many reasons - as well as solutions.
It happens that the phone simply refuses to see the card. Sometimes the SIM gets stuck in roaming mode, making it impossible to make calls. Let's figure it out, it's the phone itself or the card. If this is the first option, then you will be able to avoid running to the operator’s salon. You can decide for yourself by poking around in the system menus and trying to understand all the intricacies of Android.
System or software problems
Often it all starts after reinstalling the operating system. If you have any doubts, it is better to reinstall the OS and return to factory settings.
Failures of Android updates and installations lead to serious problems. Often the user has to take the device for repair.
Enabling the SIM card
Don’t rush to blame your smartphone for all your troubles. Much more often the cause of the malfunction is obvious - something is wrong with the SIM card. SIM may refuse to activate for various reasons:
- Dirty contacts. The first thing to do, if there are no signs of physical damage, is to carefully wipe the contacts with alcohol.
- The holder is broken. If you have a new device, you're in luck: you can inspect the SIM card holder yourself. But almost all modern gadgets are deprived of this opportunity - if all methods fail, you will have to send it in for repair.
- The card is “missing” because the phone is “locked”, that is, modified to work with a single operator company. You can “get into” such phones if you buy them second-hand or cheaply from abroad, where the practice of limiting the choice of telecom operators is the norm.
Problems with NVRAM
If you are lucky enough to own a device with an MTK processor, you risk catching a typical NVRAM error. NVRAM stores IMEI - international mobile equipment identifier, a unique device number. If there was something wrong with the NVRAM, then the IMEI also cried.
For diagnostics, open the dialer application and dial “*06#”. If the IMEI is not displayed, it becomes clear that it is the NVRAM that is acting up.
The message “NVRAM WARNING: Err = 0x10” when connecting to the Internet also indicates this malfunction. It is possible to solve NVRAM failure using your own means.
Problems with SIM after update
Updates are a frustrating process. Due to hesitation, both minor glitches and complete inoperability of the device can occur. If the problem started because of the OS, try reinstalling it/returning to factory settings. You insert it, but it still doesn’t work? You'll have to turn to specialists.
Phone problems
It’s hard to say what’s worse – when difficulties arise with the phone or with the card itself. Depends on how you prefer to solve the difficulties that arise. What can happen to a mobile phone:
- the holder is acting up;
- it is locked;
- NVRAM problems;
- dirty contacts;
- Water has entered the slot/physical damage has occurred.
As a rule, a technician can fix problems with the phone itself. It’s better not to figure it out yourself.
Incompatibility of SIM card and phone
Cell phone doesn't accept SIM card? It may be locked, which is why all SIM cards of a “foreign” operator are not accepted. Perhaps the phone slot is unfamiliar with the card format. There are these types of cards:
- Mini-SIM;
- Micro-SIM;
- Nano-SIM.
Often a brand new phone refuses to understand the old-fashioned card, and it has to be either replaced or cut off. Check the documentation to determine which card is compatible with your device.
Problem with slot and SIM card contacts
Very often everything is solved very simply. If the card has been in use for a long time, its contacts may have become dirty. Wipe with alcohol and try again.
If the reason is related to the smartphone, then it is more difficult to figure out. Modern phones are very monolithic, without easy access to the card slot, as was the case before. To check the contacts, you will have to disassemble the mobile phone, which is fraught with even greater complications. It is better to carry out diagnostics at a repair center.
Incorrect firmware: consequences and troubleshooting
If there is a problem with the software, pay attention to the firmware. You may have tried to install custom firmware yourself and something went wrong during the update.
The phone does not see the SIM card of operators such as:
- Megaphone;
- Beeline;
- Tele 2;
- Yota.
No matter what carrier you have, the solutions are the same. Let's highlight the main reasons if the card refuses to be detected:
- The expiration date has expired
Often a Sim simply dies of old age. It happens that there are no external signs of “age”, and the card simply crumbles. To get a new one you will have to go to the operator’s salon. If you are in Russia, don't forget to take your passport.
- The operator has blocked the card
If you leave the card for a long time, it will be blocked by the operator. Contact him and ask what to do for resuscitation.
- Water/physical damage
If water gets on the card, it will be ruined. If you constantly pull SIM cards out of phones, wear may occur and you will have to replace them.
- Failed trimming
Have you bought a new smartphone that does not support your old SIM card? We'll have to reduce it. But this is a delicate process, and if you mess up, you can lose your card. Operators offer circumcision services, but they cost money. If the SIM was damaged, you will have to request a new one.
- Phone contacts are damaged
If the SIM slot is damaged, seek help from a repairman.
- Locked phone
Did you buy an ultra-cheap phone from abroad, but it doesn’t see the network? It was probably programmed specifically for one operator. You can often get hold of such a device by buying it second-hand. In Russia, getting access to such smartphones is not easy, but it is still possible. Can be unlocked; The process is risky - it is better to trust the masters.
Why doesn't the second SIM card work in my phone?
Smartphones with dual SIM support have ceased to seem rare and have become the norm. Does one card work but the other doesn't? That's okay: sometimes the solution is simple.
Why the second SIM card may not work:
- It is not activated. Some mobile models offer to disable card slots. Find in the settings “Manage SIM cards and enable the desired slot”
- Map in “flight mode”. Try to do something from the card - send a message. This can activate it.
- Your card is blocked. Contact the operator and he will tell you
- Because of the two radio modules, the IMEI goes off. You can fix it by flashing it - a service center will help.
