If your iPhone 13 Pro Max says no SIM Card installed, Invalid SIM, or SIM Card failure, here are several effective solutions for you to try so that you can finally get rid of this annoying error message.
See also: iPhone 13 Pro Cellular Data Not Working? Here’s The Fix
Your iPhone ‘s SIM card or Subscriber Identity Module card is the key that creates a unique connection between your phone number and the phone itself.
If your iPhone 13 Pro Max SIM card is not working, your device may still be a great camera, alarm clock and timer, compass, voice memo recorder, and so much more but it’s not a phone.
Why Does My iPhone 13 Pro Max Keep Saying No SIM?
There are many reasons your iPhone 13 Pro Max might say its SIM card is “invalid,” or not properly recognized, from a needed update to a card that has been physically jostled out of position.
What Does No SIM Mean?
If you have the “no SIM” error, it is because your iPhone 13 Pro Max is no longer detecting the SIM card inserted in the tray. This can happen for a number of reasons, like a software glitch or dusty SIM card. In some cases, your SIM card or the surrounding hardware might be damaged, in which case you’ll need to take it in to your carrier or Apple Store to get it serviced.
Can I Use My iPhone without a SIM Card?
Even if your iPhone 13 Pro Max says no SIM, you can actually still use your iPhone for many things. As long as you’re connected to Wi-Fi, you can still browse the internet and will be able to call and message people through apps such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.
When your iPhone 13 Pro Max doesn’t recognize SIM Card, the phone can’t send or receive calls or texts or connect to the internet via cellular service.
The good news is that you can easily troubleshoot your iPhone 13 Pro Max SIM card issue yourself in just a few minutes. You just need to determine what the issue is first.
If you are also experiencing an error that says “no SIM” or “Invalid SIM” on your iPhone 13 Pro Max, follow the troubleshooting steps below to test and resolve the issue. In many cases, you will be able to fix your iPhone 13 Pro Max SIM card issue with one of the simple solutions explained below.
How to Fix SIM Card Not Working on iPhone 13 Pro Max
Below, we’ll cover the most common fixes to get the SIM card on your iPhone 13 Pro Max working again. Let’s get to it.
Please note, the tips explained on this article applies to iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Solution#1: Make Sure You Have an Active Cellular Plan
This might sound like a.cliché fix, however, it’s worth double-checking that your wireless carrier plan (such as with AT&T, Verizon, etc.) is still active. While you should have been given plenty of notice about this, sometimes people find they have an expired contract or you have outdated auto-payment information and haven’t been paying your cellular bill.
Solution #2. Put your iPhone in Airplane Mode
Often simply switching cellular data off and then on again will refresh your iPhone 13 Pro Max and help it to recognize the SIM card again. The fastest way to shut off data on your device is by using the iPhone’s Airplane Mode.
- Once your iPhone is unlocked, swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
- In the upper-left corner tap the Airplane Mode icon that looks like a circle with a white airplane in the middle.
- Tap the Airplane Mode icon again to turn data back on. When Airplane Mode is on, this icon will turn orange. When it’s off, it will have a transparent background.
Solution#3: Restart your iPhone
When was the last time you rebooted your device? You know that phones can act strangely sometimes. Your iPhone 13 Pro Max says No Sim Card, even though the SIM card is in the tray. It means that for some reason your device is not detecting the card. A simple restart can fix the problem. You can restart your iPhone by going to Settings > General > Shut Down.
Solution#4: Perform a Force Restart
If the regular restart didn’t work, it’s time to try the force restart. If you’re unfamiliar with the force restart function, this is just a different way of cutting the power on your iPhone. A force restart cuts the power from the phone’s battery to the hardware. It’s also important to note that while you might lose unsaved changes to files from a force restart, this is very different from a factory reset, which intentionally erases all of your data (so don’t worry about losing your beloved photos). To do this, press and quickly release the volume up button. Press and quickly release the volume down button. Press and hold the side button. Release the button when the Apple Logo Appears.
Solution#5: Check for a Carrier Settings Update
A carriers settings update comes directly from your cellular provider, and helps to improve cellular network connectivity and provide support for new features. Occasionally, these updates are mandatory, which is why you can run into the “no SIM” error until an update is installed. You can check for the carrier settings update by going to Settings > General > About.
Solution#6: Check for an iOS Update
If an iOS update is available, you should install that too. Along with new features, these software updates contain bug fixes for known issues, including those that can cause the “No SIM” error. You can check for and install an iPhone update by going to Settings > General > Software update.
Solution#7: Reset Network Settings
Restoring your network configuration to factory defaults can help to resolve software bugs in the processes that are responsible for your iPhone’s cellular connection. This is a pretty quick troubleshooting step. You can reset network settings by going to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Please Note: Resetting your network settings will erase your saved Wi-Fi connections, so make sure you have your Wi-Fi passwords saved or written down before you give this a try.
Solution #8: Inspect Your iPhone 13 Pro Max SIM Card
Sometimes, the SIM card may move a bit. Even if the card didn’t move, reinserting the SIM card is something you should definitely try. Turn off your iPhone and remove the SIM card. If there is dust in the tray or on the card, wipe it off. Make sure the SIM card is not damaged. If it is, that is the reason why your iPhone 13 Pro Max says no sim card installed and you will have to contact your carrier for the SIM card replacement. No damages on the card? Place it back in the tray and turn your phone on. If the error message goes away, you’ve solved the issue! Otherwise, you will need to move to the next solution below.
Solution#9: Try Using Another SIM Card
If you tried the previous solution, and it didn’t work try another SIM card. Turn off your device, remove your SIM, and place another SIM card in the tray. Power on your iPhone and see if the error message appears. If not, your SIM card is causing the problem. Contact your carrier for the card replacement.
Still Seeing The “No SIM” Error?
If you’ve tried the solutions above, and your iPhone 13 Pro Max says No Sim, Invalid SIM card, or SIM card failure, it may have a hardware issue. At this point, your best chance to get your device working is to locate the nearest Apple Store. Apple store employees can help determine what the underlying issue is with your iPhone. If you don’t have an Apple Store nearby, you can also contact Apple Support for help and instructions.
See also: https://iphonegeeks.com/best-iphone-13-pro-max-tips-and-tricks/
Fixed iPhone 13 Pro Max ‘invalid SIM’ or ‘no SIM’ error
We hope this article has helped you to resolve the SIM failure on your iPhone 13 Pro Max. If there are any other solutions you’ve come across that are not mentioned on this article, we would love to hear about them! Drop a comment and let us know.