SIM card not working, eSIM not working (2024)

What is a SIM?

A SIM lets us identify the particular services your mobile device can access on the Verizon network (e.g., calling, texting, internet access, etc.). This "Subscriber Identity Module" can be either:

  • A physical card you insert into your phone or tablet.
  • A digital equivalent, or "eSIM" (embedded SIM). eSIMs are present in some smartphones and tablets, most smartwatches and in certain Internet of Things (IoT) devices. eSIM is becoming more common. Your device may not have shipped with a physical SIM at all.

Your mobile device (Android™, iPhone®, Samsung, etc.) may support either or both a SIM card or eSIM. When you activate Verizon service on your mobile device, you will either:

  • Insert a physical SIM card into your device
  • Download the eSIM profile we assign to you

Generally, if your SIM is properly associated with your account, your service will work as expected.

Why is my SIM card not working?

Certain conditions could cause SIM card failure. These include:

  • Account issues - Your SIM card must be associated with an active line on your Verizon account to connect to the network. If your line is suspended, disconnected, or otherwise not allowed to connect to the network, this must be corrected for the SIM card to connect successfully.
  • System blocks - A SIM card lock can mean you entered the device PIN incorrectly too many times. Or the SIM card might have been used on an account that was disconnected or flagged for fraud, lost/stolen, or non-payment.
  • Incorrect type - Your SIM card must match the device you're using. For example, a 5G device using a 4G SIM card may not have access to all of the services it should be able to use. Be sure you're using the SIM that came with your device or one verified to be compatible.
  • Exposure to moisture causing corrosion or electrical problems.
  • Physical damage to the SIM card (e.g., bending/breaking, scratched or corroded contacts, debris inside the device's SIM card slot, etc.).
  • Contacts dirty - If the contacts are dirty, use a clean, dry, lint-free cloth to carefully remove dirt or debris.
  • The SIM card isn't inserted properly into the device.

What's required for my SIM card to connect to the Verizon network?

Is your SIM card not working properly? These are required for your SIM card to connect to our network. The SIM card must be:

  • Attached to an active Verizon account (e.g., not suspended or disconnected).
  • In good working order (e.g., not damaged or dirty) and inserted correctly into your device.
  • Free of any blocks within the Verizon network. Visit our SIM Card and eSIM FAQs for more information.

What can I do if my SIM card isn't recognized by my device?

Your device may display a message such as "SIM card not recognized" if it has trouble reading the SIM card. This might happen because:

  • SIM card is damaged (e.g., cracked, worn, split, etc.). Make sure the SIM card isn't damaged before inserting it into the SIM card tray or slot.
  • Device contacts are dirty, corroded, etc. If the SIM card has been removed from the device the gold contacts may be scratched, worn, or otherwise damaged. Damage can also come from corrosion of the contacts or the SIM tray in the device due to exposure to moisture or debris.
  • SIM inserted incorrectly. There's usually just one correct way to insert a SIM card into a device's SIM tray and to insert the SIM tray into the device. Be sure not to modify the SIM card (e.g., cut, bend, etc.) and that the SIM is inserted per the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Wrong SIM card: Make sure you're using the correct type of SIM card. Most devices today use nano-SIM cards. If you're using a SIM that is a different size, don't try to force or modify it to make it fit. Using a SIM provided by another carrier or a 4G SIM in a 5G device can cause network connection failure.

What if I lost my SIM card or it was damaged? How do I get a replacement?

If you have a lost SIM card or it's been damaged, visit our SIM Card and eSIM FAQs to learn how to get a new one. You may be able to activate an eSIM and not have to order a new physical SIM card.

Can a Verizon SIM card go bad?

Typically a SIM card can last between 5 and 10 years. SIM card lifespans can be affected by factors including corrosion from moisture, swapping between devices, dirt or debris, etc.

You might find your SIM card isn't working for other reasons. A SIM card can also be blocked by carrier restrictions or become locked from too many incorrect lock code attempts, devices reported lost or stolen or lines of service that are suspended or disconnected.

For information specific to SIM card lock codes visit My Verizon Website - Locate the SIM PIN / PUK.

What should I do if my SIM card isn't working?

If your SIM card isn't working, in some cases you may need to order a new SIM card (e.g., lost SIM Card, stolen, damaged, etc.)

In many cases however, issues can be resolved by:

  • Turning Airplane mode in your device on and back off.
  • Restarting your device.
  • Removing and re-inserting the SIM card.
  • Cleaning the SIM card contacts using a clean, dry, lint-free cloth.

SIM card not working, eSIM not working (2024)

FAQs

Why is my SIM card not working after eSIM? ›

Make sure your SIM is enabled in the Settings menu and the correct SIM is set to default. Affected by a system block - A SIM lock may be enabled on the eSIM because you entered the PIN incorrectly too many times.

Why is my SIM card suddenly not working? ›

It could be a problem with the SIM card itself. You might not have placed the SIM card in the tray correctly, or the card might be dirty or damaged. You will also have connection issues if the old SIM and your new phone are incompatible. Some 5G phones require updated SIM cards to work.

What causes eSIM failure? ›

Common problems like incompatible carriers, activation issues, network problems, software updates, and physical SIM interference can cause eSIM malfunctions. Practical troubleshooting steps include restarting your device, checking carrier compatibility, updating iOS, and contacting support.

Why is my eSIM data not working? ›

Check your plans

Your iPhone must be unlocked or both mobile plans must be from the same network provider. Both plans must be set up and ready to use. Your network provider or network providers must support Dual SIM with eSIM. If a CDMA network provides your first SIM, your second SIM won't support CDMA.

Does physical SIM stop working after eSIM? ›

What Happens to Your Physical SIM Card When You Switch to eSIM? When you switch to eSIM, your physical SIM card becomes obsolete. Your mobile device will no longer recognize the physical SIM card and you will no longer be able to use it to connect to a cellular network.

Why is my iPhone not detecting SIM card? ›

Make sure that the SIM tray closes completely and isn't loose. If you use a SIM tray from a different model iPhone, iPad, or from another phone manufacturer, it might not fit properly. If your device has a physical SIM card and you've completed the previous step, try using another SIM card.

How do I fix my unresponsive SIM card? ›

ResetSim method:

Type resetSim Firstname Lastname into the cheat bar and click Enter. Make sure you enter the name of the Sim you want to reset. For example: If you want to reset Gobias Koffi, type: resetSim Gobias Koffi, and press Enter. To reset all of the Sims in your current game, you can type resetSim *.

How do I tell if my SIM card is damaged? ›

Here are a few common symptoms that most people would have experienced with a damaged sim card.
  1. Your sim card has physical damage. ...
  2. Frequent call drops and bad network reception. ...
  3. The sound quality. ...
  4. Frequent Pin code request. ...
  5. 'Welcome to network…' ...
  6. Your sim card is not getting recognized.
Mar 6, 2024

Why does my phone randomly stop reading my SIM card? ›

There are several possible causes for this like a software glitch, network settings issues, a damaged card, or maybe your SIM card isn't securely in place. At Asurion, we help millions of people solve their tech problems every day, whether you don't have service or your Android phone keeps dropping calls.

Why is my eSIM unable to activate? ›

Because the "Unable to Activate eSIM" is appearing during the combined installation/activation flow, it usually means your device is unable to INSTALL your eSIM. This is often because you don't have a stable internet connection to download and install your eSIM (digital SIM card).

Why eSIM is a bad idea? ›

Easily tracked by network providers

However, because eSIM is built into the device and cannot be removed, users' phones will continue to be connected to the carrier's network and be easier to trace, one of the major eSIM disadvantages.

How to fix eSIM not working on iPhone? ›

Network Reset: Fixing eSIM Connection Issues on iOS Devices

Go to General: Scroll down and select the 'General' option. Find Reset: At the bottom, you'll see 'Reset'; tap on it. Choose Network Reset: Select 'Reset Network Settings' from the list. Enter Passcode: If prompted, enter your phone's passcode.

Does eSIM have network issues? ›

One of the common challenges faced with eSIM connectivity is network disconnections. This can be frustrating, especially when you rely on a stable and uninterrupted network connection for your mobile device. However, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve these issues.

Why is my eSIM saying no SIM? ›

These include: A temporary glitch: A momentary issue caused by a glitch in your phone's software or your network carrier's operations. Issue with your SIM card slot or other phone hardware: Your iPhone or Android phone's hardware could have a problem that's stopping it from detecting the SIM.

Can an eSIM go bad? ›

Your eSIM itself never expires.

That one eSIM can work forever, as long as you top it up with data packages. So don't delete it!

How do I get my normal SIM back from eSIM? ›

To convert your eSIM to physical sim, you need to first deactivate your eSIM permanently. This will delete all your network details from the existing eSIM. You can't complete the process online or by yourself. Therefore, find the nearest store of your network provider.

Can you still use SIM card after eSIM? ›

Yes, you can switch back from eSIM to physical SIM in seconds, in fact you can even use both of SIMs at the same time, your primary card for calls and message, and the eSIM for internet.

What happens to SIM card when eSIM is activated? ›

Wait for your eSIM to activate. Your previous SIM card will be deactivated when the mobile plan on your iPhone is activated.

Can you use an eSIM and physical SIM at the same time? ›

All iPhone models that support eSIM can have multiple eSIMs and use Dual SIM with two active SIMs at the same time. You can use Dual SIM by using a physical SIM and an eSIM. iPhone 13 models and later also support two active eSIMs. iPhone models without a physical SIM tray support two active eSIMs.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Jamar Nader

Last Updated:

Views: 6137

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (75 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jamar Nader

Birthday: 1995-02-28

Address: Apt. 536 6162 Reichel Greens, Port Zackaryside, CT 22682-9804

Phone: +9958384818317

Job: IT Representative

Hobby: Scrapbooking, Hiking, Hunting, Kite flying, Blacksmithing, Video gaming, Foraging

Introduction: My name is Jamar Nader, I am a fine, shiny, colorful, bright, nice, perfect, curious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.