iPhone 16 No SIM Issues/SIM Not Supported: 10 Effective Fixes [2024]

Part 1: Why does My iPhone 16 Say No SIM or SIM Not Supported?

If your iPhone 16 says no SIM or SIM is not supported, it can be due to several reasons. Here are the most common ones:

• Improper SIM insertion
• Damaged or faulty SIM card
• Unsupported carrier
• Software glitches
• Outdated iOS version
• SIM tray issues
• Network lock

Part 2: Make Sure Your Carrier Plan is Active and Update Carrier Settings

Firstly, you need to ensure your iPhone is not carrier-locked to some specific network, like Tmobile or Verizon. For example, a phone locked to Verizon will only work with Verizon SIM cards. You may face this problem if you purchase a used iPhone or from an unreliable third-party store. Here’s how to check your carrier status:

Go to Settings - General - about the Carrier.

Then, check if your carrier plan is active and working. You can get in touch with your service provider for that. Once you have these details out of the way, you can proceed to the next section for the critical fixes.

Related read How to Upgrade Carrier Settings on iPhone.

Part 3: Other 10 Methods to Fix iPhone 16 No SIM

If your carrier status is normal but your phone still says "No SIM," try these 10 methods to fix the issue.

Fix 1: Reset Network Settings

If your iPhone 16 no SIM available error persists after checking with your service provider, try resetting the network settings:

Go to Settings. - Select General. - Tap Reset. - Choose Reset Network Settings. This can resolve the iPhone 16 no SIM available issue by restoring default network settings.

Fix 2: Turn Airplane Mode On and Off

If you’re wondering, "why does my iPhone 16 say no SIM even after resetting network settings," try turning Airplane Mode on and off:

• Open the Control Center.
• Tap the Airplane Mode icon to turn it on.
• Wait a few seconds.

• Tap the Airplane Mode icon again to turn it off. This quick toggle might help your iPhone reconnect to the network and resolve the issue.

  

Fix 3: Restart iPhone 16

Another way to resolve the issue is to try restarting your iPhone 16. A simple restart can often fix many issues, including SIM card errors:

• Press and hold the power button.
• Slide to power off when prompted.
• Wait a few seconds after the device powers down.

• Press and hold the power button again to turn it back on.

  

Related read How to Force Restart iPhone.

Fix 4: Reinsert your SIM card and Tray

To address the iPhone 16 Pro Max no SIM error, try reinserting your SIM card and tray. This resolves the issue if you have not inserted the card properly before.

• Power off your iPhone 16/Pro/Pro Max.
• Eject the SIM card tray using the ejector tool.
• Remove the SIM card from the tray.
• Reinsert the SIM card carefully back into the tray.
• Insert the tray back into your iPhone.
• Power on your device.

This can help ensure the SIM card is properly seated and connected, resolving the iPhone 16 Pro Max no SIM issue.

Fix 5: Update iPhone 16 to the Latest iOS

To resolve the iPhone 16 says no SIM issue, you could also try updating your iPhone 16 to the latest iOS version. Updating to the latest iOS can fix bugs and improve device compatibility, which may resolve iPhone 16 SIM failure issue.

• Go to Settings. Select General. Tap Software Update.

• If an update is available, tap Download and Install. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.

  

Related read iOS 18 Update Issues.

Fix 6: Try another SIM to see if the issue is with the card or phone

To troubleshoot the iPhone 16 no SIM card error, try another SIM card to determine if the issue is with the card or the phone. This helps identify whether the problem lies with the SIM card or the phone itself.

• Power off your iPhone 16.
• Eject the current SIM card.
• Insert a different, working SIM card.
• Power on your device.
• Check if the error persists.

Fix 7: Contact Carrier

If the issue persists, contact your carrier for assistance. Your carrier can provide specific solutions or identify if there’s an issue with their network or your account.

• Call your carrier's customer support.

  AT&T: Call customer care at 1-800-331-0500

  Sprint: Dial *2 from your phone or device, or call 1-888-211-4727

  Verizon Wireless: Dial *611 from your phone or device, or call 1-800-922-0204

• Explain the issue and the steps you’ve already taken.
• Follow any additional troubleshooting steps provided by the carrier.
• If necessary, request a replacement SIM card or further technical support.

Fix 8: Contact Apple Support

If none of the previous steps work, contact Apple Support:

• Visit the Apple Support website or open the Support app.
• Schedule a call or chat with a support representative.
• Explain the issue and detail the troubleshooting steps you've already tried.
• Follow any additional instructions provided by Apple Support.
• If necessary, arrange a visit to an Apple Store or an authorized service provider.

Apple Support can offer specialized help and, if needed, diagnose hardware issues.

Fix 9: Repair iOS System Issues to Fix iPhone 16 No SIM (no Data Loss)

If your iPhone 16 not reading SIM card even now, the last thing you can try is repairing your iOS system. The easiest way to do that is using Tenorshare ReiBoot, Which gives you the option to repair your iOS system without losing your data.

• Fix 150+ iOS system issues without data loss.
• Enter and exit Recovery Mode with one click.
• Safely upgrade or downgrade iOS 18 without jailbreak or iTunes.
• Fix common iPhone and iTunes errors, like 4013 and 1110.
• Compatible with the latest iOS 18 and iPhone 16 series.

Here’s how to use Tenorshare ReiBoot iOS system repair tool:

• Download and install ReiBoot on your computer, and open it. Connect your iPhone and click the “Start Repair” button.

  

• Choose “Standard Repair”. The standard repair will not cause any data loss on the phone.

  

• Select “Download” to download the iOS installation file. The download process typically takes about 10 minutes, depending on the network speed. Once the firmware is downloaded, click “Start Standard Repair” and wait.

  

• Wait for a few minutes. And Now your iOS system has not been repaired, and your SIM card should now work just fine!

  

ReiBoot iOS system repair video guide

Part 4: How to Activate eSIM on iPhone 16?

To activate eSIM on your iPhone 16, follow these steps:

• Go to Settings. Select Cellular or Mobile Data. Tap Add Cellular Plan.
• Use your iPhone's camera to scan the QR code provided by your carrier, or enter the details manually.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup. Once the eSIM is added, choose the primary and secondary lines if you're using Dual SIM.

Your eSIM should now be activated and ready to use on your iPhone 16.

Part 5: FAQs about iPhone 16 SIM

1. Is there no SIM slot in iPhone 16?

iPhone 16 models sold in the USA only support eSIM and have no physical SIM slot. Other countries do have a SIM card tray.

2. How many eSIMs can iPhone 16 have?

iPhone 16 can store up to 8 eSIMs, with two active at any given time for Dual SIM functionality.

The Bottom Line

If you’re facing an issue with the SIM card on your iPhone 16 or iPhone 15, the first thing to check is whether your iPhone is carrier-locked and whether you have an active plan.

Once confirmed, you should try re-inserting the SIM card and resetting your settings. If none works, your best bet is to repair iOS system using Tenorshare ReiBoot.