8 Solutions: Why the phone does not see the SIM card

The fourth reason why a smartphone or tablet does not see the SIM card is an imei glitch

Each phone has an individual IMEI code — without it it is impossible to make calls.

Check if something happened. To do this, dial the combination: * # 06 # — to display it. If this is not possible, then you cannot do without a repair point.

Broken soldering of card holder contacts

During the operation of the smartphone, dirt and water get inside, mechanical damage is possible, and as a result, the contacts of the card holder come off. If you encounter this problem, do not carry out repairs yourself. Take the gadget to a service center.

SIM card does not work — only emergency calls

The message “emergency calls only” appears when:

• there are not enough funds in the account — top up the balance;
• you are out of network coverage — change your location;
• “offline mode” is enabled — turn off the function.

Invalid imei

After checking the IMEI, you realized that it is worn out or does not match. How to recover? Open the service menu using the code (for all operating systems):

• dial the combination as a number and press the “call” key;
• go to “CDS Information – Radio Information – Phone1”;
• at the top under the AT item, enter in the field EGMR=1.7 “enter the correct IMEI” – for the first SIM card or EGMR=1.10 “enter the correct IMEI” – for the second;
• press the “SEND AT COMMAND” button and the new settings will take effect;
• reboot your smartphone.

You can fix it using the “Chamelephon” application if you have ROOT rights. You can always contact the service center to resolve the issue.

SIM card holder is faulty

Another reason why the smartphone does not see the SIM card is the deformation of the holder. The SIM card does not fit tightly into the slot in the phone and there is no contact. Place a piece of tape on the SIM card or place a folded piece of paper. The card will fit more tightly to the contacts and the problem will be solved. The result is not achieved or you cannot reach the holder yourself — contact the service center.

SIM card slot is damaged

This problem occurs due to frequent changes of SIM cards, ingress of water, sand or dust, iron oxidation, shaking and falling of the gadget. What to do? First, clean the slot in the device. Treat with alcohol and check that there are no dents or other defects. Has some contact been broken? The part is broken. It is not recommended to disassemble the device yourself; contact service.

Damaged SIM card contacts

The SIM card has contacts:

• Vcc – power supply;
• Reset – control;
• Cloc – clock frequency;
• Vpp – for recording information;
• I/O – input/output;
• General (“ground”).

Damage to any contact will result in failure. You will have to apply for a new SIM card.

Problem with the phone

Let’s move on to the second group, in which the problem “SIM does not work” depends on the phone. Some reasons can be eliminated on your own, others will require contacting a service center.

Problem with the SIM card

Let’s start with the first reason, when the culprit is the SIM card itself. Below is a description of what causes each situation. Find out what works for you and find out how to fix the problem.

The SIM card is not registered on the network

The problem could be:

• number is blocked — you can find out in your Personal Account or by contacting the hotline;
• the microchip has burned out — replace the SIM card from the operator;
• does not search for the network automatically — start a manual search;
• does not match IMEI — change the number yourself or contact the service center;
• offline mode is enabled — disable the option.

A SIM card will not be able to register on the network if the firmware contains errors, the card itself is damaged, or there are problems with the device.

The phone sees the SIM card, but does not connect to the network

Possible reasons when the SIM card does not see the network:

• breakdown in the signal amplifier, connector, controller, antenna, radio path;
• software failure — network search does not start automatically;
• the communication standard does not correspond — the phone does not work on Russian GSM frequencies.

In the first case, a trip to the service center is inevitable. In the second, you need to start searching for the network manually, and then change the device firmware. The third option occurs when the phone was purchased abroad, for example, in a Chinese online store and is not able to work in Russia — this cannot be fixed.

How to activate a SIM card if there is no network? Contact the operator’s sales office or call technical support from a working number.

The phone does not recognize the second SIM card

When the SIM card does not work in the second slot, first check that the card itself is working. Move it to another working device, if everything works, then the problem is in the phone. What could be:

• incorrect firmware change — reinstall the operating system from the manufacturer’s official website or reset the settings to factory settings;
• incorrect settings — enable the SIM card in the device manager, or send an SMS to the inactive SIM card;
• IMEI error – check the number on the case and in the device program for consistency using command #06#.

Not every phone can work with two cards at the same time, only top models. In budget devices, SIM cards work alternately.

The card has expired

There is no regulated expiration date for SIM, nor is there a service life. For correct operation, a period of seven years is considered the norm. The service life depends on the user himself: how often the SIM card is moved from device to device — the rubbing process is in progress, whether water or other liquids have come into contact with it — the oxidation process begins, what type of device it was on before and is now on — different power levels of gadgets.

If the SIM card has been serving for a long time and has stopped working, replace it with your operator. Go to an official point of sale with your passport. Remember that the service will be provided only to the owner of the number, or to a representative with a power of attorney confirmed by a notary.