How to Fix No SIM card detected error on iPhone SE 3 (2022)

This post will help deal with the No SIM error on the 3rd generation special edition iPhone. Read on to learn what to do if you’re seeing a No SIM card detected error on iPhone SE 3 (2022) device.

fix no sim card error iphone se3 2022 featured

The No SIM card detected error denotes that the phone does not recognize or detect a SIM card in the tray. But it doesn’t always mean that there is actually no SIM card installed on the phone. So let’s dig deeper and find out what triggers the occurrence of this error in iOS devices.

No SIM error in iOS 15 devices

When you encounter a No SIM error, cellular services are likewise not working. This means that you cannot text, call or use mobile data on your iPhone. 

The SIM card stores tiny bits of data that serve as key identifiers for your device. This information distinguishes you from all other iPhone users over the cellular network. 

The SIM card also embeds the authorization key that enables the iPhone to access data services and other cellular services that you’re subscribed to. Overall, the SIM card plays a very important role for your phone to work as intended. 

Although other apps and services that are not requiring cellular network would still be able to work as intended, you still wouldn’t be able to use your device a hundred percent. That said, you need to do something in order to fix the problem.

Unless you’ve figured out what exactly has happened or why your iPhone is prompting this error, the better approach to resolving the issue is to rule out every possible cause.

The occurrence of this error is either due to a software issue affecting the phone’s cellular network services, particularly the SIM card system. This is often the case if the No SIM error suddenly occurs without you touching or taking the SIM card out from the phone.

Common factors that have been linked to SIM-related issues in iOS devices include random software glitches, data corruption and faulty updates among others.

Meanwhile, if the SIM card error appears after you dropped your iPhone, then it’s likely due to a loose SIM card on the tray or worse, the phone or any of its SIM card components has obtained some damage from the previous dropping incident.

Troubleshooting No SIM card detected error on iPhone SE (2022)

There are a few things you can do on your end to fix the No SIM, Invalid SIM or other SIM card errors showing on your iPhone. Try these before heading to an authorized Apple service center for iPhone repair.

Note that there’s no definite solution to this problem unless you’ve managed to identify the underlying cause. That said, it’s going to be a trial-and-error approach.

These solutions are also applicable when dealing with relevant errors such as when your iPhone says No SIM, SIM card installed error, SIM card not recognized, or invalid SIM card message.

Feel free to start and try these subsequent solutions whenever you’re all set to troubleshoot your device.

Solution #1: Restart the iPhone (soft reset).

To clear our minor software errors that might have caused the iOS cellular system to glitch and triggered a SIM error, performing a soft reset or starting the phone can help. This simple procedure can help rectify minor system flaws that cause various types of issues on the device.

fix no sim card error iphone se3 2022 RESTART

It does not affect any user information saved on the phone’s storage so there’s no need to worry of losing critical files and documents.

Just follow these steps if you haven’t restarted your iPhone yet.

  • Press and hold the Side button on the top-right edge and then release when the Power off slider appears.
  • Drag the Power Off slider to the right. Doing so powers off the device.
  • After a few seconds, press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.

In iOS devices, a soft reset or restart is also a way to clear out residual data from the system cache. This allows the device to refresh and do a better performance the next time it runs.

Solution #2: Toggle Airplane Mode on and off.

Another simple tweak that has been proven by many iPhone users to work wonders when dealing with random network problems including cellular network and SIM-related errors is the Airplane mode trick.

fix no sim card error iphone se3 2022 AIRPLANEMODE
This is how it’s done on the iPhone SE 3 2022:
  • From the Home screen, go to Settings.
  • Toggle the Airplane mode switch to turn the feature ON. When enabled, all wireless services including Wi-Fi network, Bluetooth connections and Cellular data features are disabled.
  • While Airplane mode is enabled, restart the iPhone.
  • As soon as it reboots, go back to the Airplane mode settings menu then toggle to turn the switch OFF again.

This gives a simultaneous refresh to all wireless features and services and thereby clears out any transpiring minor glitches.

You can also turn Airplane mode on and off through the iOS control center. Just launch the Control Center and tap on the Airplane icon to enable and disable the feature.

Solution #3: Update the iPhone (if applicable).

Installing new updates to iOS can also be deemed a potential solution to the problem. Software updates rolled out by Apple periodically may also contain the required patch to get rid of any system bugs that might have ruined the iPhone’s cellular functions.

fix no sim card error iphone se3 2022 IOS UPDATE

To manually check for, download and install new iOS updates, your iPhone must have a stable internet connection preferably through a Wi-Fi network.

Ample storage and sufficient battery life are also among the requisites to ensure successful updating.

  • To check for new updates on the iPhone SE 3, just head over to Settings-> General-> Software Update menu.

Wait for the phone to finish checking for new updates and follow the onscreen instructions to download and install available updates.

Don’t forget to restart your device after updating to refresh apps and system services. This is also imperative to ensure all recent system changes are properly implemented.

Solution #4: Install carrier updates (if available).

Every iPhone has network provider settings updates that allow your provider to update the network and related settings to further enhance mobile network connectivity and performance.

The network provider settings updates in new iPhones including the 3rd generation iPhone SE typically add support for new features including Wi-Fi calling and 5G capability.

fix no sim card error iphone se3 2022 CARRIER UPDATE

Similar to iOS updates, you’ll get an iPhone notification whenever a network provider settings update (carrier update) is available. This allows you to check on and install it right away.

To manually download and install a network provider/carrier update in iOS 15, just follow these steps:

  • Make sure that your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi and the internet connection is stable. 
  • When ready, go to Settings-> General-> About menu. If a new carrier update is available, follow the onscreen instructions to install the update.


The installation of carrier updates typically takes less than a minute so you can keep using your phone as usual.

There are also some mandatory carrier updates that your network provider releases. When these updates arrive, you’ll see an OK button instead of an Update button on the update notification. This means that the update was already downloaded and installed so all you have to do is accept and confirm the update receipt.

Solution #5: Remove and reinstall the SIM card.

Another effective solution to SIM card issues is to remove and reinstall the SIM card. This can help fix the error if it’s tied to some minor SIM card data corruption. The same thing when it’s due to a loose or dislodged SIM card in the iPhone tray.

fix no sim card error iphone se3 2022 REINSTALL SIM

Just follow these steps whenever you’re all set:

  • Turn your iPhone off completely to prevent damaging the SIM card components or the device itself.
  • While the phone is powered off, eject the SIM card tray using the SIM ejector or a small bent paper clip.
  • Remove the SIM card from the SIM tray and carefully check it for any visible signs of damage. 
  • If everything looks good with the card, place it back into the tray in the same position or orientation before you remove it.
  • Then, gently push the SIM card tray back into the phone and lock it in place.

Turn your iPhone back on and wait for it to establish wireless connections. Check the network carrier status on the top side and see if the SIM card error is gone. 

Solution #6: Reset network settings.

Resorting to iOS resets can be regarded among the last options when dealing with recurring system issues on an iPhone. Since SIM card errors are tagged among other network-related issues, performing a network reset is the next recommended solution for you to try on.

fix no sim card error iphone se3 2022 NETWORK RESET

Resetting the network settings deletes all your current network configuration including saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth connections, Cellular data settings, APNs, and other relevant information.

It doesn’t affect any saved information from the iPhone storage so you won’t lose any important data in the process.

Just follow these steps:

  • Go to Settings-> General menu.
  • Find and then tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  • Tap Reset to continue.
  • Select the option to Reset Network Settings.
  • Tap Reset Network settings on the next screen to proceed.
  • On the final warning prompt, tap Reset settings to confirm.

The phone restarts on its own when the reset is finished and then restores the default network values and options.

Any system irregularities tied to invalid network configurations or corrupted network settings will likewise be rectified in the process.

Solution #7: Reset all settings.

If the SIM card error does not disappear after resetting the network settings, then it could be due to a more complex system glitch. In this case, the next option you’ve got is to reset all settings.

fix no sim card error iphone se3 2022 RESET ALL

This reset is recommended before doing a factory reset because it does not affect any user data. All system settings on the phone will be restored to their default values.

Should you wish to proceed, just follow these steps:

  • Go Settings-> General menu.
  • Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone
  • On the next screen, tap Reset to continue.
  • Select Reset All Settings.
  • Read the reset details then tap Reset settings.
  • On the final warning prompt, tap Reset settings to confirm.

After the reset, the phone reboots automatically and then loads up all the default options. This means the need for you to re-enable necessary features that are disabled by default. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections must also be set up like the first time.

You may also resort to a full system reset or factory reset to deal with complex system flaws that might have resulted in a corrupted SIM card system. But before you do, be sure to back up all your important data. Failure to back them up will result in permanent data loss.

fix no sim card error iphone se3 2022 FACTORY RESET

Once your backup files are secured, you may proceed with a factory reset via iOS settings or go for an iTunes restore. To do the latter, you will need to use a Mac or Windows computer that has the latest version of iTunes app installed.

Still getting a No SIM error on your iPhone?

Performing the above solutions is usually enough to clear out common software-related factors that might have triggered the No SIM or invalid SIM card error on an iPhone. If the error doesn’t disappear, then there’s a good chance that you’re dealing with a hardware problem. 

So here’s what you can try doing next.

Try using a different SIM card.

To rule out the possibility that the error you’re getting is due to a SIM card damage, try to insert another compatible SIM card on your iPhone. If the error does not occur when using a different SIM card, then it’s obviously a problem with your SIM card.

Should the no SIM card error be tied to a SIM card damage, getting a new SIM card replacement would be necessary. Contact your carrier to get a new SIM card replacement. Just ask your carrier to retain your number so you don’t have to update your phone number on every account and service that’s linked to your damaged SIM.

If none of the other SIM cards work or your iPhone still shows the same error when using any other SIM cards, then it could be something worse.

Seek more help

At this point, you should contact your cellular service provider to escalate the problem and ask for further assistance. Just let them know exactly what you’re dealing with or what has happened so they can properly assess the situation and come up with the best possible solutions.

Contacting Apple Support can also be regarded among the last options, especially if the problem is tied to an iOS update. Reporting post-update issues will help Apple’s software development team to come with an immediate fix patch.

Otherwise, visit the nearest Apple Store in your area to have your iPhone scrutinized by an authorized technician. What you’re dealing with may not just be due to malfunctioning SIM card but rather a damaged iPhone component.

Please keep posted for more comprehensive iOS tutorials and troubleshooting guides on this site. Or you can check out this YouTube channel to view more comprehensive tutorial and troubleshooting videos including recent iOS devices.

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