SIM card failures are directly related to damage, wear and tear, and long-term use. However, there are times when other reasons might also spur SIM failures. But why is it significant? A SIM card is essential for a mobile device. Thus, without a SIM, your device is akin to a brick. Herein lies the problem: how to spot the obvious signs indicating SIM failure, because trust us, there are signs, and also solutions to not only prevent but also avoid SIM failures.
How to spot a SIM Card failure?
The very first thing a user needs to do is accurately spot a SIM card failure. Worry not, as there are enough tell tales to this, which we have presented below:
Faulty Contact Display
If you are suddenly witnessing a faulty, incorrect, or incomplete contact list, then chances are your SIM is already damaged enough. You might only see the numbers saved on the SIM and not the names. Granted, nowadays, many people do not store their contacts on a SIM due to limited storage. Still, those who do can accurately determine the status of their SIM at a glance.
“No SIM installed” or “No service” message displayed
If you are fraught with nonstop error messages like No SIM installed or No service, even when you are getting full bars, then it might be your SIM card that has started showing obvious signs of damage. The SIM is slotted into your mobile phone, so there is a chance that the device itself is faulty. But if it started suddenly and is persisting, then you might want to look at your SIM card.
Call or SMS delay
Have you ever noticed your calls taking longer to connect? Or does the SMS you sent take a while before delivering? If yes, then you are witnessing the fall of your SIM card due to long-term use and wear and tear. After some time, if the SIM card is compromised, it starts affecting your calls and SMSes. If this happens frequently, then it’s time to back up your SIM card data, switch to a new SIM, or try to fix it.
Frequent Call Drops
It is the same with call drops. While most call drops are due to network issues, if the SIM is already damaged, it will inadvertently affect your calls. Hence, you might need to pay more attention to your calling habits and the duration of calls.
Poor Sound Quality
If you are no longer able to hear a clear voice when on a call, it isn’t necessarily your network’s or device’s fault. Rather, the underlying cause might be with your SIM card. However, you need to be doubly sure before you can pin the blame on your SIM card, as it is a fairly common problem associated with handsets.
Choppy Internet
If you are a frequent network data user, then you must have noticed that sometimes your internet speeds slow down. While it might be due to your ISP throttling, there is a slight chance it is related to your SIM going bad, especially if the speed decreased gradually over time.
Device Randomly Switching to Airplane Mode
Finally, if you are bewildered about how the airplane mode gets switched on automatically, you might look at your SIM for further answers. The faulty SIM card might be causing an issue with your device software, resulting in a forced airplane mode.
What are the causes of SIM card failure?
While it is all well and good to recognize the correct signs of SIM card failure, it is equally important to understand the underlying causes behind this phenomenon.
SIM Installed incorrectly
Sometimes the user installs/slots the SIM card incorrectly due to hurry. This can cause SIM card failure. If the failure is due to this fact, then it is for the best, as this is something much easier to rectify.
Physical damage
Then again, the most obvious cause of a SIM card failure is physical damage done to the SIM. If you have been using the chip for a while, then chances are it has accumulated some dust or moisture damage, especially if your phone has been exposed to such environments. Then there is the expected wear and tear faced by any tangible object.
Device Software Issues
Often, your SIM might fail due to reasons beyond its own. A smartphone is a complex piece of technology, with hundreds of thousands of code lines written over time. Thus, if your device is experiencing any software glitches, chances are it has affected your SIM card.
Problem at the Network-Provider’s end
Although it is not a cause of a SIM failure, more like a false call, there are times when your provider has some problem at their end that can present all the signs of a SIM failure. However, it is also observed that such problems can harm your SIM, making it defunct.
SIM Blocked or Locked due to Human Error
Then there is the human factor, which can also cause SIM card failure. If you have blocked or locked your SIM card and forgotten the PIN with no method to obtain the PUK, the SIM will ultimately be reduced to a plastic chip. There are many such cases where the user finally destroys their own SIM card.
Manufacturing Defect
Finally, there is bad luck. Yes, if your SIM was faulty by default, meaning it somehow made it through all those quality checks as a defective product, then there is nothing one can do except chalk it up as a reason for SIM failure.
How to fix a SIM card?
Now that we have explored the reasons behind a SIM card failure, it is time to present some troubleshooting tips and tricks that might alleviate users’ SIM troubles:
1. Try to toggle Airplane Mode
Sometimes what might appear to be a SIM failure is only a glitch. If you are not getting a network and you have checked the SIM to be slotted properly, then you can try and toggle the airplane mode on and off to get rid of the glitch. Doing so will start your SIM, and hopefully, you will get coverage. Toggling airplane mode is simple, as you can do it directly from the notification menu on your smartphone, both on Android and iOS.
2. Restart your phone
You can always restart your phone to troubleshoot your SIM issues. In most cases, restarting your device will solve the problem, and your SIM will start working fine. Restarting the phone clears up your device cache, and if the issue is related to it, it will be solved.
3. Re-Slot your SIM Card
If you are constantly encountering a SIM error message, then maybe you have slotted the SIM card incorrectly. Shut down your smartphone and remove the SIM tray. Then reset the SIM card correctly. Now boot up your phone, and hopefully, your issue will be solved. If you are on a dual-SIM device, try and change the slot of the SIM card and make sure it is turned on in your phone settings.
4. Use an alternative SIM card on your device and your SIM on a different one
If you are doubtful whether your SIM is faulty or if the issue lies with your smartphone, you can change the SIM card on your device to cross-check. First, remove your original SIM card and try to use it on a different device to see whether it works or not. At the same time, use an alternative SIM card on the original device; if both SIM cards are working, then your SIM and device are both OK. But if your original SIM is not working on the new device, then it is time to replace it.
5. Update Network Carrier’s Settings
If you have received an update from your network carrier and are yet to install it, then this might be the reason behind your SIM card malfunctioning. First, update your network carrier’s settings and restart your phone. If the SIM is still failing to function, it has been damaged and needs a replacement.