Booted up your smartphone and was greeted by the “SIM card not provisioned“ error? It only means that your smartphone wasn’t authenticated on the network. Don’t panic, you can get rid of it with little effort. We also need to point out that it doesn’t have to appear at boot, but when, for example, calling someone. In that case, you might get a more precise explanation, such as “SIM not provisioned for voice”. We will cover all of those sources as we show you how to fix the “SIM card not provisioned“ error. The questions below are there to help you find the solution faster since some of them are known causes.
1. Restart your smartphone
As with most electronics, turning it off, then on can save you so much time and effort. Reset your phone, usually by holding the Side button alone or in combination with a Volume Up or Volume Down button. If the error persists, proceed with the next step.
2. Reseat the SIM card
There’s a chance that the golden chip that stores all information has gotten dirty. If so, the oil on your hands, dust, or debris, can mess things up. Here’s what to do based on the number and type of SIM cards:
1. You have only one SIM card
Regardless of the SIM card size, remove the SIM card (this is how to take the card out on iPhone), and wipe it with a clean cloth and a drop of rubbing alcohol if possible. Insert the SIM card again and check. No changes? Open the SIM card slot using the SIM removal tool and place the SIM card in the other slot and try again.
2. You use dual SIM or triple SIM
The error might also develop into “SIM Card not provisioned MM#2“ or “SIM card two not provisioned” if your smartphone is using a hybrid SIM slot, and you have two SIM cards inserted. In that case, you can swap SIM cards or temporarily leave only the card you’re trying to fix.
3. You use an embedded SIM card
Since the eSIM is soldered, you cannot remove it physically or swap anything. Instead, everything is done through software. You need to do a soft reset, essentially disable the network, then reconnect. We outlined the necessary steps for Android and iOS in our guide on unlocking a SIM card under the headline Steps to enable the SIM card.
3. Did you activate your SIM card?
In the past, entering the PIN after boot was enough. Nowadays, network providers add a few more requirements, such as calling a certain phone number, signing in to an account on their website, or installing an application on your Android or iOS phone. Each carrier has its own requirements, which are also updated from time to time. For instructions, this means you need to look at your carrier’s website or forums. To give you an example, here’s how to activate a Verizon SIM card.
4. Got a new smartphone but used an old SIM card?
First of all, how old, and how big was the upgrade? There’s a chance that your old SIM doesn’t support the network technology (GSM, CDMA, LTE) and you’re getting the “SIM card not provisioned“ message for that reason. Even if it’s the same technology, it might be outdated, such as supporting 3G only while your smartphone is configured to work with 4G or even 5G. In that case, it’s best if you buy a new SIM card from your carrier or get one for free as part of a postpaid SIM benefits package.
5. Got a new SIM card with the same phone number?
Was your smartphone stolen? Did you sell or give it away without ejecting the SIM card? Entered PIN incorrectly too many times and your SIM card got suspended? In all of those cases, your carrier will issue you a brand new one and assign the same SIM card phone number. However, the process of connecting to the network might not be instantaneous. It can take hours, even a full day or two for the transition and authentication processes to complete. Luckily, the “SIM card not provisioned“ will go away on its own afterward.
6. Has your SIM card expired?
This isn’t as common with postpaid SIM, since carriers repeatedly remind you that your contract is about to expire. But if you’re using a pay as you go SIM card or prepaid SIM card, the danger is real, especially if it’s been a while since you topped up the credits or chosen a data package. First, check the carrier’s website for conditions. Then, to stop the “SIM card not provisioned“ error from popping up, either make a payment or purchase a new SIM card.
7. Are you outside of the network-covered area?
Are you abroad while getting the error message? If so, there’s a chance that data roaming is disabled in software to prevent excessive charges, and it’s not a SIM card problem. Here’s how to allow your smartphone to connect while outside of network boundaries:
Here’s how to enable roaming on Android 10:
- Tap on Settings.
- Select Network & Internet.
The option might also be called Connections. - Select the Mobile network option.
- Toggle Roaming or Data roaming to on.
Follow these steps to turn on data roaming on iOS 13:
- Open Settings.
- Select Cellular.
- Tap on Cellular Data Options.
- Toggle Data Roaming to on.
8. Contact your carrier for help
If you can’t solve the “SIM card not provisioned“ on your own, there’s no shame in asking for assistance. Swing by their store, send an e-mail or a ticket on the website or call their Customer Service phone number. You never know who made a mistake – your SIM card might have been suspended or they might have shipped the wrong SIM card type.