8 Ways to Solve Unreadable SIM Cards on Android and iPhone
SIM card illustration. Photo: Rifkianto Nugroho
HOLIDAY NEWS - A SIM card or SIM card is a small card that is inserted into a cellphone. The SIM card functions to connect the cellphone to the operator's network so that you can make telephone calls, access the internet, and even SMS.
Unfortunately, there are many cases when the SIM card is inserted into the cellphone but cannot be read. Usually the words 'No SIM Card' or no SIM card will appear on the cellphone screen.
If this happens to detikers, don't immediately panic. There are a number of ways to deal with an unreadable SIM card. For more details, see this article.
Causes of Unreadable SIM Card
If the SIM card cannot be read when inserted into the cellphone, this could be caused by a number of things. Reported by the Android Authority website, here are the causes:
There is physical damage to the SIM card.
Dirty SIM card.
Software problems on smartphone.
The SIM card is not suitable for use on your smartphone, so you have to replace it with a special SIM card.
How to solve an unreadable SIM card
There are a number of ways to deal with an unreadable SIM card. Quoting the Android Authority and Apple Support sites, here are some ways:
1. Physically check the SIM card
The first step is to check the physical condition of the SIM card. If the yellow part is damaged or scratched, it is natural that the SIM card cannot be read on the smartphone.
To fix it, please contact the call center according to the provider you use. Usually, you will get a replacement SIM card.
2. Clean the SIM Card
If the yellow part of the SIM card is in good condition, it could be because there is dirt stuck to it. Try cleaning it gently with tissue or a dry microfiber cloth, then insert the card back into the cellphone.
3. Check the cellphone's SIM Tray
Apart from checking the SIM card, try checking the components of the SIM Tray or SIM tray. If there is minor damage such as a dent or break, this could be the cause of the SIM card not being read.
4. Restart the smartphone
After trying the methods above and the SIM card is still unreadable, restart or reload the cellphone. The thing is, this is often caused by problems with the software.
After restarting the smartphone, do not use it immediately. Wait a few moments until the cellphone manages to catch the signal and the SIM card can be read again.
5. Try changing the slot in the SIM tray
Most smartphones today have two SIM card slots. If your SIM card cannot be read, try removing it and reinserting it in the other SIM Tray slot. Wait a few moments until the SIM card is read again.
6. Activate Airplane Mode
When the smartphone cannot read the SIM card, try activating airplane mode. Wait about 3-5 seconds, then deactivate airplane mode. Usually, this method can bring back a lost signal or an unreadable SIM card.
7. Set SIM Network
The next way to deal with an unreadable SIM card is to set up the SIM network. For Android devices, follow these steps:
Open the 'Settings' menu
Select 'System'
Tap the 'Reset options' menu
Then select 'After WiFi, cellular and bluetooth'
Then tap 'Reset'
For iPhone users, see the methods below:
Go to 'Settings'
Tap the 'General' menu
After that tap 'Transfer or Reset iPhone'
Then select 'Reset network settings'
Enter the iPhone code
Then wait until the network settings reset process is complete.
For information, setting up the SIM network will also reset the WiFi and Bluetooth settings on the cellphone.
8. Contact Customer Service
If the methods above have been carried out and the SIM card is still unreadable, the final method is to contact customer service according to the cellular operator used. Later, detikers will be helped to check the SIM card and cellphone device to determine whether there is a problem or not. Those are eight ways to deal with an unreadable SIM card. Hopefully this article can help detikers.