Prevention is better than cure, as they say. For that reason, so as not to have to find yourself with your mobile does not recognize the SIM card, you should follow these practical tips. And it is that, once this problem occurs, you will no longer be able to call or have data connectivity anywhere you are. And if you are close to home it is just a minor problem, but if you are abroad or in a compromising situation, then it becomes a big problem. What's more, not only will you be incommunicado, you'll also have many other problems, since you won't be able to access other services that require a connection, so one of the most powerful tools will be inoperative.
Solutions for when the mobile does not recognize the SIM
Here are the most common problems for which your mobile could be showing you a SIM card not recognized error:
bad insertion
One of the most common problems may be that the tray where the SIM memory goes or the memory itself is not correctly inserted. First of all, read the manual of your device, since some models have special requirements to insert the SIM card. Once you know how to insert properly:
- Turn off the mobile device.
- Insert the pointed tool into the small hole next to the tray to remove it.
- Insert the card well and then do the same with the tray.
- Turn on your mobile and test if it has been solved.
bad contact
Another problem could be in the contact of the internal terminals of the device and the surface of the SIM card. Generally this happens because the card has become dirty or dirt has entered the slot. A simple solution is:
- Turn off your cell phone.
- Pull out the tray with the SIM card.
- Clean the SIM well and blow into the slot to avoid dust.
- Correctly reinsert the card and the tray in your mobile and try again if it is detected.
Sometimes running a Milan-style rubber across the gold surface of the SIM card can also work.
System cache problem
In many cases it is as simple as reboot the device to solve the problem. Instead, if that doesn't work, then you'll need to go one step further and clear the system cache. To do this, the steps to follow are:
- Switch off the mobile phone.
- Simultaneously press the volume up button and the power on/off button.
- When it starts in Recovery mode you will be able to release them.
- Choose with the volume buttons the Wipe Cache Partition option.
- Press the power button to select. And wait for the deletion process to finish.
SIM disabled
Another thing that can happen is that the SIM card is not activated, either because you have to go through some process to activate it if it is new, or because the service company has cut off your line. Contact them in this case.
faulty sim
It is likely that if none of the above has worked, it is a problem with the SIM itself, that it is broken, superficially scratched, or that the internal chip has suffered damage. In this case, there is nothing else to ask a new SIM card to your telephone company.
Damaged slot
Finally, the most serious case is that it is a hardware problem, of the slot that is defective or a contact has been broken. In this case, there is no other option but to take the terminal to the technical service or repair it yourself if you have the skills, replacing the module where the SIM is inserted or the entire PCB board if it is integrated. The most radical option is to buy a new mobile.
Basic maintenance for the SIM
In order to keep the SIM card always in good shape and that its useful life is extended to the maximum, you should follow the following recommendations:
Maintain good hygiene
It is important maintain good hygiene and clean the mobile device to keep it in perfect condition. This is not only a matter of neatness, it will also prevent dirt from entering the slots and ending up affecting the connectivity of the SIM card. In addition, it would not hurt to have a cover that protects the side from dust and other types of dirt. TPU cases save a lot of dirt and could be good allies if you can't clean your device as often or are a bit careless about it.
read the manual
It is important that you read the user manual that comes with your mobile device if it is a new terminal. And it is that not all devices have the slot in the same way. You may be inserting the card incorrectly or you may be placing it in the slot reserved for the SD memory card. That is why it is important to know how to do it correctly, and without forcing any element that could break. Many card recognition problems are due to misplacement or upside down. However, the slots are made to only fit one way, but if you don't have the eyesight of a lynx it's easy to go wrong. And the worst thing is that if it gets stuck inside the slot, you will not be able to remove the tray and it will be an even bigger problem, or you will have to force it with not very positive consequences.
Avoid staining the surface of the SIM
On the other hand, do not stain or cover SIM card surfaceneither on one side nor the other. The reason is that if you do it on the side of the protective plastic, you could increase the thickness and make it not fit well in the slot, producing the dreaded failure. But if you do it on the other side, the gold, then you will be preventing it from making good contact.
keep the system
It is important that you maintain a good Android system administration policy so that there are no problems with the system itself that could affect its behavior and that it sends messages that the SIM card is not detected, even if it is in perfect condition. For it, reboot from time to time, clear cache, etc. In the last case, if you see that none of that works, first of all, you should perform a hard reset to see if it was a problem with the system itself or with the SIM card.
Treat your SIM card well
When remove the SIM card you should take into account some recommendations so as not to damage it. Keep in mind that these cards are memory chips and can go bad just like other semiconductor devices. On the other hand, nobody spends the same care with a SIM as with a processor, for example. Among the considerations to take into account are:
- Don't get it wet. If you do, you should soak it in isopropyl alcohol and then let it evaporate and dry.
- Do not scratch it superficially, as this could be the reason for a bad contact. Therefore, do not place it with the golden area facing down or rub it with surfaces that can scratch it.
- Try not to touch the gold contacts of the SIM card, not only because they can be damaged by ESD, but also because the oil from your fingers could make a bad contact when inserting it. That is, you should always hold it by the lateral flanks.
- Do not bend the SIM card, even if it seems flexible, it could affect and end up with a stress break.
Ask for a duplicate just in case...
Finally, you could also ask your telephone service company to give you a duplicate SIM card. Not all of them give this type of copies, but some do include this possibility, being able to have a copy so that you do not run out of service if it is lost or damaged.