HT201420: If you get an alert about the SIM card in your iPhone

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Q: When I insert my new sim into my new iphone and enter the pin, a message comes 'no service'. What is wrong and what do I need to do please?

When I insert my new sim into my new iphone and enter the pin, a message comes 'no service'. What is wrong and what do I need to do please?

iPhone 4S

Posted on Jun 14, 2013 8:07 AM

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Q: When I insert my new sim into my new iphone and enter the pin, a message comes 'no service'. What is wrong and what do I need to d ... more

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  • by ChrisJ4203,Helpful

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Jun 14, 2013 8:26 AM in response to support3008
    Level 9 (58,565 points)
    iPhone
    Jun 14, 2013 8:26 AM in response to support3008

    Have you activated the phone for service? Is the phone locked to another carrier that you do not have a SIM for?

  • by support3008,Helpful

    support3008 support3008 Jun 14, 2013 9:39 AM in response to ChrisJ4203
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 14, 2013 9:39 AM in response to ChrisJ4203

    Hi Chris

    I am sorry to sound so dumb but what do you mean have I activated the phone for service?

    What do I need to do?

    the sim card has come from the company direct and is the micro sim card of the phone number I was using before on my Nokia, so I assume it is OK?

    Carol

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Jun 14, 2013 11:41 AM in response to support3008
    Level 9 (58,565 points)
    iPhone
    Jun 14, 2013 11:41 AM in response to support3008

    When you first turn the phone on, it should go through a set of activation screen settings. Where did you get the phone? Did you purchase it from a carrier, Apple, an authorized reseller? Where are you located and what was the name of the carrier?

  • by support3008,

    support3008 support3008 Jun 15, 2013 12:32 AM in response to ChrisJ4203
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 15, 2013 12:32 AM in response to ChrisJ4203

    Hi Chris

    Yes the phone did go through a set of screen activation settings and it accepted the pin but then at the top left hand corner it comes up 'no service'. Interestingly, I have tried the same phone number on a regular sim card (not microsim) on my simple Nokia phone - and it has always worked BUT now ialthough it again says the sim is accepted, when I dial a number there is no service!

    So, 2 different sim cards (but same number) and in different phones and with both now I am unable to get a connection!

    I got the iphone directly from Apple through their online delivery.

    Any ideas? Thank you in anticipation.

    Carol

  • by Ethmoid,

    Ethmoid Ethmoid Jun 15, 2013 12:39 AM in response to support3008
    Level 6 (11,262 points)
    Jun 15, 2013 12:39 AM in response to support3008

    Was the phone sold to you as unlocked - did you pay full price for the phone? 

     

    Did you request a new sim card for the phone from your chosen phone company/carrier?  If you want to keep the same number, then have you requested a number transfer from your previous carrier?

     

    These are all things you need to look into.

  • by support3008,

    support3008 support3008 Jun 15, 2013 3:24 AM in response to Ethmoid
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 15, 2013 3:24 AM in response to Ethmoid

    Hi Ethmoid

    Thank you for your reply.

    Yes I bought the phone from Apple on line and assume I paid full price!!! Yes, I bought it unlocked.

    Yes, I asked for the new micro sim card from my present phone company in order to keep the same number.

    I have been in touch with the phone company and they are testing it their end, but it may be a faulty sim card???

    Any other thoughts please?

    Many thanks again

    Carol

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Jun 15, 2013 9:57 AM in response to support3008
    Level 9 (58,565 points)
    iPhone
    Jun 15, 2013 9:57 AM in response to support3008

    It would seem to me that if you are succesfully activating the phone, it would be a SIM problem and I would contact the carrier. You seem to be in touch with the carrier, so if they do not supply you with another SIM, or they cannot find out the issue, I would contact Apple to have them check the hardware. Make an appointment with the Genius Bar, or you can call Apple Care. Each phone comes with free 90 days of phone service.

  • by support3008,

    support3008 support3008 Jun 15, 2013 2:02 PM in response to support3008
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 15, 2013 2:02 PM in response to support3008

    Thank You Chris - I will do as you suggest and see what happens. really appreciate your help - many thanks

    Carol

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Jun 15, 2013 4:01 PM in response to support3008
    Level 9 (58,565 points)
    iPhone
    Jun 15, 2013 4:01 PM in response to support3008

    You're welcome.