Physical SIM Network Not Available

Question

Level 1

4 points

Physical SIM Network Not Available

My settings indicate that my physical SIM network is not available, phone not allowed.

The SIM card is functional, tested it in other phones.

I have tried ALL the recommended fixes I could find online (airplane mode reboot, turn-off phone reboot, remove/reinsert reboot, etc.)

Phone was in network several days ago.

Carrier has pinged SIM card twice to reset network, still not functioning.

I am up-to-date with carrier account.

Appreciate any suggestions to resolve this specific issue.

iPhone 12 mini, iOS 17

Posted on May 9, 2024 12:00 PM

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Answer 1

KiltedTim

Level 10

196,119 points

May 9, 2024 12:22 PM in response to okeydokey3

Then you’re going to have to work with your carrier on this. They have blocked the IMEI of the device from their network. That’s why you’re getting the ‘not allowed’ message.

There is nothing Apple can do to fix this.

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Answer 2

KiltedTim

Level 10

196,119 points

May 9, 2024 12:03 PM in response to okeydokey3

Purchased new or second hand? Sounds like the device may have been reported stolen and blacklisted.

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Answer 3

okeydokey3 Author

Level 1

4 points

May 10, 2024 1:19 PM in response to okeydokey3

Follow up post as promised: After call to local Apple help line with no resolution (technician tried to reset network with no success), iPhone was scheduled for diagnostic analysis at local Apple retailer. Diagnostics indicated no hardware issues, iPhone was reset to original factory settings. iPhone is now functioning normally with uploaded back up data. Nominal charges for services.

Thanks again to everyone who responded!

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Answer 4

okeydokey3 Author

Level 1

4 points

May 9, 2024 12:01 PM in response to okeydokey3

ALSO, phone purchased in US, in use in Chile

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Answer 5

okeydokey3 Author

Level 1

4 points

May 9, 2024 12:11 PM in response to KiltedTim

Purchased new

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Answer 6

May 9, 2024 12:15 PM in response to okeydokey3

okeydokey3 wrote:

Purchased new

What retailer did you purchase it from? Unless you purchased it from Apple, it most likely is SIM-locked to a particular U.S. carrier.

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Answer 7

okeydokey3 Author

Level 1

4 points

May 9, 2024 12:18 PM in response to IdrisSeabright

Purchased from Apple, settings indicates no carrier restrictions

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Answer 8

May 9, 2024 12:24 PM in response to okeydokey3

Tried a network reset, while connected to Wi-Fi?

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings

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Answer 9

okeydokey3 Author

Level 1

4 points

May 9, 2024 12:25 PM in response to MrHoffman

Not while connected to WiFi

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Answer 10

okeydokey3 Author

Level 1

4 points

May 9, 2024 12:29 PM in response to KiltedTim

Carrier account is active, no blocking indicated when accessing carrier/account

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Answer 11

KiltedTim

Level 10

196,119 points

May 9, 2024 12:37 PM in response to okeydokey3

Has nothing to do with the ‘account’. It has to do with whether the device’s IMEI is allowed on the network.

Call your carrier back. Escalate the call until you get someone who understands that.

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Answer 12

okeydokey3 Author

Level 1

4 points

May 9, 2024 12:38 PM in response to okeydokey3

Have now tried network reset on WiFi, no change

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Answer 13

okeydokey3 Author

Level 1

4 points

May 9, 2024 1:00 PM in response to okeydokey3

My thanks to ALL who have responded. I am now working on a local solution with at least some hopes of resolution. I will post the outcome for the record.

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