iPhone 13 mini not recognizing new carrier after switching

I have an iphone 13 mini loaded with iOS 26.2.1 . Have just changed mobile service provider (but kept my number), but the iphone doesn't recognise and use the new service provider. I have tried Turn off iMessage. Go to Settings. Scroll down and tap on Messages. Switch off iMessage. Turn off your phone. Wait 5-10 minutes, then turn it on again. No change. I have tried Network reset (Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings Upon switching on, agree to switching Facetime and i-messanger back on. Cycle through another off/on) - this time when going into Mobile Service, the screen was blank as the iphone rest, but then it reset with my old provider - it is as if the reset isn't going back to wiped factory settings. Tried this reset a few times, always goes back to the old provider. New provider is adamant that they have the number and it is live. How do I fix?

iPhone 16 Pro, iOS 26

Posted on Feb 11, 2026 2:55 AM

Reply
1 reply

Feb 11, 2026 3:28 AM in response to dvdbwth

If you see No Service or Searching on your iPhone or iPad

  1. Check your coverage area. Make sure that you're in an area with cellular network coverage. ... 
  2. Restart your iPhone or iPad. Restart your device. ... 
  3. Check for a Carrier Settings update. ... 
  4. Take out the SIM card. ... 
  5. Reset your Network Settings. ... 
  6. Update your iPhone or iPad. ... 
  7. Contact your carrier. ... 
  8. Get more help.


If you see No Service or Searching on your iPhone or iPad ...



Remove your SIM card from the SIM card tray and then put the SIM card back. ... Make sure that the SIM tray closes completely and isn't loose. If you use a SIM tray from a different model iPhone, iPad, or from another phone manufacturer, it might not fit properly.


If you see 'invalid SIM' or 'no SIM' on your iPhone or iPad ...



Learn what to do if you see a SIM not supported alert.



If you see No Service, Searching, or SOS on your iPhone or iPad

  1. Check your coverage area. ... 
  2. If you see SOS or SOS only. ... 
  3. If you're on 3G network. ... 
  4. Restart your iPhone or iPad. ... 
  5. Check for a Carrier Settings update. ... 
  6. Turn your cellular line off and back on. ... 
  7. Reset your Network Settings. ... 
  8. Update your iPhone or iPad.

More items...


If you see No Service, Searching, or SOS on your iPhone or iPad



To be able to use any SIM across the globe you must have "No SIM Restriction" against Network Provider Lock. Please refer to the pic below.




If you see No Service or Searching in the status bar on your iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular), your device isn't connected to a cellular network. If you see SOS or "SOS only" in the status bar, your device can still make emergency calls.


If you see No Service, Searching, or SOS on your iPhone or iPad

iPhone 13 mini not recognizing new carrier after switching

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