Carrier Unlocked iPhone 3GS - SIM Card Failure

Question

Level 1

8 points

Carrier Unlocked iPhone 3GS - SIM Card Failure

Hi Apple Support Community,

I am encountering a strange issue and I would like to know if someone has the similar issue and would be able to help me out.

I have two iPhone 3GS which are carrier unlocked exactly identical to each other in terms of software and modem firmware. On the first iPhone 3GS, I insert the Sim card of any carrier and it works fine with no issue.

On the second iPhone 3GS, when I insert the sim card of a different carrier it gives me the error of "Sim Card Failure" and "Invalid SIM" on top left portion of the iPhone. I tried everything from reseating the sim card on the tray, reset the network settings and even factory reset the iPhone but it's not working. It still gives me the same error. Made sure that sim is properly on the tray.

Its a carrier unlocked iPhone3GS and I even confirmed with Apple, but its not working.

Apple asked me to approach my carrier and check the sim card with them. I am 100% sure that it's not a sim card issue as the same sim card is working on the first phone.

It's not a hardware or physical issue.I am guessing I need to update some carrier settings or perform some other procedure to make it work with Unregistered Carriers.

Will someone be able to help me out on this issue ?

Thanks in advance..

// Faraz

iPhone 3GS, iOS 5.0.1, Carrier Unlocked iPhone 3GS

Posted on Dec 9, 2011 1:03 PM

Reply

Answer 1

KiltedTim

Level 10

226,062 points

Dec 9, 2011 2:24 PM in response to Faraz.Syed

Take it in to the genius bar. If it's under warranty, they will replace it at no charge. If it's out of warranty, you can either pay the out of warranty replacement fee or buy a new phone.

Reply

Answer 2

Faraz.Syed Author

Level 1

8 points

Dec 10, 2011 12:40 PM in response to KiltedTim

Well thats not an option right now.

As I am out of states right now and I need this phone to work.

Reply

Answer 3

KiltedTim

Level 10

226,062 points

Dec 10, 2011 12:50 PM in response to Faraz.Syed

Then you're pretty much out of options. Unfortunately, getting iPhones serviced outside the country of origin is rather difficult.

If you got it in the US, the phone is hacked anyway. Apple does not, and has NEVER sold unlocked iPhone 3Gs's in the US. The only US carrier ever to be supported with the 3Gs is AT&T and they do NOT unlock iPhones for any reason.

Reply

Answer 4

Faraz.Syed Author

Level 1

8 points

Dec 10, 2011 1:00 PM in response to KiltedTim

This is not a hacked iPhone. Its a brand new one with latest iOS 5 and modem firmware of 05.16.05.

Yes they never sold it before. But they are selling Carrier unlocked iphone 3GS and it should suppose to work any where in the world. I should be able to use any GSM local carrier SIM card of my choice.

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC637LL/A

Even the description of the phones says it.

Reply

Answer 5

Dec 10, 2011 1:16 PM in response to Faraz.Syed

Since you're not in a position to have Apple help you out with this, why not try to get a different SIM card from the provider? That way, if it doesn't work, at least you'll have eliminated the SIM as the problem. If it does work, problem solved.

Reply