No Sim Error After iOS 18.5 Update? Here is the fix

Apple’s iOS 18 rollout has been anything but smooth. While the software promised smarter Siri interactions, improved privacy tools, and deeper customization options, it has also introduced a slew of bugs that have left users frustrated. From battery drain to app crashes and system freezes, each new patch seems to fix one issue while sparking another.

The latest installment, iOS 18.5, is no exception.

Among the most disruptive problems reported in the last few weeks: iPhones suddenly stopped recognizing SIM cards, effectively cutting users off from cellular networks.

The Problem: No SIM Error After iOS 18.5

Since the iOS 18.5 update, users of iPhone 12, 13, 14, and even the newest iPhone 16 series have been flooding Apple Support Communities and Reddit with a recurring complaint: “No SIM” or “SIM Not Recognized” notifications appearing out of nowhere.

This issue isn’t just cosmetic—it completely disables cellular service, preventing affected users from making calls, sending texts, or using mobile data. For people who rely on their phones for work, navigation, or security, it’s a serious problem.

“My iPhone 13 stopped detecting the SIM right after updating to iOS 18.5,” one Redditor wrote. “Tried rebooting, removing the SIM, even resetting network settings. Nothing helped.”

Notably, the issue appears to affect both physical SIM cards and eSIM configurations, making it especially perplexing.

What the Community Has Tried So Far:

In the absence of an official fix from Apple, frustrated users have tried a wide range of troubleshooting steps, including:

• Force restarting the device
  (Quick Volume Up → Quick Volume Down → Hold Side Button until the Apple logo appears)

• Removing and reinserting the SIM card

• Toggling Airplane Mode on and off

• Checking for a carrier settings update
  (Settings → General → About → Wait for prompt)

• Resetting network settings
  (Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings)

• Switching the SIM to another phone (to rule out SIM hardware failure)

• Confirming coverage and account status with the carrier

In some rare cases, these steps restored connectivity temporarily. But for most users, none of these solutions provided a lasting fix. This has led many to believe the root cause is a compatibility bug between iOS 18.5 and specific carrier profiles or baseband firmware settings.

What You Can Do Right Now

While Apple has not yet issued a permanent, universal fix, here are recommended steps you should try if your iPhone stops detecting your SIM after updating to iOS 18.5:

Guide to Fix No SIM Error After iOS 18.5 Update

1. Check for Carrier Settings Update

   • Go to Settings → General → About

   • If a prompt appears, tap Update

   • Restart your iPhone after updating

2. Toggle Airplane Mode

   • Swipe into Control Center and enable Airplane Mode

   • Wait 10 seconds, then disable it

3. Remove and Reinsert SIM

   • Power off the iPhone

   • Use a SIM eject tool to remove and reinsert the SIM

   • Power the device back on

4. Reset Network Settings

   • Navigate to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings

   • This will erase saved Wi-Fi passwords but may resolve the SIM issue

5. Try the SIM in Another Phone

   • If the SIM works in another phone, the issue likely lies with the iOS update, not the card itself.

6. Contact Your Carrier

   • Some users resolved the issue by having their carrier re-provision their SIM or eSIM.

7. Last Resort: Restore via iTunes/Finder

   • Back up your device and perform a clean restore using a Mac or PC

The SIM is still not recognised? You’re Not Alone

This bug remains unresolved at the system level, and Apple has not yet officially acknowledged it in its support documentation or update notes. However, affected users are encouraged to file feedback via the Apple Feedback Portal or contact Apple Support directly to increase the urgency of the fix.

Many are now waiting for iOS 18.5.1 or 18.6, hoping that Apple will address the bug in an upcoming patch.

Bottom Line: Temporary Fixes Available — But No Permanent Solution Yet

If you’re one of the many users affected by the SIM card issue after updating to iOS 18.5, know that you’re not alone, and you’re not doing anything wrong. The glitch seems to stem from the software itself, not from how users handle their phones.

Until Apple releases a fix, try the steps above, stay backed up, and keep an eye out for the next iOS release. For now, it’s best to avoid updating to iOS 18.5 on a mission-critical device unless absolutely necessary.