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What Does “SIM Not Provisioned” Mean? Complete Troubleshooting Guide

You just inserted your SIM card, powered on your phone, and instead of seeing signal bars, you get an error: “SIM Not Provisioned” or “SIM Not Provisioned MM#2.” Your phone won’t make calls, send texts, or connect to mobile data. What does this mean, and how do you fix it?

This comprehensive guide explains what SIM provisioning is, why you’re seeing this error, and walks you through every solution to get your phone working again.

Table of Contents

📱 What Does “SIM Not Provisioned” Mean?

Simple Explanation

“SIM Not Provisioned” means your SIM card is not activated on the cellular network.

Think of it like having a credit card that hasn’t been activated yet – the card physically exists, but the bank’s computers don’t recognize it as a valid, active account. Similarly, your SIM card exists, but the carrier’s network doesn’t recognize it as an active subscriber.

Technical Explanation

Provisioning is the process where your carrier’s network systems:

  1. Register your SIM card’s unique identifier (ICCID)
  2. Associate it with your account and phone number
  3. Enable network services (voice, SMS, data)
  4. Configure your service plan features
  5. Authenticate the SIM as valid and active

When you see “SIM Not Provisioned,” it means one or more of these steps hasn’t been completed, and the network is rejecting your SIM card’s connection attempts.

What the Error Code Means

“SIM Not Provisioned MM#2” – The most common variant

  • MM#2 refers to the specific error code in the phone’s modem
  • Indicates the SIM is physically detected but not network-authorized
  • Same meaning as “SIM Not Provisioned for Voice”

Related error messages you might see:

  • “SIM Not Provisioned for Voice”
  • “SIM Not Activated”
  • “Invalid SIM Card”
  • “SIM Card Not Allowed”
  • “SIM Registration Failed”

All typically mean the same thing – provisioning incomplete or failed.

🔍 Common Causes of “SIM Not Provisioned” Error

Understanding why this happens helps you fix it faster:

1. Brand New SIM Card Not Yet Activated (50% of cases)

  • Just got new SIM from carrier
  • Ordered SIM online, just arrived
  • Replaced lost/damaged SIM
  • Switched carriers (new provider’s SIM)
  • Solution: Activation required (see below)

2. Activation in Progress (20% of cases)

  • Recently activated but network update not complete
  • Carrier systems processing activation
  • Can take 5 minutes to 24 hours
  • Solution: Wait and restart phone periodically

3. SIM Card Deactivated by Carrier (15% of cases)

  • Account suspended (non-payment)
  • Account cancelled
  • Reported lost/stolen
  • Plan expired (prepaid)
  • Solution: Contact carrier to resolve account issue

4. Transferred SIM to New Phone Without Re-provisioning (10% of cases)

  • Moved SIM from old phone to new phone
  • Different phone type (Android to iPhone or vice versa)
  • Carrier needs to update device on account
  • Solution: Update device info with carrier

5. SIM Card Defective or Damaged (3% of cases)

  • Physical damage to chip
  • Worn contacts
  • Defective from manufacturer
  • Water damage
  • Solution: Request replacement SIM

6. Wrong SIM Card for Device (2% of cases)

  • 3G SIM in 4G/5G phone
  • GSM SIM in CDMA phone (or vice versa)
  • Wrong size SIM with adapter
  • International SIM incompatibility
  • Solution: Get correct SIM type

✅ How to Fix “SIM Not Provisioned” Error

Solution 1: Activate Your New SIM Card

If you just got a new SIM card, you must activate it first.

Method A: Online Activation

Most carriers provide online activation:

  1. Go to your carrier’s activation page:
    • AT&T: att.com/activatenow
    • Verizon: verizon.com/activate
    • T-Mobile: t-mobile.com/activate
    • Check your SIM card packaging for specific URL
  2. Enter required information:
    • SIM card number (ICCID) – 19-20 digit number on SIM card
    • Phone number (if you’re keeping existing number)
    • Account information (if existing customer)
    • Zip code
    • Last 4 digits of SSN (for identity verification)
  3. Follow activation prompts:
    • Confirm your service plan
    • Accept terms and conditions
    • Submit activation request
  4. Wait for confirmation:
    • Usually instant to 5 minutes
    • Some carriers: up to 24 hours
    • You’ll receive confirmation email/text
  5. Restart your phone:
    • Power off completely
    • Wait 30 seconds
    • Power back on
    • Check for signal

Method B: Phone Activation

Call your carrier’s activation line:

Major carrier activation numbers:

  • AT&T: 1-800-331-0500
  • Verizon: 1-800-922-0204 or dial *611
  • T-Mobile: 1-877-789-3106 or dial 611
  • Sprint (now T-Mobile): 1-888-211-4727
  • Boost Mobile: 1-833-502-6678
  • Cricket: 1-800-274-2538
  • Metro by T-Mobile: 1-888-863-8768
  • Mint Mobile: 1-800-683-7392
  • US Mobile: 1-878-205-0088
  • Visible: Chat support only (visible.com)

What to tell them:

  • “I need to activate a new SIM card”
  • Provide SIM card number (ICCID)
  • Verify your identity (account PIN, SSN, etc.)
  • Confirm phone number
  • Follow representative’s instructions

Method C: In-App Activation

Many carriers have mobile apps:

  1. Download carrier’s app (on WiFi or another device)
  2. Log into your account
  3. Look for “Activate SIM” or “Add Device”
  4. Follow in-app prompts
  5. Enter SIM card number
  6. Submit and wait for confirmation

Method D: In-Store Activation

Visit carrier store:

  • Bring valid ID
  • Bring phone and new SIM card
  • Store rep activates in minutes
  • Troubleshoots any issues immediately
  • Good option if other methods fail

Solution 2: Wait for Activation to Complete

If you recently activated, the network might still be processing.

Typical activation times:

  • Instant to 5 minutes: Most common (80% of cases)
  • 15-30 minutes: Still normal
  • 1-2 hours: Occasional during peak times
  • 24 hours: Maximum for most carriers
  • 3 days: Port-in from another carrier (number transfer)

What to do while waiting:

  1. Restart phone every 15-30 minutes:
    • Forces phone to re-check with network
    • Picks up activation status updates
    • Often resolves once network catches up
  2. Toggle Airplane Mode:
    • Turn Airplane Mode ON
    • Wait 30 seconds
    • Turn Airplane Mode OFF
    • Phone re-registers with network
  3. Check activation status:
    • Log into carrier account online
    • Check if activation shows “Complete”
    • Look for confirmation email/text
  4. Be patient:
    • Don’t keep calling carrier if told “in progress”
    • Activation systems are automated
    • Calling repeatedly doesn’t speed it up

When to escalate:

  • Still not working after 24 hours
  • No confirmation received
  • Carrier’s website shows activation failed

Solution 3: Check Your Account Status

Make sure your account is active and in good standing.

Check for account issues:

  1. Log into carrier account portal:
    • Check account status
    • Look for any alerts or warnings
    • Verify payment is current
  2. Common account problems:
    • Suspended for non-payment: Pay outstanding balance
    • Prepaid plan expired: Refill/recharge account
    • SIM reported lost/stolen: Contact carrier to unreport
    • Account cancelled: Reactivate account
    • Service temporarily suspended: Contact carrier
  3. Contact customer service if suspended:
    • Explain you paid bill / want to reactivate
    • They’ll refresh account status
    • May take 15-30 minutes to propagate to network

For prepaid accounts:

Check your balance/expiration:

  • Prepaid plans expire without refill
  • Add funds to reactivate
  • May need new SIM if expired >30-60 days

Refill methods:

  • Carrier website or app
  • Retail stores
  • Refill cards from convenience stores
  • Auto-pay setup

After refilling:

  • Restart phone
  • Wait 5-15 minutes for activation
  • May need to dial specific code (check carrier instructions)

Solution 4: Re-seat the SIM Card

Sometimes the SIM isn’t making proper contact with the phone.

How to properly re-insert SIM:

  1. Power off phone completely:
    • Don’t just sleep/lock it
    • Full shutdown required
  2. Locate SIM tray:
    • Side of phone (most smartphones)
    • Under battery cover (older phones)
    • Check phone manual if unsure
  3. Remove SIM card:
    • Use SIM ejector tool (paperclip works too)
    • Insert into small hole next to tray
    • Tray pops out
    • Remove SIM card
  4. Inspect SIM card:
    • Look for damage to chip
    • Check for dirt, dust, fingerprints
    • Contacts should be gold/silver, shiny
    • No scratches on chip surface
  5. Clean contacts (if needed):
    • Use clean, dry microfiber cloth
    • Gently wipe chip surface
    • Can use isopropyl alcohol (90%+) on cloth
    • Let dry completely
  6. Check SIM tray:
    • Remove any dust/debris
    • Ensure no damage to contacts inside
    • Should be clean and dry
  7. Re-insert SIM properly:
    • Note the orientation (notched corner)
    • SIM should be flat in tray
    • Chip side down (facing phone)
    • Push tray back in firmly until flush
  8. Power on phone:
    • Wait for full boot
    • Check if error cleared

Common re-insertion mistakes:

  • SIM upside down (chip should face down)
  • SIM not fully seated in tray
  • Wrong size SIM with adapter (adapter shifted)
  • Tray not fully inserted

Solution 5: Update Device Information with Carrier

If you moved SIM to different phone, carrier may need to know.

Why this matters:

Different phones require different network settings:

  • IMEI number links phone to account
  • Carrier configures network access per device
  • iPhone vs Android have different provisioning
  • 4G phone vs 5G phone different settings

How to update device info:

Method 1: Online account portal

  1. Log into your carrier account
  2. Go to “My Devices” or “Device Management”
  3. Select the line with issue
  4. Choose “Update Device” or “Change Device”
  5. Enter new phone’s IMEI number
    • Dial *#06# on phone to see IMEI
    • Or check Settings > About Phone
  6. Submit and wait for confirmation
  7. Restart phone

Method 2: Call customer service

  1. Call carrier support number
  2. Say “I moved my SIM to a different phone”
  3. Provide new phone’s IMEI number
  4. They’ll update account
  5. Usually takes 5-15 minutes
  6. Restart phone after confirmation

Method 3: Carrier app

  1. Open carrier app
  2. Look for device management
  3. Update device information
  4. Enter IMEI
  5. Save and restart

Especially important for:

  • Switching iPhone to Android or vice versa
  • Upgrading to 5G phone from 4G
  • Using unlocked phone from different carrier
  • International phones

Solution 6: Reset Network Settings

Clears any corrupted network configuration on your phone.

⚠️ Warning: This erases saved WiFi passwords, Bluetooth pairings, VPN settings

iPhone:

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Tap General
  3. Scroll down to Transfer or Reset iPhone
  4. Tap Reset
  5. Select Reset Network Settings
  6. Enter passcode if prompted
  7. Confirm reset
  8. Phone will restart
  9. Re-enter WiFi passwords as needed
  10. Check if SIM error cleared

Android:

Steps vary slightly by manufacturer:

Samsung:

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Tap General Management
  3. Tap Reset
  4. Select Reset Network Settings
  5. Tap Reset Settings
  6. Enter PIN/password if prompted
  7. Confirm
  8. Phone restarts

Google Pixel:

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Tap System
  3. Tap Reset Options
  4. Select Reset WiFi, Mobile & Bluetooth
  5. Tap Reset Settings
  6. Enter PIN if prompted
  7. Confirm

Other Android:

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Find System or General Management
  3. Look for Reset or Backup & Reset
  4. Select Reset Network Settings
  5. Confirm

After reset:

  • Reconnect to WiFi
  • Check SIM status
  • May take 5-10 minutes for full network reconnection

Solution 7: Try SIM in Another Phone

Tests whether problem is with SIM or phone.

Borrow another unlocked phone:

  1. Get compatible phone:
    • Must be unlocked or from same carrier
    • Must support same network type (GSM/CDMA)
    • Don’t need fancy phone – basic phone works for test
  2. Power off both phones
  3. Remove SIM from your phone
  4. Insert SIM in test phone
  5. Power on test phone
  6. Check for signal:
    • Does it work? Problem is with your phone
    • Same error? Problem is with SIM or account

What results mean:

SIM works in other phone:

  • Your phone is the problem
  • Try: Software update, factory reset
  • Possible hardware issue (SIM reader)
  • May need phone repair/replacement

SIM doesn’t work in other phone:

  • SIM card problem
  • OR account/activation issue
  • Request replacement SIM from carrier
  • Or continue activation troubleshooting

Solution 8: Get Replacement SIM Card

If SIM is defective, damaged, or wrong type.

When you need new SIM:

  • Physical damage visible
  • Contacts worn or corroded
  • Doesn’t work in any phone
  • Carrier confirms SIM is bad
  • Wrong size/type for phone

How to get replacement:

At carrier store:

  • Bring ID and current SIM (if you have it)
  • Request replacement SIM
  • Usually free if defective
  • May charge $5-25 if lost/damaged
  • Activated immediately in store

Order online:

  • Log into carrier account
  • Request replacement SIM
  • Usually $5-10 shipping
  • Arrives in 3-5 days
  • Self-activate when received

From carrier customer service:

  • Call and request replacement
  • May ship free
  • Receive in 3-5 days

Important after getting new SIM:

  • New SIM = new ICCID number
  • Must activate new SIM
  • Old SIM becomes invalid
  • Save new SIM number for records

Solution 9: Check for Network Outages

Sometimes the error is on carrier’s end, not yours.

How to check for outages:

Carrier status pages:

  • AT&T: att.com/outages
  • Verizon: verizon.com/support/residential/outages
  • T-Mobile: t-mobile.com/support/network-status

Down Detector:

  • Visit downdetector.com
  • Search for your carrier
  • Shows real-time outage reports
  • See if others in your area affected

Social media:

  • Twitter: Search “CarrierName outage”
  • Reddit: r/carriername
  • Often learn about outages before official notice

Ask neighbors:

  • Same carrier, same problem?
  • Indicates area outage

If it’s an outage:

  • Nothing you can do
  • Wait for carrier to resolve
  • Usually fixed within hours
  • Don’t waste time troubleshooting

Solution 10: Contact Carrier Support

When DIY solutions don’t work, get professional help.

Before calling, gather:

  • SIM card number (ICCID) – on SIM card or packaging
  • Phone’s IMEI – dial *#06# or in Settings
  • Account PIN or security info
  • Description of when error started
  • What you’ve already tried

What carrier can do:

Check activation status:

  • See if activation completed
  • Identify any system errors
  • Manually push activation through

Verify account:

  • Confirm account active
  • Check for holds/suspensions
  • Refresh account status

Remote troubleshooting:

  • Send network reset command to your phone
  • Update device profile on network
  • Provision services manually

Escalate if needed:

  • Create trouble ticket
  • Involve technical support team
  • Schedule callback from specialist

Send replacement SIM:

  • If determined SIM is defective
  • Often free if under warranty

Tips for better support:

Be clear and specific:

  • “I’m getting SIM Not Provisioned MM#2 error”
  • “Started after I activated new SIM 2 hours ago”
  • “Already tried restarting and re-seating SIM”

Stay patient but persistent:

  • First rep may not solve it
  • Ask to escalate if not resolved
  • Request ticket number for follow-up

Take notes:

  • Rep name and ID
  • Ticket/case number
  • What they did
  • When to expect resolution

Request confirmation:

  • “When exactly will this be fixed?”
  • “Can you confirm activation is complete?”
  • “Will someone call me back?”

🔧 Advanced Troubleshooting

Check APN Settings (Data Issues Only)

If you have voice/text but no data, check APN.

APN (Access Point Name) tells phone how to connect to carrier’s data network.

iPhone:

  1. Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Network
  2. Compare APN settings to carrier’s specs
  3. Search “CarrierName APN settings” for correct values
  4. Enter if missing or wrong
  5. Save and restart

Android:

  1. Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network
  2. Access Point Names
  3. Tap + to add new APN or edit existing
  4. Enter carrier’s APN settings:
    • Name
    • APN
    • Proxy (if needed)
    • Port (if needed)
    • Username/Password (if needed)
  5. Save and select this APN
  6. Restart phone

Common carrier APNs:

  • AT&T: phone, broadband, or nxtgenphone
  • T-Mobile: fast.t-mobile.com
  • Verizon: vzwinternet
  • Check carrier website for exact settings

Update Carrier Settings

Phones periodically need carrier configuration updates.

iPhone:

Carrier settings update automatically, but can check:

  1. Settings > General > About
  2. Wait 10-30 seconds
  3. If update available, popup appears
  4. Tap Update and wait
  5. May need to restart

Android:

Updates happen automatically through system updates.

  1. Settings > System > System Update
  2. Check for updates
  3. Install any available updates
  4. Restart

Update Phone Software

Outdated software can cause SIM issues.

iPhone:

  1. Settings > General > Software Update
  2. Download and install any updates
  3. Requires WiFi and battery >50%
  4. Takes 20-40 minutes

Android:

  1. Settings > System > System Update (or similar)
  2. Check for updates
  3. Download and install
  4. Takes 20-40 minutes

Why this helps:

  • Bug fixes for SIM recognition
  • Updated carrier bundles
  • Improved network compatibility

Factory Reset (Last Resort)

⚠️ WARNING: Erases ALL data, apps, settings

Backup first:

  • iCloud/Google backup
  • Save photos, contacts, files
  • Note app passwords

Only if:

  • All other solutions failed
  • Carrier confirmed SIM and account are fine
  • SIM works in another phone
  • Strongly suspect software corruption

iPhone Factory Reset:

  1. Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
  2. Erase All Content and Settings
  3. Enter passcode
  4. Confirm
  5. Wait 20-60 minutes
  6. Set up as new phone
  7. Test SIM before restoring backup

Android Factory Reset:

  1. Settings > System > Reset Options
  2. Erase All Data (Factory Reset)
  3. Confirm
  4. Enter PIN
  5. Wait 20-60 minutes
  6. Set up as new
  7. Test SIM before restoring

After factory reset:

  • Insert SIM
  • Complete setup
  • Check if error gone
  • If fixed, restore backup
  • If not fixed, it’s hardware or carrier issue

📋 Quick Troubleshooting Checklist

Follow in this order:

  1. ✅ Is SIM card new? → Activate it (online, phone, or in-store)
  2. ✅ Just activated recently? → Wait 15-30 min, restart phone periodically
  3. ✅ Account in good standing? → Check for suspension, add prepaid funds
  4. ✅ Re-seat SIM card → Remove, clean, re-insert properly
  5. ✅ Restart phone → Full power off/on cycle
  6. ✅ Toggle Airplane Mode → On 30 sec, then off
  7. ✅ Different phone recently? → Update device info with carrier
  8. ✅ Reset network settings → Clears network config issues
  9. ✅ Try SIM in another phone → Isolates phone vs SIM problem
  10. ✅ Contact carrier support → They can manually provision/troubleshoot
  11. ✅ Get replacement SIM → If damaged or confirmed defective

🔑 Key Takeaways

What “SIM Not Provisioned” means:

  • Your SIM card is not activated on the carrier’s network
  • The network doesn’t recognize your SIM as a valid, active subscriber
  • Services (calls, texts, data) cannot work until provisioning completes

Most common cause and fix:

  • Cause: Brand new SIM that hasn’t been activated yet (50% of cases)
  • Fix: Activate through carrier’s website, phone, app, or in-store

Second most common cause:

  • Cause: Activation in progress but not yet complete (20% of cases)
  • Fix: Wait 15 minutes to 24 hours, restart phone periodically

Third most common cause:

  • Cause: Account issue – suspended, expired, or cancelled (15% of cases)
  • Fix: Check account status, pay bill, refill prepaid balance

Quick fixes to try first:

  1. Restart phone
  2. Remove and re-insert SIM card
  3. Toggle Airplane Mode
  4. Wait 30 minutes (if recently activated)
  5. Check carrier account status online

When to contact carrier:

  • Still not working after 24 hours
  • Tried all basic troubleshooting
  • Account shows active but SIM won’t provision
  • Need replacement SIM
  • Unsure of activation status

Typical resolution time:

  • Instant to 5 minutes (80% of activations)
  • Up to 24 hours (most cases)
  • 2-5 days if need replacement SIM
  • 3 days for number ports from other carriers

Cost to fix:

  • Usually free (activation, account refresh, troubleshooting)
  • Replacement SIM: $0-25 depending on reason (defective vs lost)
  • In-store support: Free at carrier stores

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone while waiting for provisioning?

Limited use only:

  • WiFi works (internet, apps, messaging over WiFi)
  • Emergency calls (911) usually work
  • No regular calls, texts, or mobile data
  • Essentially WiFi-only mode until activated

How long does SIM provisioning take?

Normal timeline:

  • Instant to 5 minutes: Most common
  • 15-30 minutes: Still normal
  • 1-2 hours: Occasional
  • Up to 24 hours: Maximum for most carriers
  • 2-3 days: When porting number from another carrier

Will I lose my phone number?

No, in most cases:

  • New activation with new number: Get assigned new number
  • Activating with existing number: Keep your number
  • Porting from another carrier: Keep your number (takes 2-3 days)
  • Replacement SIM: Keep same number (tied to account, not SIM)

Can I activate SIM without the phone?

Depends on carrier:

  • Some carriers: Yes, can activate online with just SIM number
  • Others: Need phone’s IMEI during activation
  • Best practice: Have both phone and SIM ready
  • Easier activation if phone and SIM present together

Does “SIM Not Provisioned” mean my SIM is damaged?

Usually no:

  • 90% of time it’s activation/account issue, not physical damage
  • Physical damage would show “No SIM” or “Invalid SIM”
  • “SIM Not Provisioned” specifically means not activated on network
  • But can test by trying SIM in another phone to be sure

Can I fix this myself or do I need carrier help?

Most cases you can fix yourself:

  • New SIM: Activate online (no rep needed)
  • Re-seating: DIY in 2 minutes
  • Network reset: DIY in settings
  • Waiting for activation: Just time

Need carrier help for:

  • Account suspended (need to resolve billing)
  • Activation failed after 24 hours
  • Replacement SIM needed
  • Complex technical issues

Will this error go away on its own?

Sometimes yes:

  • If activation in progress: Will resolve in minutes to hours automatically
  • Just need to restart phone to pick up status change
  • But if SIM never activated or account issue: Won’t fix itself
  • Action required (activation or contacting carrier)

💬 Still Having Issues?

If you still see “SIM Not Provisioned” after trying all solutions:

  1. Confirm with carrier:
    • Call support: “I’m getting SIM Not Provisioned error”
    • Ask: “Is my SIM card activated on your end?”
    • Ask: “Is my account active with no holds?”
    • Ask: “Do you show my correct device IMEI?”
  2. Document for support:
    • SIM card number (ICCID)
    • When error first appeared
    • All troubleshooting steps already tried
    • Phone make and model
    • Whether SIM works in other phones
  3. Request escalation if needed:
    • First-level support can’t always fix complex issues
    • Ask for technical support team
    • Request trouble ticket number
    • Get timeline for resolution
  4. Consider replacement SIM:
    • If carrier confirms SIM is bad
    • If nothing else works after 48 hours
    • Usually free if defective
    • Can be activated same day in-store

Most “SIM Not Provisioned” errors are resolved within 24 hours – don’t give up!