SIM not provisioned? What it means and how long to wait

Key takeaways

• SIM not provisioned means the network hasn't set up the SIM for use yet, so calls, texts and data won't work until it has.
• A new SIM, a recent activation or a number transfer are the most common causes, and the SIM not provisioned message often clears within a few hours.
• If waiting, restarting the phone, reseating the SIM and testing it in another phone don't help, only the network provider can fix SIM not provisioned. The provider can set the SIM up again or send a replacement.

 

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If your phone has just started showing "SIM not provisioned", you're likely without calls or data and wondering why. The usual cause is a setup delay on the network's side, and the first few fixes take a minute or two each. Here's what the message means, why it appears, and what to try.

What does SIM not provisioned mean?

SIM not provisioned means the network hasn't set up your SIM for use, so your phone can't make calls, send texts or use mobile data. You might also see "SIM card not provisioned" or a slot number on dual-SIM phones, such as "SIM 1 not provisioned" or "SIM 2 not provisioned". All of these mean the same thing.

Your phone can see the SIM, but the network hasn't finished linking it to your number and plan, or has switched it off. Think of a new gym card: the card is perfectly good, but until reception activates it, the door stays shut.

Why does it happen?

SIM not provisioned usually happens for one of these reasons:

• New or recently activated SIM: the network is still setting it up.
• Number transfer in progress: a number moving from another network can leave the new SIM unusable until the switch completes.
• Account or plan issue: a plan that hasn't started yet, or a payment that didn't go through, can prevent the network from switching a SIM on.
• Long inactivity: some providers deactivate a SIM that hasn't been used or topped up for a long time.
• SIM not seated properly or damaged: a SIM that isn't sitting flat in the tray, or is scratched or bent, can trigger the message.
• Phone locked to another network: a locked phone can cause SIM errors, so it's worth checking whether the phone came on contract with another provider.
• Temporary glitch: a one-off hiccup on the phone or the network, which a restart sometimes clears.

How to fix SIM not provisioned

1. Wait. A new SIM can take a few minutes to a couple of hours to set up, and some networks say up to 24 hours. A number transfer usually completes by the end of the next working day.
2. Restart the phone. Switch it off completely, wait ten seconds, then switch it back on. Install any pending software update while you're there.
3. Turn flight mode on and off. Turn it on for ten seconds, then off. This prompts the phone to search for the network again.
4. Reseat the SIM. Switch the phone off, remove the SIM, check it for scratches, dust or bends, then slide it back in flat.
5. Test the SIM in another phone, or put a working SIM in yours. If the SIM fails in a second phone too, the SIM or its account is the problem. If it works there, the first phone is the likelier cause.
6. Reset network settings. Look for "Reset network settings" in your phone's settings (the exact location varies by phone). The catch: it clears saved WiFi networks and Bluetooth pairings, so you'll need to set those up again.
7. Contact your provider. Ask them to check that the SIM is activated and set it up again, or send a replacement.

If you're on SMARTY

If you're on SMARTY, a new SIM usually activates within a few minutes, though it can take up to 2 hours. You'll get an email and a text when it's active, so a short wait is worth it before trying anything else.

SMARTY SIMs need a phone that's unlocked to all networks and supports 4G calling. It's worth checking if you've just changed phones. Using an eSIM? Our eSIM not working guide covers activation problems.

Still stuck after 2 hours? Customer Care is available 8 am to 8 pm, seven days a week, via the Contact us page on smarty.co.uk. The SMARTY Help Centre also has a step-by-step guide to activating your SIM.

FAQs

What does SIM 1 not provisioned mean?

SIM 1 not provisioned means the SIM in the first slot of a dual-SIM phone hasn't been set up on its network yet. The message for SIM 2 means the same thing for the second slot, and the fixes are the same.

How long does it take for a SIM to be provisioned?

A new SIM is often provisioned within a few minutes, though a couple of hours is common, and some networks say it can take up to 24 hours. A number transfer from another network usually completes by the end of the next working day. If the message is still showing after a full day, the provider needs to check the SIM.

Does SIM not provisioned mean my SIM is damaged?

Usually not. A SIM not being provisioned most often means the network hasn't finished setting it up, rather than the SIM or the phone being faulty. Testing the SIM in a second phone quickly shows whether the SIM itself is the problem.