Swapping SIM cards and getting an error message on your phone? The “SIM not provisioned MM2” error is easy enough to fix, but what does it mean? In this article, we explain how to fix this SIM card error and ensure you can avoid it happening again in future.
What Does “SIM Not Provisioned” Mean?
SIM cards contain certain information that help with the identification of your cell phone account. The SIM enables the phone to be identified as yours on the mobile network (thanks to the IMEI number), so that you can make calls, and connect to the mobile internet. This is explained further in our guide to why phones need a SIM card.
The “SIM not provisioned” error should only affect users who need to register a new SIM card. If it occurs at any other time, it can signify a problem with the SIM card, which will need replacing.
When the “SIM not provisioned MM2” error appears, you can trace it back to one of the following:
- You bought a new phone with a new SIM card.
- You’re transferring contacts to a new SIM card.
- Your mobile network provider’s server is unavailable (if you’re using an iPhone, the Apple server also needs to be online).
In a perfect world, new SIM cards would work out of the box, but for security reasons, it’s often necessary to activate a new card.
Other SIM error messages might occur, depending on your situation. For instance, if the SIM card is locked to a particular phone, when you insert it in a new device you may see the “SIM not valid” message. Unlocking the SIM will let you use it in any compatible phone.
5 Ways to Fix the “SIM Not Provisioned” Error
1. Restart Your Phone
It may seem unlikely, but simply turning off your phone will overcome the SIM not provisioned fault.
Take the usual steps to restart the phone and wait. A few moments later you’ll see that the error message no longer appears and your SIM card is activated.
2. Correctly Insert the SIM Card
If the issue isn’t with the SIM card’s activation or the network, then it might simply be an ill-fitting SIM. This might be due to problems with the shape of the SIM itself or a badly designed SIM card slot (or caddy).
To check if the SIM is correctly seated, switch off your phone, then find the SIM card:
- If you have an older, or cheaper phone, this will probably be found by opening the back panel. You may need to remove the battery to access the SIM card slot.
- With flagship phones, or those without removable batteries, the SIM card slot can be found at the side of the handset. This is typically a caddy upon which the SIM card sits. A small tool is usually provided with phones to eject the caddy. Look for a small hole along the side of your phone and push the tool into this to eject the SIM card.
Note: Be sure to find the SIM card, and not any microSD storage card that might be inserted into your phone!
With the SIM card removed (you may need to use tweezers, or jimmy it out from the other side if a removable battery is involved) give it a blow, and perhaps a quick dust with a lint free cloth.
You should then replace the SIM card, taking care to position it as per the included illustration. This might be a sticker next to the SIM card slot, or an engraved image showing which way the SIM should go.
Replace the SIM card in your phone, and power up again. The “SIM not provisioned” error should no longer be displayed. If it is, try the SIM in another phone.
3. Activate Your SIM Card
In most cases, a SIM card should be automatically activated, usually within 24 hours of being inserted in a new phone. If this doesn’t happen, three options are usually available to enable activation:
- Call an automated number
- Send an SMS
- Log onto the activation page on the carrier’s website
All these options are quick and straightforward but depend on whether the carrier supports them. In most cases, your SIM should be activated, and the “SIM not provisioned” error is solved.
4. Contact Your Carrier or Network Provider
If the SIM won’t activate, it’s time to make a phone call (from another device, of course!) to your carrier or network. Explain to them the error message, and the steps you’ve taken so far.
As noted above, there may be an issue with the activation server, which would prevent your SIM card activating, leading to the error message.
Your carrier will typically keep you on the line while they investigate the issue, and if it is a problem with the activation server, there may be some delay in getting the SIM activated. On the plus side, you’ll have a reason for the error, and a possible date for resolution.
5. Get a New SIM Card
Still no joy? It’s time to request a new SIM card.
You could call your network for this, but you’ll probably find it’s quicker to head to a local phone shop. Even better, a branch of your network or a franchise outlet.
They’ll be able to run diagnostics on the SIM card and hopefully resolve the “SIM not provisioned MM2” error. Don’t worry if they repeat some of the steps you’ve already attempted, as this is part of the diagnostic process.
If it means you need a new SIM card, this shouldn’t be a problem. The store will have the tools in place to manage the swap and associate the new SIM with your account.
The “SIM Not Provisioned MM 2” Error, Fixed!
Note that this error will only affect mobile devices that use SIM cards. As long as the SIM is compatible, and fits into the slot (or either slot for dual-SIM phones), these fixes will work.
By this point you should understand why your phone is displaying the “SIM not provisioned MM2” error message. Remember, you have five options to fix this error:
- Restart your phone
- Check the SIM is correctly seated
- Correctly activate your SIM
- Contact your carrier for help
- Get a new SIM card
If none of these things work, then you’ll need to contact your carrier/network provider to ask for a replacement card.
Once you’ve got everything sorted, your SIM card should work without a problem. It’s worth taking the time to secure your phone and contacts by encrypting the data on your SIM card.
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