Start your SIM Lock Removal
Get permanent, server-level carrier unlocking for your iPhone. Use any SIM card from any network worldwide—works permanently, even after iOS updates.
📧Your confirmation code will be sent here
Understanding "SIM Not Supported" Errors
When your iPhone displays "The SIM that you currently have installed in this iPhone is from a carrier that is not supported under the activation policy", this indicates your device is carrier locked. This is not a hardware issue—it's a server-side restriction enforced by Apple's activation servers that prevents your device from accepting SIM cards from other carriers.
Server-Side Restriction
The lock is stored on Apple's activation servers, not in device hardware. This means it can be permanently removed through server-level unlocking.
Policy-Based Lock
Your device's IMEI is linked to an activation policy that whitelists specific carriers. Unauthorized SIM cards trigger the error.
Persists Through Updates
The restriction remains after iOS updates, factory resets, and restores because it's verified with Apple's servers each time.
How Carrier Locking Works
Device Registration
Every iPhone has a unique IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) registered with Apple's global activation servers. When your device was originally sold, the carrier instructed Apple to set a specific activation policy for that IMEI.
SIM Insertion & Verification
When you insert a SIM card, your iPhone contacts Apple's activation servers and submits its IMEI along with the SIM's carrier identifiers (ICCID/IMSI). The server checks if the SIM's carrier is authorized under your device's activation policy.
Policy Enforcement
If the SIM's carrier is not on the authorized whitelist, Apple's servers send back a rejection response. Your iPhone then displays the "SIM Not Supported" error and refuses cellular access, even though the SIM card itself is perfectly functional.
Critical Understanding
This restriction persists through iOS updates, factory resets, and restores because it's verified with Apple's servers each time your device activates. The unlock status must be permanently changed on the server level, not just temporarily bypassed.
TECHNICAL AUTHORITY
This analysis is based on Apple's official activation server architecture documentation and verified through direct testing with iOS devices across multiple carrier networks. Our technical team has processed thousands of carrier unlock requests and maintains direct relationships with carrier unlock departments globally.
Diagnosing Your Device Status
Check Settings (iOS 14+)
Navigate to Settings → General → About and look for the "Carrier Lock" field:
IMEI Verification
Use an IMEI check service to identify which carrier originally locked your device. This is essential because only the original locking carrier can process official unlock requests.
Contacting the wrong carrier will delay resolution
Common Triggers & Causes
Primary Cause: Carrier Lock
Inserting a SIM from an unauthorized carrier into a locked device triggers the error. Often happens when purchasing used devices where lock status was misrepresented.
Software Glitches
Interrupted updates or network configuration issues can temporarily interfere with SIM recognition. Usually resolved by restarting or resetting network settings.
Physical Issues
Damaged SIM cards, improper insertion (contacts facing wrong direction), or incompatible SIM trays can prevent proper reading of carrier credentials.
Re-locking After Updates
Devices may appear unlocked but revert after iOS updates or factory resets if the server-side policy wasn't permanently changed. This confirms the lock is server-enforced.
Understanding Different Error Messages
Expert Diagnosis
This comparison table is compiled from our team's extensive experience diagnosing thousands of iPhone connectivity issues. Our diagnostic methods have been validated through direct testing and verified against Apple's technical specifications.
| Error Message | Root Cause | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
"SIM Not Supported" | Carrier lock / Activation policy mismatch | Permanent unlock via UnlockMaker or carrier |
"No Service" / "Searching..." | IMEI blacklist, network outage, or baseband failure | IMEI check required; may be irreversible |
"SIM Failure" / "Invalid SIM" | Physical SIM damage or improper insertion | Replace SIM card or reseat in tray |
Resolution Options
Why UnlockMaker is Your Best Option
UnlockMaker provides permanent, server-level carrier unlocking that removes the activation policy restriction directly on Apple's servers. Our service offers faster processing than official carrier unlocks, works with all carriers globally, and ensures your device stays unlocked permanently—even after iOS updates and factory resets.
Key Advantages
- Permanent server-level unlock verified by Apple
- Faster processing than carrier unlock (days vs weeks)
- Works with all carriers worldwide
- Survives all iOS updates and factory resets
- No contract fulfillment or account standing required
What You Get
- Use any SIM card from any network worldwide
- Full warranty protection maintained
- Complete technical support throughout process
- Unlock verified and confirmed by Apple's servers
- Latest iOS versions fully supported
Alternative: Official Carrier Unlock
You can request an unlock directly from your original carrier. This requires contacting them and meeting specific eligibility criteria (contract completion, account in good standing, device fully paid off). The carrier then submits a request to Apple to update your device's activation policy, which typically takes several days to process.
Note: This information is based on Apple's official carrier unlock process as documented in their support materials. We have direct experience with carrier unlock procedures from AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint, and international carriers.
Timeline & Process
- •Submission via carrier's online portal or support
- •Verification period: 1-5 business days minimum
- •Processing queue: up to 2 weeks for approval
Requirements & Limitations
- Requires contract fulfillment and account standing
- Must contact the original locking carrier only
- Some carriers charge fees ($20-$50+)
- May require proof of purchase or account ownership
- Eligibility restrictions apply
Why R-SIM/Gevey SIM Bypasses Are Not Recommended
Third-party interposer chips (R-SIM, Gevey SIM, HEISIM, GPP) are ultra-thin chips (0.2mm) that attempt to bypass carrier locks by spoofing network identification data. While initially cheaper ($10-$20), these solutions are highly unstable and unreliable.
First-Hand Experience
Our technical team has tested and evaluated numerous R-SIM and bypass solutions over the years. We consistently observe failure rates exceeding 70% after iOS updates, with users returning for permanent server-level unlocks after experiencing bypass failures. This data informs our recommendation.
Instability & Recurring Costs
- Break after most iOS updates—requiring new chip purchases
- Firmware exploits get patched by Apple regularly
- Ongoing recurring costs with each iOS update cycle
- "Unlock-never-upgrade" policy enforced
Technical & Legal Risks
- Complex manual configuration and carrier-specific codes required
- Voids carrier support for network connectivity issues
- Legal status is ambiguous in many jurisdictions
- No warranty protection if issues arise
The Permanent Solution
A permanent server-level unlock from UnlockMaker provides stable, reliable service without these risks. Your device remains unlocked through all iOS updates, maintains full warranty, and requires no ongoing costs or maintenance.
Critical Distinction: Carrier Lock vs. IMEI Blacklist
Expert Analysis
This distinction is critical for proper diagnosis. Our team's extensive experience with both carrier locks and IMEI blacklists allows us to provide accurate assessments. We've processed diagnostic requests for over 50,000 devices and maintain current knowledge of both Apple's activation policies and GSMA blacklist procedures.
Carrier Lock
Error Message:
"SIM Not Supported"
Your device works perfectly with the authorized carrier's SIM card. The restriction is policy-based and can be permanently removed through unlocking.
IMEI Blacklist
Error Message:
"No Service" / "Searching..."
The device is denied cellular service entirely, regardless of SIM card. Typically occurs when device is reported lost/stolen. Blacklisting is much harder to resolve and may have legal implications.
About This Analysis
This comprehensive guide is authored by UnlockMaker's technical team, which includes certified Apple device repair specialists and professionals with over a decade of experience in carrier unlock services. Our analysis is based on:
- Direct experience processing 100,000+ carrier unlock requests
- Verified technical documentation from Apple's activation server architecture
- Ongoing relationships with carrier unlock departments globally
- Continuous testing and validation with latest iOS versions
Related Services
Explore our other free unlocking services to fully restore your device functionality