Are you swapping SIM cards and getting an error message on your mobile phone? The “SIM not provisioned MM#2” error is simple enough to fix, but what does it mean?
This article describes how to fix this SIM card error and ensure you can avoid it happening again in the future.
What Does “SIM Not Provisioned MM#2” Mean?
SIM cards contain certain information that helps with the identification of your cell phone account. The SIM allows the phone to be recognized as yours on the mobile network (thanks to the IMEI number). This provides you to make calls and connect to the mobile internet.
The SIM not provisioned error should only influence users who need to register a new SIM card. If it occurs at any other time, it can signify a difficulty with the SIM card, which will need replacing. For instance, when the SIM not provisioned MM2 error appears, you can trace it back to one of the following:
- You purchased 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 utilizing an iPhone, the Apple server also needs to be online).
- There’s a difficulty with the placement of the SIM card.
Other SIM error messages might happen, depending on your situation. For instance, if the SIM card is locked to a particular phone, you may see the “SIM not valid” message when you insert it into a new device. However, unlocking the SIM will let you use it on any compatible phone.
What Is the SIM Not Provisioned for Voice Issue?
An error that is increasing in frequency is SIM not provisioned for voice. It usually occurs on devices connected to the Google Fi network (a combination of mobile and Wi-Fi networks).
In most cases, this error indicates that you cannot make voice calls. The steps below should help to resolve this.
What Does “SIM 2 Not Provisioned” Error Mean?
If the “SIM not provisioned” error specifies a number, it is almost certainly because you’re using a dual-SIM phone. Every slot is numbered, so you might see SIM 1 not provisioned and SIM 2 not provisioned errors.
This isn’t too much to worry about. It simply means that you carry out the process twice for each SIM card when you follow step two below.
Ways to Fix “SIM Not Provisioned” Errors
Restart Your Phone
It may seem unlikely, but simply turning off your phone can overcome the SIM not provisioned fault.
Take the usual levels to restart the phone and wait. A few moments later, you’ll see that the error message no longer arrives, and your SIM card is activated.
Correctly Insert the SIM Card
If the issue isn’t with the SIM card’s activation or the network, it might simply be an ill-fitting SIM. This might be due to problems with the shape of the SIM itself or a poorly designed SIM card slot (or caddy).
To check if the SIM is perfectly seated, switch off your phone, then find the SIM card:
- If you have an older or cheaper phone, get the SIM card by opening the back panel. You may require to remove the battery to access the SIM card slot.
- With flagship phones or those without removable batteries, the SIM card slot is usually on the handset side. This is typically a caddy upon which the SIM card sits—you’ll need a small SIM eject tool to open it. Look for a tiny hole along the side of your phone and push the tool in to eject the SIM.
Note: Be sure to extract the SIM card and not the microSD storage card.
Removing the SIM card can be tricky. You may require to use tweezers or jimmy it out from underneath if a removable battery is involved. With the SIM card removed, please give it a blow and perhaps quick dust with a lint-free cloth.
Replace the cleaned SIM card, taking care to place it as instructed. There is usually a sticker next to the SIM card slot or an engraving showing the SIM’s correct orientation.
Replace the SIM card in your mobile phone, and power it up again. The SIM has not provisioned issue should no longer appear. If it does, try the SIM on another phone.
Activate Your SIM Card
In most cases, a SIM card will be activated automatically within 24 hours of being accessed into a new phone. If this doesn’t occur, three options are usually available to enable activation:
- Call an automated number
- Send an SMS
- Log onto its activation page on the carrier’s website
All these options are fast and straightforward but depend on whether the carrier supports them. Your SIM should be activated in most cases, and the “SIM not provisioned” error solved.
Contact Your Carrier or Network Provider
If the SIM won’t activate, it’s time to present a call (from another device!) to your carrier or network. Reveal to them the error message and the steps you’ve taken so far.
As noted above, the activation server may be an issue, which would prevent your SIM card from activating. This would make the SIM Not Provisioned error message.
Your carrier will typically put you on the line while they investigate the issue. However, if it is a difficulty with the activation server, there may be some delay in getting the SIM activated. You’ll have a mind for the error and a possible date for resolution on the plus side.
Get a New SIM Card
Still no joy? It’s time to request a new SIM card, maybe even an eSIM, if your phone supports it.
You could call your network for this, but you’ll apparently find it’s quicker to head to a local phone shop. Even properly, a branch of your network or a franchise outlet.
They’ll be able to run diagnostics on the SIM card and, probably, resolve the SIM not provisioned MM2 error. Don’t bother if they repeat some of the steps you’ve already attempted, as this is part of the diagnostic process.
If it means you require a new SIM card, this shouldn’t be a problem. The store will have the tools to manage the swap and associate the new SIM with your account.
