SIM won't connect in iPhone

[RyGirl]

I cannot get my iPhone XR working with my new Public Mobile SIM I ordered from PM last week (love the $5 promo).

I tried everything:

- The iPhone has the latest software (iOS 13.6.1)

- I tried "Reset Network Setting" (multiple times)

- I've rebooted, re-inserted SIM, Wi-Fi on/off, Airplane mode, etc, etc - no luck

- The phone is unlocked according to IMEI24.com

- Cellular Data is on and Network Selection shows as Public Mobile.

- It shows the 4 bars on the top right corner of the screen.  At points I've seen it show LTE and 3G too.

SIM tests:

1. I tried the SIM card from the iPhone in my android phone and it works fine.  It's not the SIM.

2. I tried 2 other working Public Mobile SIM cards in the iPhone - it didn't work.

3. I tried a Bell SIM card in the iPhone and it worked right away.

Why O why will Public Mobile SIM cards not work in this iPhone?

[kb_mv]

@RyGirl This may seem like a silly question, but are you positive the phone is unlocked? What was the last provider (Bell perhaps?) /  where did you get the phone?

Welcome to PM, I'm sure you will get the correct help in no time.

[hairbag1]

Try Airplane mode for a minute...then turn Airplane mode off. Restart phone.

I see you've tried that !

Sounds like maybe it's still locked to a previous cell network then.

[gblackma]

@RyGirl it seems that you phone may be locked to Bell. Contact them and ask them to unlock it for you.

Then sync to iTunes
1. Insert new working SIM - do not turn phone on (if SIM is already in, turn off)
2. Connect to computer with USB cable.
3. Start iTunes if it doesn't auto run
4. iPhone will switch on. Wait until iTunes registers it and checks for updates
5. Install the carrier profile update (if offered, if not, go to step 6)
6. Disconnect and restart. From @luddite.

Welcome to PM. Stay safe. 

[Triguy]

Was your iPhone used with another provider ?  Sounds like your phone maybe locked.

[Dunkman]

@RyGirl 

Make sure that your phone is unlocked. May want to call Bell to make sure.   

If unlocked, maybe sign out of your Apple ID and sign back in.  Is your eSIM card activated previously?

[RyGirl]

Thanks for the quick replies.

I bought the phone used (Kijiji), but it's in mint condition and the person claims it was unlocked.  I've tried 2 different IMEI online services and both indicate it's unlocked.

I'll guess try contacting Bell and report back here.

[z10user4]

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@RyGirl wrote:

Thanks for the quick replies.

I bought the phone used (Kijiji), but it's in mint condition and the person claims it was unlocked.  I've tried 2 different IMEI online services and both indicate it's unlocked.

I'll guess try contacting Bell and report back here.

---

Did you check devicecheck.ca or even the checker under Get Started up top?

[gblackma]

@RyGirl  sync to iTunes
1. Insert new working SIM - do not turn phone on (if SIM is already in, turn off)
2. Connect to computer with USB cable.
3. Start iTunes if it doesn't auto run
4. iPhone will switch on. Wait until iTunes registers it and checks for updates
5. Install the carrier profile update (if offered, if not, go to step 6)
6. Disconnect and restart. From @luddite.

[RyGirl]

No luck signing in/out of Apple ID.

The sim card is brand new, purchased directly from Public Mobile.  I bought 2 and my other activation (on an android phone) worked with no issues.