Seeing a "SIM Not Provisioned" message on your Nothing Phone (3) is a real roadblock, stopping you from making calls or using mobile data. This error means your phone can't properly connect to your mobile carrier's network, and it's a common hiccup that usually has a straightforward fix.
Let's jump straight into the most common solution. A simple restart can clear out temporary software glitches that might be causing the connection problem. Just press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons together for a few seconds, then tap "Restart" on your screen.
Check Your SIM Card Activation
If this is a brand new SIM card you just popped into your Nothing Phone (3), it might not be activated yet. This is the single most common reason for this error. You'll need to contact your carrier directly, either through their app, website, or customer service line, to confirm the SIM is active on your account.
For prepaid plans, also double-check that your account has sufficient balance or that your monthly plan hasn't expired. Non-payment is a frequent cause for service suspension, which triggers this exact message.
Refresh Your Network Connection
Your phone's radio might just need a quick reset. Swipe down from the top of the screen twice to open the full quick settings panel and tap the Airplane Mode icon. Wait about 30 seconds, then tap it again to turn it off.
This forces your Nothing Phone (3) to disconnect from and then search for all networks again, which can re-establish a clean connection to your carrier.
Reinsert and Inspect the SIM
It's worth physically checking the SIM card and tray. Power off your Phone (3) completely first. Then, use the SIM eject tool (it came in the box) to pop out the tray from the bottom edge of the phone.
Take out the SIM card and give the gold contacts a look. If you see any dust, lint, or slight corrosion, gently wipe them with a soft, dry cloth. Carefully reseat the SIM card in the tray, making sure it's snug and oriented correctly, then slide the tray back in until it clicks.
Manually Select Your Network Operator
Sometimes the automatic network selection gets a bit confused. You can manually tell your phone which carrier to use. Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
Tap on your active SIM, then select Network operators. Turn off the "Choose automatically" toggle. Your phone will search and present a list; simply select your carrier's name from it. This often bypasses the provisioning error.
Update Your Software and Carrier Services
Running outdated software can lead to connectivity bugs. Head to Settings > System > System update to check for any available Nothing OS updates. Installing the latest version can resolve known network issues.
Also, open the Google Play Store, tap your profile icon, and go to Manage apps & device. Under "Updates available," see if there's an update for "Carrier Services." This app helps manage your connection to your provider's network.
Reset Your Network Settings
If you're still stuck, resetting network settings is a stronger step that clears all saved Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth pairings, and cellular network data. Go to Settings > System > Reset options.
Tap Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth and confirm. Your Nothing Phone (3) will reboot. Afterward, you'll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks and re-pair Bluetooth devices, but it often clears persistent cellular problems.
Test the SIM in Another Device
To figure out if the problem is with the SIM card or the phone itself, try your SIM in another unlocked phone. If the other phone also shows "SIM Not Provisioned," then the issue is definitely with the SIM or your carrier account.
If the SIM works perfectly in another device, the issue is localized to your Nothing Phone (3). At this point, reaching out to Nothing support or your mobile carrier for further diagnostics is your best move. They can check for deeper account issues or, if needed, provide a replacement SIM card.