Tracfone Invalid Sim Card Fix

[Dot Liljenquist]

Ive seen this error message come up before, and I believe I have a solution you can try. Go to Settings> Wireless & Networks> Mobile Networks> Network Mode> Change it from Global to CDMA. Once done, the error should go away. From the sound of it, it's likely caused by your phone reading the SIM card that is not active in the Verizon Wireless system. Give it a shot and please follow up with your results.

I got up this morning and my phone was dead. I tried charging it, and it came on a few times during the day, but it is either not charging or discharging as fast as it charges. When it did come on, I either got a message telling me the SIM is invalid or No network is available when I tried to make a call. Each time it indicated emergency calls could be made.

I am trying to activate a new Samsung phone purchased through QVC just a couple of weeks ago. When I enter the SIM card #, message says "Your SIM card is in an invalid status". I have tried bypassing this screen by saying I have no SIM card # and then entering the IMEI #. From the IMEI screen when I press "continue", nothing happens. Just continues to stay on the same screen. I know I entered the IMEI correctly (correct number of digits), because I have the cute little check mark in green. And there is no error message on this screen.

I am a long time TracFone user and recently had a similar issue when trying to buy airtime. It turned out to be the Firefox browser that I was using. I switched to my MS Edge browser and was able to successfully complete the transaction.

I've had issues in the past activating a phone through their website or normal customer service phone number, but the 1-800-867-7183 number included on the card with phones purchased through the shopping channels has never failed me. Try using that number and see if it doesn't solve your problem. It's supposedly an exclusive number for shopping channel buyers and it works. (At least for me.)

It's an automated system and you'll be given several options. Choose the "transfer a number" or "activate" option. Then it'll ask if the number you're calling from (and it tells you the number) is the one you want to transfer. Then it'll ask for the serial number of the new phone. (Found on the red card that comes with new phones.) Then it'll repeat back the serial number and ask you to confirm it. Then it'll give you instructions to turn off the phone and then turn it back on again and try making a call after the phone has been activated.

I've never had an issue using that number. I don't know why the rest of their systems are so screwed up, but that exclusive number works every time for me. I don't even try anything else these days. I just look for that card and use that phone number. It just works.

I've had TracFone for years and never had a bit of trouble activating them. I bought a Moto phone and waited until the last minute to transfer data from my Samsung phone and activate it. What a mess! I got my apps transferred but no pictures. I have no idea how to get the phone to work. I suppose I've lost my phone number as my service expired. I'm sick of fooling with it and am thinking Consumer Cellular.

Thank you for your response. My browser was the problem---I suppose. I was using Chrome originally, but based on your response I used MS Edge. And the activation went right through with no problem. I am very glad I did not resort to calling CS. I appreciate you taking the time to respond.

"I've had issues in the past activating a phone through their website or normal customer service phone number, but the 1-800-867-7183 number included on the card with phones purchased through the shopping channels has never failed me."

@jrcnc @I had the same experience as @bayflwc I had to go on a wild goose chase all over the site, I was on the app, to find a way to add air time. This company really needs customer service. I'd be willing to pay an extra costs per use fee for customer service from them with an American agent.

Third-party apps can also contribute to the MMI code error. This is particularly true if these apps are poorly coded. So, it is best to disable them by switching to the safe mode in your Android devices.

In a nutshell, receiving connection problems or invalid MMI code errors can be frustrating. So, try out the above-mentioned ways. If the problem persists, change the sim card or buy an online sim ASAP.

Regarding the refund on phones that can't be unlocked, for which "you lose any remaining airtime on the device." I was thinking about replacing my LG Ultimate 2 (3G CDMA) with a 4G phone, transferring my number and minutes to it. Can I request the refund from Tracfone on the Ultimate 2, activate a new phone and transfer my account to it, and then return the Ultimate 2 (deactivated and with no airtime on it) and still get the refund (they quoted me $16)?

This isn't addressed anywhere.

Over the weekend we received our new LG Fiesta 2 Lte ($99.00). Yesterday while putting on the new case, the screen cracked at the bottom, WE called tracfone for a repair or a replacement & they refused to replace the screen or replace the phone. I have had about 15 tracfones in my household in about 15 years amoung family members & I have never had a problem. This has me very upset that the screen couldn't hold up & tracfone couldn't care less. Not sure where to go next. Advice would be appreciated

My friend got locked out of a new Apple iPhone SE after only having it for about a month. He said I could have it if I could understand-disable it. I did. But it's not released by T-Mobile tracfone because I got a SIM for tracfone and it STILL wouldn't work. Any suggestions?

my mom purchase a tracfone LG L64VL and never use and activate the phone because shes not familiar with the internet.After a year she decided to gave me the phone.Although it still a virgin .(NEVER USED OR ACTIVATED FROM THE TIME SHE BOUGHT THE PHONE),I FOUND OUT THE THE LGL64VL IS LOCKED AND CANNOT USED TO ANY NETWORK.AND WHEN I READ THE TRACFONE UNLOCKING POLICY .THERES NO NO WAY YO UNLOCK THE PHONE AND USED ANOTHET SIM CARD.TO UNLOCK THE PHONE I GET A HAMMER AND SMASHED THE TRACFONE LG L64VL .IF MY MOM KNOWS THAT IS AND CANNOT UNLOCK ...SHE DIDNT BUY THAT _PHONE...IF TRACFONE CANNOT UNLOCK THE PHONE ..I CAN UNLOCK IT...

It's good to know what all the rules are. Thank you for this blog.

In my case, I've been learning as I go. I bought a TracFone without knowing about locked phones, but I learned. I activated my phone and remained in good standing with my active TracFone service for a year. I actually like the plan I'm on and want to keep it, but I still want to unlock it. My phone is eligible and yet, I could not get an unlock code from TracFone customer service at 800-867-7183.

It may have been the individual I reached was having a bad day, because when he asked if I am changing to another service and I said no, he actually said, "It's your phone and you can do what you want with it, just don't lie to me, ok?" I couldn't believe it, but I stayed calm and pretended like I didn't hear him. He said he would transfer me to that department. I suspected he just put me on hold and thought I would hang up, but I didn't. I really needed to unlock my phone today. After holding 30 min, "Daniel" came back and said he couldn't reach that department. I asked if there was a number I could call, and he said no. I asked if there is any other method to get an unlock code and he said no. I asked if we were disconnected, would he be able to call me back and he said yes. He came back one more time and said he was still waiting to get through. 1 hour and 20 min into the call, it disconnected. He did not call back.

I understand TracFone doesn't want to unlock the devices, but I had played by the rules and expected them to as well. I was about to call back or start a chat, but I had found this blog while holding and I tried the number in step 1 even though it's Saturday. Viola! "Welcome to TracFone Unlock" recording said the estimated wait time was 19 minutes or I could get a call back without losing my place in line. I just hung on - for 2 hours and 25 minutes until the call disconnected.

I was not able to swap sims between 2 phones, which was my goal today. I'm going to keep trying. I wondered if you had any difficulty with getting the unlock codes during your testing.

Again, Thank you for this blog.

Update to Anonymous post from Sunday, 02/10/2019:

I called 888-442-5102 from my place of business at 5:20 pm Central time in the USA. Recording said hold time was 2 to 3 minutes and it was. I talked to the rep, who took my first & last name, email address and contact number. She submitted the request for unlock code, got confirmation, and said I would be receiving the unlock code to my email address. She gave me a case number and by the time I hung up, I had received the email with the code. Start to finish 6 minutes.

I bought my Alcatel A574bl in one of the Alcatel shop in US,but when I came to my country Zambia,my Alcatel phone ALWAYS say invalid sim card....... please help me am tired with this problem.your positive consideration to my request will be highly appreciated

Well here we are, over two years after my initial comment that no one ever responded to. I still have the Ultimate 2. Gmail crashes in several ways. Navigation in Maps is now crashing. I've tried fixing by the usual methods all the way up to hard-resetting the phone, but it looks like Google stopped supporting Android 4.4.2 "Kit-Kat" in 2018 and it's really time to buy a new phone.

At this time, TF is offering $10 for the Ultimate 2. Better than nothing.

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