iOS26 SIM keeps locking

Normally you are only asked for the SIM card PIN after a restart. But I have read that several people are experiencing this problem after updating to iOS 26. It is possible that this is a bug that will be fixed in a later update.

If you want to avoid this, you can turn off the SIM card PIN. This is done here:

Settings > Cellular > SIM PIN -> disable SIM PIN.

Please note that your SIM card now has no lock. So if you use a physical SIM card, anyone can take the card out, put it in their own phone and use it. If you use eSIM, you do not run that risk.

What is the exact text of the error message that you are seeing? Is it asking for a PIN for your SIM? Did you set a PIN for the SIM? If so, that is why it is asking for it. Check this support document. Use a SIM PIN for your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

Thanks for replying and confirming that “piece.”

Yes … that would indeed be a nanoSIM.

In the interim, if receiving calls thru your sleeping hours is indeed critical, you might consider “relaxing” your SIM PIN during these times …

… and reactivating it during your waking hours (or at least before venturing out into the “wilds.”)

However the arguably “better” alternative would be to convert to an eSIM if it’s offered by your carrier.

This leverages all of the built-in security features of your iPhone and effectively negates nearly all of the rationale for needing a SIM PIN altogether.

PO66190fr wrote:

Many (but not all) mornings since updating to iOS26 when I pick up my iPhone SIM card is locked. Why is this and how. do I stop it happening?

Does it also require your iPhone passcode when this happens? If so, your iPhone has restarted on its own overnight.

Question answered while composing initial reply.

Thanks.

And again this IS on a nanoSIM … correct ?

Thanks.

And again this IS on a nanoSIM … correct ?