So what to do if I already had AT&T switch the SIM/IMEI before trying to activate the new phone? I can't activate the new phone because the SIM doesn't match the number on record. I can't use the old phone because AT&T has switched the SIM/IMEI. They say the can't switch it back because the old SIM is no longer usable.
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Could Not Activate iPhone-Sim card does not match AT&T
- Thread starter littlegreeny
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So what to do if I already had AT&T switch the SIM/IMEI before trying to activate the new phone? I can't activate the new phone because the SIM doesn't match the number on record. I can't use the old phone because AT&T has switched the SIM/IMEI. They say the can't switch it back because the old SIM is no longer usable.
Go to the store if you need new SIM cards because AT&T deactivated your old ones. They should be free.
Thanks. Also, moving my iPhone 4S SIM to my iPhone 4 enabled my iPhone 4 to work again for the time being.
I wish I could be more helpful...Here's what happened when I went to the Apple Store today:
Had appointment with Genius. Took my phone out to show him the sim card not matching error message and my phone had a welcome screen (my phone was finally activated).
I think AT&T either pushed an update through to solve the issue or my phone's sim card became unlocked as soon as I walked into the Apple Store. I tried activating it one more time before I left my house and got the same error message.
Had appointment with Genius. Took my phone out to show him the sim card not matching error message and my phone had a welcome screen (my phone was finally activated).
I think AT&T either pushed an update through to solve the issue or my phone's sim card became unlocked as soon as I walked into the Apple Store. I tried activating it one more time before I left my house and got the same error message.
I'm another one burned by the "upgrade swap" problem, but it has since been corrected.
Here's what went wrong: I called AT&T before activating the new phone and customer service associated the IMEI/SIM combination with the line I wanted instead of the line it was ordered against. This is a mistake. The phone must be activated on the phone number that was upgraded.
Here's the solution: I went to an AT&T store where they took a brand new SIM, associated it with the line I used upgrade eligibility to order the 4S, and inserted it into the 4S. We then activated the phone. Then they swapped in the SIM associated with the line I wanted the phone on (in my case the SIM that came with the phone since customer service had already changed my records.)
The downside: this has the side-effect of deactivating the phone currently on the line that was eligible for the upgrade. To solve this they took another new SIM, associated it with the original phone for that line, and swapped the SIM into the old phone. All is now well, but it meant I needed to bring that phone into the store as well.
Here's what went wrong: I called AT&T before activating the new phone and customer service associated the IMEI/SIM combination with the line I wanted instead of the line it was ordered against. This is a mistake. The phone must be activated on the phone number that was upgraded.
Here's the solution: I went to an AT&T store where they took a brand new SIM, associated it with the line I used upgrade eligibility to order the 4S, and inserted it into the 4S. We then activated the phone. Then they swapped in the SIM associated with the line I wanted the phone on (in my case the SIM that came with the phone since customer service had already changed my records.)
The downside: this has the side-effect of deactivating the phone currently on the line that was eligible for the upgrade. To solve this they took another new SIM, associated it with the original phone for that line, and swapped the SIM into the old phone. All is now well, but it meant I needed to bring that phone into the store as well.
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You guys really over thought this process. First you activate the phone with the new sim card that came with the phone. This means you activate it with the line you are using the upgrade for. Once everything is activated and working you then you can swap sim cards to use a different line on the phone.
Surprised how many people couldn't figure this out. It was very simple, an people just over thought it.
The people that called ahead of time to switch the number on the device were even more screwed cause then the number, the sim and the phone didn't match up.
Next time just do it the simple way.
You guys really over thought this process. First you activate the phone with the new sim card that came with the phone. This means you activate it with the line you are using the upgrade for. Once everything is activated and working you then you can swap sim cards to use a different line on the phone.
Surprised how many people couldn't figure this out. It was very simple, an people just over thought it.
The people that called ahead of time to switch the number on the device were even more screwed cause then the number, the sim and the phone didn't match up.
Next time just do it the simple way.
Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; CPU iPhone OS 5_0 like Mac OS X) AppleWebKit/534.46 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.1 Mobile/9A334 Safari/7534.48.3)
So I have the solution!
My situation was that I wanted to do an upgrade swap. I bought the iPhone 4S at Apple online and then when I received t, I called AT&T to switch the number on the sim card that came with the new iPhone 4S to my number (which was an iPhone 4 number).
Of course, the error came up saying the sim is not the right one when I tried activating. I went to AT&T to get a new sim card but the lady told me the problem would still happen and in the process my dad (whose upgrade I took) would have his phone deactivated but nothing would resolve the problem since the phone will ONLY use the sim card that came originally.
So I went to the Apple Store, made a genius appointment. When I got there, I did NOT tell them I attempted an upgrade swap. I simply told them that the phone keeps showing this silly error.
The girl helping me then took my sim card ( which was activated with MY number - not the upgrade number) and saw that it worked in her iPhone. She said.. Hmm seems like your sim card is activated but iPhone is bricked.
She just replaced it. I put in my sim card and my phone was on and ready to go. I didn't even need to activate it
Now I have an iPhone 4S with MY number and the other phone whose upgrade I took wasn't even touched.
So just go to an apple store after making an an appointment and tell them about the error but do NOT tell them you wanted to swap. Just get a swap, put in your sim card, and you're good to go.
Hope that helps everyone wanting to swap who don't want to worry about getting new sim cards or potentially deactivating the upgrade-doner's line.
Basically, from my understanding iPhone 4S's that Apple is selling or shipping is LOCKED with the phone number that you are upgrading. So for people who don't want to use that number they used to sign up for an upgrade should buy straight from their carrier (AT&T users have no problems if they buy directly from AT&T). I guess like someonr before me said, it is to prevent fraud and reselling). Only the replacement phones via the Genius bar seem to be fine because they don't require iTunes activation (at least mine didn't!).
Hope this helps!
So I have the solution!
My situation was that I wanted to do an upgrade swap. I bought the iPhone 4S at Apple online and then when I received t, I called AT&T to switch the number on the sim card that came with the new iPhone 4S to my number (which was an iPhone 4 number).
Of course, the error came up saying the sim is not the right one when I tried activating. I went to AT&T to get a new sim card but the lady told me the problem would still happen and in the process my dad (whose upgrade I took) would have his phone deactivated but nothing would resolve the problem since the phone will ONLY use the sim card that came originally.
So I went to the Apple Store, made a genius appointment. When I got there, I did NOT tell them I attempted an upgrade swap. I simply told them that the phone keeps showing this silly error.
The girl helping me then took my sim card ( which was activated with MY number - not the upgrade number) and saw that it worked in her iPhone. She said.. Hmm seems like your sim card is activated but iPhone is bricked.
She just replaced it. I put in my sim card and my phone was on and ready to go. I didn't even need to activate it
Now I have an iPhone 4S with MY number and the other phone whose upgrade I took wasn't even touched.
So just go to an apple store after making an an appointment and tell them about the error but do NOT tell them you wanted to swap. Just get a swap, put in your sim card, and you're good to go.
Hope that helps everyone wanting to swap who don't want to worry about getting new sim cards or potentially deactivating the upgrade-doner's line.
Basically, from my understanding iPhone 4S's that Apple is selling or shipping is LOCKED with the phone number that you are upgrading. So for people who don't want to use that number they used to sign up for an upgrade should buy straight from their carrier (AT&T users have no problems if they buy directly from AT&T). I guess like someonr before me said, it is to prevent fraud and reselling). Only the replacement phones via the Genius bar seem to be fine because they don't require iTunes activation (at least mine didn't!).
Hope this helps!
Go to an AT&T and demand a cold SIM card. It works. I was there for three hours and they wouldn't give it to me. When I explained that AT&T screwed me over, they gave me one as a 'courtesy.' It worked like a charm.
If they don't know what a cold SIM is, tell them to ring it up, but not to register it to any account or line.
Otherwise Apple has to replace the phone.
If they don't know what a cold SIM is, tell them to ring it up, but not to register it to any account or line.
Otherwise Apple has to replace the phone.
I had a similar problem. I would link my thread, but I don't have any advice. The AT&T national tech support people eventually fixed it for me.
I hope your phone starts working soon.
I hope your phone starts working soon.
Could Not Activate iPhone-Sim card does not match AT&T
Hello, after reading all the thread. Here is what I did. I received the iP4s while on vacation in Maui, it was from a different line on my family plan. (home base CA). Upgrade line was in CA. Called AT&T first and didn't put in the microSIM that came with iP4s. They swap my old iP4 sim to the new one and it work for voice and data. Said that it will take some time prior to activating the new iP4s and keep trying. Waited and try for over 24hrs, reading all the post. Understand that the only way to get this to work is cold SIM from AT&T. So drove to local AT&T store, ask for a cold SIM, one rep knew what I was talking about and gave it to me, but ask me what my phone number was to register the card. I told him to to associate any number/line to the sim, he said that he understood. Put it in and can't get WiFi signal in the AT&T store, mean while have my upgrade line in CA was on the phone with me at a local store that will be closing in 5 minutes. I ran to local Starbucks and got on WiFi there, it started the activation process, told my upgrade line person in CA to get off the phone and turn it off. My iP4s was activated and upgrade line in CA was not working and the local AT&T rep gave a SIM for iP3GS to that number and both phone is working now. I was told that you have to use a specific type of micro SIM for iP4s to get the max data speed for HSDPA+. You need to check the ICCID on the 9th and 10th digit and make sure it's 25. Also the price plan on your number with AT&T need to be "IHB4" that is what the tech told me. Good luck all.
Hello, after reading all the thread. Here is what I did. I received the iP4s while on vacation in Maui, it was from a different line on my family plan. (home base CA). Upgrade line was in CA. Called AT&T first and didn't put in the microSIM that came with iP4s. They swap my old iP4 sim to the new one and it work for voice and data. Said that it will take some time prior to activating the new iP4s and keep trying. Waited and try for over 24hrs, reading all the post. Understand that the only way to get this to work is cold SIM from AT&T. So drove to local AT&T store, ask for a cold SIM, one rep knew what I was talking about and gave it to me, but ask me what my phone number was to register the card. I told him to to associate any number/line to the sim, he said that he understood. Put it in and can't get WiFi signal in the AT&T store, mean while have my upgrade line in CA was on the phone with me at a local store that will be closing in 5 minutes. I ran to local Starbucks and got on WiFi there, it started the activation process, told my upgrade line person in CA to get off the phone and turn it off. My iP4s was activated and upgrade line in CA was not working and the local AT&T rep gave a SIM for iP3GS to that number and both phone is working now. I was told that you have to use a specific type of micro SIM for iP4s to get the max data speed for HSDPA+. You need to check the ICCID on the 9th and 10th digit and make sure it's 25. Also the price plan on your number with AT&T need to be "IHB4" that is what the tech told me. Good luck all.
Thereby deactivating a phone that belongs to someone else. Potentially someone who lives hundreds or thousands of miles away. You really can't fathom why anyone would try to avoid this?
The whole point of doing an "upgrade swap" is to use a line last upgraded two years ago. You know, before the change to micro-SIM? So now that the activated SIM for the original line is no longer compatible with the original phone you're still going to have to visit an AT&T store.
Reluctant Adept, I was wondering if you can clear things up for me.
I currently have an iphone 4 and I plan on using my sister's upgrade to get the iphone 4s. She has a non-smartphone with no data plan.
1. When the iphone 4s arrives... I would have to activate the iphone 4s using the sim card that it came with right?
2. After it is activated... I can put in my iphone 4's sim card back in correct? Would I need to call att to change the imei etc?
3. Will anything happen to my sister's current phone or can she use it normally? I also have to call att to cancel the data that was required when upgrading on my sister's line correct?
4. I heard that the original upgraded line's phone may be deactivated? If so, do you know how long? and what is the fix?
Sorry for all the questions, but I would really appreciate it if you can clear things up.
Thank you
Ridiculous. A $500 brick until I can get to an AT&T store. And who knows when that could happen. Five iPhone launches and they still can't get anything right.
I hate AT&T.
Well - I did an upgrade swap within our family plan and it took 1 quick phone call to give them the # printed on my simm and everything was working perfectly within 5 minutes.
No problems, no issues - could not have been much easier.
All of my iPhone activation experiences with AT&T have been painless.
+++ for AT&T
The SIM Match issue is only for Apple ordered iPhone 4S units where you are going to do an Upgrade Swap. There is no magic Micro-SIM.
The Feature code is not IHB4 for the iPhone 4S Unlimited data plan!
Data Plan for iPhone 4S - IHN1
Data Plan for iPhone - IPN1 ( SOC - 3G data plan )
iPhone Data Plan + 200 Text - MMV1 ( SOC - original iPhone data plan )
Dave
Did you order from AT&T or Apple and do you currently have a Micro-SIM?
If you ordered from AT&T you just need to put in your Micro-SIM if you already have one. No Mini-SIM change needed for your sister. You will need the IMEI of her current phone and then you can call AT&T and have them remove the iPhone data plan that was added to her line.
Dave
If you ordered from AT&T you just need to put in your Micro-SIM if you already have one. No Mini-SIM change needed for your sister. You will need the IMEI of her current phone and then you can call AT&T and have them remove the iPhone data plan that was added to her line.
Dave
Thanks Dave! That cleared things up.
So just a recap. I purchased the iphone 4s on my sister's line. I currently have an iphone 4.
So when the iphone 4s arrives, do I activate it using that sim or do I use my iphone 4 sim?
My sister can continue to use her dumb phone? But all i need to do is just call att... provide the imei on her dumb phone? to cancel the data?
Thanks Dave.
Upgrade swap was a mess for me too. Took lots of patience, time on the phone and a supervisors help. Wound up using the sim from my iPhone 4 and they made some changes at the AT&T end to fix it.
So does that mean I should activate it with the iphone 4s sim card and then switch it with my iphone 4 sim?
OR do i just activate it with my iphone 4 sim in the beginning? How come everyone keeps saying that they need to call att to transfer etc.?
Don't I just call att to cancel the data? and thats it?
OR do i just activate it with my iphone 4 sim in the beginning? How come everyone keeps saying that they need to call att to transfer etc.?
Don't I just call att to cancel the data? and thats it?
Did your pre-order from Apple or AT&T?
This determines the next steps you should follow.
Dave
I preordered it on AT&T.
So just a recap. I purchased the iphone 4s on my sister's line. I currently have an iphone 4.
So when the iphone 4s arrives, do I activate it using that sim or do I use my iphone 4 sim?
My sister can continue to use her dumb phone? But all i need to do is just call att... provide the imei on her dumb phone? to cancel the data?
Thanks Dave.
Just to follow up, no luck with activation until I went to the apple store, they had to give a new phone and had it up and working in about 2 minutes. moral of the story, don't preorder through apple next time!
thanks and gluck!
I Pre-Order it from ATT, but it hasn't arrive yet. I'm doing an upgrade swap with my sister... so what would be the proper procedure?
She doesn't have data either, as she is using a regular cheap phone.
How would I activate the ATT iphone 4s when it comes? Do I use the sim it came with and then put in my iphone 4 sim after?
I have the iphone 4 unlimited data so will that mess up?
Will my sister be able to continue to use her cheap phone? And all I have to do is just call and cancel the data on her line?
Thanks!
She doesn't have data either, as she is using a regular cheap phone.
How would I activate the ATT iphone 4s when it comes? Do I use the sim it came with and then put in my iphone 4 sim after?
I have the iphone 4 unlimited data so will that mess up?
Will my sister be able to continue to use her cheap phone? And all I have to do is just call and cancel the data on her line?
Thanks!