Why do I get a 'sim not valid' message?

[iMore Question]

'sim not valid' message

I have a iPhone 5 (new to me) I had a sim card put in but this message appeared 'sim not valid'.....the person who owned the phone previously assured me that the phone would not be locked as it belonged to her and not the mobile phone company? What do I do now?

 

[Peligro911]

Re: 'sim not valid' message

I have a iPhone 5 (new to me) I had a sim card put in but this message appeared 'sim not valid'.....the person who owned the phone previously assured me that the phone would not be locked as it belonged to her and not the mobile phone company? What do I do now?

seems what ever phone carrier you are trying to use the phone does not accept.
what carrier was the person before you using ?

 

[Just_Me_D]

Re: 'sim not valid' message

I have a iPhone 5 (new to me) I had a sim card put in but this message appeared 'sim not valid'.....the person who owned the phone previously assured me that the phone would not be locked as it belonged to her and not the mobile phone company? What do I do now?

You can ask her what carrier the phone was previously associated with and then purchase a mobile plan with that company.