IMSI unknown in HLR

jk0

The above is the message that comes up on my Vodafone PAYG phone when I turn it on. It won't make or receive calls. It worked fine a week ago. Googling I see that it means: 'International mobile subscriber ID' unknown in 'Home Location Register'. In other words, they have forgotten my Sim exists.

Calling Vodafone customer services, I am unable to speak to a human, and of course none of the verbal or online menus cover this problem. However, it does kindly tell me that I still have £47 credit on this useless Sim.

I have ordered another sim, and will try to transfer the number when it arrives. Any other ideas?

Vodafone

Hi jk0,

I'd recommend that you pop into one of our stores and see about getting a replacement SIM card.

We'd be able to make sure that your number and credit is transferred to the replacement SIM.

Thanks,

Sarah

Social Media Operations

Vodafone UK

jk0

Thanks Sarah.

I'll try that.

jk0

Oh, well here's a turn up for the books:

My phone works today with the existing Sim.

Degsy41

IMSI unknown in HLR means that the unique number of the sim (the IMSI) is not listed in Vodafone's list of its own users (the HLR is the home location register, a list of all of the connected sims or their own subscribers).

JJ_Egan

Lets hope the OP has not been unable to use since 2016.