How do I get rid of icon of a sim with a question mark on it (ZTE ZMAX)?

[marasheintal]

ZTE ZMAX has an icon of a sim card with a question mark on it right next to the battery icon in top right corner. I have tried 2 brand new sim cards in addition to my old sim card. I have turned phone on and off and rebooted phone to factory settings. The icon is even there when the sim is not inserted. The mobile network settings are grayed out and cannot be selected. What is causing this icon and how can I make this phone read a sim so I can use it?

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! When the SIM is inserted, are you able to connect to the carrier's network? If not, then the SIM reader is probably faulty, or perhaps there's some debris in there. Use a can of compressed air to blow out the SIM slot (if possible). If that doesn't work, contact ZTE (if the phone is still under warranty), or bring it to a local repair shop.