diff --git a/pySim/cards.py b/pySim/cards.py
index dedb2d67..58e8503e 100644
--- a/pySim/cards.py
+++ b/pySim/cards.py
@@ -112,6 +112,8 @@ class UiccCardBase(SimCardBase):
     def probe(self) -> bool:
         # EF.DIR is a mandatory EF on all ICCIDs; however it *may* also exist on a TS 51.011 SIM
         ef_dir = EF_DIR()
+        # select MF first
+        self.file_exists("3f00")
         return self.file_exists(ef_dir.fid)
 
     def read_aids(self) -> List[Hexstr]:
diff --git a/pySim/runtime.py b/pySim/runtime.py
index ec19cb41..22059575 100644
--- a/pySim/runtime.py
+++ b/pySim/runtime.py
@@ -60,6 +60,9 @@ class RuntimeState:
         self.card.set_apdu_parameter(
             cla=self.profile.cla, sel_ctrl=self.profile.sel_ctrl)
 
+        # make sure MF is selected before probing for Addons
+        self.lchan[0].select('MF')
+
         for addon_cls in self.profile.addons:
             addon = addon_cls()
             if addon.probe(self.card):