No Service on Android Phone? Possible Reasons & 12 Desirable Ways
"I've got a Samsung Galaxy S24. What is wrong with my phone - it doesn't ring? No service. Tried everything." -- from Reddit
Are you experiencing a "No Service" issue on your Android phone? This can prevent you from making calls or texting, disrupting your ability to stay connected when you need it most. It may arise due to various factors, from simple network errors to software bugs, or even hardware problems.
Fortunately, this article will guide you through the possible reasons behind this problem and provide you with 12 practical ways on how to fix no service on Android quickly without needing a repair.
Part 1: Why Is My SIM Showing No Service
- Temporary Network Outage: Your carrier might be experiencing a temporary network outage in your area. Check if others using the same carrier are facing the same issue.
- Weak Signal: You might be in an area with poor network coverage. Try moving to a different location or near a window to see if the signal improves.
- Improper Insertion: Ensure the SIM card is properly inserted into the SIM tray. Turn off your phone, remove the SIM, and reinsert it carefully.
- Damaged SIM: The SIM card might be damaged or scratched. Inspect it for physical damage and try using it on another phone to see if it works.
- Expired or Deactivated SIM: If your SIM card is expired or your account is inactive, contact your carrier to verify its status.
- Airplane Mode: Make sure the Airplane Mode is turned off.
- Network Selection: Check if your phone is set to the correct network mode (e.g., 4G, LTE, or 5G). Go to Settings > Mobile Network > Network Mode and select the appropriate option.
- Carrier Settings Update: Sometimes, your phone might need an update for carrier settings. Check for updates in Settings > General > About.
- Software Glitch: Restart your phone to resolve any temporary software issues.
- Outdated Software: Ensure your phone's operating system is up to date.
- Hardware Damage: If your phone has been dropped or exposed to water, the antenna or SIM slot might be damaged. Visit a repair center for inspection.
You Might Also Like: How can you resell a broken Android phone? Here are the best practices.
Part 2: How to Fix No Service on Android in 11 Quick Ways
Way 1: Restart your device
To fix a "no service" or signal issue on an Android or Samsung phone, try restarting the device at the very beginning:
- Hold the "Power" button to turn off your device.
- Wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.
- Check if the issue is resolved after the reboot.
Way 2: Check your SIM card
Most smartphones use a SIM card, typically found near the battery by removing the back cover. To check the SIM, turn off your phone and carefully remove it. Inspect it for damage, and if everything looks fine, reinsert it securely.
Older SIM cards may not support newer network technologies (e.g., 4G or 5G). Or if the SIM card is scratched, bent, or cracked, it may no longer function properly. So, try to switch to a new SIM card.
Way 3: Toggle Airplane Mode on & off
Try toggling Airplane Mode to reconnect to your service provider. Turn it on by pulling down from the top screen, then tap it again to turn it off. This resets network settings and can help fix connection problems.
Way 4: Choose your network provider
If your device can't find the network, try switching to manual carrier selection. Here's how:
- Open "Settings" and go to "SIM card & mobile data".
- Select your SIM (if dual SIM).
- Under "Network Settings", tap "Carrier".
- Turn off "Auto select" and choose your carrier from the list.
Note: After selecting the network provider, reset network settings if there's a no SIM card error: Go to Settings > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth, or Settings > General management > Reset > Reset network settings. (This will erase Wi-Fi passwords and paired Bluetooth devices, so save passwords and re-pair Bluetooth devices.)
Way 5: Dial the service mode
- Open the dialer and enter *#*#4636#*#*.
- Select Phone Information or Device Information.
- Run "Ping Test".
- Check and enable Radio Data if it's off.
- Restart your phone.
Way 6: Check for Void/Corrupt ESN
If your ESN is null or corrupted, try this fix:
- Dial *#06# to check the ESN. If null, it needs reconfiguration.
- Dial *##197328640##* or *#197328640# to enter Command Mode.
- Select Common > Option 1 (Field Test Mode - FTM). If FTM is ON, disable it:
- Press Menu, then select Option 2 to turn off FTM.
- Remove the SIM and battery, wait 2 minutes, then reinsert the battery only.
- Turn on the phone, dial *#197328640#, and select:
- Debug > Phone Control > Nas Control > RRC > RRC Revision.
- Choose Option 5 to fix the ESN.
- Turn off the phone, reinsert the SIM, and restart.
Way 7: Inspect Sideloaded APKs & Custom ROMs
- Go to Settings > Apps and remove any recently installed or unknown APKs.
- Ensure your ROM is compatible with your device and carrier.
- Reflash or switch to a stable ROM if needed.
- Some ROMs may not include proper APN settings or modem firmware.
- Update or flash the correct modem for your carrier.
- If the issue persists, consider flashing the firmware using Odin (Samsung) or Fastboot (other Android devices).
Way 8: Utilize safe mode
If your Android says "No Service," use Safe Mode to troubleshoot.
- Long press the "Power" button until the menu appears
- Tap and hold "Power Off" to enter "Safe Mode".
- Your phone will restart, and you'll see Safe Mode at the bottom-left of the screen.
Way 9: Check for null IMEI
Every phone has a unique IMEI number, and if it's corrupted, it can cause a "No Service" issue. To check, dial *#06#. If the IMEI is valid, follow other troubleshooting steps. If it shows null or invalid, you'll need to fix the IMEI.
Way 10: Update software
- Connect to Wi-Fi and ensure your phone has at least 50% battery.
- Go to Settings > System > Check for updates.
- If an update is available, tap "Download", and "Install".
- Your phone may restart during the process.
* Enable auto-updates to keep your phone up to date automatically.
Way 11: Factory reset your device
If nothing else works, try a factory reset:
- Go to Settings > Additional Settings.
- Select "Backup & Reset".
- Tap "Erase all data (Factory Reset)" and confirm.
- Enter your PIN if prompted, then select "Erase all data".
Part 3: How to Fix No Service on Android Phone with a High Success Rate
One significant factor contributing to the lack of service on Android phones may be associated with the SIM card. However, it is often the case that replacing the card does not resolve the issue. This suggests the possibility of underlying vulnerabilities within the mobile phone system itself.
Given its reputation as a premier solution for addressing mobile phone system issues, Android Repair is well-equipped to handle such challenges.
Core Characteristics of Android Repair:
- Troubleshoot almost all system-related issues, including the Android no-service error.
- Get your phone back to normal with simple clicks.
- Work for AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Sprint, T-Mobile, Orange, and more.
- Get on well with 1000+ Android devices.
- It won't divulge your privacy.
How to fix SIM card no service on Android using Android Repair?
Step 1: Launch the software on your computer and go to the "System Repair" section on the main screen. Connect your Android device to the computer via USB and choose "Android Repair." Review the information shown and click "Start."
Step 2: Enter your device's details and click "Next." Then, type "000000" and confirm by clicking "Confirm."
> For devices with a "Home" button: Turn off your phone, then press and hold the "Home," "Power," and "Volume Down" buttons together for 10 seconds. Release the buttons, then press the "Volume Up" button to enter download mode.
> For devices without a "Home" button: Turn off your phone, then press and hold the "Bixby," "Power," and "Volume Down" buttons for about 10 seconds. Release the buttons, then press the "Volume Up" button to enter download mode.
Step 3: Once in download mode, click "Next" to download the required firmware. The tool will then begin fixing the "No Service" issue on your Android device.
The End
In a nutshell, if you're still experiencing the "No Service" error after trying all the solutions, it may be time to seek professional help. We recommend either taking your device to Android Repair, as mentioned above, or contacting your service provider to ensure the issue is resolved effectively. Alternatively, visiting a reputable repair center could provide expert advice and ensure your phone is back to its full functionality.
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