Although these issues are most often associated with Samsung Galaxy smartphones, they can occur on any model of Android device. An Android device might display these error due to poor signal strength, a software glitch, or faulty hardware components. If the cause is not hardware-related, such as a defective SIM card or a malfunction in the SIM card reader, there are several methods one can try to resolve the issue.
1. Manually Select Your Carrier
When your phone struggles to automatically connect to your network provider due to software glitches or misconfigurations, manually choosing your carrier from the list of available networks can re-establish a clear communication path. By doing so, you’re basically guiding your phone to the right source, avoiding any issues that might have occurred during the automatic detection process. This simple yet effective action can often restore your ability to call, text, and use mobile data services as expected.
2. Switch to GSM Only Network Mode
Choosing the GSM Only network mode effectively tells your phone to use the 2G network. This network type has been around longer than newer networks like 3G or 4G, meaning it has more widespread coverage and often a stronger signal, especially in remote or poorly served areas for higher network types. By switching to GSM Only, your phone may be able to establish a consistent connection where more advanced networks are unreliable or unavailable, resolving potential service issues.
3. Apply the Ariza Patch (Root Required)
The Ariza Patch is a software fix used for resolving potential malfunctions in the phone’s modem — the component responsible for communication with cellular networks. When applied, it basically reconfigures and repairs the baseband (modem firmware), which can resolve persistent network issues such as Emergency calls only or No service by making sure that the modem operates correctly and thus can connect to the network efficiently. Note: This action should be taken with caution, as rooting and modifying system components can revoke warranties and potentially harm the device if not done correctly. Wait a few minutes, then reboot the device after the patch has been applied.
4. Perform a Soft Restart
By rebooting the system, you give your device the chance to refresh its memory, close any potentially problematic apps running in the background, and re-establish network connections. This can quickly resolve network registration errors and restore your service to full functionality.
5. Reinsert the SIM Card
When you power down your device and carefully remove the SIM card, you’re resetting the connection between your phone and your SIM. This process clears residual charge and can effectively re-establish contact with the network, resolving issues resulting from misalignment or dirt obstructing the SIM card’s connectors. By making sure your SIM card is seated correctly, you give your device another chance to detect and register it, potentially resolving any service issues.
6. Toggle Airplane Mode
When you enable Airplane Mode, all wireless communications on your device are turned off, including cellular connections, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. By later-on disabling Airplane mode effectively forces your device to re-establish connection with the cellular network, which can clear up temporary glitches or issues preventing your SIM card from communicating effectively with your network’s towers.
7. Deactivate Fixed Dialing
When certain numbers are blocked from being dialed, enabling your phone’s Fixed Dialing Numbers (FDN) feature could potentially lead to connectivity troubles. Disabling FDN removes these restrictions and may restore your network services by allowing the phone to communicate without limitations. By turning off FDN, you’re making sure that no preset calling constraints are causing the issues on your Android device.
8. Perform a Factory Reset
A factory reset can often resolve persistent software glitches or conflicts that may be preventing your device from recognizing the SIM card properly. By erasing all the changes and starting freshly, any corrupted data or misconfigured settings that might have been causing network issues can also be cleared, potentially resolving the errors. Note: A backup of your essential data is crucial before initiating this step, as it will erase all personal information stored on the device.
9. Verify the IMEI Number
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number is your device’s unique identifier. When inconsistency occurs between the IMEI number configured in your device and the number registered with your carrier, your phone might be barred from accessing network services, leading to errors. By verifying and, if necessary, resolving the IMEI number, you can restore your device’s ability to communicate with your mobile network and resume normal service.
10. Reset Network Settings
Wrongly configured network settings could cause SIM card issues. Resetting network settings clears any historical network glitches, such as disregarded Wi-Fi networks or cellular configurations, that could prevent your SIM card from communicating efficiently with the network towers. By resetting these parameters to their factory defaults, you potentially fix any issues in your connectivity, making way for smooth and optimal mobile service.
11. Clear the Cache Partition
Clearing the cache eliminates temporary system files that could have become corrupted or are causing interference with the device’s ability to detect and connect to the network, thereby potentially restoring smooth communication with your SIM card and improving overall performance.
12. Run the SIM Card Test
There may be an issue with your SIM card not functioning correctly because your phone is unable to register it on the network or verify the signal strength. This diagnostic tool grants access to phone information that can reveal signal reception problems or other issues affecting your SIM card’s communication with the network. By analyzing the test results, you can identify whether the problem is with the SIM card or the phone’s hardware.
13. Check for a Faulty SIM Card
Sometimes, a SIM card might become damaged due to water exposure or being physically broken or cracked. Although it seems unlikely, damaged SIM cards may stop functioning properly. Initially, power down your device, remove the SIM card, and test it in another phone to see if it operates correctly there. If the SIM card is not functioning in a different phone, this indicates that the issue is with the SIM card itself, not your mobile device. Additionally, verify that your SIM card has been recharged and that your account with the service provider is active. Unpaid dues could lead to the SIM card being blocked by the provider. Confirm that your account is in good standing, and then check if the problem persists.
14. Remove the SD Card
In rare cases, the presence of an SD card in the SIM tray may interfere with mobile device functionality. Although it seems unusual, removing the SD card could be a solution if other attempts have failed. Power off your device, extract the SIM tray, and remove the SD card. Once done, reseat the SIM card correctly, reinsert the SIM tray, power on the device, and check if this has resolved your issue.
15. Check for Updates
Occasionally, your mobile phone’s software may develop issues due to updates that disrupt normal operation, including SIM card functionality. Companies often release patches quickly to fix such problems. These updates may include bug fixes that specifically target connectivity problems, including those that concern SIM card detection and network registration. By keeping your device’s software up to date, you make sure that any known issues can be resolved, potentially resolving SIM card related errors. If the mentioned solutions do not fix the problem, you might be experiencing signal issues from your carrier. It is recommended to contact your carrier to discuss the issue. If they report that their service is functioning normally, then the problem might be related to your phone’s hardware.
