What causes a phone to show no service
| Step | Action | What It Fixes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Check your network status | Confirms if issue is network-wide |
| 2 | Toggle aeroplane mode on/off | Re-registers SIM on your network |
| 3 | Restart your phone | Clears temporary network errors |
| 4 | Check your network APN settings | Fixes incorrect data configuration |
| 5 | Re-insert SIM card | Fixes poor SIM contact issues |
| 6 | Contact your network support | Resolves account or SIM faults |
A handful of causes explain failing data, calls or texts: a bad APN, a nearby outage, a poorly seated SIM, or software issues — each fixed below.
Troubleshooting checklist
Each fix here assumes the previous one was already tried, so stick to the order
SIM card checks for no service
Before changing anything, check the UK APN Hub or Downdetector for outages — settings won't help while an outage is ongoing.
Troubleshooting checklist
These build on each other — stick to the order given
Network reset steps for no service
From the notification shade, switch Aeroplane Mode on for about ten seconds, then off, forcing a fresh reconnect to the nearest mast.
Troubleshooting checklist
Each step assumes the one before it didn't work, so follow the sequence
When 'no service' means a hardware fault
Restarting fully (hold power, Restart) clears the modem cache and re-registers the SIM, fixing problems an aeroplane mode toggle misses.
Troubleshooting checklist
The fixes are cumulative, so work through them in order
Step 4 — Re-seat the SIM card (SIM Card No Service)
With the phone off, eject the SIM tray, examine the gold contacts for corrosion, wipe gently, and reseat the card firmly before powering back on.
Troubleshooting checklist
Every fix here builds on the last, so don't skip ahead
Step 5 — Check APN settings (SIM Card No Service)
An incorrect APN is a frequent cause of no data despite good signal — verify Settings → Mobile Network → Access Point Names against the UK APN Hub's figures.
Troubleshooting checklist
These are meant to be tried in sequence, each assuming the last was tried
Step 6 — Reset network settings for SIM Card No Service
Resetting network settings on Android (Settings → General Management → Reset → Reset Network Settings) restores APN defaults without touching apps or data.
The iPhone reset (Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings) restarts the device with default settings applied.
Troubleshooting checklist
Stick to the order — each fix picks up where the last left off
Step 7 — Contact customer services for no-service faults
Not fixed yet? Your network's support team can help — it may be account, SIM or local network related. Keep the account number and IMEI (dial *#06#) handy.
Troubleshooting checklist
Each entry assumes the previous one was attempted, so keep the sequence