Why does a phone say it is not connected to a network?
Answer
Toggle airplane mode on and off first — that forces the phone to search for the network again and fixes a large share of cases. If it does not, restart the phone, then reseat the SIM. Persistent loss in a place where the phone normally works usually means a SIM or account problem rather than coverage.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Resetting network settings clears saved Wi-Fi passwords and paired Bluetooth devices.
- Never give an account PIN or verification code to someone who calls claiming to restore your service.
Follow these steps
Force it to re-register
Turn airplane mode on, wait ten seconds, then turn it off and wait a minute for the network name to return.
You should see: The carrier name and bars reappear.
Restart the phone
Power the phone fully off and on again rather than locking the screen.
You should see: It reconnects during startup.
Reseat the SIM
Power off, remove the SIM tray, check the card is clean and undamaged, and refit it firmly.
You should see: The phone recognises the SIM on restart.
Check for a carrier settings update
In settings, look for a carrier or network settings update and install any that appears.
You should see: The phone has current network settings.
Confirm the account is active
Sign in to your carrier account or call them from another phone to check the line is not suspended.
You should see: You know whether this is a device or account problem.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Whether the status bar shows no bars, an X, or the word SOS, and whether the problem follows you between locations.
Before you change anything: Check whether the account is paid up, since suspended service produces exactly this symptom.
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