We receive numerous emails from iPhone users saying their devices show “No Service” even if cellular connection is available. This ‘No Service’ message appear in the status bar in the upper left corner of the iPhone screen. Users further state that their phones randomly drop a cellular data connection and their phones has no signal bars. This problem can be really frustrating because “No Service” means that several basic features like texting, calling and using cellular data will not be available. This article explains what you can do to fix the “No Service” on your iPhone issue.
Why Does My iPhone Say No Service?
If you see No Service on your iPhone, this means that cellular data and cellular connectivity failed and you are having issues that prevent you from connecting to a cellular network or cellular data. This can be caused by a software problem, a hardware problem, or an issue with your cell phone plan. This can be a big problem for you especially if when cellular coverage is available. We are going to share some of the most effective solutions.
How To Fix An iPhone That Says No Service
1. Toggle Airplane Mode on and back off again
Turn on Airplane Mode and wait a few seconds and then turn it off. Here’s how:
- Open Settings.
- Toggle on on Airplane Mode..
- Wait a few seconds.
- Toggle off Airplane Mode.
2. Turn on Data Roaming
Are you traveling internationally? You may see this message if Data Roaming is disabled.
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Cellular.
- Select Cellular Data Options.
- Toggle on Data Roaming.
3. Check In With Your Carrier About Your Account
The next thing you can do is to make sure that there are no issues with your carrier. Contact your carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T Mobile etc). Maybe your carrier is having temporary network problems that it is trying to fix ? You may want to call them to inquire about this. When you call them, if this is the issue, they may provide an estimated time of repair completion.
Furthermore, even if your carrier is not experiencing outages, it is possible that your wireless service is suspended or even canceled. Contact your current cellular network provider.
4. Update Your iPhone’s Software and Carrier Settings
Your problem that causes the no service problem could be a common problem affecting a lot of iPhone users, due to iOS software bugs. If this is the case, Apple fixes these bugs quickly. So simply update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS. Here is how:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap Software Update.
- If there is an update available, tap Download and Install.
Also, check for a carrier settings update.
To check if a carrier settings update is available, first make sure that your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi, then follow these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap About. If there’s a carrier settings update available, you will see a prompt. If an alert doesn’t pop-up on the screen saying a carrier settings update is available on your iPhone, that means your carrier settings are up to date.
5. Restart Your iPhone
Restarting your iPhone can fix numerous temporary software glitches that can prevent your iPhone from connecting to cellular networks. All the apps and programs running on your iPhone get a fresh start!
Restart iPhones With Face ID
- Press and hold the volume up or down button and the side button at the same time.
- Release both buttons when slide to power off appears on the screen.
- Swipe the power icon from left to right.
- Press the power button to turn on your iphone
Restart iPhones Without Face ID
- Press and hold the power button until the power off slider appears.
- Swipe the power icon from left to right.
- Press the power button to turn on your iphone
6. Check Your SIM Card
Is your SIM card placed properly? It may be out of place. Perhaps it is damaged? If your iPhone has a physical SIM card, you may want to remove your SIM card and place it back. Here is how:
- Turn off your iPhone
- Find the SIM tray
- There is a hole beside the tray
- Using a paper clip, push in and open the Tray
- Remove the SIM card
- Check your SIM card, does it look damaged. If it is damaged, contact your current carrier fort further support. Does it look dirty. If it is dirty, you may want to clean with a clean lint-free cloth.
- If it is not damaged, place the SİM in the tray and insert the tray back in.
- Turn on your phone.
7. Reset Network Settings
Reset your network settings. Please note that this will erase all of your network settings, for example, your Wi-Fi passwords will be deleted, etc. Here is how:
How To Reset Network Settings On An iPhone
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset.
- Tap Reset Network Settings.
8. Check For Water Damage
It’s easy to understand why an iPhone might say “No Service” if it’s smashed, but water damage can be invisible and insidious. If your iPhone started to say “No Service” after it got wet, there’s a good chance that water damage is causing the problem.
Apple doesn’t repair water-damaged iPhones — they replace them. If you have AppleCare , the cost of replacing a damaged iPhone is negligible compared to what it costs if you don’t.
9. Repair Your iPhone
If you’ve made it this far, you’ve eliminated the possibility that a software problem or problem with your iPhone’s SIM card is causing it to say “No Service”, and it’s time to repair your iPhone.
If you’re under warranty and there is no physical or liquid damage, or if you have AppleCare+, make an appointment at the Genius Bar of your local Apple Store to have your iPhone replaced on the spot. If you’re not near an Apple Store or you want to skip the line, Apple’s mail-in repair service is excellent.