No Service on iPhone or Android? Fix It Fast (2026 Guide)

Last updated: January 2026

If your phone suddenly shows “No Service” or “No Signal”, you’re not alone. This common issue can stop you from making calls, sending texts, or using mobile data — but it’s often fixable at home.

Below, we’ll walk you through the most common causes and step-by-step solutions for both Android 14 and Apple iOS 18 devices.

Whether it’s a SIM card fault, a network settings glitch, or a carrier issue, you’ll find everything you need to get back online.

🧩 Common Causes of “No Service”

Poor Signal or Network Outage
You may be in an area with weak coverage or temporary carrier maintenance.

SIM Card Problems
A dirty, damaged, or loose SIM card can cause network loss.

Software Glitches or Outdated System
System bugs or outdated versions of Android/iOS can interrupt network functions.

Airplane Mode Accidentally On
It disables all wireless connections (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular).

Incorrect Network Settings
Custom APN, manual network selections, or roaming errors can block service.

Carrier Settings or Account Issues
Sometimes, your mobile network provider needs to push updated settings or resolve a network-side fault.

Hardware Damage
If you’ve dropped your phone or had it repaired recently, antenna damage may be to blame.

📱 Fixing “No Service” on Android 14

1. Restart Your Phone

A simple restart clears temporary system errors.

Hold Power → Tap Restart (or Reboot).

2. Check Airplane Mode

Swipe down twice to open Quick Settings.

Make sure the Airplane icon is off.

Toggle it on, wait 10 seconds, then off again.

3. Reseat or Clean the SIM Card

Power off the phone.

Remove the SIM tray using an ejector tool.

Gently wipe the SIM’s gold contacts with a soft, dry cloth.

Reinsert firmly and power on.

⚙️ Tip: If “No Service” persists, try inserting your SIM into another phone.

Works in another phone → Your device may have a hardware fault.

Doesn’t work elsewhere → You may need a replacement SIM from your carrier.

4. Update Your Software

Go to Settings → System → Software update.

Download and install any available updates.

Android 14 regularly pushes network stability improvements through updates.

5. Reset Network Settings

Open Settings → System → Reset options → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.

Confirm and restart.

This clears incorrect APNs and cached carrier data.

6. Update Carrier Settings

Go to Settings → About phone → SIM status or Carrier settings.

Follow any on-screen prompts to update carrier configuration.

7. Contact Your Network Provider

If all else fails, contact your carrier. Ask:

Are there outages in my area?

Can you re-provision my SIM or account?

Do you offer an eSIM replacement?

🍎 Fixing “No Service” on iPhone (iOS 18)

1. Restart Your iPhone

Press and hold Side button + Volume button → slide to power off.

Wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on.

2. Check Airplane Mode

Swipe down from the top-right (Face ID models) or up from the bottom (Home button models).

Make sure Airplane Mode is off.

Toggle it on for 10 seconds, then off again.

3. Remove and Reinsert the SIM Card

Power off your iPhone.

Use a SIM tool or paperclip to eject the tray.

Wipe the SIM clean and reinsert securely.

Turn the device back on.

⚙️ Using an eSIM?
Go to Settings → Mobile Service → Your Plan → Remove/Reactivate eSIM if your plan isn’t showing properly.

4. Update iOS

Go to Settings → General → Software Update.

Tap Download and Install if an update is available.

Apple frequently fixes cellular connectivity bugs via iOS updates — especially after carrier rollouts.

5. Reset Network Settings

Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings.

Enter passcode → Confirm.

This resets Wi-Fi, cellular, and VPN settings to default.

6. Update Carrier Settings

Go to Settings → General → About.

Wait 10 seconds — if an update prompt appears, tap Update.

Carrier updates are small but crucial, especially after switching networks or replacing a SIM.

7. Contact Apple or Your Carrier

If “No Service” continues:

Visit an Apple Store or authorised repair technician to test for hardware damage (antenna module or logic board).

Contact your mobile network for SIM or provisioning support.

⚡ Extra Fixes Worth Trying (Both Android & iPhone)

Toggle Mobile Data off and on again.

Set Network Mode to Automatic instead of LTE only.

Remove any VPN profiles (they can interfere with mobile data).

Check if your phone is carrier-locked (especially after repairs or buying used).

Ensure your account is active — unpaid bills or expired plans can disable service.

🧠 When to Visit a Technician

If you’ve done all of the above and still see “No Service”:

You may have antenna, SIM reader, or baseband IC failure.

Visit a trusted phone repair shop (like Mend My iPhone, Market Weighton) to have it diagnosed properly.

🏁 Summary

Issue TypeLikely CauseQuick FixWeak signalPoor coverageMove to open areaSIM faultDirty or damaged SIMClean/reinsert or replaceSoftware glitchOS or carrier bugUpdate softwareNetwork settingsMisconfiguredReset network settingsHardware faultAntenna/board issueTechnician diagnosis