“No service” is the last thing you want to see on your device, but what are the causes of no service on iPhone, and how can you fix it? This is the question we are focusing on today, and we’ll go through troubleshooting to help you find and fix the issue in no time – so you won’t even need to come in for repairs.
Find out how to solve tech issues at home, like iPhones that won’t turn on or detect a SIM card, won’t vibrate, update, or charge. We also look at why your device might not be holding charge, how to deal with water damage, how to fix speaker problems, and what you need to know about iPhone screen repairs.
For those with MacBooks, you can learn if you can get the battery repaired, if it’s worth fixing a MacBook screen, and things that all new MacBook users should know.
Check if There’s a Network Issue
The first thing you should do if you are getting a “no network” message on your iPhone is check if there is a network issue with your provider. Determine this, and if there isn’t an issue, then you might need to do some troubleshooting of your own.
No Service on iPhone? Simple Causes and Solutions
Let’s go through some of the more simple and straightforward causes and solutions of no service on iPhone, and see what we can do. If you can avoid visiting a repair shop or spending too much time fixing the problem, we call that a win.
Are You in Airplane Mode?
Airplane Mode will not allow your device to connect to the internet, so double-check to make sure that this is not on. This is so easy to forget, but it can make a world of difference in a moment, so take the time to check and see if it fixes the issue.
Turn Cell Data Off then On Again
The second quick trick to try is just kerning your cellular data off and on again. Like so many tech-related issues, turning it off and on again can go a long way to saving you pain and stress, and cell data is no different.
What Are the Causes of No Service on iPhone
Now, let’s dive into the causes of no service on iPhone that might require more time and effort. Some of these will not be what you want to hear, so brace yourself.
Switch to a Different Network Provider
Depending on where you are in the world, the frequency that your iPhone uses might not be supported in the area. Sometimes there are only a handful of networks that will work for you and your tech, so you might need to consider switching to a different provider.
If your device has been fine before now, and you haven’t recently moved, then this is unlikely to be the issue. However, if you moved to a new region and started experiencing these problems, you might need to consider your options and look at alternative network providers.
Make Sure it’s All Up-to-Date
Usually an iPhone will update without any issues, but sometimes things just don’t do right. If you are struggling to update your iPhone, you can update your iOS in Recovery Mode. To do this, you will need the latest version of iTunes on a Windows or Mac laptop/PC.
Follow these steps:
- Connect your Windows/Mac device to the phone
- Do a force restart (steps outlined in an above section) to get your phone in Recovery Mode
- Don’t let go of the buttons until the phone screen has the Recovery mode screen (a charging cable with an arrow pointed at a laptop)
- Select ‘update’ when the option to restore or update on your computer shows up
- Confirm, then follow the instructions given to you (it can take up to 15 minutes, so have some patience)
- Your phone will restart on its own once you’re done
If this doesn’t work, you can try updating your iOS in DFU Mode. This mode is more complex than Recovery Mode, and varies depending on the device model you have. Follow these steps to effectively go through the process – remember that this will wipe your phone, so back-up important data.
If this doesn’t work, you will need to get in touch with a professional like us, or Apple.
Check That the SIM and Slot Are Clean
If your SIM card is broken, dirty, or otherwise not working, you might not be able to get service on your iPhone. If you think there might be an issue with your device reading the card, make sure that the slot is clean and test it again.
You can also try using a different SIM card to help determine where the issue lies. From there, you will know if you need a new SIM card, or if the fault lies with your device and/or the card slot.
Restart Your iPhone
Sometimes a simple restart is all that’s needed to jumpstart the correct processes in your iPhone. Depending on the iPhone model you have, you will need to take different steps to force restart your device.
For iPhones that Support iOS 16 or Later
- Quickly press the volume up button and release
- Quickly press the volume down button and release
- Hold down the side button
- Release the side button when the Apple logo shows
For iPhones that Don’t Support iOS 16 (iPhones 6, 7, 8 and SE (1st Gen)
- iPhone 6 models and iPhone SE (1st Gen) – Hold down the home and sleep/wake button at the same time, then release the buttons when you see the Apple logo
- iPhone 7 – Hold down the sleep/wake button and volume down button at the same time, then release the buttons when you see the Apple logo
- iPhone 8 and iPhone SE (2nd Gen) – Quickly press the volume up button and release, then do the same with the volume down button. Hold down the side button, and release it when you see the Apple logo
Reset Network Settings
Finally, it’s common for you to accidentally change network settings and somehow mess everything up. You can go through your network settings and try and find the issue, or you can reset your network settings and build it all from scratch again.
Resetting your network settings can also help to jumpstart the process and help networks run smoothly on your device again. So, even if you don’t think there is an issue, doing this could help get rid of the “no service” message on your iPhone.
To reset network settings, go to General → Settings → Reset → Reset Network Settings.
imFixed Can Help You
There are different reasons why your iPhone might not have service, and they can all be frustrating to deal with. These issues always happen when you need your device most, and can have unpleasant consequences depending on where you are and what you’re doing, so it’s always best to get it resolved as soon as possible.
At imFixed, we have locations in Rochdale, Manchester, Oldham, and Bury, so you can come to us with all of your tech needs – or, we can come to you with our call-out repair services in Manchester and the surrounding area, because we believe that local is best.
If you need quality accessories for your devices, we have Apple chargers, screen protectors, and cases, as well as Android cases and holders, and a variety of headphones and adapters to suit your needs.
So, what are the causes of no service on iPhone? There could be several, so make sure to go through each of these solutions and see if you can resolve the issue.
