Phones · Repair guide

How to fix No Service, SOS or Emergency calls only on your phone

Error messageNo Service

8 fixes, easiest first4 min readUpdated November 2026

Quick fix

Turn Airplane Mode on for about 15 seconds and then off, and restart the phone. If service doesn't come back, check with your carrier for an outage or account problem, then check that your SIM or eSIM line is turned on.

What it means

No Service or Searching means your phone isn't connected to your carrier's mobile network, so calls, texts and mobile data won't work. On iPhone in the US, Canada and Australia, SOS or SOS only means you can't use your own carrier but can still make emergency calls through other networks; Android phones may show Emergency calls only. Causes range from poor coverage or a carrier outage to an account issue, a SIM or eSIM problem or a stuck setting.

Common causes

  • Weak or no coverage where you are, such as indoors, underground or in remote areas
  • A carrier network outage
  • An account problem such as an unpaid bill, ended plan or blocked device
  • The SIM or eSIM line is turned off, missing or damaged
  • Out-of-date carrier settings or phone software
  • Data roaming turned off while travelling abroad
  • A hardware fault after a drop or water damage

How to fix it

Work down the list. Each fix is safe to try before moving on to the next.

01Turn Airplane Mode on and offEasy

  1. On iPhone: open Settings, turn on Airplane Mode, wait at least 15 seconds, then turn it off.
  2. On Samsung: swipe down twice to open Quick settings, tap Airplane mode, wait 15 seconds, then tap it again.
  3. On Pixel: go to Settings > Network & internet and turn Airplane mode on, wait 15 seconds, then turn it off.
  4. Wait a minute for the phone to search for your carrier.

Why it helps: This makes the phone drop and re-register with the mobile network, which fixes many sudden losses of signal.

02Restart the phoneEasy

  1. On iPhone with Face ID: press and hold either volume button and the side button until the slider appears, drag it, wait 30 seconds, then hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
  2. On iPhone with a Home button: press and hold the side button until the slider appears, then restart the same way.
  3. On Samsung: hold the Side (Power) and Volume Down buttons, then tap Restart, or tap the Power icon in the Quick panel and tap Restart.
  4. On Pixel: turn the phone fully off rather than restarting, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.

Why it helps: A restart clears temporary software problems that can stop the phone from connecting to the network.

03Check coverage, outages and your accountEasy

  1. Move outdoors or near a window and see if bars return. Basements, lifts and rural areas often have no coverage.
  2. Ask someone on the same carrier nearby whether they have service, or check your carrier's outage page using Wi-Fi.
  3. Contact your carrier to confirm your account is active and paid, your plan is correct, and your phone isn't blocked.
  4. If you bought the phone in another country, ask whether it needs to be registered (IMEI registration) where you live.
  5. On Samsung, if you see an emergency call screen, tap Back to leave it.

Why it helps: Many No Service problems are on the carrier's side and can't be fixed from the phone.

04Make sure your SIM or eSIM line is turned onEasy

  1. On iPhone: go to Settings > Cellular (called Mobile Data or Mobile Service in some countries), tap your line and check that Turn On This Line is on.
  2. On Pixel: go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, choose your carrier and check that Use SIM and Mobile data are on.
  3. On Samsung: search Settings for SIM manager and check that your SIM is turned on.
  4. If your line is missing, contact your carrier to set up the eSIM again, or put the physical SIM back in.
  5. Don't delete an eSIM to try to fix this. It can be hard to get back without the carrier.

Why it helps: A line that has been switched off, or a SIM the phone can't see, gives exactly the same No Service result.

05Update carrier settings and the phone's softwareEasy

  1. Connect to Wi-Fi first.
  2. On iPhone: go to Settings > General > About. If a carrier settings update is available, a prompt appears; tap to install it.
  3. On iPhone: go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any update.
  4. On Samsung: go to Settings > Software update > Download and install.
  5. On Pixel: go to Settings > System > System update.
  6. If service stopped after an update, check again for a newer update, as carriers and phone makers often release fixes.

Why it helps: Carrier settings and software updates fix compatibility problems with your carrier's network.

06Take out and check the physical SIM cardEasy

  1. Turn the phone off.
  2. Push the SIM tool or a straightened paperclip into the small hole by the SIM tray until the tray pops out.
  3. Look at the SIM for scratches, bends or damage. Wipe it and the tray gently with a dry cloth.
  4. Put the SIM back in, lined up correctly with the tray, and push the tray in fully.
  5. Turn the phone on. If the SIM is damaged or still not detected, ask your carrier for a replacement.

Why it helps: A SIM that has shifted, is dirty or is damaged stops the phone from connecting to the network.

07Turn on data roaming when travellingEasy

  1. Check with your carrier about roaming charges before you turn this on.
  2. On iPhone: go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options and turn on Data Roaming.
  3. On Pixel: go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, choose your carrier and turn on Roaming.
  4. On Samsung: search Settings for roaming and turn on the roaming option for your SIM.

Why it helps: Abroad, your phone has to use a partner network, which needs roaming turned on.

08Reset network settingsMediumResets settings

  1. Know what this erases first. Your photos, apps and messages stay, but saved network settings are cleared.
  2. On iPhone: go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This also forgets saved Wi-Fi networks, so you'll need their passwords again, removes VPN settings and may turn off data roaming. Do not tap Delete All eSIMs or Erase All Content and Settings.
  3. On Samsung: go to Settings > General management > Reset > Reset mobile network settings > Reset settings, then tap Reset. This can't be undone.
  4. On Pixel: go to Settings > System > Reset options > Reset mobile network settings.
  5. Restart the phone afterwards and give it a minute to find the network.

Why it helps: This clears network settings that may have become corrupted, without touching your personal data.

Check it's fixed

  • Signal bars and your carrier's name appear at the top of the screen instead of No Service, SOS or Emergency calls only.
  • You can make a normal call and send a text.
  • Mobile data works with Wi-Fi turned off.

When to get help

If your carrier confirms there's no outage or account problem and the steps above don't help, ask your carrier for a new SIM or eSIM. If that still fails, or the phone was dropped or got wet, contact Apple, Samsung or Google, since the phone may need a hardware repair.

Questions

What does SOS mean on my iPhone?

In the US, Canada and Australia, SOS or SOS only means your iPhone can't connect to your carrier but can still make emergency calls through other networks. Try Airplane Mode and a restart, then contact your carrier.

Why does my Android phone say Emergency calls only?

It means the phone can't connect to your carrier, usually because of weak signal or a SIM or eSIM that isn't active or detected. Move to a better spot, check the SIM and contact your carrier if it continues.

Why did my phone lose service after an update?

An update can sometimes need a matching carrier settings update or leave a network setting stuck. Restart, install any carrier or software updates, then reset network settings if needed.

Can I still call 911 or emergency services with No Service?

Often yes. Phones try any available network for emergency calls, which is what SOS and Emergency calls only mean. If there is no network at all, emergency calls may not go through.

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