Symptoms
- Phone shows 'No Service' right out of the box
- Signal bars are empty even in a known good-coverage area
- Calls and texts fail entirely
- Data works over Wi-Fi but not cellular
Likely causes
- CommonLine not yet activated on the carrier's networkNew activations, especially ported numbers, can take time to fully propagate.
- CommonSIM or eSIM not correctly installed or configuredA physical SIM can be seated wrong, or an eSIM profile might not have installed.
- PossiblePhone still locked to a different carrierA carrier-locked phone won't get service on an unsupported network.
- CommonAirplane mode accidentally left onThis simple oversight is a frequent cause of 'no signal' on setup.
- Less commonCarrier settings not yet updatedNew phones sometimes need a carrier settings update to fully register on the network.
What to do
- Confirm airplane mode is off.
- Restart the phone after the SIM or eSIM has been installed.
- Check the SIM tray to make sure the physical SIM (if used) is seated correctly.
- Confirm with the carrier that the line has been fully activated on their network, especially if you just ported a number.
- Check for and install any pending carrier settings update in the phone's software settings.
- Verify the phone is unlocked or specifically supports your carrier's network bands.
Tools and parts
- SIM ejector tool (if using a physical SIM)
When to call a pro
If the phone still shows no signal after confirming activation and a restart, contact your carrier's support to verify activation status and network compatibility.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.