Symptoms
- Signal bars disappear entirely
- 'No Service' or 'SOS only' displayed
- Signal drops in specific locations but is fine elsewhere
- Signal returns after a restart but drops again later
Likely causes
- CommonLocal network outage or maintenanceCarriers occasionally have outages affecting specific areas or towers.
- CommonAirplane mode toggled on accidentallyThis is one of the most common simple causes.
- PossibleSIM card loose or damagedA poor SIM connection can cause intermittent or total signal loss.
- PossibleSoftware glitch in the phone's network/radio stackOccasionally the phone's connection to the cellular radio needs a reset.
- PossibleBeing in a genuinely low-coverage areaBasements, rural areas, and certain buildings can have poor signal by nature.
What to do
- Confirm airplane mode is off and toggle it on and off once to reset the radio connection.
- Restart the phone completely.
- Check your carrier's outage or coverage map for your area.
- Reseat the SIM card if you're comfortable opening the tray.
- Move to a different location to rule out a local dead zone.
- Check your account status and billing with your carrier to rule out a suspension.
Tools and parts
- SIM ejector tool
When to call a pro
If no signal persists across multiple locations and a confirmed active account, contact your carrier's technical support to check for a network-side or SIM-side issue.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.