Wi-Fi, cellular & Bluetooth

Phone shows no service or 'searching'

This usually means a temporary loss of connection to the carrier network from a software glitch, being in a dead zone, or a SIM issue. Restarting the phone and toggling Airplane Mode resolves most cases.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
10–20 minutes
DIY cost
$0
Pro cost
$0–$20

Symptoms

  • Top of screen shows 'No Service' or 'Searching'
  • Calls and texts fail to send
  • Data also doesn't work
  • Signal returns after restarting the phone

Likely causes

  • CommonTemporary network registration glitchPhones occasionally lose their connection to the carrier and need a refresh to reconnect.
  • CommonBeing in a weak coverage or dead zoneBasements, rural areas, and certain buildings commonly have poor or no cellular coverage.
  • PossibleSIM card not seated properlyA loose SIM can intermittently or fully lose connection to the network.
  • PossibleCarrier network outageA regional outage can cause many phones in an area to lose service at once.
  • Less commonDamaged SIM card or antennaPhysical damage would typically cause a persistent rather than occasional loss of service.

What to do

  1. Turn on Airplane Mode for 10 seconds, then turn it off to force the phone to reconnect to the network.
  2. Restart the phone completely.
  3. Remove and reinsert the SIM card, checking that it's seated fully.
  4. Move to a different location, especially outdoors or near a window, to rule out a dead zone.
  5. Check your carrier's coverage map or outage page for your area.
  6. Check for a carrier settings or software update.
  7. Ask others nearby on the same carrier if they're also experiencing no service.
  8. If service doesn't return after these steps and others have service, contact your carrier to check your account and SIM status.

Tools and parts

Replacement SIM cardSearch: “carrier replacement SIM card”

When to call a pro

If no service persists after restarting and reseating the SIM, and others in the area have service, contact your carrier to check the account and SIM.

Safety

Generally low risk

Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.