No Service on iPhone? Here’s the Fix!

Trying to find out why you have no service on your iPhone and how to fix it?

It’s easy to understand why you have no service on your iPhone when you’re in the middle of nowhere. But it’s a different story when you’re in a big metropolis. That “No Service” notification on your iPhone screen can be confusing and utterly frustrating.

There’s no single reason behind this issue.  Some users discovered the culprit is a misconfigured setting or a hardware problem. There might also be an issue with your cellular service provider. And that’s even if you aren’t behind your monthly phone bills. 

Luckily, there are a few things you can try to fix the issue. We’re here to guide you with each potential solution. Try these troubleshooting methods before you head to the nearest Genius Bar. Here’s how to fix the issue of having no service on your iPhone.

Let’s jump right in! 

1. Turn Cellular Data On and Off.

First things first, make sure you’re in an area where your service provider has cell towers. Service providers like Verizon post a coverage map online. Check one from your provider if you have a Wi-Fi connection. 

If you’re sure that cell towers are around you, try the first fix. That is to toggle your cellular data on and off. It helps refresh your iPhone’s connection to a cellular network.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Start by navigating your way to your phone’s Settings app.
2. Next, select Cellular. 
3. On the next screen, check the button beside Cellular Data. If it’s green and active, switch it off and on to reset your phone’s cellular connection.

If your iPhone still doesn’t have service after this, browse through below for more tips.

2. Do the Airplane Mode Trick to Fix No Service on iPhone.

Another way to work around network issues is to switch Airplane Mode off and on. It helps your iPhone reestablish a stronger connection to the nearest cell tower.

Here’s how to perform the Airplane Mode trick:

1. Go to your phone’s settings. You can also launch the Settings app through Control Center by swiping up from the home screen. 

2. Find the Airplane Mode button, and switch it on.
3. Wait for a few seconds. 
4. Toggle the Airplane Mode button off.

See if you finally got rid of that pesky “No Service” notification on your home screen. Otherwise, keep on reading for more troubleshooting methods. 

3. Check for Carrier Updates. 

Your iPhone’s carrier settings contain network data that allows you to make calls, check voicemails, and use mobile data. These settings should always be up-to-date. If those are outdated, that could explain why your phone is struggling with no service.

Here’s how to check for carrier updates:

1. First, connect to a Wi-Fi network. 
2. Go to the Settings app.
3. Then, tap General. 
4. Next, select About. If an update is available, you’ll be prompted to get it from this screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

If no carrier updates are available, move on to our next potential solution.

4. Update iOS to Resolve No Service on iPhone.

Keeping your iOS up-to-date can fix your “No Service” problem. iOS updates often contain a set of fixes for less-common software bugs that can cause network issues. 

Getting the latest iOS version requires you to go online. But don’t fret if you don’t have mobile data or a Wi-Fi connection right now. We’ve got you covered.  

Here’s how to update your iOS if you can connect to Wi-Fi:

1. Navigate your way to Settings.
2. Tap General.
3. Next, select Software Update.

4. If there’s an available update, go and tap Download and Install.
5. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to finish the update. 

Here’s how to update your device software if you can’t connect to Wi-Fi:

1. First, connect your iPhone to your Mac. 
2. Next, launch iTunes or Finder.
3. If there’s an available iOS update, you’ll be automatically asked if you’d like to update your iPhone. iTunes and Finder also check for carrier settings updates. It could help you if you couldn’t perform Method 3 due to no access to Wi-Fi.

5. Restart Your iPhone to Fix Service Issues.

Sometimes, rebooting the device is enough to restore service. It’s a tried-and-tested solution for many software issues. It helps rid any crashed apps, random bugs, or garbage memory that could interfere with the iPhone’s functionality.

Here’s how to restart your iPhone to fix no service on iPhone:

1. First, hold the side or volume button. Keep on pressing until the power slider appears on your home screen.
2. Drag the Slide to Power Off slider to the right. Your device will turn off eventually.

3. Wait a few seconds before you turn your iPhone on again.

6. Reset Your Device’s Network Settings.

Resetting your iPhone’s network settings to factory defaults can resolve all sorts of Wi-Fi and cellular-related problems. After all, it helps your device get a fresh chance to establish a good connection to the Wi-FI networks and cellular towers in your area.

Bear in mind, though, that this fix erases Wi-Fi and VPN passwords. You have to re-enter your log-in credentials to reconnect to Wi-Fi, VPN, and Cellular networks.

Here’s how to reset the network settings:

1. First, launch the Settings menu.
2. Select General. 
3. Now, tap Reset. Then, choose Reset Network Settings.

4. Enter your passcode when asked.
5. Hit Reset Network Settings on the pop-up box to confirm the action.
6. Restart your device.

Once your iPhone is back on, check if you’ve finally restored your cellular service. If not, we still have more troubleshooting methods you can try. Keep on reading below.

7. Remove and Reinsert the SIM Card.

The SIM card acts as the central point of connection between your phone and cellular network. So, try to remove and reinsert the SIM card back into the slot. For some users, that’s enough to resolve the cellular issues their iPhones were experiencing.

Ejecting—and reinserting—a SIM card from an iPhone can be difficult. One simple mistake can put your iPhone’s components at risk for damage. To avoid that, check out our Saintlad tutorial for removing and reinserting your SIM card on your iPhone 12.

8. Turn LTE Off to Fix No Service on iPhone. 

None of the fixes above worked? Try to disable your LTE for a while. If it works, it only means that the problem is with nearby cell towers. Once you move to a different location, you can turn the LTE back on and see if you no longer struggle with service.

Here’s how to disable LTE on your iPhone:

1. First, navigate your way to the Settings menu.
2. Select Cellular. Then, tap Cellular Data Option.
3. Next, tap Enable LTE. 
4. On the next screen, choose Off. 

9. Check for Water Damage. 

Did your iPhone recently get soaked or wet? That could explain why it has no service. Water damage can affect the iPhone’s small components, like the SIM card. That, of course, can affect your device’s capability to connect to a cellular network. 

It’s easy to check for water damage on your iPhone. Look inside your SIM tray and inspect the LCI or Liquid Contact Indicators. The LCI activates once it gets in contact with any liquid. When activated, the LCI turns from silver or white to red. 

Unfortunately, Apple’s one-year limited warranty doesn’t cover water-damaged iPhones. They are likely to suggest replacing the device if you have AppleCare+.

10. Enable Wi-Fi Calling.

Enabling Wi-Fi calling won’t directly solve the “no service” issue. But it will help you make calls whenever you’re in a spot where there’s no service. It is a suitable temporary solution as you continue to find a way to restore cellular service.

Here’s how to activate Wi-Fi Calling:

1. First, launch the Settings menu.
2. Next, choose Phone.
3. Select Wi-Fi Calling.
4. On the next screen, turn on the button for Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone. 

11. Contact Apple or Your Cellular Service Provider.

If you still haven’t fixed the issue, it’s time to reach out to your cellular service provider. The problem may be from their end. Visit your carrier’s website to get in touch with them. Ask about any local outages or if there’s a problem with your plan.

No problem from your provider’s end? Contact Apple Support. There might be a software or hardware issue that they can only resolve. See if they can help you.

This wraps up the article. We hope we’ve helped fix the issue of having no service on your iPhone. Got more iPhone-related issues? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Our team is ready to offer more troubleshooting tips to help you.