Seeing the dreaded “No SIM Card Detected” or “No Service” message means you cannot make calls or use mobile data. This guide provides step-by-step methods to fix this issue, covering everything from simple hardware checks to advanced software resets.
Keywords: SIM card not detected Android, No SIM card error fix, Android phone not reading SIM, fix SIM card connection, clean SIM card tray
Contents 📋
Fix 1: The Essential Physical Check (Power Cycle)
The issue often stems from a slight misalignment or a temporary software glitch.
A. Reinsert the SIM Card
A simple reinsertion is the most common fix.
- Power Off your Android phone completely.
- Use the ejection tool to remove the SIM tray.
- Gently remove the SIM card, inspect it, and wipe it with a clean, dry microfibre cloth.
- Carefully reinsert the SIM card into the tray, ensuring it fits snugly in the correct orientation.
- Slide the tray back in, ensuring it is flush with the phone body.
- Power On the phone and wait 30 seconds for the network to initialize.
B. Test the SIM Slot
If your phone has a dual SIM tray, try placing the card in the alternative slot. If it works, the original slot may be damaged.
Fix 2: Clean the SIM Card and Tray
Dust or corrosion on the gold contacts can prevent the phone from reading the card.
- Remove the SIM card and tray.
- Use a pencil eraser (the soft, pink kind) to gently rub the gold contacts of the SIM card. This removes tarnish. Wipe off any eraser residue with a dry cloth.
- Using a cotton swab barely dampened with isopropyl alcohol, gently clean the interior of the SIM card slot on the phone. Wait 5 minutes for the alcohol to completely dry before reinserting the card.
Fix 3: Software Reset (Toggle Airplane Mode)
This forces the phone to restart all radio antennas, including the cellular module.
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to access the Quick Settings panel.
- Tap the Airplane Mode icon to turn it On. Wait about 30 seconds.
- Tap the Airplane Mode icon again to turn it Off.
- The phone will attempt to reconnect to the cellular network.
Fix 4: Check APN and Network Settings
If the SIM is detected but you have no service, the Access Point Name (APN) settings may be incorrect.
- Go to Settings > Network & internet (or Connections) > Mobile network.
- Tap Advanced > Access Point Names (APNs).
- Tap the three dots (Menu) and select Reset to default.
- Also, check the Network Operators section. Ensure that Automatically select network is enabled.
Fix 5: The Ultimate Fix (Reset Network Settings)
This clears all saved Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular network data, solving deep configuration errors.
- Go to Settings. Search for "Reset" or navigate to System > Reset options (or General management > Reset).
- Select Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth (or Reset network settings).
- Warning: This will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords and paired Bluetooth devices.
- Confirm the reset and restart your phone.
Fix 6: Hardware and Carrier Troubleshooting
If all software fixes fail, the issue is external to the phone's current settings.
- Test a Different SIM: Try inserting a friend's active SIM card into your phone. If their card works, your original SIM card is likely damaged or deactivated.
- Test Your SIM in Another Phone: Insert your problematic SIM card into a different, unlocked phone. If it doesn't work there either, you need a SIM replacement from your carrier.
- Contact Carrier: Call your mobile provider. Your SIM card may be locked, suspended, or improperly provisioned in their system.