Calls and messages are two of the most basic functionalities on our smartphones that we often neglect on an ever-expanding features and specifications list. You may miss important calls and alerts when yourtop budget Android phonegets stuck on an SOS or no service error. Before rushing to the nearest service center, use the tricks below to fix the no service problem on Android.
Why does my Android phone say ‘No Service’?
Several factors can affect your Android phone’s network connection. You can’t pinpoint it to a specific reason. The SOS or No Service error can occur due to incorrect network settings, a server-side outage at your local carrier, buggy system software, a corrupt SIM card, and more. Let’s start with the basics and move to the advanced tricks to get your phone’s network connection back.
Turn Airplane mode on and off
It’s one of the common tricks to fix network glitches on your Android phone. Turn on Airplane mode and turn it off after some time to reset the network connection.
Continue reading if you still see the No Service message on your Android phone.

Re-insert the SIM card
Did you recently drop your Android phone on a hard surface? It may damage or misplace the SIM card. Grab a SIM card ejector pin and remove the SIM card. Re-insert it correctly and see if network bars appear on your Android phone. If you have a decade-old SIM card that went through considerable wear and tear, contact your carrier, replace it with a new one, and try again.
Restart your Android phone
Rebooting your Android phone is another effective way to fix network problems. Keep pressing the side button and selectRestartfrom the side menu. You can also access the power menu from the quick toggles.
Manually select your network providers
Your Android phone auto-selects the network provider by default. You can manually pick another network provider. Follow the steps below.
Check sideloaded apps
Did you sideload several apps from unknown sources? One of the unofficial apps may mess up your phone’s network connection. Identify and uninstall such apps.
Check the preferred network type
Is your Android phone set on a 5G network? 5G may not be available in some dense areas. Switch to LTE or 3G for robust network connectivity.
Reset network settings
Incorrect network settings can also cause the SOS or No Service error on Android. Reset the network settings and try again.
Read our dedicated post to learn network settings.
Check carrier outage
When your local carrier faces an outage, you may run into a No Service error on your phone. VisitDowndetectorand search for your local carrier to confirm the issue. Wait for your carrier to fix server-side problems. If you frequently run into such issues on your carrier, switch your primary number to another carrier.
Clear the SIM card manager cache
You can clear the SIM card manager cache and try again.
Corrupt ESN or IMEI
Carriers may blocklist certain ESN or IMEI numbers due to non-payment. Stolen phones also receive this treatment. Contact your carrier, update your account, and unlock the SIM.
Update your Android phone
Do you still face issues with mobile network connectivity on your Android phone? The problem can be attributed to a buggy system build on your phone. Connect your Android phone to a fast Wi-Fi network and use the steps below.
Get the basics on your Android phone
Are you still running into SOS or No Service errors on your Android phone? If none of these tricks worked, reset your Android phone. Check our dedicated guide tofactory reset an Android phoneand its implications.



