DESPITE the growth of broadband network technology, mobile users continue to be stumped when their phone has no service.
But fear not, as we have a compiled a list of possible causes if your phone is not getting signal – and how to fix them.
1
Why does my phone say no service?
Check your account status
Before considering technical reasons, make sure that you have checked your account status.
In some cases, you may have forgotten to pay or there might have been a problem with your payment from the bank.
Also bear in mind that phone companies can sometimes cancel a customer’s account. Reasons can range from suspected fraud to a mistake on their side.
Weak signal in your area
Perhaps the most obvious, but if you are in remote area where there are no phone towers nearby, you may get a no service message.
If you’re experiencing this problem, you should move to an area that is likely to have better signal.
If the problem persists in your own area, you could consider buying a phone booster.
Make sure there is at least some signal available for the booster to amplify, otherwise it won’t work.
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Check your phone settings
Although a phone’s settings should not change randomly, changes can sometimes occur if an automatic software update was done to your device.
This could include changes to a new version of OS that is available that has to be downloaded before the phone will work again.
You can connect your phone to a WiFi or a PC to check if a new version is mandated.
Reset to factory defaults
Resetting a phone to factory defaults, especially the network settings, often fixes a no service problem.
But be aware, WiFi and other connectivity passwords will be gone and you will have to configure those again.
Remove the SIM card
For whatever reason your Sim card may have connected properly with your phone.
Removing the SIM card and then putting it back in will likely cure this problem and resolve your no service issue.
Blowing away potential dust particles from the sim card slot may help your case too.
Bent phone
Although it may seem like a impossible feet with most modern phones, it’s important to check whether your phone is bent on a flat surface.
This might have been caused by sitting on the phone while it is in your pocket.
If this is the case, bending the phone back might solve the problem.
If it’s bent too badly, it may need repairs.
Water damage
Even if they appear to still be working after getting wet, water damaged phone may not be able to get service.
This is because the water may have damaged the components that are responsible for connecting it to your carrier.
In most cases, water damaged phone can’t be repaired and must be replaced.
Backup and restore
On rare occasions, software can be corrupted by viruses.
Backing up and restoring your phone is an option, but it could potentially delete everything on your phone if unsuccessful.
Experts advise that you visit a repair shop if you are considering taking this step.
Phone case
Believe it or not, but phone cases can cause a problem with your phone’s signal.
Even though it might only make a slight difference, it could dictate whether or not you can make a call in very weak signal areas.
Upon removing it, the phone’s signal can be restored to it’s full capabilities.
