How do I fix a phone that says No service and will not dial out?
Answer
When a phone shows No service and will not dial out, toggle Airplane mode for about 30 seconds, then restart the phone. If service does not return, reseat the SIM and confirm the line is active with your carrier before changing deeper network settings.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Resetting network settings removes saved Wi‑Fi passwords and Bluetooth pairings.
Follow these steps
Toggle Airplane mode
Open Quick Settings, turn Airplane mode on, wait about 30 seconds, then turn Airplane mode off. Wait for signal bars or the carrier name to return before dialing.
You should see: Cellular service returns, or No service remains after a minute or two.
Restart the phone completely
Power the phone all the way off, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on. After it boots, check the status bar and try a call to a known number.
You should see: The phone reconnects to the network, or No service persists after reboot.
Reseat the SIM card
Power off the phone, remove the SIM tray, reseat the SIM firmly in the correct orientation, and power on again. If you have a spare compatible SIM from the same carrier, test it only if your carrier allows it.
You should see: The carrier name appears, or the phone still shows No service with the SIM seated.
Check coverage and carrier account status
Try the call outdoors or near a window. Then contact your carrier or check their account app/website to confirm the line is active and not suspended for billing or a port-in.
You should see: You confirm a coverage issue, an account block, or that the line should be working.
Reset mobile network settings if service still fails
On Samsung Android, open Settings > General management or Connections > Reset > Reset network settings (wording varies), confirm, then reconnect to Wi‑Fi and test cellular again. This clears saved Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth pairings too.
You should see: Network settings reset and the phone attempts a fresh cellular registration.
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Extra tips
What to look for: A No service, Emergency calls only, or missing carrier name in the status bar when you try to place a call.
Before you change anything: Note whether Wi‑Fi still works while cellular does not. Know your carrier and whether the account should be active. Have the SIM tray tool ready if you need to reseat the SIM. Try from another location in case of a local coverage gap. Never share account passwords or one-time codes with unexpected callers.