Mobile network not available on your phone? Here are the top six solutions to consider and reset your mobile network for instant service in the network coverage area.
In the 21st century, people all over the world are not alone. Wherever you go, your smartphone ensures that you are in touch with your family, friends, and emergency help service providers if required.
Hence, thanks to this digital communication technology, traveling experience, solo trips, and other actions become easy to take upon oneself. However, a major problem in this perfect plan occurs when you see “mobile network not available” on your phone. And, without a mobile network, your phone is nearly useless because you cannot text message, call, or WhatsApp or Instagram anyone. As a result, on-call, offline, or online communication possibilities are zilch.
Now, as a regular mobile phone user, your first instinct in the “mobile network not available” scenario will be to resolve it. Yet, of course, it can be challenging to reset the mobile network in the event that you do not have any shortlisted reason for this error.
So, are you also wondering what does ‘mobile network not available’ mean? What are the main causes of this error? And, last but not least, what are the solutions to resolve this error right away? If yes, then you will find out all the potential answers here. Let’s get started:
Table of Contents
What does mobile network not available error mean?
To begin with, as the error “mobile network not available” suggests, it means that your phone is not receiving any “cells” which act as a mainstream component for distribution of the communication network between the transceiver in the area and your phone.
In simple words, when you travel by train or bus through remote areas, do you see large “mobile network towers” installed at a distance. These towers are called cell sites which transfer wireless cell networks to your mobile. As a result, in whichever area, town, city, or country you go to, your SIM/Mobile has a network.
So, when we talk about the “mobile network not available” error, smartphone users often consider it to be – a problem with the cell network (cell site). However, it is only one cause of the problem. It does not mean your phone is not receiving signals.
According to our research, the unavailability of network operator cell sites in the area is also one of the common causes of mobile network not available error. Henceforth, in order for you to comprehend the error and why is it happening? Check out the causes below:
What causes a mobile network/No SIM Card Error on my phone?
Before we count down various causes of mobile network not available error on smartphones, for readers, it is vital to inscript that there are distinct categories of networks in mobile SIM. For example, GSM Network or 2G network only acts as a minimum network-based requirement provider. It allows you to call anytime, anyone, and anywhere. GSM networks are global.
On the contrary, LTE and WiMax are the latest 4G + LTE networks that allow users to utilize internet connection at the highest speed possible as well as great network speed.
So, depending on what network type is available nearby you, your phone receives signals accordingly. It means that when you are not near accurate or at least a 2G cell site, your phone will show a “mobile network not available” error when you try to call or message someone.
Other causes of this error are:
- Antenna Switch or PFO or both on your Smartphone require hardware replacement. PFO and antenna switch allows the mobile to catch networks from the cell site transmitter in the area. If any of the two are at default, you may see a “mobile network not available” error on your phone, even if the signal tower is right there.
- You have specified your network preference to the highest. For instance, LTE network signals are not globally available. So, if you are in a remote/rural area, it is possible that the only nearby cell site is GSM.
- Mobile PFO and antenna switches are not catching any signals because of internal errors such as software bugs (especially if you have not upgraded your mobile’s software version in a while).
- Your service provider (Reliance, Jio, Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, or others) may have closed down or temporarily closed your SIM for security purposes.
How to resolve the “Mobile network not available” error on my phone?
Apart from the aforementioned cases, if you are viewing a “mobile network not available” error persistently on your screen. There is a good chance that your phone needs a simple reset only. So, we have shortlisted six simple solutions for you to try out. Let’s get started:
#Method 1: Manually search for cell network provider nearby
More often than not, when you see “mobile network not available,” it means that the network service provider which you mainly prefer is not in the area or out of reach. In this case, things become easy to resolve. Wondering, how? Here’s an answer: do a manual search for a preferred network nearby.
Generally, when you travel from area to area, city to city, or state to state, your mobile network jumps from one cell site to another cell site automatically. But, if your phone says “mobile network not available,” it may mean that this time, the automatic feature did not work. So, a manual search will help. Here is how to do it:
- Navigate to the “Settings/cog icon” on your Smartphone (Android/iOS).
- Next, tap on the Wireless and Networks settings option or click on the “Mobile Data” option in the iphone setting.
- Further ahead, click on the “More” option in Android. On the other hand, on the iPhone Mobile Data Menu, select “Network Selection.”
- On Android, click on the “network operator” alternative. Here, in this section, change “automatic” choice to “manual.”
- Similarly, on iPhone, turn off “Automatic” network selection by using the toggle slide (slide it to the left, it will turn gray).
Once you do so, you will notice no change. To reset the mobile network, please restart your Android/iPhone in the usual manner.
#Method 2:Mobile network not available? Remove and reinsert SIM Card in your phone
In the event that you have missed the fact that your mobile shows a “mobile network not available,” error on the screen. It may simply mean that the SIM Card inserted into your phone has not been properly adjusted. For instance, if you insert a SIM card that is only halfway settled in the SIM tray, your phone will not be able to read any SIM information. As a result, it will not receive any type of mobile network. Thus, the error “mobile network not available” will trouble you.
Here’s a brief guide on how to insert SIM in your phone carefully:
- First of all, undo the “SIM tray” on your Android/iOS using the SIM tray key. (If you have lost it, you can borrow the key from your family member or friend, all will work).
- Now, if you previously inserted the SIM, please remove it.
- Next, use a paper towel or napkin to remove dust or any sticky material of the SIM.
- Now, also clean the SIM tray to get rid of any potential dust particles.
- Further ahead, hold the SIM in between your thumb and finger upside down.
- Please note that the “Chip” part of the SIM goes all the way inside. So, place it in a way that it’s on the right.
- Once you have placed the SIM carefully, slowly (without disturbing SIM), close the SIM tray.
- Lastly, restart your phone in a regular manner.
More often than not, mistakenly, users place SIM cards upside down in their phone or by placing the chip side of the sim in outer space, which is incorrect.
#Method 3: Change “Prefered network” settings (For Android)
Usually, each smartphone has four choices of the preferred network. It is – 2G, 3G only, 2G/3G (whichever available), Volte LTE, and WiMax/5G. Now, let’s suppose you have set the preferred network on your phone to LTE.
At the same time, you are traveling or staying in a remote area where the LTE network is not available (due to lack of an LTE cell site). In this case, you may see a “mobile network not available” error on your phone screen. If the network is not available, you would not be able to call anyone or send a text message or use the internet (mobile data) for that matter.
So, to get the minimum signal on your smartphone, please change the preferred network setting to 2G/3G. Here’s an instructional league on how to do it:
- First of all, on your Android app library, navigate to the “Settings” alternative.
- From here, choose the “network and internet” option. If you are using an outdated android software version, please look for the “connectivity” option.
- Next, tap on the “mobile network” alternative.
- Scroll down to the “advanced” option.
- Do you see an option called “preferred network type?” if yes, click on the same.
- Now, select the “2G/3G” option in the preferred network selection pop-up menu.
- Once selected, save the settings and click on the “Back” option.
As a result, you will notice that full signals will appear on the top. Now, you can easily make calls or send text messages using 2G/3G network type.
Internet on 2G or 3G may still remain problematic due to lack of speed.
Note: Please note that “preferred network selection” is not available on iPhone advanced models.
#Method 4: Mobile network not available on iPhone? Change “prefered network, Voice & Data” settings (For iPhone 12 and advanced)
For the most part, when you search for a “prefered network” setting on an iPhone, you may not find it directly. The reason is, iPhone’s interface terms are very distinct. So, if you are using an iPhone 12 and the mobile network is not available, an error appears on your screen. Here is how you can switch between 2G/3G/4G/LTE networks.
- First of all, on your iPhone app library, navigate to the “Settings” alternative.
- Next, click on the “mobile data” alt under the Wi-Fi.
- Further ahead, tap on the “mobile Data options,” ahead of which you will see “roaming on” status.
- Here, Click on the “Voice and Data” option.
- Later, choose a network type – 4G or 3G.
- Use the toggle slide (slide to the right, it will turn green) to switch oN Volte preference.
- Now, use the “back” button at the top to go back.
- If you are in a remote area and want stronger signals, please turn ON “low data mode.:
- At last, please also turn on the Limit IP Address tracking option under low data mode for safety.
For iPhone 11/iPhone X/XR and older models
- First of all, on your iPhone app library, navigate to the “Settings” alternative.
- Next, click on the “Cellular” alt under the Wi-Fi.
- Further ahead, tap on the “Cellular Data options,” ahead of which you will see “roaming on” status.
- Here, Click on the “Voice and Data” option.
- Later, choose a network type – 4G or 3G.
- Use the toggle slide (slide to the right, it will turn green) to switch oN Volte preference.
- Now, use the “back” button at the top to go back.
- If you are in a remote area and want stronger signals, please turn ON “low data mode.:
- At last, please also turn on the Limit IP Address tracking option under low data mode for safety.
#Method 5: Manually reset network settings
Not many users know this, but when your mobile switches from one cell site to another cell site while traveling, it keeps collecting network information in the form of data. Now, if your phone runs out of data capacity, it will show “mobile network not available” because due to lack of data capacity, it cannot collect info from the new cell site.
So, it is best to reset network settings on your iPhone/Android. It will clear off all previous data info and provide a fresh start. Here’s how to do it:
- First of all, on your iPhone app library, navigate to the “Settings” alternative.
- Next, scroll down to the “General” Alt and click on the “Transfer or Reset iPhone” option.
- In the end, you will see an option called “Reset,” click on the same.
- Then, select “Reset network settings.” And confirm your choice.
- Once the network setting is reset to default, the mobile network not available error will resolve itself.
#Method 6: Restart your Android/iOS Smartphone
In the event that none of the aforementioned solutions work out for you. It is possible that the main problem is in your hardware or software. To ensure that everything is right with your phone’s hardware, turn off your iPhone/Android and then turn it ON again. All network settings, cellular data settings, and networks will reset on your phone automatically.
Apart from this, we strongly recommend you to upgrade your iPhone/Android software available. So that, if any software bug is causing mobile network not available error, it will resolve automatically.
Epilogue
By utilizing the above guide and your best understanding, we hope that the “mobile network not available” error on your mobile has been resolved. If the network error has not been resolved yet, it is possible that the main problem with your network is related to a hardware antenna or PFO issue. Thus, please submit your phone to a nearby service center for servicing or get in touch with a repairman in your area. Thank you!
