The SIM card not detected or No SIM card is a fairly typical problem that Android users have encountered on their handsets. Notably, this issue is not exclusive to any smartphone brand but is a widespread problem. Therefore, it might be rather unpleasant and annoying if you cannot use your mobile phone for basic chores due to this problem. According to many recent reports, the new Android 11 and Android 12 updates are to fault, depending on your manufacturer, and here is all you need to know about it.
The Phone Says No SIM Card: Why So?
This error can occur for various reasons, but it is most commonly shown by your device when it cannot communicate with the attached SIM card. In Android, there are two SIM card errors: ‘No service’ and ‘No SIM card.’ Today, we’ll look at the ‘No SIM card’ error, which indicates a hardware failure, whereas the ‘No service error’ is more concerned with software and your network provider.
What Does The ‘No SIM Card’ Mean?
When your mobile is unable to connect to and communicates with a SIM card, whether due to a hardware or software problem, it displays a no SIM card notice, corrosion, loose adhesive, bent trays, moisture damage, fall damage, no network access, missing vendor pictures, and other factors might cause your SIM card to fail to communicate with your device. Identifying and fixing these factors is the key to resolving the ‘No SIM card’ error. Use the fixes listed below to help you identify and easily fix your issue.
How To Easily Fix The ‘No SIM Card Installed’ Error On An Android?
Here is a thorough list of checks and fixes that might fix you in resolving the ‘No SIM card’ error on Android. We recommend starting with the first one and working your way down the list until your device detects your SIM card. If none of the fixes work for you, you can try one of the final resorts listed at the end of this page. So let’s get this party started.
Most Reliable Solution: Replace SIM Card
One of the most common causes of the ‘no SIM card’ problem is physical damage to the SIM itself. If your SIM card is damaged, there is no solution available on the internet. Before you try any other fixes on this page or elsewhere, we recommend you check to see whether your SIM card is damaged. You may test your SIM on any other mobile phone nearby. Please keep it on the other phone for a while, as it may work. Another approach to attempt is to remove it and check its metal side for indications of wear and tear. If you find any, it has probably destroyed your SIM card, and you will want a replacement from your network operator to fix this issue.
We recommend inserting a different active SIM card into your device. This will allow us to check your device and determine the source of the ‘No SIM card’ error. If the new SIM card is successfully detected by your device and does not cease working quickly, the issue is not with the phone. As a result, we may conclude that the issue is with your SIM card, and you should determine a new SIM with the same number from your network operator. You can keep your phone number, but you may lose data like contacts or messages stored on your SIM card. However, if your device does not identify the second active SIM, you will need to get your device examined.
4 Easy Settings To Check And Ensure They Are Alright
Here are several checks to ensure everything on your device is properly set. If not, you can follow the methods below to fix your setup and test if your SIM card is detected. Let’s get this party started.
Ensure Airplane Mode Is Off
The next thing you may do is check to see whether the airplane mode was accidentally engaged. Turning on airplane mode disconnects your phone from your cellular network, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. As a result, you will be unable to place phone calls or connect to the internet.
Airplane mode is available under the Quick Settings panel, which you can access by sliding down from the top of your device’s screen. There will be an airplane icon there. Check that it is turned off. You can also try turning on/off airplane mode to see if it fixes the no SIM card problem. You may also access Airplane mode by going to Settings > Network & internet > turn the Airplane mode switch on or off. If the issue still needs to be resolved, check for the next solution.
Ensure You’re Using The Correct APN Settings
APN settings let your SIM properly put your device while attempting to connect to a network and a suitable network provider. You must contact your Network Provider if these settings are screwed up or unavailable on your device. Depending on your network provider, this information may also be available on their help website, which you should be able to access from a laptop or a desktop. While APNs typically create network issues, improper APN settings might result in your SIM card not being detected.
Access point names may be in Settings > Network and Internet > Mobile Network > Advanced. Well, check the APNs currently installed on your device to view them. Ensure that your Network Provider’s guidelines set everything. As a general guideline, ensure that the MCC, MNC, APN, and APN protocol settings are set correctly in the profile. Many providers like to offer additional variables automatically rather than having them set up on the device, which helps to preserve security. However, if your APN appears to be configured correctly, you can go to the next fix on this list.
Ensure Network Type Has Been Set To Auto
Well, toggling the Preferred network type settings to auto is another network setting you may attempt to fix the no SIM card issue. This allows your device to choose the optimum network for your SIM, depending on network reception, coverage, and other factors.
1 – To open, go to the Settings menu. Now navigate to Wi-Fi & Network.
2 – Select SIM & Network.
3 – In the CELLULAR DATA section, select the Preferred network type and choose 2G/3G/4G. (Automatic).
Ensure That SIM Card Is Active
We recommend that you ensure that the SIM card is still active and has not been disabled by your carrier. Have you fallen behind on your payments? You may have over your data limit exponentially. Network operators can block SIM cards due to missed payments, expensive costs, or suspicious activity. In addition, your network operator may have barred your SIM card due to a security breach or unexpected charges and activity on your account.
We recommend contacting your Network Provider and confirming that your SIM card is still active. If it is, you can proceed with the fixes listed below. However, if the SIM card is now disabled, you will need to reactivate it because there is nothing we can do to manually get the SIM card working again.
2 Easy Ways To Check If The SIM Is Damaged
Here’s how to see if your SIM card is working properly.
Try Another SIM Card On Phone
Now, we recommend you borrow a working SIM card and try it on your mobile device. This will determine us determine the exact problem with your setup. Well, if the borrowed SIM card works as intended, we can be certain that the issue is with your SIM card. On the other hand, if the borrowed SIM fails to be detected, your device may face a hardware breakdown. This might be due to corrosion, liquid damage, or the loosening of adhesives over time. If you last removed your SIM card from the device a while ago, or if it’s been a few years, this is most likely the cause of the damage to your SIM card slot. We recommend contacting a professional expert as soon as possible to assist with this problem.
Try SIM On Any Other Phone
To see if your SIM is working correctly, use any other phone nearby to check your SIM status. Remove your SIM card from your phone and place it into the second mobile phone. If it works on the second phone, the SIM card is not a problem. Keep the SIM card in the second phone for a bit. When SIM cards are removed and re-inserted, they frequently work for a short time. Try to keep it on the other phone for a day.
5 Easy Fixes To Get The SIM Working (Temporary Fixes)
The solutions listed below may or may not get your SIM to work, depending on various factors. However, these quick fixes may come in handy if you cannot replace your SIM card.
Select Operator/SIM Card Provider
Do you have an issue with no SIM card after a recent update? Then you should be aware that when a new update is installed on your phone, it may alter several device settings, including the network settings. Therefore, you must manually select the network operator if you believe this is the reason for the problem.
1 – To accomplish this, go to Settings > Wi-Fi & Network.
2 – Choose the SIM & Network option from the Wi-Fi & Network menu.
3 – Tap on the SIM card for which you receive the no SIM card error. This will open up the network settings for that SIM card. Then, select Network operators from the top-down option.
4 – Finally, deactivate the option Choose automatically. After that, your phone will search for network operators, and you must manually select the network operator associated with your SIM card.
Disable 4G
This may appear paradoxical, and it is, but it appears to have worked for many users throughout the world. According to a preliminary study, this fix may work due to network coverage in your current location or a failed SIM card and/or network adapter on your device. First, disable 4G on the device and switch to a 3G and/or 2G network. Well, your SIM card can connect to a network after that. In that case, the problem is most likely a failing SIM card, a malfunctioning network adapter, or insufficient network coverage in your area. In such cases, we recommend you apply the parts above in the sequence listed above to identify and fix your issue.
Check coverage in your area.
If other network users are experiencing the same problem – Contact your network provider.
If other users may use the network as intended, check the network settings and APN settings, and generally update your device to your network provider’s most recent carrier settings.
Use a different SIM card.
If it works – Get a new SIM card.
If it does not work – Visit your computer at a service facility and have your network adapter checked.
Re-insert SIM Card
Have you double-checked that your SIM card is correctly placed into your phone? Modern smartphones have a small area for SIM cards since they also have to make an external memory card.’ Therefore, you should double-check if you have correctly inserted SIM card and aligned it with the tray. Also, check whether the problem has been fixed after inserting the SIM card.
Check SIM Tray
Another main reason your device displays a no SIM card error is that your handset’s tray is faulty or damaged. A damaged SIM tray may prevent your phone from correctly reading the SIM card, resulting in issues. It would be best if you visited an authorized retailer to visit a replacement. If your device is still under warranty, you may be eligible for a free replacement; otherwise, you may be charged. Furthermore, if the SIM tray is loose, you may use tape or a tiny piece of paper to attach the SIM tray to the cavity and see if this fixes the problem.
Clean SIM Card And SIM Tray Clean SIM Card Needed
Dirt and dust frequently enter your phone’s cracks and gather on the phone’s internals. As a result, there is a potential that some dust particles or dirt have made their way onto the top of your SIM card (particularly the gold section) or the SIM’s spokes or connections. If the preceding solutions did not fix the issue, we recommend wiping the SIM card and the tray with a soft cloth. Ensure that the cloth is moist and moist enough. After cleaning the SIM card and tray, replace it correctly and check whether the problem persists.
5 Easy Fixes To Fix The No SIM Card Installed Error
Install Any Pending System Updates
Unfortunately, if none of the previous solutions helped you fix the problem, we recommend checking to see whether a new firmware update for your device is available. For example, the no SIM card problem could be due to a software issue. In such issues, OEMs frequently provide a hotfix update to fix the problem. Navigate to Settings > System > System updates to manually check for updates. If a new update is available, you must tap the Download and install option to download the current update.
Reboot Device
One of the most typical solutions we use, not just for this error but for practically all other errors, is to reboot our device. Restarting the phone provides your device with a new start. When you restart your phone, it flushes the RAM and deletes any temporary files, cache data, or apps that may be causing the issue. Press and hold the power button on your Android phone, then select Restart from the display menu.
Ensure That Device Has A Valid IMEI Number
IMEI numbers are unique numbers manufacturers provide for all their devices to be identified for theft, repair, or other issues. In addition, the IMEI number helps identify the make and model when your device is recovered. This information may be recovered from databases if your IMEI number is handy. In addition, IMEI numbers can assist you in blacklisting lost or stolen devices, guaranteeing that they are never used again. This may be accomplished through your network provider, who can notify other carriers and fully disable your device.
Please check your current device’s IMEI number on this website. Although it is a premium service, it can identify you in determining whether your device has been reported stolen or lost. Well, if your device has been reported to the carrier, this is most likely the reason for your SIM card not being detected by your device. This is especially likely if you recently purchased a secondhand device. The time spent working on the device might be the time the carrier takes to approve the block request. Unfortunately, if your device is reported stolen, there isn’t much you can do about it. We recommend that you contact the prior owner and touch to solve this issue.
Clear Phone Cache From Android Recovery
Android recovery makes it simple to clean your device’s cache. Unlike cleaning app caches, this process helps remove your complete system cache, including cached system files, system apps, services, background processes, and more. If a system conflict or a cache issue has been causing ‘No SIM card’ error on your device, this should assist in fixing the issue.
Reset Network Settings
A specific reset option for network settings might be handy in network-related circumstances, like this no SIM card error. As previously said, a recent update or third-party app install might have changed the network settings, causing this issue. You can also try to reset the network settings. However, remember that this will also remove your Wi-Fi passwords and device pairings.
1 – Launch Settings and then tap System to reset network settings.
2 – Scroll down and choose Reset options from the list of options that appears.
3 – Select the Reset Wi-Fi, mobile, and Bluetooth option from the Reset options menu.
4 – Select the faulty SIM card and tap the Reset Settings option.
3 Easy Fixes For Rooted Users
Ensure That You’re Using The Correct Vendor Image (For Rooted Users)
If you’re using a Custom ROM, you’re undoubtedly aware that it includes a Vendor image, a System image, and other files. These partitions give fundamental data and drivers to the apps and device, allowing your device to function as intended. Typically, vendor images are device-specific and should be incorporated into your ROM. However, this is only true for Official ROMs; independent projects sometimes need you to flash your Vendor image.
Vendor Image includes drivers for your device’s components, such as GPS, Camera, Proximity Sensor, Face Unlock, and SIM card and network drivers. An incorrectly flashed vendor image can create major issues with your device, potentially bricking it in extreme cases. As a result, we recommend you look over your device information using an app such as ‘DevCheck Hardware and System data’ to ensure that every component is detected on the device as intended.
Note: Granting the app Root access will allow you to collect a large amount of data from your device.
If not, we recommend that you backup all of your data and, if necessary, clean flash the ROM to your device using the right Vendor image. Furthermore, if you intend to do the same, we recommend that you revert to the Stock ROM for the time being since this is our following fix to get everything working on the device.
Flashing the Stock ROM can help you update most drivers, obtain the most recent device-specific fixes, and even install the most recent carrier profiles on your device. You may switch to a Custom ROM if your SIM card begins working properly.
Note: Installing stock ROM will also remove your custom Recovery, so plan appropriately.
Install Stock ROM (For Rooted Users)
You would desire to install a custom ROM on your phone for various reasons. Installing a custom ROM allows you to control your phone, modify every aspect of the UI, use third-party apps, remove bloatware, and so on. Installing a custom ROM, however, may tweak several system settings, including SIM card settings. So, if you’ve just installed a custom ROM on your device, we revert to the stock ROM.
You’ve probably unlocked your bootloader, and depending on your manufacturer, you may need further screening if you want to revert to the Stock ROM. Please visit your OEM’s support site for further information. End that you will be removing your custom recovery during this process. When installing the Stock ROM, your bootloader may be automatically locked again in some cases, such as Xiaomi and Samsung. This implies that if you want to install a custom ROM in the future, you’ll have to unlock your bootloader again.
Revert To The Previous Android ROM
If you’re still getting the ‘No SIM card’ error, it might be a system update problem. Many users that upgraded from Android 10 to 11 and then to Android 12 experienced the same issue, which appears to be a flaw in the Stock Android framework for the time being. To fix the ‘No SIM card’ error, we recommend you revert to an earlier Android version and flash it.
Depending on your manufacturer, you might flash the prior version of Android if it is still signed. If not, you’ll have to use some workarounds to sign and approve the ROM, unlock your bootloader, and install a custom ROM to revert your Android version. For further information, please check the XDA forums for your device’s community.
Contacting Support
If You’ve Google Pixel 4A And/Or Newer On Android 12, Know This!
If you possess a Google Pixel device, particularly one of the 4a or above variants, you should be aware that this is a recognized issue. Many users experienced the ‘No SIM card’ error after updating Android 12’s recent update.
If you recently upgraded your device and are experiencing this issue, this is most likely the cause. In such cases, your only option is to contact Pixel Support to get your problem repaired. Unfortunately, you require device-specific settings and fixes to get the SIM card back up and running on your device, and in such cases, only Google Support can assist you.
Contact Customer Support
If none of the above solutions work for you, contact customer care. If your phone is still under warranty, you may receive a replacement of the problematic part or have it replaced entirely.
This is an unusual case situation, and in most cases, the service expert should be able to resolve your issue by modifying device-specific settings. However, we recommend contacting Customer Support before attempting the last-ditch solutions listed below. This might be a widespread issue with your device; a fix could be on the touch.
2 Last Resort Fixes
If you still face the ‘No SIM card’ error on the Android device, it’s time to take serious action. First, we recommend you review the fixes below to resolve your issue. So let’s get this party started.
Reset Device
We recommend that you back up all of your vital data from your internal storage and reset your device. We recommend simply backing up your vital data and not using your OEM utility to do the same. Full-fledged OEM backups include backup settings and configurations, which might be the source of your problem in the first place. As a result, we recommend backing up just the critical data and resetting your device when resetting. To reset your Android device, follow the steps outlined below.
1 – Launch the Settings app and scroll down to the ‘System’ section.
2 – Select’ Advanced.’
3 – Select ‘Reset options.’
4 – Select “Delete all data (factory reset” from the menu.
All things removed from your device will now be alerted to you. This includes any signed-in accounts, Google accounts, downloaded apps, music, photographs, and other data on your device. We hope you have previously backed up your device; if not, this is a great time to do so. When you’re finished, tap ‘Erase all data’ in bottom right corner of your screen.
5 – Depending on your setup, enter your PIN or password to confirm your selection.
All of your data has been wiped, and your phone has been reset. This method can take some time, and we recommend leaving your phone connected to the wall unless your device has more than 80% battery life. When the process is finished, tap ‘Restart’ to restart your device.
When your device restarts, you will see the OOBE from your OEM. Follow the on-screen directions to set your device to factory settings. Well, when the OOBE requests you to connect to a network during the process, you should be able to test your SIM functioning.
If your SIM card was detected, it should be shown in the top left corner of your screen. If your SIM card still needs to be detected, try the following solution.
Replace Battery
However, this solution only applies to devices with a replaceable battery. SIM card inserts are found on the back of older phones and a few current phones behind the battery. So, if your phone can remove the back panel and detachable battery, try removing the battery and correctly inserting the SIM card. After that, reconnect the battery, switch on your phone, and check whether the error has been fixed. However, this fix is only for you if you have a phone that has a detachable battery.
Conclusion:
We hope this tutorial helped you get your device’s SIM card back up and running. If you run into any issues or have further queries, please let us know in the comments below.
