iPhone Says No Service or SOS? Try These Fixes

Common causes

• No cellular coverage where you are, or a network outage
• A problem with your carrier account, such as an account that isn’t active
• An iPhone that’s blocked or barred from cellular service, or not set up with the right data plan
• A hardware issue in the iPhone

Step-by-Step Solutions

Start by checking what the status bar shows, then work through the steps in order and check for service after each one.

1. 1

   Step 1: Check what the status bar shows

   The status bar shows whether your iPhone is connected to a cellular network.

   The bars in the status bar show the signal strength of your cellular service. If there’s no signal, “No Service” appears. No Service or Searching means your iPhone isn’t connected to a cellular network.

   SOS or SOS only means your iPhone isn’t connected to your own carrier’s network, but you can still make emergency calls through other carrier networks. Apple says this is available in Australia, Canada and the United States.

   If you see signal bars, your iPhone has a cellular signal. If apps still won’t go online without Wi-Fi, open Settings, tap Cellular, and check that Cellular Data is turned on. When it’s off, all data services use Wi-Fi only.

   Good to know

   On models with Dual SIM, the upper row of bars is the line you use for cellular data and the lower row is your other line. Open Control Center to see each line’s label and carrier name.

2. 2

   Step 2: Turn Airplane Mode on and off

   If your cellular network is available, this can reconnect your iPhone to it.

   Open the Settings app and turn on Airplane Mode for at least 15 seconds. Then turn off Airplane Mode and watch the status bar.

3. 3

   Step 3: Restart your iPhone

   Turning your iPhone off and back on is the next step Apple suggests.

   On iPhone X, 11, 12, 13 or later, press and hold either volume button and the side button until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider, then wait 30 seconds for your iPhone to turn off. Press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo to turn it back on.

   On iPhone SE (2nd or 3rd generation), press and hold the side button until the power-off slider appears, then follow the same steps.

4. 4

   Step 4: Update iOS

   Apple’s steps for this problem include updating to the latest version of iOS.

   Back up your iPhone using iCloud or your computer. Plug it into power and connect to Wi-Fi. Open Settings, tap General, then Software Update. If an update is available, tap Download and Install, then follow the onscreen instructions.

5. 5

   Step 5: Check for a carrier settings update

   Carrier settings updates let your carrier update its network settings to improve connectivity.

   Make sure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi. Open Settings, tap General, then tap About. If an update is available, you’ll see an option to update your carrier settings. Installing it takes less than one minute, and you can keep using your iPhone.

   If you just inserted a new SIM card or set up a new eSIM, you may need to download the carrier settings for your new carrier this way.

6. 6

   Step 6: Make sure your cellular line is turned on

   On an iPhone with Dual SIM, check that the line you use is turned on.

   Open Settings, tap Cellular, then tap the cellular line you want to check. If the line is off, tap Turn On This Line, then check whether you have service.

   If you don’t see your cellular line at all, contact your carrier to set up an eSIM or insert a physical SIM card.

7. 7

   Step 7: Check your SIM card

   Apple suggests reseating a physical SIM card and replacing one that’s damaged or came from another device.

   If you use a physical SIM card, remove it and put it back in. Make sure the SIM tray closes completely and isn’t loose. A SIM tray from a different iPhone model or another phone maker might not fit properly.

   If your SIM card is damaged, doesn’t fit in the SIM tray, or you moved it from another device, ask your carrier for a new SIM card.

   Good to know

   If your iPhone shows an Invalid SIM or No SIM Card installed alert and you use an eSIM, contact your carrier.

8. 8

   Step 8: Turn on Data Roaming when traveling abroad

   If you’re traveling internationally, your iPhone needs to be set up for data roaming.

   Open Settings and tap Cellular or Cellular Data. Turn on Cellular Data, then tap Cellular Data Options. On an iPhone with Dual SIM or Dual eSIM, tap the number you want to change before you tap Cellular Data Options. Turn on Data Roaming.

   Roaming can add charges. Your carrier can tell you about international plans, or you can add a travel eSIM.

9. 9

   Step 9: Contact your carrier

   Issues with your carrier or your account might affect your service, and only your carrier can access your account details.

   Only your wireless carrier can access and manage details about your account. Ask your carrier to:

   • Verify that your account is active and in good standing.
   • Confirm that you’re in an area with cellular network coverage and that there are no outages in your area.
   • Check that your iPhone isn’t blocked or barred from receiving cellular services and is set up with the right data plan.
   • Tell you whether your local government requires IMEI registration, if you bought your iPhone outside your country or region.

Frequently Asked Questions