Are you seeing the “Not Registered on Network” error on your phone? This frustrating issue prevents you from making calls, sending texts, or using mobile data. It can happen due to a SIM card not working, network issues, incorrect settings, or software glitches. Fortunately, there are several ways to fix network error on phone, whether you’re using Android or iPhone.
Why Does the “Not Registered on Network” Error Occur?
Before diving into the solutions, let’s look at some common causes:
- SIM card not working – A faulty or improperly inserted SIM can lead to network errors.
- Network settings misconfiguration – Manual or incorrect network settings might prevent your device from registering on the network.
- Carrier problems – If your carrier is experiencing outages or your account has been deactivated, you may see this error.
- Software glitches – Outdated or buggy software can interfere with network connectivity.
- Locked phone – If your phone is carrier-locked, it might not work with a different SIM card.
Now, let’s go through the best solutions to fix this mobile network issue.
1. Restart Your Phone
Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve the “Not Registered on Network” error. Turn off your phone, wait for 30 seconds, and then turn it back on. This refreshes the network connection and clears temporary glitches.
2. Check Network Coverage and Airplane Mode
- Ensure that you are in an area with good cellular signal.
- Swipe down on your phone’s screen and make sure Airplane Mode is turned off. If it’s on, disable it and check if the network returns.
3. Reinsert Your SIM Card
- Turn off your phone.
- Remove the SIM card and inspect it for dust or damage.
- If necessary, clean the SIM card and the tray with a soft cloth.
- Reinsert the SIM and turn your phone back on.
If the issue persists, try inserting your SIM into another phone to see if it works. If it doesn’t, you may need a SIM card replacement from your carrier.
4. Manually Select Your Network Provider
Sometimes, your phone may fail to automatically detect the correct mobile network. You can manually choose your network by following these steps:
For Android:
- Open Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators.
- Disable “Select Automatically” and choose your carrier manually.
For iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Network Selection.
- Turn off “Automatic” and select your carrier.
5. Update Carrier Settings
Your carrier may release network updates to improve connectivity and fix Android network problems.
For iPhone:
- Connect to Wi-Fi.
- Go to Settings > General > About.
- If an update is available, you’ll see a prompt to install it.
For Android:
- Open Settings > About Phone > Software Update.
- Check for updates and install any available ones.
6. Reset Network Settings
If incorrect network configurations are causing the issue, resetting network settings can help.
For Android:
- Go to Settings > General Management > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
- Confirm and restart your phone.
For iPhone:
- Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
- Enter your passcode and confirm.
7. Try a Different SIM Card
If possible, insert a different SIM card into your phone. If the new SIM works, your original SIM may be faulty. Contact your carrier to replace your SIM card. This is a common fix for SIM card not working issues.
8. Update Your Phone’s Software
A pending software update might be causing this mobile network issue.
- On Android, go to Settings > Software Update and install any available updates.
- On iPhone, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update and update your device.
9. Reconfigure APN Settings
Incorrect APN (Access Point Name) settings can interfere with your mobile network, especially if you recently switched carriers.
For Android:
- Open Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names.
- Tap on your carrier’s APN and verify if the details match those provided by your carrier.
For iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Network.
- Update the APN settings as per your carrier’s details.
10. Factory Reset (Last Resort)
If nothing works, performing a factory reset might be necessary. This erases all data, so back up your files before proceeding.
For Android:
- Go to Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory Data Reset.
- Confirm and wait for the process to complete.
For iPhone:
- Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
11. Contact Your Carrier
If the problem persists, your carrier may have deactivated your SIM or be experiencing network outages. Contact their customer support and ask if there are any service issues or if your SIM needs to be reactivated.
Final Thoughts
The “Not Registered on Network” error can be frustrating, but in most cases, it’s fixable with these troubleshooting steps. Restarting your phone, reinserting the SIM, updating software, or resetting network settings often resolves the issue. If none of these solutions work, contact your mobile carrier for further assistance.
