How to Resolve the "Phone Not Registered on Network" Error?

“Phone not registered on network” means your SIM card cannot connect to its carrier provider’s network. As a result, you cannot make or receive calls, text anyone, or use your data.

This issue usually occurs when the phone's SIM card cannot communicate with your network provider due to network settings or temporary network outages.

Your phone says you are not registered on the network due to SIM card issues, outdated software, being in “Airplane Mode,” or having a weak signal.

If your SIM card is not activated, damaged, or inserted incorrectly, your phone will not connect to a network. A loose or misaligned SIM card can also disconnect the phone from the network.

Solution: Ensure the SIM card is seated correctly in its slot and confirm with the provider it is active. Furthermore, inspect the SIM card for dirt and clean it if necessary. If it looks damaged, get a new one.

Regular software updates are necessary to fix bugs, address security threats, and improve network compatibility. Older software can cause network issues, so updating phones can sometimes resolve these issues.

Solution: Updating your phone’s operating system can resolve this problem, aligning your device to the latest network protocols. To do so, go to your phone settings and search “Software Update” on the search bar to download or install any available updates.

You may already know that turning on “Airplane Mode” on a device disables the phone's ability to connect to a cellular network, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Solution: Simply swipe down the quick settings menu on your device and turn off the “Airplane Mode” if it is on.

Even though cellular networks have reached most parts of the world, there are still areas with poor signal strength. Your phone fails to connect with the network in an area with a poor signal, leading to connectivity issues.

Solution: Try moving to a location with better network coverage or check if your carrier is experiencing outages. If so, try calling from other phone networks. Alternatively, consider a virtual phone system that allows you to make calls via the Internet, which is best for locations with low cellular network coverage.

Some phones are locked to a specific carrier. For instance, let’s say you bought a mobile device from Verizon and may be able to operate it only using a Verizon SIM. And, when you use a different operator’s SIM, you will get the “Phone is not registered on a network” message.

Solution: Contact the original carrier to unlock the device. However, there may be some contractual obligations, like: you may need to use the device with the existing SIM for a certain period of time before switching to another carrier.

Incorrect and corrupted network settings can cause issues like dropped calls or no signal. This network setting can also interfere with connecting your device with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or mobile data.

If network settings are outdated, incorrect, or corrupted, your device struggles to connect to the carrier provider. Sometimes, network settings can also tamper when connecting your device with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or mobile data.

Solution: Resetting network settings can often fix misconfigured or corrupted settings. To reset it, go to your phone's settings, search “Reset Network Settings,” select the option and click “Reset Settings.” However, the process will erase all saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth pairings, and mobile data settings.

This problem usually arises when traveling to another geographic location or country. For example, if you visit another country and try to make a call using your local number, you may not be able to do so. Instead, you may receive the message “Phone not registered on the network.”

Solution: Contact your carrier provider and request to enable international roaming for your mobile phone. But be mindful that roaming calls typically cost more than domestic calls.

Additionally, there is another simple solution to fix the “Phone is not registered on a network” issue: restart your phone. Restarting can fix temporary glitches that are causing network errors. When you restart, your phone shuts down all active processes and starts fresh, helping to re-establish a stable connection to the network.
 

You can reconnect your phone to the network by restarting it or resetting the network settings on your device.

Your SIM may not be registered due to improper placement, damage, carrier restrictions, or outdated network settings.

If SIM is not registered, you cannot make calls, send texts, or use mobile data.

You can fix your SIM network problem by reinserting the SIM card, updating software, or resetting network settings.