Know How to Fix “Not Registered on Network” Error!

Imagine you’re trying to make an urgent call 📱, but your phone suddenly flashes with “Not registered on the network.” No calls, no texts, no mobile data🚫.

What do you do?

You are not alone in facing this issue while connecting with someone. Many users face similar problems. So, what exactly causes these issues, and how can you fix them 🤔?

In this article, we will discuss how to resolve the “Not registered on network’ issue, its causes, and how to prevent it in the future.

So, let’s get started! 🚀

Why is my phone not registered on a Network?

When your phone displays “Not registered on network” while making a call, it means your phone cannot connect to your carrier’s network. This error can cause issues when making calls, sending texts, or using mobile data.

This error is primarily caused by issues with the mobile carrier network, problems with your SIM card, incorrect network settings, or software glitches, so it can be experienced by any device.

Let’s check some of the reasons why your phone says “Not registered on network” :

A. Network Issues

Network problems are a common reason for the message “not registered on the network.” This can happen for several reasons, such as when the service provider is experiencing issues, performing maintenance, or when you are in an area with a weak signal.

For example, if the provider is fixing something or experiencing a problem, your device may not be able to connect, and you will see an error.

Additionally, if you are in an area with a poor signal, such as a remote location or a building with thick walls, your phone may struggle to connect. In this case, check for service issues or move to a place with a stronger signal.

B. SIM Card Issues

The SIM card is a crucial element connecting your phone to your carrier’s network, so if your SIM card is faulty, you may experience a “Not Registered on Network” error.

Let’s explore how SIM card issues can create these issues:

• Damaged SIM Card: If your SIM card has physical damage, such as scratches or bends, it can also cause issues when connecting to the carrier network. This can stop your device from accessing the network.
• Inactive SIM Card: A SIM card that’s not activated, has been deactivated by your carrier, or hasn’t been used for a while may become inactive. This can also disrupt your connection. This means your phone can’t connect to the network.
• SIM Card Not Recognized: If the SIM card is not inserted correctly, is dirty, or the SIM slot is faulty, your phone may not detect it, which can prevent network registration.

C. Software Glitches

Sometimes, software issues can cause the “Not Registered on Network” error on Android devices. These issues can arise if the software is outdated, files are corrupted, or updates contain bugs. Most users can experience this error after updating their devices.

D. Due to Phone Settings

Your phone’s internal settings can sometimes cause the “Not Registered on Network” error. Here are some common settings-related issues:

• Airplane Mode Enabled: If Airplane Mode is turned on, it disables all wireless connections, including mobile networks. Even after turning it off, your phone might not reconnect automatically. This can prevent your device from registering on the network.
• VPN Interference: Using a VPN can sometimes interfere with your phone’s ability to connect to the mobile network. Specific configurations of VPNs may result in connectivity issues between your device and the carrier’s network, resulting in a registration failure.
• Need for Software Update: You may be using an outdated phone operating system. Outdated software can cause compatibility issues with the network. If the latest operating system is not installed on your phone, you are in a realm that may not support the necessary network protocols, which can impair connectivity.

E. Carrier Restrictions

Carrier restrictions can also result in a “Not registered on Network” error. Some phones and enabled only for use by certain networks. If you try to put a SIM card from another network in a locked phone, it will cause an error of “Not registered on the network”.

Additionally, some carriers only allow devices that have been tested and certified for compatibility with their network. Knowing about these carrier rules can help you fix connection problems.

How to fix “Not registered on Network?”

Now that we know what can cause the error “Not registered on Network,” let’s check some troubleshooting steps that you can do by yourself to fix this issue:

1. Restart Your Phone

A simple restart can fix many issues in your phone, including “Not registered on the network.” Restarting your phone fully powers down and then reloads its operating system and network radios, clearing out temporary glitches that might be blocking network connectivity.

💡Pro tip

To fix the “not registered on network” on your Samsung phone: Press and hold the Power button and the Volume button down simultaneously for more than 7 seconds to restart it.

2. Change the network mode

Changing the network mode on your phone can be helpful when you’re experiencing connectivity issues.

By switching between different network technologies, such as 5G, 4G (LTE), and 3G, you can sometimes force your device to re-establish a connection with the mobile network.

Here’s how you can change the network mode of your device:

Step 1: Open your phone’s Settings, go to Connections (or a similar option), and select Mobile Networks.

Step 2: Find and select the Network Mode option within Mobile Networks.

Step 3: Choose a different network technology from the list (e.g., switch from 5G to 4G).

Step 4: Wait a few moments for your phone to reconnect to the network in the new mode.

Step 5: Verify that your phone has successfully connected to the mobile network.

3. Reinsert Your SIM Card

If the issue of “Not registered on the network” is related to your SIM card, reinserting it can resolve this issue. If you have a damaged SIM or a faulty SIM that has been inserted, these troubleshooting steps can be beneficial.

Step 1: Power off your phone

Step 2: Eject the SIM tray. Insert the SIM-eject tool (or a paper clip) into the small hole next to the tray and gently push until it pops out.

Step 3: Remove and inspect the SIM. Remove the SIM card and inspect it for scratches, bends, or dirt on the gold contacts.

Step 4: Clean the SIM card and the SIM slot. Use a soft, dry cloth or compressed air to remove any dust from the SIM and the tray slot.

Step 5: Reinsert the SIM properly. Align the notched corner of the SIM with the tray and slide it back into the phone until it clicks into place.

Step 6: Power your phone back on. Press and hold the power button to restart, then wait a moment for the device to reconnect to your carrier’s network.

4. Choose your network manually

Manually selecting your network can force your phone to connect directly to your carrier’s network. This can help if the automatic selection chooses a weak connection or one that is incompatible with your device.

Here’s how you can choose your network manually:

Step 1: Open Settings and tap Connections

Step 2: Select Mobile Networks

Step 3: Tap Network Operators

Step 4: Disable Select Automatically; your phone will begin searching for available networks

Step 5: From the list of found networks, tap your carrier’s name to register

Step 6: If you move into an area with better coverage, you can re-enable Select Automatically to let your phone pick the strongest signal again.

5. Reset your Network Settings

Resetting your network settings restores all connection configurations. Sometimes it can help to reconnect and establish a strong connection with mobile carriers.

Here’s how you can reset your network settings:

Step 1: Open the Settings app.

Step 2: Navigate to General Management or System.

Step 3: Access the reset options. Within the selected section, find and tap on Reset or Reset options (wording may vary slightly by device).

Step 4: Select “Reset network settings.” From the list of available reset options, choose Reset network settings. Do not select other reset types, as they can erase additional data.

Step 5: Confirm the reset. A confirmation screen will appear, showing what will be reset (e.g., Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth pairings, mobile data settings). Tap ‘Reset settings’ to proceed, and then enter your PIN, pattern, or password if prompted.

Step 6: Allow restoration and reconnection. Your phone will take a few moments to restore the network settings

6. Check for any updates on your phone

If your phone is not up to date, that can also cause a “Not registered on network” error. Thus, always keep your phone updated.

Here’s how you can check for Software Updates

Step 1: Open Settings on your Android device.

Step 2: Scroll down and tap Software Update (or on some phones, System > System Updates).

Step 3: Tap Download and Install (or Check for Updates).

Step 4: Wait while your phone searches for any available updates.

Step 5: If an update is found, follow the on‑screen prompts to download and install it.

Step 6: Once the update finishes, your phone will restart, and then verify if the network registration error has been cleared.

7. Update APN settings

When you change your APN (Access Point Name) settings, you are telling your Android device how to connect to your mobile data network.

If your APN settings are wrong, especially after changing carriers, your phone may show the “Not Registered on Network” error. Fixing or changing your APN can solve this problem, and your data connection will work again.

Here’s how you can update APN settings:

Step 1: Open Settings and go to Wi‑Fi & network > SIM & network > select your SIM

Step 2: Tap Access Point Names

Step 3: Choose your current APN from the list and compare each field (APN, MMSC, MCC, MNC, etc.) with the official settings provided by your carrier

Step 4: If any values are incorrect, tap the field to edit them. To start fresh, tap Add (usually via the “+” icon) and enter all required details exactly as given by your carrier

Step 5: Save the APN (often via the three‑dot menu > Save), then tap the new or corrected APN to select it

Step 6: Restart your phone to apply the updated APN settings and allow the device to re‑register on the network

8. Contact carrier support

If you’ve tried all other fixes and still see the “Not Registered on Network” error, contacting the 24/7 customer support of your mobile carrier is the next step.

Your carrier can check for service outages in your area, verify that your SIM card is activated correctly on their network, and even push fresh network settings to your device.

How to Contact Your Carrier Support

Step 1: Gather your account and device details. Before you contact support, have your phone number, account PIN or password, device model, and IMEI/MEID number ready.

Step 2: Call the carrier’s support line or use their app. Most carriers provide 24/7 customer support through a phone number listed on their website or in their official mobile app.

Step 3: Describe the error and the steps taken. Clearly explain that you’re seeing the message “Not Registered on Network,” and let them know what troubleshooting steps you’ve already tried.

Step 4: Ask them to check the network status and SIM activation. Request that they verify any local outages check if your SIM card is active, and re-provision your line if necessary.

Step 5: Request a SIM replacement if necessary. If the SIM seems bad or is not provisioning properly, ask them to send you a new one, or have them go to a store in your area for a same-day replacement.

Step 6: Follow any carrier-specific instructions. Your carrier may guide you to install a carrier profile, upgrade your network settings over the air, or restart your network radios from their end.

How to Avoid Network Issues in the Future

It’s important to be mindful and maintain good device and SIM health to avoid issues such as “Not registered on network.”

Good device health means your phone’s software and SIM card are up to date, and you don’t have to change network settings. Good SIM health also means you’re signed up with a mobile carrier that you trust.

I. Keep your phone software and SIM card updated

Keeping your phone’s system and SIM card up-to-date is very important to have a good connection to the networks and help your device perform well.

Updates often include important security fixes that help protect your phone from threats and help it work better across networks.

Updating the SIM card can also unlock new network features, such as improved 5G coverage, and help the phone connect properly with your service provider. If you do not periodically check for and install updates, you may have connection issues and a poor user experience.

II. Avoid Unnecessary Network Setting Changes

Your phone’s network settings are critical to connection quality. Changing the APN settings on your phone, changing modes on the networks, or even going into airplane mode without reason may significantly impact how your phone connects to mobile networks and Wi-Fi.

For example, wrong APN settings can cause you to have unreasonably limited mobile data. Switching to the wrong network mode can cause poor, weak signals. Airplane mode disables all wireless signals.

In short, only change your network settings when you have a good reason and understand the effects to keep a stable connection.

III. Consider a Reliable Mobile Carrier

Choosing a solid mobile carrier is critical to having a reliable network. A few things to consider when deciding on a plan are coverage, plan’s cost, customer service, and additional options.

Also consider options such as international roaming, data rollover, or subscriptions to streaming services. When you do your due diligence and weigh these elements against other carriers, you can select a provider that best meets your expectations and offers a superior customer experience.

Conclusion

Experiencing “Not registered on network” while calling someone can be frustrating. This issue can hinder calling, texting, or using mobile data. However, with the right understanding of its causes and troubleshooting ideas, you can resolve the problem effectively.

By following the steps provided in this guide, from restarting your phone and reinserting your SIM card to updating network settings and contacting your carrier, you have multiple ways to restore network connectivity on your device.

Also, keep your device and SIM updated, avoiding unnecessary setting changes, and choosing a reliable carrier to prevent these kinds of interruptions.

FAQs

What does “Not registered on the network” mean on my phone?

It means your phone cannot connect to your mobile carrier’s network, affecting your ability to make calls, send text messages, or access mobile data.

Why is my phone not registering on a network even though I have a SIM card?

Your SIM card could be damaged, deactivated, or not placed correctly in the device. It could also be a software issue, an issue with your network settings, or restrictions from your network provider.

Can I fix the “Not registered on network” error myself?

You can often use straightforward methods like starting the phone again, reseating the SIM, performing a settings update, or resetting the Network Settings.

How do I know if the issue is with my SIM card or phone?

You can test your SIM in another phone or try your phone with a different SIM card. If it works on any device, your issue is likely with your phone.

How can I prevent this error from happening again?

Continue to update your phones and SIMs, avoid changing unnecessary network settings, and choose a reliable mobile carrier with good coverage and its own support.