How to Fix 'No Service' or 'Searching' Errors iPhone

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

"No Service" or "Searching" errors on your iPhone can be quite frustrating, especially when you need your device to work reliably for calls, texts, and data. These errors indicate that your iPhone is having trouble connecting to your cellular network, and they can be caused by various factors, including network issues, software glitches, or even a faulty SIM card. 

Solving Issues Related to 'No Service' or 'Searching' Errors on iPhone

Check Your Cellular Coverage

Before diving into troubleshooting, it's essential to confirm that the issue is not related to your cellular network. Here's what you can do:

Ensure that you are in an area with cellular coverage. Sometimes, you may be in a location with poor signal reception, causing the error.

Check if other devices on the same network are experiencing similar issues. If they are, it might be a temporary network problem, and you should contact your carrier for assistance.

Restart Your iPhone

A simple restart can often resolve network-related issues:

Press and hold the power button (or the power and volume down button on iPhone 7 or earlier) until the slider appears on the screen.

Slide the slider to power off your iPhone.

After it's completely turned off, press and hold the power button again until the Apple logo appears. Release the button, and your iPhone will restart.

Update iOS

Outdated software can sometimes cause network problems. Ensure that your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS:

Go to "Settings."

Scroll down and select "General."

Tap on "Software Update" and follow the on-screen instructions to install any available updates.

Toggle Airplane Mode

Turning Airplane Mode on and off can reset your device's connection to the cellular network:

Open the Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen (or up from the bottom, depending on your iPhone model).

Tap the airplane icon to enable Airplane Mode. Wait for a few seconds, and then tap it again to disable Airplane Mode.

Reset Network Settings

Resetting your network settings can resolve issues related to cellular connectivity:

Go to "Settings."

Scroll down and select "General."

Scroll to the bottom and tap on "Reset."

Tap on "Reset Network Settings."

Enter your device passcode if prompted.

Confirm the reset. Your iPhone will restart.

Check SIM Card

A damaged or improperly inserted SIM card can cause network problems:

Eject the SIM card tray using a SIM card ejector tool or a paperclip. The location of the SIM card tray varies by iPhone model.

Carefully remove the SIM card and inspect it for any visible damage.

Reinsert the SIM card into the tray, making sure it's properly seated.

Insert the SIM card tray back into your iPhone.

Restart your iPhone.

Contact Your Carrier

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it's time to contact your cellular carrier's customer support. They can check for network outages, verify your account status, and provide specific troubleshooting steps or advice based on their network's condition.

By following these steps, you can troubleshoot and resolve 'No Service' or 'Searching' errors on your iPhone. Remember that network issues can sometimes be temporary and related to your carrier's infrastructure, so it's a good idea to check with your carrier before attempting extensive troubleshooting.

Contact Support.Com:

If you are still having trouble, refer to the Pictorial Guide below or consider seeking personalized assistance from Support.Com.

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1. Introduction

If your iOS device displays a "No Service" or "Searching" message, or can't connect to your cellular network or cellular data, the following steps may help resolve these issues for you.

This guide will cover:

• Restarting your iOS device
• Checking for a Carrier settings update
• Resetting Network Settings
• Updating your iOS device
• Resetting your SIM card

2. Enable Cellular Data

Make sure that you're in an area with cellular network coverage. If you're not within range of your network you may not be able to access your cellular data or you may be charged roaming fees.

If you can't connect to a cellular network on your iOS device, make sure that cellular data is on:

1. Tap Settings.
   

1. Tap Cellular.
   

1. Make sure Cellular Data is switched on. 
   

If you're traveling internationally, make sure that your device is set up for data roaming:

To avoid massive overage or roaming charges, check with your cellular provider first to make sure this is a safe option to turn on for your current device and service plan.

1. Go to Settings.
   

1. Tap Cellular.
   

1. From the Cellular menu, select Cellular Data Options.
   

1. Then, select the Roaming option.
   

1. From the Roaming menu, switch on the Data Roaming option.
   

3. Restart

To restart your device:

Restart your iPhone X

1. Press and hold the Side button and either volume button until the slider appears.
2. Drag the slider to turn your iPhone X completely off.
3. After your iPhone X turns off, press and hold the Side button again until you see the Apple logo.

Restart your iPhone 8 or earlier, iPad, or iPod touch

1. Press and hold the Top (or Side) button until the slider appears.
2. Drag the slider to turn your device completely off.
3. After the device turns off, press and hold the Top (or Side) button again until you see the Apple logo.

With iOS 11 or later, you can also turn off your device by going to Settings, then General, then Shut Down.

4. Check Wi-Fi

Depending on what device (iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch) and which generation you have, the menu theme and options might look slightly different on your screen. However, the steps should be the same across all iOS devices and generations.

To check if your iOS mobile device is connected to Wi-Fi:

1. From the main screen of your device, look for and open Settings.
   

1. With Settings open, look for the Wi-Fi field. This field will display the current Wi-Fi status on the right hand side:

• Off - the Wi-Fi antenna is currently disabled.
• Not Connected - Wi-Fi is turned on, but your device is not currently connected to a network.
• Wi-Fi network name - Wi-Fi is turned on, and the network name displayed is the network your device is currently connected to.
  

5. Check for a Carrier Settings update

To ensure that your device is able to check for and perform this update, make sure your iOS device is connected to Wi-Fi before proceeding.

1. Tap Settings.
   

1. Tap General.
   

1. Tap About.
   

1. If a carrier settings update is available, you'll be prompted to update. Select Update to perform the update.
   

6. Reset your Network Settings

1. Tap Settings.
   

1. Tap General.
   

1. Tap Reset.
   

1. Tap Reset Network Settings.
   

This also resets Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN and APN settings that you've used before.

7. Check for Updates

To check and see if updates are available for your iOS device:

1. Open Settings on your phone or tablet.
   

1. Select General.
   

1. Select Software Update.
   

1. Your iOS device will perform a search for available iOS updates.
   
2. If no update is available, it will display your current version of iOS and inform you that your software is up to date.
   

1. If an update is available, it will be displayed.
   

1. Select Download and Install to begin the update process.
2. If prompted, enter your passcode to proceed.

8. Sim Card

1. To open the SIM card tray, insert a paper clip or your device's SIM-eject tool into the hole beside the tray.
   

1. Push the paperclip or eject tool in firmly towards the device, but do not force it. The SIM tray should pop out and away from the body of the device.
   

1. Pull out the SIM card tray and remove the SIM card. Inspect the SIM card and ensure there is no damage to it.
   

1. Insert the SIM card back into the tray and re-seat the tray into the device completely. Ensure the SIM card and tray are inserted using the same orientation it had when it was removed.
   

9. What's next?