I know how you feel, and it’s frustrating. If your Android phone has any trouble reading your SIM, check the placement of your SIM card. If you’re wondering why: most SIM detection errors in phones are due to improper insertion of the card. Although this isn’t always the case, you might want to check the position of your SIM card first. How to fix “No SIM Card Emergency Calls Only” on Android 8 methods to fix “SIM not provisioned” on Android How to Recover Corrupted SD Card 6 Best SIM Cards for USA When Traveling from Other Countries So I’ve compiled 20 possible solutions for your “no SIM card detected” issue. Let’s check the steps below and find out if one of them can solve your problem!
How to fix the “No SIM Card Detected” error on Android devices
Without further ado, here are 20 different ways to fix “No SIM Card Detected” issues on Android phones or tablets.
1. Reboot Your Device
Restart your Android device. If you just inserted a new SIM, many phones won’t recognize it until you restart the device. This method is probably the simplest way to resolve minor problems of any kind when it comes to your Android device.
2. Remove The Battery. (If possible)
Turn off your phone and unplug it from any power source. Remove the battery and wait 30 seconds or more. After doing so, put the battery back in place and turn on your device. This method power cycles your device and eliminates many probable causes of errors. Also Read: 10 Android Phone with Best Battery Life
3. Adjust The SIM Card
The SIM card must be seated in your Android properly. Your SIM card is what connects you to your network, so this is crucial to solve the ‘No SIM Card Detected’ error. If you accidentally dropped your Android, the SIM can become misaligned, or it may not have been installed correctly from the start. Make sure to place the SIM securely into your device. If the SIM doesn’t fit well in your phone’s slot, you can try placing a tape, cardboard, or paper into the tray for a tighter fit. Although it might seem like a cheap fix to your SIM problems, this method works for many to avoid no sim card detected notifications. Also, be careful in handling your device. Never use too much force to avoid damaging your Android phone.
4. Manually Select Carrier/Network Operator
Sometimes, your settings will change all of a sudden due to updates. This change can sometimes cause the network to disconnect. If these instructions differ from what you see on your user interface, visit the manufacturer’s website for help. Manually select your network operator:
- Go to “Settings.”
- Look for “Wireless and Networks.”
- Tap on “Mobile Networks.”
- Select “Network Operators.”
- Search for networks manually. Alternatively, on some phones, it will be:
- Go to “Settings.”
- Look for “Wireless and Networks.”
- Select “Data Usage.”
- Tap on the three vertical dots in the upper-right corner.
- Select “Cellular Networks“.
- Tap “Network Operators.” The above instructions should probably fix the ‘No SIM Card Detected’ error.
5. Change Network Mode To Auto
Changing your Network Mode to Auto allows your device to select the best network for you automatically. If you’re not familiar with this option, follow these step-by-step instructions below. Set your Network mode to auto-connect:
- Go to “Settings.”
- Look for “Mobile Networks.”
- Tap “Network mode.”
- Select “LTE/3G/2G (auto connect).”
6. Clean The SIM Card
Examine your SIM card. Is it dirty? Is the gold side clean? Perhaps you can remove dirt or debris. Clean the spokes/connectors on your SIM card and reader with air or a soft dry cloth. Handle the SIM card with care so as to not damage the card unintentionally.
7. Replace Your SIM Card
Some Smartphones, especially the latest ones, tend to have a smaller tray for the SIM Card. This may require you to downsize your standard size SIM card. If that’s the case, did you cut a standard size SIM down to micro or nano size? If so, take a close look at the SIM Card. If there is any damage to the gold plates, you will have to replace your SIM card.
8. Remove and Re-Insert SIM Card
Make sure you turn off your Android device before installing or removing SIM cards—otherwise, you may harm the device or the card. Make sure not to scratch or bend the SIM card. For most modern devices, the SIM tray is located directly beside the volume or power button. For older Android devices, you can access the SIM by sliding off the back cover and removing the battery.
9. Test Your SIM Card Reader
Use another SIM card on the device and see if it’ll work. If it does, then your current SIM card is defective. There are many affordable prepaid ones that you can get for the short term if it’s going to take some time to get a postpaid one.
10. Toggle Flight Mode
Enable, then disable “Flight Mode.” This option disables all broadcasts and removes cell reception when you toggle it. Most phones provide easy access through “Quick Settings” with a swipe down from the top of the screen. You can access it through the “Settings” option as well. Make sure that you don’t leave Flight Mode turned on.
11. Clear Android Cache And Data
Sometimes, the solution to this issue is clearing your device’s cached data. Take note that things may take a little longer to load next time, and you will probably have to log in to some of your apps again. Clear your Android Cached data:
- Go to “Settings > Storage.“
- Look for “Storage Settings.“
- Select “Internal Storage.“
- Tap “Cached data.“
- Tap “Clear” and accept.
12. Check The SIM Tray
If the SIM tray is broken or damaged, it could be the cause of your phone showing the “No SIM Card Detected” error. Don’t worry! Replacing the SIM card container will fix your problem. Alternatively, using the paddings that we spoke of in Method 3 — Adjust the SIM Card — can also be used to adjust the tray by using a piece of foam to apply pressure. (Applicable only to older phone units) Apply the foam by removing the back cover and placing it over the SIM card area. Replace the back cover.
13. Contact Customer Service
If you’re phone came from your service provider, check your “service and repairs” warranty. If it’s still within the time limit then you’re in luck! Have your phone with you when you check-in with the service center, in case they ask for information like the IMEI number. They may replace your SIM card, the slot reader, or even your device in some cases, but it depends on the nature of the problem. Sometimes all it takes is for your carrier to activate your SIM in their database.
14. Uninstall Problematic Third-Party Apps
One possible thing that prompts the “No Sim Card Detected on Android Phones” issue is due to third-party apps. To verify that third-party apps don’t cause it, run your device in Safe Mode. If it works, an app might be the cause of the issue. Safe Mode runs only system defaults so that you can rule out any third-party apps that can be the root of the problem. If you already suspect that a particular app may be the problem, try uninstalling it first. Use the process of elimination and deduction to find out which app is causing the problem.
15. Hide Your Notifications
If you aren’t using a SIM and you solely want the error message to go away, you can go to the Google Play store app and search for notification blocking apps.
16. Do a Factory Reset
If all else fails, your last trump card would be Factory Resetting your phone. Do keep in mind though that this will wipe everything back to its default factory settings. Therefore, we highly recommend doing a full backup beforehand. You should be able to reset your phone from the “Settings” menu. Choose “Backup & Reset“, then Factory Reset.
17. Reset Your Network Settings
Another easy fix for the “No SIM Card” detected Android issue is to clear your network settings back to their defaults. To do this, go to “Settings > Backup & Reset > Network settings reset.”
18. Update Your Android Phone
Check for any available OS updates by going to “Settings > Software Updates > Download updates manually.”
19. Go Back To The Original ROM
If you recently flashed your phone with a different ROM, it could potentially be the reason why you have this issue. If you didn’t observe problems before you did it, then there’s a high chance that the error occurred due to ROM flashing. Restoring the original ROM of your phone will fix the issue. To do this, boot into Recovery Mode then perform a factory reset. From there, proceed to “Backup & Restore” and hit “Restore.”
20. Replace Your Phone
If your phone sustained physical damage recently:
If it gets wet, dry out your Android phone as soon as possible. Try replacing the SIM card first. Contact your service provider for details.
21. Check If The Direction of The Sim Is Correct
The first thing you need to look for if your phone keeps saying ‘no sim card detected’ is, if you have inserted the sim in the right direction. Most of us make this mistake by inserting a sim in the wrong direction. It ends up in a notification saying “ No sim detected”. So make sure your sim is inserted in the right way.
Fix The ‘No SIM Card Detected’ Error
If you tried all 21 methods and your Android phone still says “No SIM Card” error, chances are, your phone’s hardware is damaged. If not, your SIM Card could have damages or defects. Hopefully, this will help get your Android back to normal. If not, leave me a comment down below, and I’ll do my best to help you based on your specific circumstances. If the problem persists, but you no longer have a warranty, contact the manufacturer or your service provider. If it’s no longer under warranty, you might have to bring it to a repair center. Let us know what I can do to help in the comments section below!
