"Emergency Calls Only" Error Fix for Android Phone

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

One issue your Android phone can have is a message stating your phone can only make emergency calls.

While this is usually due to a problem with your account with your cellular provider, it can be caused by a few problems with the software on the device itself. This guide will walk you through making sure your device is functioning as best as possible.

2. Restart

1. Hold down the power button on your Android device.
   Depending on the manufacturer and model of Android device you have, the location of the power button will vary.
2. A prompt will appear on-screen. Select Restart.
   

If the Restart option doesn't show up, tap Power Off instead. Press and hold the power button to turn the device back on.

If the menu doesn't show up, continue holding the power button until the device will turns off.

3. Toggle Airplane Mode

Sometimes, toggling Airplane mode on, which disconnects your smartphone from all cellular network connections, then back off forces it to 're-register' with your provider, and fixes this issue.

1. Open Settings on your phone or tablet.
   

1. Under Wireless & networks, select More.
   

1. Switch Airplane Mode to On.
   

1. Wait 30 seconds.
2. Turn Airplane Mode back Off.

4. Power Cycle

1. Turn off your phone. Push and hold the power button, then select Power off from the menu.
   

1. Wait 30 seconds.
2. Turn your phone back on by pressing and holding the Power button for a few seconds, until the screen lights up.

5. Auto Network Mode

Enabling your Android device to automatically connect to a preferred network allows your smartphone to choose what network it connects to according to your installed SIM Card.

1. Open Settings on your phone or tablet.
   

1. Under Wireless & networks, select More.
   

1. First, make sure Airplane mode is Off.
   

1. Select Cellular networks.
   

1. Select Network operators.
   

1. Select Choose automatically, so your phone will pick your network provider based on what is indicated on your SIM card.
   

6. Reseat SIM Card

The next step is to re-seat the SIM card your phone uses to get information on how to access your cell provider's network.

If you are not comfortable reseating your sim card, or do not have the SIM eject tool skip the step and answer as such at the bottom.

1. Eject and re-seat the SIM Card.
   

1. 
   
2. Use the SIM eject tool to eject the tray.
3. Carefully pull the tray out.
4. Re-seat the SIM, making sure the notch lines up properly with the spot for it.
5. Push the SIM tray back in till it's flush with the edge of your phone.
6. Press and hold the power button untill your phone turns back on.

7. What's next?