Resolve "No Service" Errors for Android Smartphone
Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team
1. Introduction: Android: Resolve No Service or Searching Errors
If your Android 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.
2. Android: 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. Check with your cellular provider to determine if you are in an area covered by your cell provider.
Domestic Cellular Data
Open Settings on your phone or tablet.
Select Data usage.
Make sure Cellular data is turned On.
Roaming Cellular Data
If you are out of the country, your cellular provider most likely charges much, much higher rates. Please check with your cellular provider to determine what prices to expect, before you travel.
By default, your Android device disables roaming data, to prevent you from getting really large bills for your data use. If you wish to enable data while roaming, continue below.
Open Settings on your phone or tablet.
Under Wireless & networks, select More.
Select Cellular networks.
Set Data roaming to On.
Decide to enable roaming or not.
As a final reminder, turning this feature on may incur significant charges on your cellular bill. Select OK to proceed.
3. Android: Check Wi-Fi
Depending on what device (Smartphone or Tablet) and which generation you have, the menu theme and options might look slightly different on your screen. However, the steps should be similar across all Android devices and generations.
To check if your Android mobile device is connected to Wi-Fi:
Open Settings on your phone or tablet.
Select Wi-Fi.
Make sure Wi-Fi is turned On, then select the Wi-Fi network that says Connected under it.
Here, you'll see the basics of your Wi-Fi connection, with the Wi-Fi network name at the top, and other information such as Signal Strength, Link Speed and the Frequency you're connected at and the Security type of the network.
More Details
To see more information about your connection, select Cancel.
Select the Settings gear in the top right corner.
Here, you'll see a variety of information related to your connection at the bottom, such as the MAC (Media Access Control) address and IP addresses your Android device has been given.
4. Android: System Update
Open Settings on your phone or tablet.
Scroll to the bottom, and select About.
Select System update.
You'll see if there's any updates available, as well as when your device last checked for updates. If you wish, you can choose Check for update to make sure.
If an update is available, you can download and install it here.Do not turn off your phone during an update, it can result in serious problems that would require a specially-qualified technician to fix.
5. Android: Restart
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.
A prompt will appear on-screen. Select Restart.
If the menu does not pop up, continue to hold the power button, and your Android device will shut off.
If you had to shut down your Android device, wait 30 seconds before turning your device back on.
6. Android: 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 with this skip the step and answer as such at the bottom.
Turn off your phone. Push and hold the power button, then select Power off from the menu.
Eject and re-seat the SIM Card.
Use the SIM eject tool to eject the tray.
Carefully pull the tray out.
Re-seat the SIM, making sure the notch lines up properly with the spot for it.
Push the SIM tray back in till it's flush with the edge of your phone.
Press and hold the power button till your phone turns back on.
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