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How Do I Fix “No SIM Card Detected” on Android? – Error Resolved with Ease

Sarabjeet Kaur | data eraser data recovery Software Technology | 7 minutes read | Modified on: 11-07-2025
how do i fix no sim card detected on android phone

I picked up my Samsung phone to call my parents, but just seconds into the call, it suddenly dropped. A message popped up on the screen: “Not registered on this network.” My stomach sank I’d been hearing a lot about SIM jacking and SIM swap scams lately, and this felt suspicious.

To rule out any physical issues, I removed the SIM card and inserted it into another phone. Strangely, the other device also struggled to detect it. That’s when I realized the problem might be with the SIM itself or something deeper.

Here’s what I did to fix the “No SIM Card Detected” error on my Android phone.

What Does the “No SIM” Error Actually Mean?

Error messages like:                            

  1. “No SIM card”
  2. “SIM card error”
  3. “Not Registered on this Network”
  4. “SIM card not detected”

…all essentially point to the same issue: your phone can’t connect to your mobile network. As a result, you can’t make calls, send texts, or use mobile data.

Sometimes, this error shows up even when the SIM card is properly inserted and you’re already registered on a network. That’s why it’s important to explore all possible causes both software and hardware-related before jumping to conclusions.

Your Android phone might not detect the SIM card for a variety of reasons:

How Do I Fix “No SIM Card Detected” on Android Error?

If your Android phone isn’t recognizing the SIM card or you’re seeing messages like “Not registered on network” or “SIM card error” while trying to make a call, don’t worry. Below are some simple and effective troubleshooting steps you can try to fix the issue.

Method 1: Restart Your Android Phone

Sometimes, all your phone needs is a quick reboot to refresh its network settings and detect the SIM card properly.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Press & hold the Power tab on the side of your phone.
  2. When the power menu appears, tap on Restart or Reboot.
  3. Wait for the device to fully restart.
  4. Once it powers back on, check if the SIM card is now being detected.

Often, a simple restart is enough to resolve temporary glitches or network-related issues.

Method 2: Test Your SIM Card in Another Device

Before diving deeper, it’s important to figure out whether the problem lies with your SIM card or your phone.

Sometimes, network outages or poor signal in your area can cause the “No SIM card detected” error. To rule this out:

  1. Remove your SIM card and insert it into a different Android phone.
  2. Check if the other device recognizes the SIM and can connect to the network.

If the SIM works fine in another phone, this means your SIM card is likely not the issue and the problem may be with your original device. In that case, try the next troubleshooting methods to find a solution.

Method 3: Toggle Airplane Mode On and Off

If restarting didn’t fix the problem, try toggling your phone’s Airplane Mode. This action disconnects your device from all wireless signals and then reconnects it, which can help refresh the SIM card connection.

  1. Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the Status Bar.
  2. Find and tap the Airplane Mode icon to turn it on.
  3. Wait for about 10-15 seconds, then tap the icon again to turn Airplane Mode off.
  4. Try making a call or sending a message to see if your SIM is now detected.

If the problem persists, move on to the next stages.

Method 4: Reinsert the SIM Card

Sometimes the SIM card isn’t seated correctly, which can cause connection issues. Follow these tips:

  1. Power off your phone and gently remove the SIM card.
  2. Wipe the SIM card with a soft, dry cloth to remove any dust or debris.
  3. Carefully reinsert the SIM card, ensuring it fits snugly in the tray.
  4. Push the SIM tray fully back into your phone.
  5. Turn your phone back on and check if the SIM is detected.

Method 5: Check for Network Outages

If none of the above works, the problem might be due to network issues in your area.

  1. Contact your mobile service provider to ask if there are any outages or maintenance activities affecting your service.
  2. You can also visit a nearby store or service center for assistance.
  3. Sometimes, waiting a while until the network is restored resolves the problem automatically.

Method 6: Verify SIM and Network Settings

Sometimes your phone’s settings can prevent the SIM from being detected properly. Make sure your SIM is enabled and the network settings are correctly configured:

  1. Navigate to Settings > Connections or Network & Internet.
  2. Tap on SIM card manager or Mobile network.
  3. Ensure your SIM card is enabled. If it’s disabled, toggle it on.
  4. Check your preferred network type (3G, 4G, or 5G). If you’re on a 3G or 4G network, selecting 5G might cause connection issues.
  5. Verify that Network selection mode is set to Automatic or to the correct network available in your area.
  6. In Network operators or Network selection, manually select your carrier if needed to improve connectivity.

After adjusting these settings, check if the “No SIM card detected” error is resolved. If not, proceed with the next troubleshooting steps.

Method 7: Clear Your Phone’s Cache

Software glitches or corrupted temporary files can also cause SIM detection errors. Clearing your device’s cache can often fix such problems.

  1. Use a trusted third-party cleaner app like Norton Clean, AVG Cleaner, or CCleaner to clear cached data.
  2. Some Android phones also have a built-in cache cleaning feature check your device settings to see if this is available.

Clearing the cache removes temporary files that might be interfering with your phone’s ability to detect the SIM card.

If Nothing Works: Consider a Factory Reset

If you’ve tried all the previous troubleshooting steps and your Android phone still doesn’t detect the SIM card, the issue could be hardware-related or caused by a deep software problem. In such cases, performing a factory reset might help resolve the issue.

Important: A factory reset will erase all data, apps, settings, and accounts on your device, restoring it to its original factory state. Before proceeding, make sure to back up all your important data, including photos, videos, documents, contacts, messages, app data, and social media chats.

How to Back Up Your Android Data?

To avoid losing important information, create a backup of your device:

  1. Use Google Photos for pictures and videos.
  2. Back up documents and files to Google Drive or other cloud services.
  3. Use your phone manufacturer’s cloud service (e.g., Samsung Cloud) if available.
  4. Alternatively, manually back up your data to an external storage device.
How to Perform a Factory Reset on Android

Follow these steps to reset your phone safely:

  1. Open Settings on your device.
  2. Navigate to General Management > System (or directly search for “Reset” in Settings).
  3. Select Reset Device or Factory Reset option.
  4. Read the warning message carefully, this will delete all information on your phone.
  5. Tap Reset (or Erase All Data).
  6. If prompted, enter your PIN, password, or pattern for confirmation.
  7. Tap Confirm to start the reset process.
  8. Wait patiently while your phone resets, this may take a few minutes depending on your data.
  9. Once complete, your phone will restart and display the initial setup screen. You’ll need to set it up as if it were new.

Performing a factory reset often fixes stubborn software issues that might cause SIM detection problems. However, if the problem persists even after a reset, it’s best to consult a professional technician, as the issue could be hardware-related.

Bonus Tip: How to Recover Contacts if Your SIM Card is Defective (And Securely Erase Data)

If your SIM card is damaged or defective, any contacts saved directly on it might be lost permanently. However, if you had previously backed up your contacts on your Android device or cloud services, you can easily restore them from there.

No backup? No worries! You can try using CubexSoft Data Recovery for Android to recover lost or deleted contacts directly from your phone. This powerful tool supports comprehensive data recovery including contacts, call logs, messages, photos, and more. Just install the software, select “Contacts” and “Call Logs” in the recovery menu, and hit “Scan.” The program will recover contacts and call logs lost due to cache clearing, accidental deletion, or other issues.

Secure Your Data before Disposal: Use Data Eraser Software

If you plan to sell, donate, or dispose of your Android device, it’s crucial to securely erase all sensitive data to prevent unauthorized access. This is where CubexSoft Data Erasure Tool comes in handy. It offers a reliable way to permanently wipe your device’s data, ensuring your sensitive information including contacts, messages, and files is completely removed beyond recovery.

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Combining Data Recovery Tool for retrieving lost data and Data Erasure Software for secure deletion gives you full control over your Android device’s data whether you want to recover important info or protect your privacy.

Final Thoughts

So now you know how to tackle the “No SIM Card Detected” error on your Android phone. Most of the time, these methods can resolve software-related problems quickly. However, if the problem persists, it might be a hardware issue that requires professional assistance. Next time you encounter this error, stay calm and try these troubleshooting steps you might just fix it yourself in no time!