21 Best Ways To Fix the “No SIM Card Detected” Error
Are you suffering from the “No SIM Card” or “SIM Card Not Detected” error despite having a SIM card plugged in? If you are, then you’ve come to the right place.
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.
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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.
- Reboot your device
- Remove the battery
- Adjust the SIM card
- Manually select carrier/network operator
- Change network mode to auto
- Clean the SIM card
- Replace your SIM card
- Remove and re-insert SIM card
- Test your SIM card reader
- Toggle flight mode
- Clear Android cache and data
- Check the SIM tray
- Contact customer service
- Uninstall problematic third-party apps
- Hide your notifications
- Do a factory reset
- Reset your network settings
- Update your Android phone
- Go back to the original ROM
- Replace your phone
- Check if the direction of the sim is correct
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:
1. Go to “Settings.”
2. Look for “Wireless and Networks.”
3. Tap on “Mobile Networks.”
4. Select “Network Operators.”
5. Search for networks manually.
Alternatively, on some phones, it will be:
1. Go to “Settings.”
2. Look for “Wireless and Networks.”
3. Select “Data Usage.”
4. Tap on the three vertical dots in the upper-right corner.
5. Select “Cellular Networks“.
6. 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:
1. Go to “Settings.”
2. Look for “Mobile Networks.”
3. Tap “Network mode.”
4. 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:
1. Go to “Settings > Storage.“
2. Look for “Storage Settings.“
3. Select “Internal Storage.“
4. Tap “Cached data.“
5. Tap “Clear” and accept.
Related: How to clear cache on Android in under 60 seconds
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when your Android phone says no SIM card?
This notification means that your phone could not detect a SIM card within its SIM card tray. If you are using this device for cellular communication and data, you will need a SIM card if it has a SIM card tray.
Where can I buy a SIM card tray replacement?
You can either buy one from the local branches that carry your device’s brand or from where you purchased your Android phone.
What’s the easiest fix when you receive the “no SIM card” message?
If you have a SIM card inserted, the easiest fix for this issue is to restart your phone and make sure your SIM card is placed properly. If you don’t have a SIM and will not be using one, using a notification blocking app will do the trick.
Why is my phone saying there’s no sim card?
If your phone indicates that there’s no sim card then it means that your phone no longer detects the sim on your phone. This issue can arise due to hardware or software problems
Dropped my phone and now it says no SIM card Android-What to do?
Your SIM card may slide in its slot when your phone is dropped, which will prevent your device from reading the embedded chip. Turn down your cellphone and remove the SIM card to see if it’s misaligned. Put the SIM card back in and restart your smartphone.
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!
mine old wifi name was
johnwick wifi try it on your own risk
new one is
gamer wifi dont even try
Hello. I’d love your help to fix my Android phone, which is a VS985 4G. For the past few days, my SIM card randomly “ejects” itself. Sometimes, when I’ve turned on my phone, everything SEEMS to work just fine . . . for a few minutes. Then, for apparently no reason, the phone just disconnects the SIM card. My phone has had no system updates for a while. I’ve tried toggling Airplane Mode on and off, cleaning the cached data, and even rebooting it, but it still didn’t fix the problem. P.S. I only download apps through Google Play, and (regardless of always having my phone covered by a rubber Otterbox), it has been thrown (not by me) AND dropped before, with no resulting problems.
Just wanted to say that your article is very thorough, easy to follow and understand, and well written. Thank you.
I’d like to add on for step 10 :
And If your phone is unable to read the other person’s SIM – then the issue is with your phone’s sim card reader.
My new samsung a50 now detecting no simcard when I insert my airtel sim rather than sim is working properly in other devices and other sim cards working in my device. Strangely I have completed all the tricks advice by customer service. No result. What can I do.
My father is having Samsung A10 and its showing same issue in BSNL & Airtel sim. I ve tried all solutions except the rooting and also visited the Samsung care but still the problem persists. However both sim are working fine in other handsets.
Well my SAMSUNG J1 has the problem..i cant access network settings and select my preferd network automatic or manually because the phone asks me to place the sim card in the first place,my sim works OK in another handset..its very distressing
Hi everybody I’m stuck !!!!
Problem after flash no backup made cos I’m dumb and guy on the forum says format and download !!!!
I did it and since I get no sim detected but my sim is working !
How I know this
1. Put it in another phone, working 100%
2. In my tablet when I go into service mode I see that it is present!
My imei number was invalid fixed it with mtk engineering mode!
When I go there I see my imei number and also I see beneath it IMSI unknown?????
I also had vram error 0x10 but also fixed by rooting and putting in the files I downloaded ….nvram fix by skeely! That error isn’t showing no more!
What can I do ? I googled a whole week and no posts referring to unknown IMSI and also no fix to my problem!
By the way I reverted back to original ROM no fix!
It’s showing error in application after every 5 seconds even if I replace my sim card and do every possible things that has to be done.. I donno what to do now
Thank you for this helpful article. The first fix to reboot my phone, worked. Now, my SIM is up and running.
Glad to hear it worked for you, Lisa.
rebooting doesn’t “fix” the problem it only sweeps it under the rug.
it will happen again. mine does it so frequently my phone may as well be snapped in half.
Sorry to hear that. Have you tried all the fixes featured in the article?
Sir I want to mention that, the problem of no detection of SIM card by the mobile device may occur due to physical wear of SIM (which happend in my case once).
What happens actually that , the gold plates of the SIM are connected with eachother as metal weared out from both the plates and touches each other at the separation gap between the plates. The wearing happens due to friction between the plates of SIM and the connecting points on the SIM card slot (when SIM card is put in and out in the slot very often, this happens)
So when the plates touch eachother it become shorted and not detected by the device . So also check SIM card whether this thing exists or not. If exists then using a thin blade scratch the gap between the gold plates of SIM and clean it and then try it again ……
My phone doesn’t have a SIM card and that makes this a particularly screwy error. I’ve set the network from automatic to LTE/4G. Now I have to wait for a couple days.
My sim card is working in another phones but not in mine. Network carrier is just lost nothing is written in carrier name .How can I fix this problem ?
Hi Suzzane! Reset your network settings and restart your phone. If you changed your SIM recently, the phone that you’re using might be SIM locked.