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30+ ways to solve Android mobile network problems at home

ByLace

Although I tend to use Wi-Fi when available, there’s nothing more frustrating than not being able to make a phone call from my own home. Granted, due to my day job requirements, I now have a landline in addition to my mobile devices at home; I’d still prefer using my mobile phone above anything else.

Aside from having no signal, android mobile network problems can also be a lack of access to websites or online apps. The causes can range from having a simple system malfunction to having hardware problems with your signal receptor. The situation may appear dour, but I have some fixes.

If a stable Internet connection is more important to you than a stable relationship with other human beings, you’ve come to the right place. Whether the problem manifests itself as “Phone Not Registered on Network“, “Mobile Network Not Available“, or “No Signal Found”, I have solutions.

It’s a very common problem, and I have solutions that worked for me that I would love to share with you.

List of Android Mobile Network Problems Solutions

Start Simple

There’s an acronym—KISS—(that stands for Keep It Simple Stupid) that might apply here. The solution to this problem can be simple, and you don’t need to be tech-savvy to fix it.

These general steps apply to all types of Android devices, regardless of make/model. These specific steps that describe how to carry out these actions are examples, since the exact process may vary by device. Try these tips if you have no network at all or a weak signal.

1. Restart your device

The simplest things can be the most rewarding. If you haven’t restarted your device in a long time, I advise you to do so. On most devices, you can simply long-press the Power button.

After restarting the device, see if it worked for you. Restarting your device clears any malfunctioning system processes.

2. Grip the phone lightly

It’s been a long time since Apple’s AntennaGate, but holding your device too firmly in the vicinity of the antenna can lessen the signal. Older phones and models aren’t as well made and fully functional as the new ones.

3. Ensure Airplane mode is OFF

Go to “Settings > More Settings > Flight Mode.“

You can also try toggling your airplane mode on and off because it refreshes your network connection.

4. Switch to 2G (Helps with phone calls only)

Switching to 2G can help to boost your signal, but it has the opposite effect on Internet performance and speed.

5. Make sure your device is fully charged

When your battery is too low, your phone prioritizes staying alive which may affect your phone’s system processes. Observe if you still have problems with your phone when it’s fully charged.

6. Make sure your device isn’t in Power Savings Mode

Go to “Apps > Settings > Battery.” Depending on the device, it may also be called “Battery Saver” or “STAMINA Mode.“

The Power Savings mode can affect your phone’s signal. Turn it off and see if it makes any difference.

7. Map your home’s signal

Take a stroll through your house and note the signal strength in different locations. Specific locations inside your house can affect the reach of any signal to your device.

Note: The bars that you see are not the most accurate representation of your signal.

8. Clear any obstructions you can

There’s not a lot you can do about hills or trees blocking the signal. However, going outside or near a window can help you get a better signal. If you’re in a rural area however, it might be harder for you to get any signal, especially if there aren’t any cell towers nearby.

9. Get some signal boosters

Signal boosters are pretty easy to set up and use if you are willing to spare some cash. They’re gadgets (also known as repeaters) that takes a signal and strengthens it.

Although if you don’t get good service in your yard, it probably won’t be of much use to you.

Fix SIM errors

The SIM card is often at the heart of the matter when it comes to mobile network problems. Therefore, we are going to take extra care in ruling out its culpability.

1. Reboot your device

Turn your Android off, then switch it back on. If you’ve just inserted a new SIM, many phones won’t even recognize it until you restart the device. This is probably the simplest way to resolve minor problems of any kind when it comes to your Android.

2. Adjust your 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. If you’ve dropped your Android, the SIM can become misaligned, or it may not have been installed properly, to begin with. Ensure that the SIM is secured in its tray.

If the SIM isn’t fitting well, you can place tape, cardboard, paper, and etc into the tray for a tighter fit. Although this seems like a cheap way to fix your SIM’s connection (and that’s because it is), it also works for many. Be careful though, never use much force on the delicate parts inside your phone.

3. Replace your SIM card

If the SIM is defective or damaged, it needs to be replaced.

4. Remove and reinsert SIM card

Make sure you turn off your device before installing or removing SIM cards—otherwise you may harm your device and/or card. Take care not to scratch or bend the SIM card. Some devices have the SIM tray is located directly beside the volume buttons. For other devices, you can access the SIM by sliding off the back cover and removing the battery.

5. Consider relocating

Does this happen everywhere? Is it constant, or intermittent? Carrier service must be available where you’re located in order for your SIM to work.

Are you next to people with the same provider who have service? What about people in a different area? Reliability is influenced by how close you are to the towers.

6. Call Customer Service

Contact your carrier regarding your SIM. Having your SIM card replaced by your carrier can also be a solution.

7. Reset your network settings

This will clear your network settings back to their defaults. Go to “Settings > Backup & Reset > Network settings reset.“

No signal fixes

When there’s no signal at all, the situation seems hopeless. It’s not often something that can be fixed by going upstairs. But the bright side to this is that once we do fix it, it’s probably less likely to be a recurrent problem.

1. Try a FEMTOCELL as an alternative

FEMTOCELLs are devices that convert landline Internet to a cellular signal. If your location doesn’t have any cell reception, using a FEMTOCELL is a great option.

2. Use Wi-Fi as an alternative

You can use VOIP or Wi-Fi calling instead of your mobile network. You could also opt for online messaging services such as Facebook’s Messenger and many other free messaging services.

3. Forward calls to a different number

You can forward your calls and messages to a different number that has signal for emergency purposes.

Open your Android’s phone app. Go to “Menu > Settings or Call Settings > Call Forwarding.“

4. Switch carriers

Use a service like Open Signal to research carrier service for your location. Choose a carrier that’s prominent in your location.

Download Open Signal

Intermediate Troubleshooting

While these steps aren’t your basic reboot, and you probably don’t do these things on a regular basis, they are still tasks that most users will be able to accomplish without too much difficulty.

1. Manually choose your Network Operator settings

Go to “Settings > More Networks > Mobile Networks.” The automatic setting is set to select the fastest network available, but not necessarily the one with the strongest signal. Also, if the fastest network isn’t stable, your Android will switch back and forth. The WCDMA or GSM selections may provide a stronger, more stable signal.

2. Map your home’s signal

Take a stroll through your house and note the signal strength in different locations. But instead of looking at the signal bars, use a more accurate measurement. To do this, go to “Settings > About Phone > Network > Signal Strength or Network Type and Strength.” Signal strength is expressed as a negative number in dBm (decibels), with -60 dBm being ideal.

3. Test your radio signal broadcast

This option isn’t present on all Android devices. Obviously, the following method will work if it is. Dial *#*#4636*#*# from your Android. From the Testing menu that pops up, go to Phone “Information > Run Ping Test” or, toggle the radio by selecting “Turn Off Radio”, then “Turn On Radio.”

4. Check your phone for a corrupt IMEI

Dial “*#06#” to see the IMEI of your device. If the result you receive instead is Null, the IMEI could be your problem. Certain numerical IMEIs can also indicate that it’s corrupt. This can be restored by going into Engineer Mode. To get there, either dial “*#*#3646633#*#*” or download the app below.

Navigate to the Connectivity tab.

  1. Click on CDS Information.
  2. Select Radio Information.
  3. If you have dual SIMs, you will see both Phone 1 and Phone 2.
  4. Under Phone 1, insert the following command: AT +EGMR=1,7, “IMEI1” and tap on Send at Command.
  5. Under Phone 2, insert: AT +EGMR=1,10, “IMEI2”, then reboot.

Download MTK Engineering Mode

5. Update your APN settings

Tap on “Settings > Mobile Networks (or Wireless Networks) > Access Point Names.” Add the APN settings from your carrier’s website and select them. If your APN protocol is set to IPV6, change it to IPV4.

6. Update your phone

Just in case you missed an available software update, go to “Settings > About device > Software Update > Check for update.“

Last options

If you’ve tried everything and nothing seems to work, give these steps a shot.

1. Do a factory reset

Go to “Settings > Backup & Reset > Factory data reset.“

Doing a factory reset on your phone reverts it to its original state. If everything else fails, you can try resetting your phone.

2. Flash a new firmware

We aren’t talking about a mere software upgrade here—we’re talking about manually changing your phone’s operating system—a feat that requires your device to be rooted, or at the very least an unlocked bootloader. You also need to install a custom recovery, like TWRP. You’ll also need the new ROM itself; also known as the factory or custom image. Be sure to select a ROM well-suited for your device.

3. Contact your network operator

You can visit your provider’s website, a website like downdetector.com, or call your network provider directly to determine if a service is out in your area.

4. Turn on roaming

Obviously you shouldn’t have to turn on roaming in your own home. If this works, it’s only a temporary solution, and is further evidence that there’s a problem with your device.

5. Pay a visit to the service center

It’s highly possible for your phone to have hardware damages if you constantly have no signal despite other devices having them. It’s best to get your phone serviced by professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I have poor signal at home?

It can either be because of poor network connections or a worn-out signal receptor on your phone. If you used to have a cell signal on your device, a broken cell receptor is a likely cause.

How do I refresh my signal?

Toggle Airplane mode on and off. This process resets your cell signal and refreshes your connection.

Final thoughts

I used to work in a building that was built pretty much like a bomb shelter. So most of the time it was hard for me to get any signal anywhere in our building. Obstructions (tall buildings can do it too) can make it difficult for you to have proper cell reception; so make sure you’ve tried going outside, upstairs by a window, etc. A change in carrier might help too.

Also, don’t be afraid of getting your phone serviced. There isn’t a quick fix for everything. I understand the need for you to be able to fix it yourself, but sometimes there are problems that you can’t solve just by browsing the net for quick fixes.

Related Reads:

What helped you overcome problems with your mobile network? Still struggling? Let me help you in the comments section below!

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10 Comments

  2. Pls, I need help. My phone fall inside water and and they said is unfixed, that the panel has collapsed. Later days, I switched it on and is responding but the only is when I inserted my simcard, I will get a notification of that but there is always “NO SERVICE”. I have some of the steps on this website but is not working. What can I do

    Reply

  3. The house i packed in last month being August am presently having network challenges. My flat is having network challenge can’t browse or make call or receive calls freely some times its says phone swatch off when some times people calls me but sometime I have to run outside to received the call bcos receiving it inside the flat is not always clear. Pls kindly provide solution to this immediate needs thanks. And remain blessed

    Reply

  4. HI,
    My phone is Galaxy DUOS GT-l9082 , yesterday it has gone automatically to airplane mode , when i off this mode , after that my internet do not work in my mobile , but signal shows its connected. i try the following but was not useful.

    Remove and Re-Insert Your SIM Card
    Before rebooting, turn on Airplane Mode. … If you still don’t have data, turn airplane mode back on, turn your phone off, wait for a minute, turn your phone back on, turn airplane mode off, wait for thirty seconds, then turn mobile data on.

    Switch to 2G (Helps with Phone Calls Only) .

    but no option resolved the problem.

    could you please help me .

    Reply

  5. HI, I am Joyjit Barua from chittagong, Bangladesh. My home is made by soil, in my home ,I would not found proper ph network,almost time 4G & 3G not found . PLZ tell what can do for this problem slove.

    Reply

  6. My uncle’s house is located in place surrounded by lots of coconut trees And the reception is very bad inside the house and there’s one or two points outside the house. No matter the network provider,the case is the same. They use sun direct (DTH) which is fitted on the roof which works fine. So are there devices (if mounted on a pole or a long bamboo stick on the roof) that receives signal and by wire sends the signal down a transmitter inside the house so that each room becomes internet usable?
    please recommend devices (willing to spend some cash)

    Reply

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