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You get home excited with your new purchase, however after inserting your SIM card into the device you are unable to text or call - why is this? Although the WiFi signal may work fine, your device could be unable to receive signal for a number of reasons without actually having a fault.
For Android and iPhone devices, the solution to this issue will look slightly different due to the fact that they run on different operating software. However, we will take a look at both solutions, beginning with the iPhone.
My iPhone won't pick up signal, what should I do?
iPhone's are very good at connecting to signal and recognising the need to roam to find the best usage. Due to this, it isn't overly common for the error of no service or signal to occur. If you do run into an issue however, the best thing to do is to restart your device after inserting the SIM card before waiting 1-2 minutes. This gives the iPhone time to calibrate and a chance to connect to a network before being used.
If there is still a 'No Signal' icon displayed there are a few different steps that you can take to try and resolve the issue simply.
1. Reset your Network Settings:
To do this, go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will reset your WiFi networks and passwords, cellular settings and VPN settings, erasing any presets that may be causing the phone to struggle to find mobile signal. This is an important step, especially if the device is second hand or from overseas.
2. Factory reset your device:
To do this, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. A factory reset will remove any existing presets in the device outside of the network settings, recalibrate the battery in the phone and help to debug any software issues inside of the device that may be causing the fault. Please do note that a factory reset will remove all of your content and settings on the device, so backing up your information to your iCloud Account is advised.
3. Ensure your phone is up to date:
Sometimes software can be the cause of a phone not being able to connect to a network. With bug fixes and patches often included in software updates, it is essential to download and install any pending updates if you are unable to connect to your network. You can read more about the importance of keeping your device up to date here.
My Android phone won't pick up signal, what should I do?
There are a number of different reasons that your Android phone may struggle to pick up signal, however with their very user friendly and accessible software, many settings can be adjusted in just a few quick steps.
Like an iPhone, the first step to take is to restart your device after inserting a SIM card into the phone and waiting 1 - 2 minutes to identify whether the phone picks up signal.
If your phone is still struggling to connect to a network, there are a few more steps you can try in order to resolve the issue.
1. Ensuring that the phone is set to 'Global Mode'
The incorrect network mode is the most common issue as to why your device may not be picking up signal. To help your device connect with its new mobile provider, ensure that the phone is in Global Mode so that the device will not only be searching for its original preselected network, but any open networks. This is a common practice if you have purchased a second hand, or imported device.
To adjust the network mode go to Settings > Connections > More Networks > Mobile Networks > Network Mode. Here you will then need to tap 'Global'. After selecting and saving this, restart your device and wait a minute to see whether your phone now picks up signal. Additionally if this does not find a result, you can follow the same steps but instead tap 'GSM/UMTS'. Depending on the phone, different modes may result in success, but Global is the most common.
2. Reset device
Similarly to the iPhone, if changing the network mode does not fix the issue, the next step is to reset the network settings. If this again does not resolve the problem, a full factory reset will be essential.
Resetting your device will help to recalibrate it and remove any existing presets that will be limiting your phone's ability to connect to a network. Following this it is important to ensure that your phone is up to date with its software, as mentioned in the iPhone troubleshooting.
Network Coverage:
Overall, for any device, it is important to check that it is not in fact a network coverage issue causing the issue. Often something as simple as your network coverage could be a reason as to why you are not able to text, call and your device display's no signal. You will be able to check coverage for your address with any telco in the country on their respective websites. Find your provider's link below
Vodafone: https://www.vodafone.co.nz/network/coverage/
2Degrees: https://www.2degreesmobile.co.nz/coverage/
Warehouse Mobile: https://www.warehousemobile.co.nz/coverage/
Skinny: https://www.skinny.co.nz/coverage/
If you were having issues with your mobile data afterwards, feel free to check out our post regarding mobile data setup here.
If you are still facing troubles after this, please do not hesitate to reach out to our technical support staff via email at support@dextech.co.nz. One of our friendly team members will be able to help out! If you could provide us with a screenshot of your home screen after inserting a SIM card into the device that would be very beneficial too.
Here at DeXTech, we are here to help you with your technology requirements. We stock a wide range of Apple products, from the iPhone 4s all the way through to the iPhone XS, plus the iPad range. Along with this, we carry a huge range of Android smartphones and tablets, including Samsung, Pixel and LG. With these devices on hand we are able to offer technical support every step of the way from assisting to get your device setup to dealing with issues such as network issues or software troubleshooting. We have a helpful team who can lend a hand via our tech support email address: support@dextech.co.nz. Do not hesitate to reach out!
