How to Fix No Service on iPhone

Few things are more frustrating than seeing “No Service” on your iPhone — especially when you’re waiting for an important call or text. The good news is that most signal issues are quick to fix once you know where to look. At Pull Up® Phone Repair, we troubleshoot and repair iPhones every day to keep people connected. Here’s how to restore your signal fast — and if your phone still won’t connect, our experts offer same-day mobile phone repair in Queens.

Why Your iPhone Says No Service or Searching

Several common issues can cause your iPhone to lose service:

You’re outside your carrier’s coverage area.
A local network outage is occurring.
Airplane Mode is turned on.
Your SIM card is loose or damaged.
Your iOS or carrier settings need an update.
Your network settings are corrupted.
There’s hardware damage from a drop or liquid.

Understanding which issue you’re facing makes troubleshooting faster — so let’s go step-by-step.

How to Fix an iPhone Showing No Service

1. Restart Your iPhone

A simple restart clears temporary glitches that interfere with your signal. Power your phone off, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. After rebooting, check for service bars.

2. Turn Airplane Mode Off (and Back On)

Airplane Mode disables all cellular connections. To toggle it:

Go to Settings > Airplane Mode.
If the switch is green, tap it off.
Wait a few seconds, turn it back on, then off again to refresh your signal.

Leave Airplane Mode off when finished.

3. Enable Cellular Data

It’s easy to toggle cellular data off accidentally. To double-check:

Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data).
Ensure Cellular Data is on (the switch should be green).
If it’s already on, turn it off and on again to reset the connection.

Check Your SIM Card

A dirty or damaged SIM card can block your iPhone from reading your carrier signal.

Locate the SIM tray (a small oval with a tiny hole on the side of your phone).
Insert a SIM-eject tool or paperclip into the hole until the tray pops out.
Remove the SIM card and wipe it gently with a microfiber cloth.
Reinsert it correctly and restart your phone.

If your SIM card looks scratched or damaged, contact your carrier for a replacement.

Update Your Carrier and Software Settings

Carrier Settings Update

Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi.
Go to Settings > General > About.
If you see an option to update carrier settings, tap Update.

This syncs your device with your carrier’s latest network updates.

iOS Software Update

Outdated software can cause signal issues.

Plug your phone in and connect to Wi-Fi.
Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
If an update is available, tap Download and Install.

Running the latest iOS ensures better network performance and fewer connection glitches.

Reset Network Settings

If you’ve checked everything and still see “No Service,” a network reset can help. This won’t erase apps or photos — just saved Wi-Fi passwords and VPN connections.

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Enter your passcode if prompted.
Your iPhone will restart automatically.

Reconnect to Wi-Fi afterward and see if your signal returns.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve tried everything and your iPhone still shows “No Service,” you may be dealing with a hardware problem — like antenna damage or a logic board issue.
Our technicians at Pull Up® Phone Repair can diagnose and repair these issues on-site anywhere in Queens or New York. We handle everything from SIM reader repairs to antenna replacements quickly and professionally.

Conclusion

Staying connected is essential, and when your iPhone loses service, you don’t have time to wait. If these troubleshooting steps don’t work, the team at Pull Up® Phone Repair is ready to help. Book your appointment today for expert, on-site iPhone repair in New York — we’ll restore your signal and get you back online fast.