No network, no service or SIM not detected?
Network problems can come from the SIM card, the network itself, phone settings or the phone's hardware. A few quick checks will tell you which side the problem is on.
Written by Zojari technicians with 12+ years of phone repair experience
Signs you may notice
- 'No service' or 'Emergency calls only'
- 'No SIM' or 'Invalid SIM'
- Calls drop or mobile data doesn't work
- Signal is much weaker than on other phones nearby
Safe checks to try first
- Turn Airplane mode on for 10 seconds, then off again.
- Restart the phone.
- Remove the SIM, check it for scratches or bends, and reinsert it firmly.
- Put your SIM in another phone, and another SIM in your phone. This shows whether the SIM or the phone is the problem.
- Check with your network provider that your line is active, and reset the phone's network settings.
Stop and bring it in if…
- The problem started after a drop or after the phone got wet
- The SIM tray is bent or stuck
- Other SIM cards also don't work in your phone
What usually causes it
One symptom can have several causes. These are the most common ones.
SIM card or line problem
A damaged SIM or a line issue on the network side.
Damaged SIM reader or tray
Bent pins or a warped tray stop the SIM from being read.
Antenna connection
Antenna cables or contacts can come loose after a fall or a previous repair.
Software or settings
Wrong network settings or a faulty update.
Network section of the board
A failed component in the phone's radio circuitry.
What our technicians do
We test with known-working SIM cards, inspect the SIM reader and antenna connections, and check the phone's network settings and software. We repair genuine faults only. We don't change or repair IMEI numbers, which is illegal, and we decline any such request.
Request a quotationCommon questions
My phone shows 'No service' after a screen repair elsewhere. Can you help?
Often, yes. Antenna cables or contacts can be disturbed during repairs. We inspect them and test the signal.
Can you unlock my phone to work on another network?
Network unlocking should be done through the network or manufacturer that locked it. We can advise you on the process.
Other repair guides
- Phone not charging or charging very slowly?Phone doesn't respond when plugged in · Cable only works when held at an angleRead the guide
- Phone keeps restarting on its own?Restarts while you are using it, often under load (camera, games, calls) · Gets stuck on the brand logo and restarts again (boot loop)Read the guide
- Phone dropped in water or had a drink spilled on it?Phone switched off or won't turn on after getting wet · Lines, spots or flicker on the screenRead the guide
- Screen stays black during calls, or you hang up with your cheek?Screen stays black during a call and you can't hang up · Your cheek mutes or ends callsRead the guide
- Callers can't hear you, or you can't hear them?Callers say you sound far away or can't hear you · You can only hear callers on loudspeakerRead the guide
- Phone won't turn on at all?Nothing happens when you press the power button · No charging sign when plugged inRead the guide
Your Device Deserves Expert Care.
Over 12 years of phone repair experience in Kampala. Tell us what’s wrong and a technician will recommend the right repair. No fix, no fee.