Many people associate the phone primarily with communications, calls, and messaging. But it was thanks to a small module in a smartphone (SIM card) that cellular communication services became possible.
When a smartphone stops “reading” a SIM card, this entails a lot of problems, because now it is one of the means of identifying a user on the network. A Google account and other services that most of us use every day can be linked to a phone number. Let's look at the main reasons for this problem.
System failures
Many factors undermine the stability of the operating system. Often they do not greatly affect functionality, but periodically provoke failures, for example, when working with a SIM card. Usually, to fix errors of this kind, it is enough to follow simple steps:
- Reboot your device . If you inserted a SIM card into a running device, it may not detect it until you restart. Hold down the power key, select "Restart" and wait for the device to turn on again.
- Remove the battery and SIM card . Turn off the device, remove the battery (if possible) and SIM card for 30 seconds or more. Upon completion of this procedure, place the components in place and turn on the mobile.
- Switch Airplane Mode . This mode disables all mobile data transmission. Some phones have access to the mode activation icon through quick settings in the notification shade. If you have it, then activate Airplane Mode, wait 20-40 seconds and turn it off.
If there is no icon in the curtain, follow the path “Settings - Network and Internet - Advanced”. There is a flight mode control button there.
If the phone is to blame
- Some phone models are “locked” for a specific operator, so such a phone simply will not see a “non-native” SIM card.
- With cell phones with two SIM cards, it often happens that the SIM card slot does not work
when the second one is working. Therefore, when inspecting the phone, you should insert the “doubtful” SIM card into both the first and second slots.
- Some physical damage can have a detrimental effect on the phone's performance. For example, if water gets on the device (it fell into a puddle, or it rained on it), over time the contact between the slot and the SIM card will be broken due to oxidation. You can try to solve this problem yourself: disassemble the phone and wipe with a napkin the joints of the cables responsible for the communication module. If even after cleaning the SIM card does not work, then you will have to take the phone to the service center and repent there that you didn’t look after your little friend.
Please note that the phone does not immediately respond to physical damage such as being dropped or exposed to water. It works as usual for a while, but later breaks down. Therefore, if you have a phone in your hands that does not see a SIM card, try to remember if your friend had to endure any troubles. Even a sudden change in temperature is detrimental to the operation of a SIM card. You bring your phone from a cold winter into a warm house, and moisture condenses inside the device. The solution here is simple: disassemble the phone, remove the SIM card and wipe it with a soft cloth.
Dirt in the slot or on the SIM card chip
Both elements can become dirty over time. If dust has formed between the contacts or a foreign object has entered, this will cause delays in recognizing the SIM card or it will turn off all the time. Always handle these parts with great care and wipe them down whenever possible.
If the gadget does not connect to the network, try the following:
- remove the card holder;
- visually inspect them for dirt and damage;
- shine a flashlight into the socket, make sure there is nothing unnecessary there, blow it out;
- Wipe the tray and SIM card so that the golden chip is perfectly clean;
- insert the card back into the device and start it.
Often this simple operation helps to revive old SIM cards of Beeline and other operators, after which the gadget can see them again.
SIM card "Megafon" does not work: only emergency call
Do you think that the Megafon SIM card has stopped working in your phone, since only emergency calls are available? Pay attention to whether the device sees the module. This can be done using the inscriptions on the screen. If you notice something like “No SIM card,” then you should remove the module and try to insert it again after cleaning and checking the contacts.
Inscriptions in the spirit of MegaFon or “Operator-2” say one thing: the SIM card is working, the phone sees it, but the coverage does not allow making calls to other subscribers. Change your location. The ability to make a call may not be possible even in familiar territory when there is interference from thick walls or buildings in dense buildings.
If communication problems constantly arise, go to your personal account and chat with a specialist. You will be asked to provide an address where only emergency calls are available and to describe the conditions in as much detail as possible. On Android smartphones, information about uneven coverage can be sent automatically by installing the My Network application.
Broken SIM card or tray
As already noted, these are fragile and small parts that can be accidentally damaged. For example, getting them into water, falling, careless removal or rough installation into the socket may well lead to microcracks or breakage of contacts. If this happens to the card, it can be replaced at the mobile phone office.
If the tray or connector where it is inserted has become unusable, then you won’t be able to do anything on your own; you will have to contact a repair center, where they will tell you why the phone does not see the SIM card.
But before you do this, inspect the details:
- Follow the first four steps from the previous instructions.
- Install the card in another smartphone and check if the connection works on it.
- Insert the card into the slot and make sure it fits snugly.
- If the SIM card falls out, carefully place a piece of paper or simply replace it with a new one.
- All that remains is to insert the card and start the device.
Attention! If you cut the card yourself to make it smaller to fit the new standard, you could damage it. In this case, it is better to contact the salon to get a new SIM card. In the future, don’t try to cut it yourself, so that you don’t have to wonder why the phone doesn’t see the SIM card.
Other reasons
The third category is other situations due to which the SIM card may become inoperable.
The smartphone works with a SIM card of a specific operator
In the Russian market, as a rule, smartphones work with all cellular operators. The only exceptions are cheap devices or operator branded phones that come with a SIM card. They do not work with other operators, and to fix this, a flashing will be required.
Be also careful when purchasing mobile devices from AliExpress and other foreign online stores. It’s better to immediately check whether the smartphone works with all mobile networks. If it is “locked”, it will need to be unlocked. You can do this yourself by opening the bootloader and installing another firmware.
The SIM card has not been used for a long time
It happens that the SIM card has not been used for a long time, perhaps the operator has already automatically terminated the contract. As a rule, this happens within 60-180 days (depending on the company), if no calls or messages have been sent from the number. The issue is sent to the archives and after some time goes on sale again.
In this case, all you have to do is throw away the SIM card and buy a new one. To ensure that the contract is not cancelled, you must make calls, send SMS messages, or at least top up your account. This way the operator will see that the number is not just “hanging” in the air, but is actually being used, and in this case automatic termination will no longer be possible.
In addition, few people know that a SIM card has its own expiration date. This is not related to the duration of the tariff. If the module is more than 7 years old, it has probably lost its functionality due to contact wear. After all, over time they become overwritten, especially if you often move your SIM card from one device to another. It is better to contact the operator's office to replace it. If you wish, you can even leave your previous number absolutely free and continue to use cellular services.
Communication parameters are lost
Sometimes on Android these settings change spontaneously or disappear after updating the firmware. This often leads to a loss of connection. To resolve the issue, do the following:
- Follow the path “Settings – System” – Advanced – Reset settings.”
- Click on "Reset Wi-Fi, mobile data and Bluetooth settings."
- Confirm the operation.
Next, reboot your mobile if this does not happen automatically.
Incorrect firmware: consequences and troubleshooting
Reflashing your phone yourself without the necessary skills and knowledge can lead to a malfunction of the entire system, as a result of which the smartphone will no longer recognize the SIM card and other additional accessories: headphones, MicroSD, charger, etc. To use communication services again, you will have to perform any action of your choice:
- Restore standard modification.
- Take the device for repair.
- Roll back settings.
The system was attacked by a virus
Virus applications can affect many aspects of Android, including network reception. To avoid them getting into the OS, do not open suspicious links, letters, banners, and also do not install dubious software.
We need to find out whether the phone is not reading the SIM card due to malware. First, put the gadget into safe mode, which deactivates third-party software. To do this, do the following:
- Press and hold the Power key.
- Press "Power Off" for a few seconds.
- The smartphone will offer to switch to safe mode, agree.
Check to see if the card is recognized. If yes, then it’s time to look for the hacking software that caused your phone to stop seeing the SIM card.
To do this, do the following:
- Go to Apps & Notifications.
- “Tap” on “Show all applications”.
- At the top, select Installed Applications.
- Look through the list of programs, look for suspicious software with strange names or software that you definitely did not install.
- Remove the virus and restart the smartphone, the MTS, Tele2, etc. network should appear.
As an alternative, you can install Kaspersky Anti-Virus and scan the system. You can download it from the Play Store.
Subscriber is out of network coverage area
For your smartphone to completely stop seeing the network, you don’t have to travel far out of town. In a large populated area, it is enough to enter a basement with thick walls, go down to the ground floor or enter the elevator. Due to physical interference and a large number of other phones, the mobile network may not be recognized. This can only be corrected by changing the location.
Global failures in the operating system
The operating system may stop working correctly due to reasons such as an unsuccessful software update or the installation of unofficial firmware that has communication bugs. If you use a custom build, go back to stock.
Check for available updates. If a communication bug is widespread, the vendor will quickly release an update. If the failure occurred as a result of errors during the update and the new build did not fix it, do a factory reset. Then the device will probably recognize the SIM card.
- In the device settings, open “System – Advanced” – Reset settings – Delete all data.
- Reread the warning again and start the process.
- When downloading, you need to reconnect your account and restore your data.
Attention! Hard Reset will erase all data from the device (apps, photos, videos, accounts, etc.), so make a backup copy of your data.
If your mobile phone falls into water, falls and is damaged, or the connection stops working after other damage and the manual did not help, contact a repair center so that a professional can diagnose the device, find out why it does not recognize SIM cards and repair the contacts or tray if necessary.
General recommendations
To successfully resolve the situation, it is recommended to perform a visual inspection of the gadget according to the above algorithm. If no damage is found, you should call the operator’s technical support hotline and explain the essence of the request, because sometimes the reason lies in technical problems in the provision of cellular services.
What contacts are available to subscribers of different operators:
- Beeline: 0611 or single line 8-800-700-06-11. Both numbers are open 24 hours a day.
- Iota: single number 8-800-550-00-07.
- Megafon: 8-800-550-05-00. If you are in roaming, dial +7-926-111-05-00.
- Tele2: single line 8-800-555-06-11.
- MTS: general number 8-800-250-80-90. When staying outside the Russian Federation –.
Before calling the call center, you must have your passport ready, because... the operator can ask for the personal identification data it contains if the user accidentally blocked the SIM card and wants to reactivate it.
Blocking by expiration date
Have you turned on your phone, but your Megafon SIM card is not working? Search your memory and remember how long ago you last used the card. If you have not turned on your smartphone for more than 180 days, the phone number is lost forever.
There is a possibility that you activated it yourself and forgot about it.
- Open your personal account and go to the list of connected options;
- Find the lock and disable it;
- Or contact the 0500 support service with a request for unlocking.
The phone works, but the card does not see the network? We need to discuss this in detail!
