How to fix Mobile network not available on Android?

Having a stable and fast internet connection on the move is something widely available these days thanks to technological advancements with cellular network generations (the current one being G5). Staying on the grid without Wi-Fi is what many users rely on every day all around the world.

Which makes the Mobile network not available error quite debilitating for many. If you run into this error, don’t worry – there are a few things you can do to fix it and we listed them below.

Table of contents:

1. Check Settings and Airplane mode
2. Remove and place back your SIM
3. Update firmware
4. Reset Network Settings
5. Check with your provider

What causes the Mobile network not available?

The “Mobile Network Not Available” error on an Android device can occur for various reasons. Here are some common causes of this issue:

1. Network Signal Issues:

   • Weak or no network signal: If you are in an area with poor network coverage or no network signal, your phone will display this error.
   • SIM card issues: A faulty or improperly inserted SIM card can lead to connectivity problems.

2. Software or Configuration Issues:

   • Incorrect network mode: If your phone is set to a network mode that is not compatible with your SIM card or carrier, it may show this error.
   • Incorrect APN settings: Access Point Name (APN) settings control how your device connects to the mobile network. Incorrect settings can prevent your phone from connecting.
   • Software glitches: Software bugs or issues with the Android operating system can disrupt mobile network connectivity.

3. SIM Card Problems:

   • Damaged or expired SIM card: A damaged or expired SIM card can lead to connectivity problems.
   • SIM card not recognized: If your phone does not recognize the SIM card, it won’t be able to connect to the network.

4. Carrier-Related Issues:

   • Carrier problems: Temporary issues with your mobile carrier’s network, such as outages or maintenance, can cause this error.
   • Account issues: If there are problems with your account, such as unpaid bills or a suspended service, your phone may not connect to the network.

5. Phone Hardware Issues:

   • Antenna or radio hardware problems: Physical issues with the phone’s antenna or radio components can affect network connectivity.
   • Phone’s radio firmware: Problems with the firmware that controls the phone’s radio components can disrupt network access.

6. IMEI issues:

   • Invalid IMEI: An invalid or blacklisted IMEI number can cause the mobile network not to be available. This often happens with stolen or improperly unlocked phones.

7. Roaming Restrictions:

   • Roaming settings: If you are in a roaming area, your phone may be set to disallow roaming, leading to the error.

8. Network Mode and Preferred Network Type:

   • Incorrect network mode or preferred network type settings can prevent your phone from connecting to the available mobile networks.

How to fix Mobile network not available on Android?

1. Check Settings and Airplane mode

The best way to start any troubleshooting is to power off your device and power it on again. After that, you should navigate to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile network. Once there, you should check if your SIM is active. Also, you can locate APN (Access Point Names) in Advanced options (it can differ based on Android skins) and reset it to factory values.

If the Mobile network is still not available, try enabling and disabling Airplane mode. You can do so from the Quick Access menu above the Notification shade.

2. Remove and place back your SIM

This. Try removing your SIM and placing it back again. You can also shuffle between SIM slots if your device supports 2. Restart your device, enable Mobile data, and check if it’s working or not.

Also, check your data package as maybe you used up all free data. Unless you’re paying attention, all free gigabytes can be gone in no time.

3. Update firmware

Another important thing to consider is updating your system’s firmware. Bugs that affect mobile data are rare but they can happen and keeping your phone on the latest system version is a good way to get all fixes.

Here’s how to check for updates on your Android device:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap System.
3. Select System update.
4. Check and install available updates.

4. Reset Network Settings

If none of the previous steps worked for you, consider resetting network settings to their default values. This will erase all configured VPNs, clear all saved Wi-Fi networks, and also remove all Bluetooth pairings. But, in addition, it will restore SIM and mobile settings so it should help with issues you are encountering.

Here’s how to Reset Network Settings on your Android:

1. Open Settings.
2. Choose System.
3. Open Reset options.
4. Tap Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.
5. Tap Reset settings.

5. Check with your provider

Finally, if nothing works, contact your service provider and ask for a resolution. If your SIM card is new, it might require to be activated before being used. Or there are other network issues that cause the problem for end-users.

And, on that note, we can conclude this article. Thank you for reading and please spare some time to share your questions or suggestions with us. You can do so in the comments section below.