Many iOS users see No Service or Searching for Service on iPhone X, 8, 8 Plus, 7, 7 Plus, 6(s), 6(s) Plus, 5,5s, SE or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular); or they fail to connect to a cellular network or cellular data. This is a strange error occurs on iPhone and iPad, and there is no reason cited by experts or phone makers. However, we have found some solutions to fix iPhone No Service or iPhone keeps searching for service issue.
To fix an iPhone without service, you need to first to check the coverage area. Check on your phone that you are in the area with cellular network coverage. If online forums are to be believed, users have seen No Service or Searching on AT&T, Sprint, Jio (India), Airtel (India), Idea (India) etc. Next, you can follow steps and methods given below.
Fix iPhone No Service or Searching for Service Issue
Quick Links
- Check Coverage Area
- Restart iPhone or iPad
- Check Carrier Settings Update
- Remove and Insert Sim Again
- Reset Network Settings
- Update iOS Software
- Contact Carrier
- Restore iPhone or iPad from Backup
Check Coverage Area
If you fail to connect to a cellular network on iPhone, check that your cellular data is turned on:
On iPhone and iPad
Settings → Cellular.
If you are traveling across the world, you should check your iPhone or iPad is set up for data roaming.
Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Options → Toggle ON Data Roaming
Restart your iPhone or iPad
With the launch of iPhone 7, Apple has changed its method to restart and force reboot devices. This method is further updated with iPhone 8 and iPhone X. We have written separate guides for your devices. You can follow links given below to restart your iPhone or iPad.
- How to Force Restart iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus
- How to Restart or Reboot iPhone X
- How to Restart iPhone or iPad Without Home Button and Power Button
- How to Force Restart or Reboot iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
If your iOS devices keep restarting, you can follow a dedicated guide to fix the issue.
Check Carrier Settings Update
You can check Carrier Settings manually.
Step #1: Connect your iPhone or iPad with a strong Wi-fi or cellular network.
Step #2: Open Settings → General → About.
If there is an update available, you can see an option to update carrier settings.
Step #3: You can also view the version of carrier settings on your device: Settings→ General → About and see next to Carrier.
You should download carrier settings for new carrier when you insert a new SIM into your iPhone or iPad.
Remove and Insert SIM Card Back Again
If you frequently complain “why my cellular data is not working”, then you can take out your SIM and then put it back into your iPhone or iPad. And if the SIM is damaged or doesn’t fit in the SIM tray, you need to contact your carrier.
Reset Network Settings
Before you perform this action, note that this will reset your Wi-fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, VPN and APN settings etc.
Settings → General → Reset → Reset Network Settings.
You will be asked to enter your device passcode before you can reset Network Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
Update your iOS device
Maybe you are not using the latest software version of iOS. Go ahead and update your iOS device to the latest version.
Settings → General→ Software Update → Download & Install.
Contact your carrier
Your service is likely to be affected by your carrier or account. In this situation, you are advised to contact your mobile service provider aka carrier.
When you contact your carrier, you need to verify that yours is an active account and in good status. Also ask your carrier if there are outages in your area. You should also confirm that your iOS device is not blocked from receiving cellular services and it is also set up with the right data plan.
Restore iPhone/iPad
If your carrier tells you that there is no problem with your account or network, and there can be some other issues why your iPhone says no SIM, you need to restore iPhone or iPad from iTunes and iCloud backup.
Above solutions should fix the issue of out of Service or Searching for Service iPhone or iPad. Want to add more solutions to this article? Share your feedback with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google Plus.