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You can’t call, text, or use mobile data when your Android phone isn’t registered on a network, leaving you reliant on potentially risky Wi-Fi networks. Follow this guide to fix the “phone not registered on network” error. Then, install Avast Mobile Security to help protect your connection, secure your device, and keep your phone ready to reconnect.
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The “not registered on network” error on Android means your phone isn’t connecting to your carrier’s network, preventing you from making calls, sending texts, or using mobile data. In most cases, you’ll still be able to make emergency calls, but regular services such as internet access won’t work. The error can stem from several causes, but it’s usually easily fixable.
There’s no one-size-fits-all fix for the “not registered on network” error, since it can be triggered by software glitches, SIM card issues, or incorrect network settings. Whether your device won’t connect, is stuck on emergency calls only, or mobile data isn’t working, the steps below will help you register your Android phone on a network.
Sometimes, a quick reset of your connection is all it takes to fix the "not registered on network" error. Switching Airplane mode on and off halts all wireless communication, including your cellular signal, and then re-establishes a fresh connection to your carrier. This is a simple and effective first step to help your phone register on the network.
Open the Settings panel and tap the Airplane mode icon to enable it.
Wait 10-15 seconds, then tap the Airplane mode icon again to disable it. Give your phone a few seconds to reconnect before checking to see if the issue is resolved.
Restarting your Android can quickly resolve temporary glitches that prevent your phone from registering on a network. A phone restart reboots the operating system, refreshes connections, and can clear out bugs causing the issue. Here’s how to try this surprisingly simple and effective fix:
Press and hold the Power button. When the power menu appears, tap Restart.
Wait for your phone to reboot completely. After restarting, check if your phone can connect to your mobile network.
If your phone still won’t connect, it may have restarted in Safe Mode. Try turning off Safe Mode to restore normal operation and reconnect to the network.
By default, Samsung mobiles and other Android devices connect automatically to the strongest available network from your carrier. But if your phone isn’t registered on a network, manually selecting your network provider can help re-establish the connection — especially when roaming or in low-signal areas.
Open Settings on your Android device. On a Samsung, tap Connections > Mobile networks (this could vary slightly on other Android devices).
Tap Network operators and toggle off Select automatically.
Wait while your phone scans for available networks, then select your carrier from the list.
Once chosen, exit Settings and check your signal.
Running outdated software can lead to bugs and connectivity issues, including the “not registered on network” error. System updates often contain important fixes for mobile network performance and carrier compatibility.
If your Android is missing updates, it may struggle to maintain a stable connection. Most newer devices update automatically, but older models may require manual updates.
Open Settings > Software update > Download and install.
If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it.
After the update, restart your phone and check your connection.
If your phone isn’t protected with strong mobile security, deeper software issues could be at play. Pop-up ads, overheating, and frequent app crashes are common signs of a possible virus. In severe cases, ransomware can even lock you out of your device completely.
To stay safe, learn how phones get viruses, how to remove them, and how to manage app permissions to minimize risks. Strengthening your mobile security can help prevent problems.
A loose or improperly inserted SIM card can cause a “SIM card not registered on network” error. Sometimes, simply removing and reinserting your SIM is all you need to do to restore the connection.
Power off your phone and find the SIM card tray on the side of your device.
Eject the tray using a SIM ejector tool or a paperclip. Gently press into the small hole, then pull the tray out and remove the SIM card.
Inspect the SIM card for dirt or damage, and clean it gently if needed.
Reinsert the SIM card securely into the tray, slide it back into your phone, and power the device on.
Test the connection to see if your phone now registers on the network.
If you’ve recently switched mobile service providers, your Access Point Name (APN) settings may need updating. APNs are configurations your phone uses to connect to your carrier’s mobile data network. Incorrect APN settings can cause your device to lose connection or show the “not registered on network” error.
Changing APN settings is a more advanced fix, so always note down your current APN details first. That way, if something goes wrong, you can quickly restore the original settings.
Open Settings and go to Connections > Mobile networks > Access Point Names.
Select your current APN and carefully note down its details. Tap Add or the + icon to create a new APN. Enter the correct settings provided by your new carrier. Save the new APN and select it as active. Restart your phone and check if the issue is resolved.
If you’re in an area with weak coverage — particularly rural or remote locations — your phone may have trouble connecting to 4G or 5G. Switching to LTE, 3G, or even 2G can help restore service and fix the “not registered on network” error. This adjustment tells your phone to fall back on older, more widely available (but slower) networks.
Options vary by device and carrier; 3G or 2G may be limited or unavailable in some regions. Selecting 2G typically supports calls/texts with very slow data.
Open Settings and tap Connections > Mobile networks > Network mode. From the list, select a preferred network from the list to force your device to connect.
Wait a few seconds, then check if your device reconnects and can make calls.
If your Android phone still displays the “not registered on network” error, resetting your network settings can help.
Open Settings, scroll down and tap General management > Reset > Reset mobile network settings.
Tap Reset settings again to confirm, then enter your PIN or password if prompted.
Restart your phone and reconnect to your mobile network.
Some Androids only have the option to Reset network settings, rather than mobile-only. This option returns all network-related settings to their default state. This means you would need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords, re-pair Bluetooth devices, and re-add VPN settings afterward.
If your phone’s internet is slow or not connecting after trying multiple fixes, this step can often clear out stubborn issues and speed it up.
If none of the previous steps have resolved the issue, the problem may be on your carrier’s end. Contacting your mobile provider can help clarify why your phone still isn't registering on the network. They can check whether your SIM card is active, confirm that your account is in good standing, or let you know if there’s a local network outage.
If they determine the problem is hardware- or network-related, they may need to issue you a new SIM card to restore service.
Your phone may be saying it’s not registered on a network for several reasons, usually tied to hardware, software, carrier settings, or SIM card issues. Here’s a breakdown of how each one might be causing the problem:
Hardware: Physical damage to your phone — like a faulty antenna or SIM card reader — can prevent it from connecting to mobile networks. This is especially common after a drop or exposure to water.
Software: Outdated software, unofficial firmware, or malware can disrupt your phone’s network connection. Skipping updates, running rooted devices, or installing apps or updates from untrusted sources may trigger registration errors or block SIM recognition, leaving your device unable to connect properly.
Network carrier: The issue may be problems on your provider’s side, such as account issues or coverage gaps. Whether you're using T-Mobile, Verizon, or another carrier, outages or roaming restrictions can result in this error.
SIM card: A damaged, outdated, or improperly inserted SIM can block your connection. Also, if you’ve switched phones or carriers, your SIM may need to be reactivated.
Even after fixing the “not registered on network” error, future issues can crop up, especially if malware or misconfigured settings go unnoticed. Avast Mobile Security for Android helps protect your phone in real time, block malicious apps, scan Wi-Fi networks for threats, and keeps your device optimized so it’s ready to connect when you are.
