How to Fix a ‘Not Registered on Network’ Error on Samsung Galaxy
Getting a ‘not registered on network’ error on your Samsung Galaxy? Here’s what it means and how to fix it.
Causes of the ‘Not Registered on Network’ Error
There could be an issue with your SIM card, or the problem could be on your carrier’s end. Possible causes include:
- Your phone’s firmware or operating system is out of date.
- The SIM card is disconnected or damaged.
- Your carrier is not selected in your phone’s settings.
- Your carrier is experiencing an outage.
How Do I Register My Samsung Network?
Follow these steps in order until your phone is working properly:
Restart Your Android Phone
Rebooting your device will clear out any temporary conflicts preventing you from connecting to the network.
Turn Off Wi-Fi
Disable Wi-Fi on your phone, wait for 30 seconds, then turn it back on. This resets your connection and can resolve temporary technical hiccups.
Update Your Android Phone
Make sure your operating system and firmware are current. Sometimes, updates contain fixes to specific problems like this error.
- If you rooted your Android phone, you will need to unroot it before you can install updates.
Reinsert the SIM Card
Take out your SIM card, check for damage, and then put it back in place. Make sure the card is set properly in the tray with the metal pins in the right position.
Manually Choose Your Network
Make sure the correct carrier is selected in your settings. Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators > Search now and select your carrier’s network.
Change the Network Mode
If you’re in a low reception area that doesn’t support 5G or 4G, it’s best to switch to 3G or 2G.
Contact Your Mobile Carrier
Go to a store, or use another phone to call your provider so they can help you resolve the issue. It could be that there’s a network outage in your area, so all you can do is wait. If there’s a problem with your SIM card, your carrier can help you replace it.
Update APN Settings
If you recently changed service providers, you may need to update the Access Point Name (APN) settings. This is an advanced fix, so be careful and write down the default APN settings so you can change them back if something goes wrong.
Reset the Network Settings
Establishing a fresh connection to your carrier’s network can fix problems a reboot can’t. Resetting network settings will erase all Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth connections, so save this step as a last resort.
Use a Different SIM Card
If you have a spare activated SIM card, switch it in and see if your phone can connect to the network. If it can, there’s an issue with your original SIM card.
- Before you buy a new one, check Samsung’s support website to see which SIMs are compatible with your Samsung Galaxy.
What Does ‘Not Registered on Network’ Mean?
If you see the ‘not registered on network’ error on your device, it means your SIM card can’t connect to your cell provider’s network. You will likely not be able to make or receive calls or text messages.
- This issue can occur on any Android phone, so the steps for fixing it are the same regardless of the manufacturer or model.
FAQ
What Does ‘Not Registered on Network’ Mean on T-Mobile?
In addition to the reasons/solutions listed above, if you recently purchased a phone or you’re switching to T-Mobile from another network, you might need to unlock your device with the old carrier. Locate your phone’s IMEI number from Settings > About Phone on Android (or Settings > General > About on iOS) and contact T-Mobile to verify your account and help you unlock it.
Why is My Phone Not Registered on a Network When Roaming?
Your provider might not have roaming agreements with other carriers in the particular area where you’re roaming and where they don’t provide service. To avoid traveling out of service range, double-check the roaming coverage or look for a coverage map on your carrier’s website before you go.
By following these steps, you should be able to fix the ‘Not Registered on Network’ error on your Samsung Galaxy and get back to using your phone without any issues.
