No Service On iPhone X? Here's The Real Fix!

David Lynch

JANUARY 21, 2020

Your iPhone X says No Service and you don't know how to fix the problem. You can't make calls or send texts and you're starting to get frustrated. In this article, I'll explain what do to when it says No Service on your iPhone X!

Does My iPhone X Say "No Service" Because It's Broken?

We can't be sure if your iPhone X says No Service because of a software problem, hardware problem, or an issue with your cell phone plan. It's possible that nothing is wrong with your iPhone at all!

Even if your iPhone X is working properly, it can still say No Service if there's a problem with your wireless carrier's network or your cell phone plan. Our step-by-step guide will help you diagnose and fix the real reason why it says No Service on your iPhone X!

Try Removing Your iPhone X's SIM Card

One common way to fix an iPhone X that says "No Service" is to remove and reseat its SIM card. The SIM card is what connects your iPhone X to the network of your wireless carrier. Even a minor connectivity issue with the SIM card can make your iPhone X say No Service.

The SIM card is located on the right side of your iPhone X just below the side button. Grab a SIM card ejector tool or a straightened out paperclip and push its tip into the small hole in the SIM card tray.

This will pop open the tray, removing the SIM card. You'll probably see a notification on your iPhone that says "No SIM" or "No SIM Card Installed".

After opening the tray, simply push it back into your iPhone X to reseat the SIM card. If your iPhone X still says No Service, follow the troubleshooting guide below to diagnose and fix the problem!

How To Fix An iPhone X That Says No Service

6 Steps Total
1.

Update Carrier Settings

The UpPhone recommend that you update carrier settings immediately after they become available because outdated settings may lead to connectivity issues between your iPhone and your wireless carrier's network.

Some potential issues include having poor service or your iPhone going straight to voicemail anytime you receive a call.

  1. Make sure that your iPhone is connected to a Wi-Fi network, or that Cellular Data is turned on.
  2. Open the Settings app.
  3. Make Tap General.
  4. Tap About.
  5. After a few seconds, if a carrier settings update is available, you'll see a pop-up on the screen of your iPhone which says, "New settings are available. Would you like to update them now?"
  6. Tap Update.
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2.

Update iOS On Your iPhone

If your iPhone is running an outdated version of iOS, you may run into problems that could be fixed simply by updating to the most recent version of iOS.

How Do I Update iOS On My iPhone?

There are two ways to update iOS on your iPhone: in the Settings app and by using iTunes.

Update iOS In The Settings App

  1. Open up the Settings app.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap Software Update.
  4. If an update is available, tap Install Now or Download and Install.

Update iOS Using iTunes (PCs and Macs running macOS 10.14 or older)

  1. Connect your iPhone to a computer using a Lightning cable.
  2. Open iTunes.
  3. Click the Phone button in the upper left-hand corner of iTunes (see image 3).
  4. Click Check For Update.
  5. If an update is available, click Download and Install.

Update iOS Using Finder (Macs running macOS 10.15 or newer)

  1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac using a charging cable.
  2. Open Finder.
  3. Click on your iPhone under Locations.
  4. Click the General tab.
  5. Click Check for Update.
  6. Click Download and Install if an iOS update is available.
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3.

Reset Network Settings

When your iPhone connects to a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth device for the first time, it saves information about how to connect to that network or device. If something changes with that process, it may cause connectivity issues.

Deep software problems, especially with network settings, can be difficult to track down. Rather than trying to track an issue down, we're going to reset all network settings and give your iPhone a fresh start.

How Do I Reset Network Settings?

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Scroll down and tap Transfer Or Reset iPhone.
  4. Tap Reset.
  5. Tap Reset Network Settings.
  6. Enter your passcode if prompted.
  7. Your iPhone will shut down, reset, and turn itself on again when the reset is complete.
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4.

Contact Your Wireless Carrier

Sometimes when your iPhone experiences issues related to your cellular network (no or poor service, calls going straight to voicemail), the problem is stemming from the cellular network, not the iPhone itself.

Below are the support numbers of major wireless carriers to contact if you're experiencing problems.

  1. Verizon: 1-(800)-922-0204
  2. Sprint: 1-(888)-211-4727
  3. AT&T: 1-(800)-331-0500
  4. T-Mobile: 1-(877)-746-0909
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5.

Get A New Cell Phone Plan

Getting a new cell phone plan may be the only solution when you're having issues getting cell service on your phone. If your phone consistently has says "Searching" or has no service, you may want to consider switching carriers.

How Do I Get A New Cell Phone Plan?

  1. Go to the UpPhone cell phone plan comparison tool.
  2. Use the sliders to select how many minutes, messages, and gigabytes of data that you need.
  3. Use the menus to select the features, pricing structure, and contract type that you want.
  4. Click View Plan when you've found one that you're interested in!
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6.

Repair Your iPhone With Apple

Apple repairs iPhones at the Genius Bar in Apple Stores and through their online mail-in repair service. Apple repairs are high-quality, but out-of-warranty repairs can be much more expensive than third-party solutions. If you're looking to save some money you're not covered by Apple's warranty, you may want to check out our other recommendations.

How Do I Repair My iPhone With Apple?

How To Repair Your iPhone With Apple's Mail-In Service

  1. Visit Apple's support website to begin the online mail-in repair process.
  2. Alternatively, call 1-800-MY-APPLE (1-800-692-7753) to set up a repair.

How To Repair Your iPhone At The Genius Bar Inside Your Local Apple Store

  1. Visit Apple's website to make a Genius Bar appointment before you go into the store. Apple Stores are extremely busy, and if you don't have an appointment, you may have to wait for hours or end up being turned away. (Editor's note: I'm a former Apple tech and we're not exaggerating — please, do yourself a favor and make an appointment first!)
  2. When you arrive, go to the Genius Bar to check in for your appointment.
  3. Genius Bar appointments always include free diagnosis. If you're under warranty, many repairs can be done on the spot, but it all depends upon which parts are in stock. If you're not under warranty, the Genius will give you a quote for the cost of a repair.
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We're At Your Service!

You've fixed the problem with your iPhone X or you've found a better cell phone plan. Next time it says No Service on your iPhone X, you'll know how to fix the problem. Leave any other questions or comments about your iPhone down below!

AUTHOR

David Lynch

David Lynch is an expert on cell phones, cell phone plans, and other tech. After using a flip phone into his early 20s, he learned the ropes about iPhones and Androids from a former Apple employee. Today, his articles and videos are read and viewed by millions, and he has been cited by major publications including Reader's Digest, Wired, CMSWire, Consumers Advocate, and more.

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