“No network” on iPhone and what to do about it? Personal experience!

Finding yourself “in your hands” with an iPhone that does not catch the network on any trip or business trip is not a pleasant situation. The boss will be annoyed that his employee is unavailable and did not submit a timely report, relatives will be worried, potential clients will be off the hook. It will be impossible to even call help or a taxi if something happens to the car. It should be recognized that modern man is heavily dependent on the GSM signal.

Fortunately, in most situations you can solve the problem of a weak network on your iPhone yourself and quite quickly. In this article we will talk about common reasons why an Apple gadget has poor network reception and ways to correct the situation.

Network problems

Perhaps the iPhone does not connect to the network due to a failure with the operator. Then you just need to restart the gadget. If such manipulation does not lead to the desired result, then you should go to the phone settings. This may have happened due to incorrect input of the time zone and time. To check you need:

  • Enable Wi-Fi.
  • Go to the “Date and Time” settings item.
  • Select “Automatic”, which will allow the iPhone to independently determine the belt in which the user is wearing.
  • After a few minutes, reboot the device.

But sometimes this method may not work. Then you need to check whether the operator’s services are provided in this region. To do this, you need to turn on “Airplane mode”, and after a few seconds turn it off. After this, the search for an operator will begin.

If this does not help, then you should check the provider settings:

  • Go to the “Operator” item.
  • Check that the selected operator settings are correct.

If after the manipulations the situation has not changed, then the iPhone does not catch the network precisely because of the breakdown. First, you should check the status of the power amplifier in the “Modem firmware” item. If it is missing, then the amplifier is in a faulty state. If the reason lies in the failure of the radio module, then you will not be able to determine this fact yourself; they will be able to confirm your guess at the service center. These elements are damaged after falling or constant exposure to an unfavorable external environment, for example, high humidity.

Another common cause is an error when installing iOS software. In this case, you will need to reinstall the software.

How to set up a network on an iPhone

Why the Internet does not work on an iPhone - what to do

Usually, to automatically search for a network and restore the phone to its normal state, it is enough to reset all network settings that are already installed. As a result, the device returns to its original setting, which allows further contact with the telecom operator.


Network configuration

You can perform this reset in your phone settings. In the “Basic” section you will need to find a line called “Reset”. In it, the user will be offered different options, including “Reset network settings.” If you agree to take this step, you need to be prepared to lose some data.

Some of them - VPN, as well as APN - are restored automatically thanks to the exchange of information with the operator. However, some data will be lost forever. The latter include passwords from Wi-Fi networks, for example.

Important! If you save combinations in advance, they can be restored via iCloud. However, after such a step, treatment in the form of a reset may be required again, since the error will also be duplicated.

The phone loses connection in the cold

iPhone gadgets, like any flagships, cannot always function normally in severe frosts. To keep it cool, pay attention to 3G and GPS, which should be turned off as they too can interfere with the connection. When disconnecting you need:

  • Switch “Airplane mode” to OFF.
  • Reboot your phone.
  • Check that the communication settings are correct.

If after this the iPhone loses the network, you will have to contact a service center.

The gadget has broken down

If there is a physical breakdown of the iPhone, a visit to the specialists cannot be avoided. As a rule, a gadget’s failure to catch the network is caused by a malfunction of the antenna module. A broken antenna is the result of a fall or flooding of the gadget. The cost of repair in this case will depend on the iPhone model. We will collect the approximate prices in a table:

iPhone 7 iPhone 6S iPhone 6 iPhone 5S iPhone 4S iPhone 4
Repair price RUB 3,300 2,000 rub. 1,500 rub. 1,000 rub. 700 rub. 700 rub.

You should only contact Apple authorized service centers for repairs. Repairing an iPhone in the “basement” will void the warranty.

Rearranging the SIM card

Alternatively, try rearranging the SIM card. There are situations when the contact paths move away from the SIM card and contact is lost, making authorization at the operator’s base station impossible. In this case, the “network disappears”, all the “sticks” disappear and only a reboot helps.

To do this, we will use a special paper clip from the box. We insert it into the hole and press lightly, and we take out the tray with the microSim. We inspect and insert the structure back, being careful. Now we restart the device, in 40% of cases this will help.

Lost settings

Typically, telephone devices search for an operator Automatically by default, but there are exceptions. In the SIM card settings, you can check this item, as well as other parameters: which SIM card (if there are two) is selected for data transfer, making calls, and others. Sometimes a SIM card may simply be disabled - this can be easily fixed by pressing its activation button.

We recommend: How to set a password on an Android phone

Important! It is not recommended to ignore operating system updates: with them, the iPhone works correctly and its speed increases.

No support for the required operator

If the iPhone 4, 5, 6 models do not catch the network, then there is a high probability that it only supports the settings of a certain operator. This can often be found on non-activated models coming from the USA. Such smartphones are tied to the AT&T operator and without a special “unlock”, work in the territory of the former CIS will be impossible.

But if the activation does not bring the required results, you will have to reset the settings. To do this, you need to go to “Basic Settings” and reset the communication parameters.

If activation took place using the SAMPrefs program, the process will not be able to proceed automatically. To reset settings you will need:

  • Open iTunes.
  • The mobile must connect to the computer.
  • Perform backup and recovery.
  • After completing the recovery procedure, select the “recognize as a new device” option.

What to do if there is no network on iPhone

When an iPhone says there is no network, not every user knows what to do.

No network on iPhone

There are several methods of correcting the situation that may work.

Reboot

If there is no network on iPhone 5s, se, 6, you need to press and hold the lock button located at the top. For more modern iPhones 8, 7, 6 plus, it is located on the right. And the latest X and 11 products will require you to simultaneously hold the buttons on the right and left.

After this, a shutdown sign will appear on the display of any version, towards which you need to move the slider. The device will turn off within half a minute, after which it can be turned on. Thanks to the action, automatic network configuration can happen.

Contacting your mobile operator

The salon will help you check how much money is in your account, as well as confirm or deny information about service failures in the region where the subscriber is located. You should not call the operator with a similar question using the number of a competing company for this. Otherwise, there is a possibility of an increased rate and loss of money from the account.

Problems with 3G or LTE

The signal may disappear due to the influence of 3G or LTE, which blocks access to the voice communication channel, and the device begins to poorly receive the signal. First you will need to check the settings; if they are entered incorrectly, then perhaps the problem will be resolved by resetting the settings.

Often this method helps only for a short time. To completely fix your cell phone, you will have to take it to specialists to carry out work on flashing the phone. It is not recommended to carry out this procedure yourself, since if a mistake is made during the process, the iPhone will turn into a “brick.”

Lack of communication

When you are out of town or traveling, the connection often disappears - this is not the device’s fault. A little trick will allow you to reboot the system for searching for an available network connection: activate airplane mode for 30-40 seconds, turn it off. After this, the phone will find a signal if it is present.

Tip: Even though airplane mode is indicated by a special icon on the top status bar, its accidental activation may not be replaced. If there are problems with communication, it is useful to make sure that it is inactive.

Time change

If the time and date are set incorrectly, you can change this in two ways. The first is automatic date setting, which requires an Internet connection via Wi-Fi. To do this, you need to set the option to automatically detect the time zone in the parameters, and then reboot. The second method is manually, for which you need to go to the appropriate menu item and enter data based on various Internet services, for example, Yandex.Time.

What is Carrier in iPhone

Sometimes, when looking for a way to restore a lost network, users go to the phone settings menu items. In the data you can find a variety of information, in particular, the name of the operator who provides communication services.

The phone does not connect to Wi-Fi, it says “Saved”

However, instead of a familiar combination, an unknown inscription Carrier may appear in this line. Moreover, additional numbers are also located nearby, usually up to three. This may frighten the subscriber, so it is worth telling in more detail about where this inscription came from.

Important! The translation of the word Carrier in this case means “operator”.

The fact is that the iPhone is designed in such a way that when connected, the gadget receives a file with settings that relate to all types of network connections and data exchange. However, under certain failures, this file may be erased, because it does not last forever.

If the device does not receive an alternative one with the current settings, it “remembers” all known and loaded ones, compares and selects the most suitable one. Since there is no clear name of the operator, the iPhone encrypts the selected combination with the English word.

Updating iPhone or iPad

A system failure, due to which the iPhone does not see the network connection, can occur for any reason: new firmware has not been installed correctly, certain software does not work correctly, unlicensed programs are installed, and much more. In this case, searching for new assemblies through the settings menu can help.

If the smartphone detects available versions of iOS, it will only require the owner’s consent to begin the operation. If this does not help, then you need to consider other options.

SIM card is damaged

Mechanical damage to the SIM card or improper cutting cannot be the reason why there is no network on the iPhone. If the card is faulty, the SIM gadget will not recognize it at all. This is a completely different problem, the possible solutions for which we proposed in the article “Why the iPhone does not see the SIM card.”

However, a user suffering from a lack of network on a smartphone should still conduct a visual inspection of the SIM card. If there is dirt on the contacts, you need to carefully remove it. Even the fact that the user removed the SIM card and installed it back in the slot can help restore a normal GSM signal.

If the owner of an iPhone has suspicions that the gadget has poor network reception due to the SIM card, he should contact the service office with a passport and have the SIM replaced. This procedure is free and only takes a couple of minutes.

Reasons for network loss

Let's look at the main and most common reasons for the lack of signal on an Apple product. First, let's look at the system ones :

  1. Smartphone update . Indeed, the Cupertino team quite often release updates that fix bugs. However, sometimes it happens that a user who has updated to the latest version, on the contrary, for some reason loses access to certain functions. This is especially true in cases when new serialized firmware is released - no matter how hard Apple tries, it doesn’t work out perfectly the first time. We strongly recommend that you do not install the beta version of the new iOS in advance of the worldwide release date, as it may cause the device to break;
  2. Hacking a device . For the first time in a long time, the latest version of the axis was hacked - hackers found gaps in the previously impenetrable system. Hundreds of thousands of users began to download jailbreaks and discover new features in the iPhone not only at the system level, but also in applications from the App Store. Naturally, interfering with native iOS can easily result in unpleasant consequences, including the loss of the GSM signal;
  3. Replacement SIM card or outdated SIM card . If you recently changed your cellular operator, then it is likely that this could be the problem. And if you use the same SIM card for several years (from 5-10 years and above), then most likely the chip on the card may no longer be readable;
  4. The time is set incorrectly . A common problem is the wrong time zone or date;
  5. Network problems due to cellular operator . Here you can’t guess for sure whether it’s unscheduled system work at the mobile operator in your region or problems with your gadget.

Mechanical reasons:

  1. A fall . A simple fall, even from a small height, can have consequences. And even if the device is not damaged externally, this does not mean that it did not affect the internal components. Think about whether you've dropped your iPhone recently. It is likely that the fragile antenna responsible for receiving the signal was somehow touched;
  2. Damage to the modem part . This also affects the signal update. How to understand that this is precisely the problem: the network is unstable (sticks disappear and appear, despite the fact that you do not change your location), the gadget heats up, and reboots on its own. These are clear signs that the modem is faulty;
  3. Weather . Outdated models may not catch the network, or even turn off completely in the cold, which is why this problem may arise.

Incorrect time

Before embarking on radical methods, you should check whether the date on the iPhone is set correctly. This is especially true if the device has been flashed, updated, turned on/off, if the phone has not been used for a long time, or after a trip to the service center. First, we’ll tell you how to set the correct data manually:

  1. Find out the exact time in your time zone. Use the Yandex.Time service or simply enter the name of the city with the suffix “time”;

  2. Launch “Settings”, go to “General” and select “Date and time”;

  3. Uncheck the box that says “Automatic” if it is active. Set the correct time by turning the wheels;
  4. Turn the device on and off and check if the network is working.

If you have a nearby Wi-Fi connection, you can set the date automatically. For this:

  1. Once connected to the Wi-Fi modem, in the “Date and Time” section, swipe right to select “Automatic”. After this, the iPhone itself will set the correct date. This only works if there is an internet connection.

Resetting network settings

Try resetting your operator settings. To do this, launch “Settings”, then go to the “General” section, select “Reset” and tap on “Reset network settings”. The gadget may ask you to enter your Apple ID password.

No personal data will be deleted. The list of Wi-Fi networks and entered passwords is cleared, previously manually set network settings and VPN and APN parameters are reset, which are easy to configure again.

Airplane mode enabled

Check if Airplane mode is disabled on your gadget. This function completely disables cellular communications - the user cannot be reached or sent a message. How do you know if airplane mode is on? An airplane icon will appear instead of the communication bars and operator name. To deactivate the mode, swipe up the curtain and turn off the orange icon. The same can be done by going to “Settings” and unchecking the inscription: “Airplane mode”.

Weak GSM signal, check coverage area

When traveling and travelling, signal loss is a fairly common occurrence. Unfortunately, so far not a single Russian operator has completely covered the entire territory of the country. Therefore, no one is immune from the fact that at some certain moment the network may work poorly or fail. This problem does not occur in large cities, but if you are in the region, then it is quite logical that the iPhone is simply not able to catch the network. This problem will be solved as soon as you get to an area where the coverage is better and works smoothly.

If you are abroad, Apple recommends activating data roaming. To do this, go to “Settings”, then to “Cellular”, then to “Data Options” and swipe to the right next to the inscription: “Data Roaming”.

iOS operating system crash

Even if the iPhone is not broken, it is worth updating it in a timely manner. If your iPhone doesn't connect to the network, try updating the software. For the device to work flawlessly, it is best to install the latest versions of iOS. To find out if there are currently available updates, go to “Settings”, “General” and tap on “Software Update”.

Wait while your device checks for an update. If there is one, then it is worth updating the system and downloading the necessary data package. If you have the latest version of the axis, you will have to reflash the gadget. This is not as scary as it sounds: the results will give you either a clean iPhone or an updated gadget with a saved backup copy. This procedure is easy to carry out yourself at home - you will need a computer and iTunes installed on it. We recommend reading about this in more detail in our separate article.

Unscheduled operator work

It may well be that your provider is currently carrying out technical work to improve the quality of cellular communications or troubleshooting any problems. Try searching the Internet for news about this in your city. It is possible that most users with the same operator have this problem. In this case, you just need to wait until the unscheduled work is completed. You can also call the hotline and find out if any work is being carried out in your area and if any disruptions are observed.

Phone blocking by operator (phones from the USA)

Devices brought from abroad may simply not support domestic cellular operators. As a rule, devices are tied to exclusively one provider. This is especially true for gadgets from America, Australia and Europe. In order to save money, users who ordered a device on the Internet may well encounter the seller’s dishonesty, since they always wait and give money for a “pig in a poke.”

There are several ways to solve this problem: hardware unlock and an agreement with the provider, who will exclusively draw up an agreement for the provision of communication services. These methods have disadvantages: as a result of the first, the connection becomes noticeably worse, some services are difficult to configure (for example, iMessage and FaceTime), after a failure you will have to activate everything again, and the most unpleasant thing is the inability to update to the latest version of the axis. In the second case, everything can cost a pretty penny (drawing up an agreement costs money, and quite a lot of it - at least 15 thousand rubles), and the wait for unlock from the operator can drag on for a month. Think several times whether it is worth saving on something brought from abroad. In any case, always ask the seller to confirm that the iPhone is unlocked from local AT&T carriers.

SIM card is damaged

As was said just above, replacing or obsolescence of a SIM card may well cause the loss of GSM. However, when it comes to breakdown or damage, the iPhone simply will not be able to recognize the card, and the top status bar will display the message: “No SIM card.”

Try simply inserting and pushing the part back: this helps in most cases. It is likely that the contact paths simply moved away from the SIM card and contact was lost.

If you have recently cut a SIM or mechanical damage has occurred, then it is worth visually inspecting the SIM card. Even when the user is faced with a lack of network, this important detail is worth checking. Use a special paperclip from the original box, and by slightly pressing into the recess on the side edge, remove the part with the microSIM. Inspect it for external damage: if there is debris or dirt, it must be removed carefully, without using sharp objects or strong cleaning agents. Wipe your SIM card with a lint-free dry cloth.

Another solution is to put your SIM card in another smartphone. Most modern devices use the same SIM size as the iPhone, so it makes no difference what model the phone is. If the part works on another device, then this means that the problem is in the system settings, and not in the operator or SIM.

If you still have suspicions that the problem is with the SIM card, and it also did not work on a third-party gadget, then you need to contact the nearest service center. A passport will be required for personal identification. Employees will offer to replace the old card with a new one (usually telecom operators provide this service free of charge, however, there may be exceptions, check in the salon or on the official website).

Weather

As written on the official Apple website, their devices must be operated at temperatures not lower than 0 degrees Celsius. If you actively use your gadget in adverse weather conditions, then get ready for the fact that the network may disappear. iPhones cannot maintain stable performance during the cold season. How to fix this problem:

  1. If the network does not catch, then turn off the power on the device and put it in a warm place. Leave in this state for about 10-20 minutes;
  2. Connect the device to a charger (socket or removable charger), turn on the gadget and check if the signal has improved.

Contact your service provider

If your SIM card is blocked or you have lost access to your account, then you should go to the service center and call the hotline. You can check:

  1. Current balance, whether there are debts or any restrictions;
  2. Find out if any repair work is being carried out specifically in your region;
  3. Find out if there are any blocks for your device and whether the current tariff is up to date.

Only a support representative can provide accurate information on these issues.

Signs of a reception problem

This type of malfunction is quite easy to recognize - the inability to make a call clearly signals that something is wrong with the iPhone. The main signs of problems with the signal will be as follows:

  • the connection appears and disappears
  • The network signal disappears when blocked or in the cold
  • connection does not work only indoors or outdoors
  • there is no mobile Internet, although the operator’s network works fine

The causes of such a malfunction may be problems in the software or operating system, lack of contact with the SIM card (the problem may be in the SIM card itself), or hardware failures. But before looking for the root cause of the malfunction, weed out the most likely options - make sure that your phone is not “locked” to a specific foreign operator (this kind of trouble often occurs among users who purchased a gadget, for example, on Ebay). If a problem with the network arose precisely because of this, then you cannot do without the intervention of specialists to remove the blocking (to check, just install another SIM). You should also make sure that Airplane mode is not enabled, in which the network will also not work.

The reason is the coverage area

The iPhone is a popular product, so it is not surprising that counterfeits and defects are common. It is also possible that your phone was imported into Russia unofficially and works strictly with a specific telecom operator.

As you can see, there are various circumstances that affect the operation of your iPhone. If your iPhone has poor network reception, it’s quite easy to solve the problem yourself. If the above methods did not help, seek advice from a specialist.

iPhone is considered one of the most popular mobile phone brands in the world. Models under this name are quite expensive, but this does not stop many people who are sometimes ready to go into debt, take out loans, and incur other personal complications for the sake of a coveted gadget. Therefore, it becomes a shame if unexpectedly your beloved iPhone becomes worse at catching the network.

Naturally, this seriously limits the functionality of the device. Therefore, you should quickly get rid of the trouble. Sometimes you can achieve the desired result with your own hands. And in our article we will try to tell you what exactly can be done in such a situation.

Repair

After replacing some parts, the gadget may display the message “No network” even when you are in a large city with a good connection. There may be several reasons, almost all of them are related to incorrectly carried out repairs. If checking the parameters discussed above did not help, you can try rebooting the device and resetting the settings (discussed below).

If moisture gets into the case, in addition to negative oxidation processes, the communication antenna quickly breaks down. If your iPhone comes into contact with water, you should seek professional help.

If the iPhone was purchased in another country for the sake of economy, for example, it may also not recognize the format of domestic networks for the owner.

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How are chips designated in 5S?


p/p
Alphanumeric designationPurpose
1U1_RFModem
2U2_RFModem power controller
3U1CPU
4U6_RFEEPROM
5FlCoil (filter)

USB line (5 volts) PP5V0_USB_CONN or VBUS.

Fl26 (phone backlight) is installed in the CATODE 2 line.

Reset

The decisive step to return the ability to make calls is to reset the settings. But it’s better to start not with factory ones - you can always do this, but with network ones. There is a simple procedure for this:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. In the General category, find Reset.
  3. Click on Reset network settings.

Usually this “cure” works, otherwise you can try a factory reset. In this case, the data will be erased and you will have to make a backup copy. If this action helps, a relapse is likely: it is better to consult a professional about network problems.

Installing system updates

For the device to function correctly, it requires software updates. Perhaps the iPhone does not see the network because these updates arrived on it, but you did not install them.

Connect to the Internet, go to the “Basic” settings menu again, then the “Software Update” line. If you can't connect to the Internet on your phone, you can complete this step through your computer while connected to iTunes.

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