There’s nothing more frustrating than reaching for your phone to make an important call, only to be met with a ‘Cellular Network Not Available’ error. This error is a notorious obstacle for both Android and iOS devices. Typically, this is a sign of a glitch with your cellular service or your phone’s software, but it could also indicate hardware damage.
In this blog post, we’ll demystify this error, explore its common causes, and arm you with actionable solutions to get your device back in working order.
Unraveling the ‘Cellular Network Not Available’ Mystery
So, what does it mean when your phone flings a ‘Cellular Network Not Available’ error at you? Essentially, your device is struggling to connect to your cellular service, which means you might not be able to make or receive phone calls. And if you’re really unlucky, you might not even be able to receive text messages or access the internet without a WiFi connection.
Why does this error occur?
Let’s get to the root of the problem. A few possible culprits can trigger this error:
- Location: If you’re in an area with poor network coverage, your device might not be able to latch onto a signal. When traveling to new areas, it’s a good idea to check your carrier’s coverage map.
- Region-wide Outage: Sometimes, the problem is beyond your control if your cellular service provider is experiencing an outage. Tools like the Down Detector can quickly clue you in on any ongoing issues.
- Hardware Damage: Physical or liquid damage to your phone, specifically to the motherboard, can also lead to this error. Even old damage that seemed innocuous at the time can lead to issues later if it leads to internal corrosion.
- Software Issues: If you’re only having trouble with phone calls and nothing else, there’s likely a software issue at play.
Your Action Plan: Fixing the ‘Cellular Network Not Available Error
Time needed: 20 minutes
Don’t fret if you’re grappling with this error – we’ve got your back! The solutions given below are exclusive to each other, if one doesn’t fix your issue then implement the others in the list. Here are a few tried-and-tested solutions to bring your device back to life:
- Check Airplane Mode
Before you dive into more advanced solutions, double-check that your phone isn’t on Airplane Mode. This can often be the sneaky villain blocking your phone calls.
- Select a Network Operator
If you’re abroad, your phone might be struggling to latch onto a new network. In most Android devices, you can prompt your phone to automatically search for networks by navigating through: Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators > Select Automatically.
- Power Cycle Your Device
Power cycling can reset your device’s connection with your network provider. If your phone’s battery is removable, turn off your device, remove the SIM card and battery, then carefully reinsert them and turn your device back on.
- Update Your Device
A system update can work wonders for resolving any operating system issues. You can typically find this option under the ‘About device’ or ‘About phone’ option in your phone’s settings.
- Perform a Factory Reset
If your device is up-to-date but still playing up, a factory reset could be your next step. Remember to back up any essential data beforehand, as a factory reset will wipe your settings, apps, and possibly personal files.
- Check the Verizon APN Settings
For those using Verizon, updating your APN settings could resolve your issues. Check out the official Verizon Help Desk for further assistance.
- Reach Out to Your Carrier
Lastly, if you’ve tried all of the above and still have no luck, it’s time to call in the cavalry and reach out to your cell phone carrier. They may need to replace your SIM card, or perhaps there’s a mass outage that they need to resolve.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’ve been traveling and can’t make calls; power cycling your phone might do the trick. Sometimes, our phones struggle to recognize local cell phone towers after a trip. If this doesn’t work, check your Airplane Mode setting, and if all else fails, reach out to your phone carrier for assistance. A change of sim card might be necessary or else the company can restart the services upon your return.
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Stay Connected
Although the ‘Cellular Network Not Available’ error can be a headache, it’s often just a temporary bug that can be resolved quickly. The above solutions should help you troubleshoot your device and get back to staying connected. Have you faced network problems before? What worked for you? Share your experiences in the comments below!