Technology
No Service: Recovery Guide
Recover connectivity when your phone shows “No Service.” Use quick resets, smart SIM and network selection, field tests, and clear escalation that gets attention.
Field Technician
Radio & Coverage Specialist
When your phone shows “No Service” or “SOS only,” use this field-tested recovery guide. Progress from quick resets to radio diagnostics, then escalate with evidence.
Immediate Resets
- Toggle Airplane Mode for 20–30 seconds to reset radios.
- Restart device; if dual‑SIM, disable/enable target SIM.
- Power‑cycle portable hotspot or home router if using LTE routers.
SIM and Network Selection
- Confirm SIM is detected; reseat and clean contacts gently.
- Set Network Selection to automatic; avoid locking to a single band.
- Reset APN to default; remove custom proxies breaking attach requests.
- Test with a second SIM/carrier to isolate device vs. tower issues.
Field Test Diagnostics
- Check signal metrics: RSRP, RSRQ, SINR; extremely low values imply coverage gaps.
- Confirm bands in use; some devices fail on specific LTE/5G bands indoors.
- Move outdoors or closer to windows; avoid metal structures and basements.
Voice and Wi‑Fi Calling
- Enable VoLTE/VoWiFi where available to place calls over data/Wi‑Fi.
- If no cellular coverage at home, use Wi‑Fi calling as primary.
Router and CPE Options
- External antennas for LTE routers can recover service in fringe areas.
- Place router high and central; avoid interference and thick walls.
- Lock to stable bands if automatic selection is unreliable.
Safety and Offline
- Keep offline copies of essential contacts and maps.
- Prepare dual‑SIM with different carriers for redundancy.
- Have alternative messaging apps ready for Wi‑Fi‑only situations.
Nigeria‑Specific Tips
- Use official USSD/apps to check service status and report outages.
- Know local tower patterns; relocate briefly to known coverage spots.
- Keep small power banks; brief blackouts can coincide with cell outages.
Escalation
- Log timestamps, exact locations, screenshots, and error messages.
- Contact carrier support; request line tests and tower investigations.
- Ask for SIM replacement if attach failures persist after diagnostics.