To fix a phone stuck searching for a network, check coverage and your carrier account, refresh the connection with Airplane Mode, then restart the phone. Weak coverage, outages, account problems, and SIM faults can require different fixes. If service does not return, check that your line is enabled, install updates, and work through your phone’s network settings.
The short version
- Start nearby: Move to an area with stronger coverage and remove the phone’s case before testing again.
- Refresh the connection: On iPhone, turn on Airplane Mode for at least 15 seconds, then turn it off.
- Check the line: Make sure the affected SIM is enabled and ask your carrier about a missing subscription.
- Save resets for later: Try updates and simpler settings checks before resetting network settings.
| Fix | When to try it | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage and carrier checks | Service fails in one location or your line may be inactive | Your carrier must address outages and account problems |
| Airplane Mode | You need to refresh the connection | On iPhone, leave it enabled for at least 15 seconds |
| Restart or full shutdown | The connection refresh does not help | Google recommends a full Pixel shutdown for cellular troubleshooting |
| SIM and line checks | A line is disabled, missing, or potentially faulty | Physical SIM steps require a phone with a tray |
| Carrier-settings update | Your iPhone still searches, especially after a SIM change | Connect to Wi-Fi first |
| Software update | Earlier checks have failed | Install the update offered for your phone |
| Network selection | You need to check the selected operator | Options depend on your phone and carrier |
| Network mode | You want to test another supported connection type | Changing modes may not resolve the underlying cause |
| Network settings reset | Simpler checks have failed | On iPhone, saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords are removed |
| Diagnostics | The failure needs further investigation | Device, software, and regional requirements apply |
| Galaxy Safe mode and app removal | A downloaded app may be interfering | Remove a suspect app only when it is implicated |
| Galaxy factory reset | Earlier software troubleshooting has failed | Back up first because personal data is erased |
| Galaxy repair | Carrier and software checks have not restored service | Inspect for impact or liquid damage |
| Wi-Fi Calling | You need calls while cellular service is unavailable | Your carrier must support it |
Check coverage and your carrier account
Move into an area with stronger cellular coverage, remove your phone’s case or cover, and test again. If the problem persists, ask your carrier to check local coverage and outages. Have it also check your account standing, plan provisioning, and any block on the device.
If you use Verizon, open My Verizon and sign in, then look for Network Notification or open Check network status. Open Device Overview to check whether the line is active. After an outage ends, restart the phone if service has not returned.
Sign in only through Verizon’s own app or website, and never share a code, password, or remote access with someone who contacts you. For unresolved account or network problems, use your carrier’s official help or account support page. If you imported the phone, ask your carrier whether its IMEI needs registration.
Refresh the connection and restart the phone
On iPhone, open Settings, enable Airplane Mode for at least 15 seconds, then disable it. You can also tap Airplane Mode in Control Center and tap it again after the same interval. Check for cellular service before moving on.
On Pixel, open Settings > Network & Internet and switch Airplane mode on and off to refresh active connections. On Samsung Galaxy, open Settings > Connections and turn off Airplane mode. Samsung’s menus vary by software and model.
If your iPhone still searches, open Settings > General > Shut Down, then drag the power slider. Wait 30 seconds, then hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears. This lets you shut down through the menus.
On Pixel 6 and later, hold Power + Volume Up, then tap Power off. On Pixel 5a and earlier, hold Power to access Power off. Google recommends a full shutdown for cellular troubleshooting, so wait 30 seconds, then hold Power to turn the phone on.
On Galaxy, open Quick settings and tap the power icon, then tap Restart twice. If your model has a dedicated Power button, you can also open its power menu by holding that button. Test service after the phone starts again.
Check that your SIM and line are working
On a dual-SIM iPhone, open Settings > Cellular, select the affected line, and enable Turn On This Line. If no cellular line appears, ask your carrier to activate an eSIM or supply a physical SIM for a model with a tray. On Pixel, open Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs, select your carrier, and enable Use SIM.
For an iPhone with a physical SIM tray, insert a SIM-eject tool into the tray’s eject hole without forcing it. Take out the SIM, align its notch in the original tray, and fully reinsert the tray in its original orientation. These steps apply only to models with physical SIM trays.
For a Pixel with a physical SIM tray, power the phone off, eject the tray, position the nano-SIM correctly, and reinsert it. If the phone reports an unsupported SIM, ask your carrier for a replacement. Some older SIMs are unsupported on Pixel 8 and later.
Inspect a physical SIM’s contacts for damage and request a replacement from your carrier if needed. You can also try another compatible SIM in the phone or test the affected SIM in another compatible phone. That comparison helps separate a SIM fault from a handset fault.
Install carrier settings and software updates
Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi, then open Settings > General > About and install any offered carrier-settings update. This check is especially relevant after inserting a different SIM. If service still fails, continue with the phone’s software update.
Before updating iOS, back up the iPhone and connect it to power and Wi-Fi. Open Settings > General > Software Update, tap Download and Install when offered, and complete the displayed update flow. Install the update offered for your eligible iPhone.
On Pixel, connect to Wi-Fi and charge the phone sufficiently, then open Settings > System > Software updates. Some versions call the item System update. Follow the available update flow and restart to activate the installed update.
On Galaxy, open Settings > Software update > Check for updates and complete the offered update. Other builds use Download and install instead. Test the cellular connection again after updating.
Check network selection and connection mode
On supported Galaxy models, open Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators, then tap Select Automatically. Carrier restrictions can affect this setting. If your carrier restricts the option, ask it to check your network access and account.
On Pixel, open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Network and choose an available permitted operator. Options vary by Android version and phone. If your phone does not show that choice, continue with the other checks.
For a 5G-capable iPhone with a supported plan, open Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data. With Dual SIM, first choose the affected number under Cellular. Select LTE to test LTE-only service or 5G Auto for automatic fallback; success depends on the cause of the problem.
On Pixel, open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Preferred network type and choose a supported option such as LTE or 5G. Your choices depend on your carrier, country, and Android version. If the option is unavailable on your phone, continue with the remaining checks.
On Galaxy models whose carriers expose the setting, open Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network mode and test another available mode. When the option is restricted, move on to the remaining troubleshooting steps. A different network mode may help, depending on what is causing the failure.
Reset network settings after simpler checks
If your iPhone is managed by your workplace or another organization, consult IT before resetting its network settings. This reset removes saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords and resets cellular, VPN, and APN settings. Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset, then tap Reset Network Settings. Check whether the phone reconnects afterward.
The Pixel reset resets your mobile-network settings. Open Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Mobile Network Settings. Test service again after completing the reset.
The Galaxy reset resets your mobile-network settings. On current Galaxy software with a separate mobile-network reset, open Settings > General management > Reset > Reset mobile network settings. Tap Reset settings, then tap Reset.
Run diagnostics and investigate persistent failure
For an iPhone running iOS 18 or later, connect to Wi-Fi and use the latest Apple Support app. Open Apple Support > Cellular service > Run Diagnostics. Tap Agree to accept the terms and conditions, then follow the diagnostic recommendations. App and feature availability vary by region.
On Pixel 11 phones used by US subscribers in the US, open Settings > Device health & support. Choose Call diagnostics or Mobile data diagnostics. The Connectivity health area also provides overall insights.
On Galaxy with Samsung Members installed, open Samsung Members > Support > Get Started and select Mobile network. If you need the app, open the Samsung Members download page and choose GOOGLE PLAY or GALAXY STORE. Features vary by device and country.
To investigate app interference on Galaxy, open the power menu, touch and hold Power off, then tap Safe mode. Test reception and investigate recently installed apps if service returns. Only proceed with removing a downloaded app when it is implicated.
Uninstalling removes the selected app from your Galaxy. Open the app drawer, touch and hold the suspect app, tap Uninstall, then tap OK. Restart normally and test service after each removal.
If earlier Galaxy software checks fail, Samsung includes a factory reset as a last software troubleshooting step. A factory reset erases personal data, so back up first and retain your account credentials. Open Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset, tap Reset, then tap Delete all. Supply any requested credentials and, after setup, test service before restoring apps.
If carrier checks and software troubleshooting still leave your Galaxy without service, inspect it for impact or liquid damage. Contact Samsung through its official support page or arrange an authorized repair.
Use Wi Fi Calling while cellular service is unavailable
Wi-Fi Calling can help you make calls while the cellular problem is unresolved, provided your phone and carrier support it. It does not repair cellular registration. Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi, then open Settings > Cellular, select the relevant line if you have multiple lines, and open Wi-Fi Calling.
Enable Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone, tap Enable, and provide the emergency address requested by your carrier. On a Pixel with carrier-supported Wi-Fi Calling, open Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Wi-Fi calling. Enable Use Wi-Fi calling and place a test call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you delete your iPhone eSIM to fix Searching?
Apple advises against erasing an eSIM for routine troubleshooting. If your carrier directs you to replace it, arrange replacement activation with the carrier first.
What should you check if only one iPhone app cannot use cellular data?
Open Settings > Cellular and enable cellular access for that app in the app list. This addresses an app-only data failure rather than a persistent Searching status.
Can another SIM keep your Pixel connected while you troubleshoot?
On a dual-SIM Pixel with another working line, open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs. Under Your primary SIMs, choose the appropriate SIM for Calls, Texts, and Mobile data. This lets you use the working line while the affected line needs attention.
Should you enable data roaming when traveling with an iPhone?
With an eligible roaming plan, open Settings > Cellular and enable Cellular Data. Select the line if necessary, then open Cellular Data Options and enable Data Roaming. This primarily addresses roaming data.