How To Fix No SIM Card Error On Android

I have a Samsung Galaxy phone that keeps showing ‘No SIM card detected.’ I can’t make calls or send texts. Does anyone know how to fix this?

This No SIM error can happen for many reasons, like dust in the tray or software glitches. If you also can’t send messages, see our guide on fixing the “Currently Unable to Send Your Message” error. Let’s look at the most common fixes for Samsung Galaxy phones.

Why Does My Samsung Galaxy Phone Say “No SIM Card Detected”?

Often it is a simple hardware or software issue. If your SIM card is physically damaged or corrupted, the carrier may need to replace it. But before that, try the methods below in order, from easiest to more advanced.

Samsung Galaxy Shows “No SIM” – Ways to Fix It

1. Activate SIM Card or USIM Cards

Open Settings
Tap Connections
Go to SIM card manager
Toggle on the switch for your SIM or USIM card

2. Restart Your Samsung Galaxy

A forced restart often resolves temporary glitches. According to Samsung’s support site, hold Power + Volume Down for at least 7 seconds until the device reboots.

3. Inspect Your SIM Tray and SIM Card

Power off the phone
Remove the SIM card from its tray
Inspect for physical damage, corrosion, scratches, or dust
Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth or air blower to remove dust
Check that the SIM card gold contacts are clean
Reinsert carefully in the correct orientation

To verify, test that same SIM in another phone. If it fails there too, the SIM likely needs to be replaced.

4. Change Network Mode to Auto

Open Settings → Connections (or Wireless & Networks)
Tap Mobile Networks
Select Network Mode
Choose 4G/3G/2G (auto connect)

This ensures the phone can switch between technologies depending on signal strength.

5. Use the Hidden Radio Settings (if available)

Open the dialer and enter *#*#4636#*#* (some firmware versions may block this)
Tap Phone / Device Information
Run a Ping Test
Under “Set preferred network type”, choose GSM / LTE / WCDMA (auto)
If there is an option Turn off Radio, use it, then reboot

Note: On many newer Samsung devices, access to these menus is restricted or removed.

6. Clear SIM Card Manager Cache

Go to Settings → Apps
Tap the Menu (three dots) → Show system apps
Search for SIM Card manager
Tap Storage, then Clear Cache
You may also choose Clear Data (this resets SIM settings)

7. Toggle Airplane Mode

Swipe down to open the notification panel
Tap the Airplane mode icon to enable it, wait 5 to 10 seconds, then disable it
Check if the SIM now gets detected

8. Clear SIM Toolkit Cache & Data

Go to Settings → Apps
Tap Menu → Show system apps
Find SIM Toolkit (or SIM Application Toolkit)
Tap Storage, then Clear Cache
You can also Clear Data or Force Stop the app

SIM Toolkit Manager — Image : Technobezz

Clearing the SIM Toolkit app’s cache and data is known to help resolve strange SIM detection issues. Also Google’s support threads confirm using Force Stop, Clear Data, and Clear Cache for SIM Toolkit can fix errors.

9. Reset Network Settings

Open Settings → General Management (or System)
Tap Reset
Select Reset network settings
Confirm the reset

10. Reset Access Point Name (APN) Settings

Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Access Point Names
Tap Menu (three dots) → Reset to default
If your carrier gave you custom APN settings, reenter them

11. Update Your Software Version

Open Settings
Scroll to Software update
Download and install updates if available
Restart the phone after updates

12. Choose the Correct Network Operator Manually

Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks
Tap Network Operators → Search Now
Select your carrier from the list

13. Convert to eSIM (if your carrier supports it)

Many newer Samsung phones support eSIM. If your physical SIM is failing, consider asking your carrier to convert your line to an eSIM (a digital SIM). Several users remedied persistent “No SIM” issues this way.

14. Reset Your Phone to Factory Settings

If nothing else works, perform a factory reset (after backup). This removes all custom settings and apps.

Go to Settings → General Management
Tap Reset
Select Factory data reset (this cleans all data)

15. Investigate Hardware or Service Center Repair

If none of the above steps work, the SIM reader, internal circuitry, or antenna connectors may be damaged. In user forums, many report that after firmware updates the SIM slot fails permanently, requiring component-level repair or replacement. Samsung community thread Also in one case the antenna ribbon had to be replaced.