How to fix an iPhone 7 that keeps losing signal, no service error after iOS 11 update (easy steps)

Just early this month, a repair program for iPhone 7 devices has been initiated by Apple in line with an issue that prompted a No Service message in the status bar even when the cellular network is available. It was found out that a faulty logic board component is causing the error. The company has noted though that only a small percentage of iPhone 7 devices was affected by the No Service flaw. If you think your iPhone 7 is among the few models experiencing the same issue, then all you have to do is take your iPhone to an Apple authorized service center or Apple retail store in your place for further inspection. If your device is eligible for the program, Apple will fix it for free. But if the No Service error only started after updating your iPhone 7 to the latest version of iOS 11, then you’ve got to try some other means to troubleshoot and fix the No Service error on your device. You may refer to the subsequent walkthroughs whenever you need some inputs.

Before going any further though, if you have other concerns with your new iPhone, make sure you drop by our iPhone 7 troubleshooting page for we have already started supporting the device. Moreover, if you need further assistance, you can always contact us by completing our iPhone issues questionnaire and providing us with sufficient information about the problem.

Potential solutions to fix No Service error on your iPhone 7

Before you start troubleshooting, check and ensure that you’re within your cellular network coverage area. Restart your iPhone 7 for at least three times and see if that would yield positive result. If after the restarts (soft reset) you are but still getting a No Service error on your iPhone 7 status bar, then you may proceed with these workarounds.

Verify and ensure Cellular Data is enabled on your iPhone 7

Cellular data has to be enabled for you to use cellular network services on  your device. If you haven’t already, turn it on.

To check, head over to Settings-> Cellular.  Then tap the switch next to Cellular Data to enable it.

After making necessary changes to your iPhone 7 cellular settings, reboot your iPhone 7 again and then try to see if that fixes the error. If not, then move on to the next workaround.

Update carrier settings (if available)

Carriers or network service providers also roll out periodic updates that contain carrier network and relevant settings to enhance cellular network connectivity and network performance. Carrier updates are usually rolled out when Apple releases a new iOS update. Doing so will ensure that your iPhone’s carrier services blend well with the new iOS platform. It’s a different update from the ones released by Apple.

To manually check and install a carrier settings update, make sure that your iPhone is connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network and then follow these steps:

  1. Tap Settings from Home.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap About.

You will be prompted with an option to update your carrier settings if an update is available.

Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the carrier settings update implementation on your iPhone 7. When the update is finished, restart your iPhone 7 and see if that makes things good already.

Remove and reinsert the SIM card

Removing the SIM card can help especially if the SIM card is loose or dislodged. It’s also one way of rectifying minor glitches affecting the network system on your iPhone. Before removing the SIM card from your iPhone 7, be sure to turn it off completely. Then proceed with these steps:

  1. When your phone is turned off, insert the SIM eject tool or small straight paper clip into the small hole on the right side of your iPhone.
  2. Slightly push the SIM eject tool or paper clip into this hole until the SIM tray pops out.
  3. Remove the SIM card from the tray.
  4. Check and ensure that the SIM card has no signs of damage.
  5. Place the SIM card back into the tray with the gold contacts faced down and notched corner aligns.
  6. Insert the SIM tray back into the iPhone.

When everything is secured, turn on your iPhone 7 then see if the No service error is gone now.

Reset your network settings

Major update may likewise override your current settings and thereby messed up some network functions of your iPhone 7. To rule this out from the possible triggers, performing a network settings reset on your iPhone 7 can help. This will reset your Wi-Fi networks and passwords, VPN and APN settings, and cellular settings that you’ve used before. Here’s how it’s done:

  1. Tap Settings from Home.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Scroll to and tap Reset.
  4. Select the option to Reset Network Settings
  5. If prompted, enter your device passcode to continue.
  6. Confirm network settings reset.

Your iPhone reboots when the network settings reset is complete.

Check for new firmware update to install

Apple releases minor firmware version that contains bug fixes to address existing problems caused by the most recent iOS update. Should the problem you’re dealing with is triggered by some bugs from the major iOS 11 rollout, then it should be dealt with by installing the latest update to iOS.

To check for updates, go to Settings-> General-> Software Update. You’ll get a notification if an update is available.

Before you proceed with the new firmware update implementation, backup your iPhone data and then follow the onscreen prompts to download and install iOS update on your iPhone.

Seek more help

Contact your carrier to verify that your account status is good, your data plan is right, and that cellular services are active on your account. Also check and ensure that there are no outages in your area. If you have confirmed with your carrier that there is no issue with your account or network services and yet you still get No service error on your iPhone 7, then you may have to seek further assistance from Apple Support. You may opt to give them a call or take a trip to an Apple Genius bar near your place instead.

Connect with us

If you need more help with the use of certain functions and features of the new Apple iPhone 7 smartphone, feel free to visit our Tutorial Page. There you can find a list of how-to contents, step-by-step tutorials, as well as answers to FAQs regarding iPhone 7. If you have other concerns or encountered some troubles while using the phone, you can reach us through this form. Just be sure to tell us more details of the problem or device issue(s) you may have and we will be more than happy to assist you further.

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