How to fix No service error on iPhone 11 Pro Max, SMS and calls not working

Dealing with a no service error on new smartphones like the iPhone 11 Pro Max is truly a downer since you’d be unable to use the basic yet very important functions like calling and texting. Nonetheless, such are inevitable problems that can occur regardless of how new or powerful a device could be. If by any chance, you would bump into a similar issue in which your new iPhone 11 Pro Max is showing a no service error and unable to process SMS messages and calls, I’ve lined up some of the most suggested workarounds and potential solutions you can try on. Read on to find out how to deal with a no service error on your new iOS smartphone.

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Troubleshooting no service error on iPhone 11 Pro Max

Given the fact that your phone is new, the possibility of hardware damage being the underlying cause is very unlikely. Nonetheless, it isn’t impossible. Before rushing to a service center, try performing the following procedures, to eliminate common factors that are linked to no service error.

 

First solution: Reboot or soft reset your iPhone 11 Pro Max.

Bumping into various types of errors on your phone is inevitable. Most of these random errors are minor and thus can easily be rectified by a system reboot. If you haven’t done or changed anything on your phone and yet you’re suddenly seeing no service on the status bar, then this may be just a random glitch. With that said, reboot or soft reset your iPhone if you haven’t already. Simply refer to these steps:

  1. Simultaneously press and hold the Side and Volume Up buttons for a few seconds.
  2. Release both buttons when the Slide to Power off bar appears.
  3. Swipe or drag the bar to turn your device off.
  4. After about 30 seconds, press and hold the Side button and then release when the Apple logo appears.

Performing a soft reset or reboot on the iPhone can fix various types of software issues without affecting any saved information on the internal memory. Thus, it’s a simple and safe process to begin with. If the error persists after rebooting the phone, then that’s when you need to consider performing other methods to eliminate other factors. 

ALSO READ: How to fix an iPhone 11 Pro that won’t send emails via Mail app, email sending failed

 

Second solution: Toggle Airplane Mode on and off.

A no service error is tagged among other wireless connectivity issues transpiring in different iOS devices and the new iphone 11 Pro Max is no exception. Many people who have faced with these errors were able to find luck from another simple old tweak they called the Airplane mode trick. If you wish to try your luck in this method, then here’s how it’s done:

  1. Tap Settings from the Home screen. 
  2. Select Airplane mode
  3. Toggle the switch next to Airplane mode to turn the feature on. All wireless functions of your phone are then disabled simultaneously.
  4. While the Airplane mode is enabled, perform a soft reset on your phone. 
  5. Wait until your phone is finished rebooting and then go back to Settings-> Airplane mode menu. 
  6. Finally, tap the Airplane Mode switch again to disable the feature.

Performing this trick is another way of giving a simultaneous restart or refresh to your phone’s wireless features including cellular functions.

 

Third solution: Install carrier updates, if available.

Carriers also pushed dedicated updates to ensure network stability and security. These updates are different from that of the iOS updates released by Apple periodically. Some carrier updates are mandatory or automatically installed while others require manual installation. If your iPhone has no trouble connecting to Wi-Fi internet, then try to check if there’s a new carrier update available. Just follow these steps:

  1. From the Home screen, tap Settings.
  2. Select General.
  3. Tap About.

If an update is available, you’ll be prompted with an option to select OK or Update

 

Fourth solution: Update your iPhone 11 Pro Max to the latest iOS version.

Installing the latest iOS version available for your iPhone can also help resolve various types of system errors, particularly the ones inflicted by software bugs. The latest iOS update available is the iOS version 13.1.3. This update brings in some dedicated fix patches to address widespread system issues as well as security enhancements for your iPhone. If you haven’t already, then you better go ahead and check if this update is already available on your device. All you need is a stable internet connection and ample battery life on your phone to proceed. Here’s how to get started checking iOS updates:

  1. From the Home screen, tap Settings.
  2. Select General.
  3. Tap Software Update.

You’ll see a notification if a new iOS version is available. Read and review the update details then follow the onscreen instructions to download and install the update on your phone when ready.

If you’ve got some important data stored on your iPhone, then you might as well consider backing it up first, for safekeeping. 

After installing the update, reboot your iPhone to implement the recent system changes. Then try to see if that fixes the no service error.

ALSO READ: How to fix iPhone 11 Pro Max that keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi network

 

Fifth solution: Reset network settings to fix No service error on your iPhone 11 Pro Max.

Network-related issues including those affecting cellular services can also be addressed by a network settings reset. This reset wipes all your customized network settings and then restores the original network values. Any erratic configurations that might have triggered some errors will therefore be eliminated. Just follow these steps whenever you’re all set to reset network settings on your device:

  1. From the Home screen, tap on Settings.
  2. Select General.
  3. Scroll down and tap on Reset.
  4. Tap Reset Network Settings from the given options.
  5. Enter your passcode if prompted to continue.
  6. Confirm action by tapping on Reset Network Settings again

After the reset, your phone will restart by itself and then loads up the default network values and options. To get back online and use wireless network services, you’ll need to re-enable necessary features such as cellular data, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and others.

Last resort: Remove then reinstall SIM card on your iPhone 11 Pro Max.

A faulty SIM card can also be the underlying cause. Sometimes, errors are triggered with the SIM card system encounters some random errors and gets corrupted. To deal with these random errors, reinstalling the SIM card can help. For starters, here’s the proper way to remove and reinstall the SIM card on your new iphone 11 Pro Max:

  1. Turn off your iPhone completely. This is highly recommended to avoid damaging the SIM card components or your phone itself.
  2. While the phone is turned off, insert the SIM ejector tool into the small hole on the SIM tray located on the right side of your phone.
  3. Gently push the tool until the tray ejects.
  4. Remove the SIM card from the tray. Also care to examine the card for any visible signs of damage like scratches and liquid traces. If there’s none, insert the SIM card back it into the tray with the gold contacts facing down and the notched edge on the upper right
  5. Make sure the SIM card is properly seated.
  6. Then push the tray back into the phone until it locks. 

If you have a spare SIM card that’s compatible with your iphone 11 Pro Max, try using that SIM card to see if the no service error is gone. Doing so will help you determine whether or not the problem is with the original SIM card you’re using. If the error doesn’t show up while using the other SIM card, go to your carrier’s retail store and ask them to replace your SIM card with a new one. Otherwise, contact Apple Support for further assistance.

ALSO READ: How to fix an iPhone 11 Pro that won’t connect to App Store

 

Still having a no service error on your iPhone 11 Pro Max?

Among the last options you’ve got if you wish to troubleshoot further would include a factory reset and iOS restore in recovery mode or DFU mode. These three are deemed among the last options because they all result in permanent data loss. Should you wish to go further and try any of these methods, don’t forget to back up all critical files from your iPhone storage to iCloud or iTunes. That way you’d still be able to recover and use these files again.

If all else failed, then this is the point when you’ll have to consider looking into the possibility of temporary network problems affecting cellular services in your place. The above procedures are usually good enough to deal with software-related errors that might have caused conflicts to your phone’s cellular system and thereby triggered a no service error to show up. But since the error continues after applying all of them, the problem is more likely not fixable by end-users. Hence, you can contact your network service provider or carrier to report the problem for further assistance. If you suspect that the problem is attributed to a faulty SIM card, then you can request for a new SIM card replacement too. Just let them know exactly of what happened or how you ended up facing a no service error on your new iphone 11 Pro Max.

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