When your Apple iPhone 6 shows a No Service prompt in the status bar, it usually denotes a network issue that results to your phone’s inability to make or receive calls and text messages. With this status, you too won’t be able to access the Internet unless you are using a wireless network on your device.
In this post, I have explicated the possible reasons as to why your iPhone 6 is showing No Service or any other network errors, particularly after updating your iPhone to the latest iOS 9 platform. I’ve also highlighted a few potential solutions and general troubleshooting procedures applicable to No Service, Searching, and other network-related errors on the same device. If you think you would need this information, I encourage you to read on.
Possible Causes
There are several reasons as to why you will encounter error prompts like No Service, Searching, No Signal, and Network unavailable. In most cases, these errors are tied to an inactive account status as well as unavailability of cellular data or cellular network coverage.
Another possible culprit is your iPhone’s carrier settings that require an update. Some cases are linked to a faulty SIM card or incorrect SIM card installation while others are due to some bad apps that interfere with your iPhone’s cellular signal/network.
In the case where the onset of the problem is after installing the most recent iOS update, most likely it’s a system bug that’s inflicting conflict to your iPhone’s network function.
In worst case scenarios, the No Service error may also indicate hardware damage (physical or liquid damage), which bars your iPhone from getting service or network signal.
Recommended Solutions and Workarounds
Enumerated below are deemed potential solutions used by other iPhone owners who have encountered the same network error after updating their iPhone software. Please note though that solutions may vary depending on what has triggered the problem to occur on your device. That said, you may give any of these subsequent methods a try and see how it works on your end.
Note:
Before you proceed with these troubleshooting procedures, ensure your account status in active. Also check for any possible network outages that might have affected cellular network services in your area. If everything is good but still your iPhone is showing No Service in the status bar, then it’s time to go ahead and troubleshoot your device.
How to Fix Apple iPhone 6 No Service and other network errors after iOS 9.3 update
Method 1: Restart or reboot your iPhone.
Be sure to reboot your iPhone after doing any changes to your iPhone system, like after installing firmware updates. Doing so will allow your device to implement new changes to the system smoothly. To restart, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button until the red slider shows up.
- Drag the slider to power off your iPhone completely.
- Wait for 30 seconds and then press and hold the Sleep/Wake button again until the Apple logo appears.
This process is also known as a soft reset. Personal contents and data won’t be affected in the process.
Method 2: Verify and ensure cellular data is enabled on your iPhone.
There are some iOS updates that would automatically reset some settings in your device, and therefore requires you to reconfigure them. That said, check and ensure cellular data is enabled on your iPhone. To do so, head on to Settings->Cellular. If necessary, toggle the On/Off switch to enable cellular data on your device. Cellular data must be enabled on your iPhone for it to connect to a cellular network.
Method 3: Toggle Airplane Mode on and off.
For some reasons, others were able to fix the problem by simply toggling the Airplane Mode function on their iPhone. If you want to give it a try, just head on to Settings -> Airplane Mode -> and then toggle the switch next to Airplane Mode to turn the feature ON or OFF.
When enabled, wireless signals of the iPhone will be turned off. Check your phone’s signal indicator with Airplane Mode enabled and disabled.
Method 4: Reset Network Settings.
Resetting the network settings to factory defaults can also help resolve network errors like this. The process will help eliminate minor glitches affecting the network function of your iPhone.
To do so, head on to your iPhone Settings-> General-> Reset-> Reset Network Settings. The process will reset settings for your Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, as well as VPN and APN settings you’ve previously used. That said, be sure to back up this information before you begin.
Method 5: Reset All Settings.
This process is quite similar with the reset network settings but in this case, it’s not only the network settings that are reverted to defaults but rather all settings and preferences you’ve made to your device. However, it will not erase any data or installed apps on your iPhone.
This process helps clean up caches and corrupted files from the iPhone system or technically, defrags your device. To do so, go to Settings-> General-> Reset-> Reset All Setting. If prompted, enter the passcode and tap Reset All Settings again to confirm action.
The entire process could take several minutes to complete so just wait. After the reset and reboot process, you will need to reconfigure some of your iPhone settings such as Wi-Fi, wallpapers, themes, and the like.
More Helpful Tips!
Here are some additional helpful inputs shared by other iPhone owners, who have dealt with network errors including the ‘No Service’ prompt on their iPhone 6 handset.
- To ensure the problem is not caused by a faulty SIM card or incorrect SIM card installation, try to remove the SIM card from your iPhone and then put it back in. Contact your carrier if the SIM card won’t fit in the SIM tray or the SIM card is damaged.
- For those who got the skills and will to do some more technical stuff, then you may try to remove the battery from your iPhone and then replace it. Of course, this would mean that you need to dismantle your device. After reinserting the battery, manually set the date or connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi and let it set automatically. Finally, restart your iPhone with the SIM card inserted.
- Check the network coverage in your location and ensure you’ve got good cellular signal strength. Also make sure there are no outages in your area that may affect or interrupt network services.
If none of these methods is able to fix the problem and that you’re still getting a Apple iPhone 6 No Service error, contact your network provider for other options and recommendations.
I recently had a business issued iPad deactivated. The Apple ID for that iPad somehow linked to my personal iPhone. Once the iPad was deactivated, my iPhone displayed “No Service”.
I had an issue initially setting up the business iPad as it attempted to link to my personal Apple ID. Once I removed the backup email address, I was able to activate the business iPad. However, I noticed the back up email for the iPad was also the new personal Apple ID I then had to create.
Any ideas how I can solve this issue? I have contacted my service provider who suspected the SIM card should be replaced, but I doubt that Ian the issue given the complications during initial setup of the business iPad.
Thanks, Joe
I got my iphone 5s battery and charging point replaced.
Software got updated on the same day.
Phone worked nicely till 2 days with the same SIM card before and after software update.
now the issue is , with the same SIM card its showing NO SERVICE
I did the following test.
1. Above SIM card on different mobile t ( Samsung ) here is no issues. its connecting voice and data working
2. used different SIM card on iphone ( which got repaired ) . its detecting . voice and data working fine
what can be the issue ? why its not working for the same SIM card ?
Toggled Airplane ON and OFF–Magic– Thank you!