iPhone 6s Plus Showing “No Service” After iOS Update? Here’s How to Fix It

If your iPhone 6s Plus suddenly shows “No Service” after installing the latest iOS update, you’re likely unable to make calls, send texts, or use mobile data. This frustrating issue can be caused by a variety of factors—from SIM card problems and software glitches to network outages or even a bug in the iOS update itself. Here’s how to troubleshoot and (hopefully) fix it.

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1. Check and Reinsert the SIM Card

Your SIM card is the bridge to your carrier’s network. If it’s loose, dirty, or damaged, you may lose service.

What to do:

• Remove the SIM card tray using a SIM eject tool or paperclip.
• Inspect the SIM for scratches, dirt, or warping.
• Reinsert it carefully and make sure it clicks into place.

Bonus Tip: If possible, test your SIM in another phone—or try a different SIM in your iPhone 6s Plus—to rule out SIM-related issues.

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2. Restart or Force Restart Your iPhone

A quick reboot can clear minor software glitches that may have occurred after the update.

To restart:

• Hold the Power button until the “slide to power off” option appears.
• Slide to turn off, then hold Power again to turn it back on.

To force restart (if unresponsive):

• Hold both the Home and Power buttons for 10 seconds until you see the Apple logo.

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3. Check Cellular Settings

Sometimes your iPhone simply needs a nudge to reconnect to the network.

Try this:

• Go to Settings > Cellular and make sure Cellular Data is turned on.
• If you’re traveling internationally, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options and enable Data Roaming.

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4. Toggle Airplane Mode On and Off

This old trick can reset your iPhone’s connection to the cellular network.

Steps:

• Swipe up to access Control Center.
• Tap the Airplane Mode icon to turn it on.
• Wait 10 seconds, then tap it again to turn it off.

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5. Check for Carrier Settings Update

Apple and your carrier occasionally push out updates that improve network connectivity.

To check for updates:

• Connect to Wi-Fi.
• Go to Settings > General > About.
• If there’s a carrier update available, you’ll get a prompt to install it.

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6. Remove Third-Party Cases or Covers

Some bulky or metallic third-party cases can interfere with signal reception. Remove the case and test for changes in signal strength.

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7. Reset Network Settings

This will erase saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth connections, and VPN settings—but it can fix corrupted network settings causing the issue.

How to reset:

• Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
• Tap Reset Network Settings.
• Enter your passcode and confirm.

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8. Perform a Factory Reset (Optional)

If nothing else works and you’re okay with setting your iPhone up from scratch, a factory reset can sometimes resolve deep-rooted software problems.

Steps:

1. Back up your iPhone to iCloud or iTunes.
2. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
3. Follow the prompts to reset and set up your iPhone again.

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9. Restore Using iTunes (And Downgrade If Necessary)

If the No Service issue started right after a specific iOS update, consider restoring your phone via iTunes—or downgrading to a previous iOS version if available.

How to restore:

1. Connect your iPhone to a computer with iTunes installed.
2. Select your device when it appears.
3. Click Restore iPhone and choose a backup.

To downgrade: You’ll need an IPSW file for the previous iOS version and follow Apple’s signed firmware availability. (Reach out if you need help with this step.)

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10. Contact Your Carrier (Or Apple)

If you’ve recently switched carriers and kept the same phone, your device may be locked to your old network. You’ll need to:

• Contact your former carrier to unlock your phone.
• Contact your new carrier to reprogram your iPhone for their service.

If you’re still seeing “No Service” after all these steps, it could be a hardware issue—especially if your phone suffered a recent drop or water exposure. Take it to an Apple Store or authorized repair center for a diagnostic.