How to Fix a 'Not Registered on Network' Error on Samsung Galaxy

What to do when your SIM card can't connect to your carrier's network

By Robert Earl Wells III
Updated on October 5, 2023
Reviewed by
Michael Barton Heine Jr
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Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr
Michael Heine is a CompTIA-certified writer, editor, and Network Engineer with 25+ years' experience working in the television, defense, ISP, telecommunications, and education industries.
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Getting a 'not registered on network' error on your Samsung Galaxy? Here's what it means and how to fix it.

What Does 'Not Registered on Network' Mean?

If you see the 'not registered on network' error on your device, it means your SIM card can't connect to your cell provider's network. You will likely not be able to make or receive calls or text messages.

This issue can occur on any Android phone, so the steps for fixing it are the same regardless of the manufacturer or model.

Causes of Not Registered on Network Error

There could be an issue with your SIM card, or the problem could be on your carrier's end. Possible causes of the 'not registered on network' error include:

  • Your phone's firmware or operating system is out of date.
  • The SIM card is disconnected or damaged.
  • Your carrier is not selected in your phone's settings.
  • Your carrier is experiencing an outage.

How Do I Register My Samsung Network?

Follow these steps in order until your phone is working properly:

  1. Restart your Android phone. Rebooting your device will clear out any temporary conflicts preventing you from connecting to the network.

  2. Turn off Wi-Fi. Disable Wi-Fi on your phone, wait for 30 seconds, then turn it back on. This resets your connection and can resolve temporary technical hiccups.

  3. Update your Android phone. Make sure your operating system and firmware are current so you have the latest updates your phone needs.

    If you rooted your Android phone, you will need to unroot it before you can install updates.

  4. Reinsert the SIM Card. Take out your SIM card and make sure it's not damaged, then put it back in place. Make sure the card is set properly in the tray with the metal pins in the right position.

  5. Manually choose your network. Make sure the correct carrier is selected in your settings. Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators > Search now and select your carrier's network.

    Mobile networks, Network Operators, and Search now in Samsung Galaxy settings app

  6. Change the network mode. If you're in a low reception area that doesn't support 5G or 4G, it's best to switch to 3G or 2G.

  7. Contact your mobile carrier. Go to a store, or use another phone to call your provider so they can help you resolve the issue. It could be that there's a network outage in your area, so all you can do is wait. If there's a problem with your SIM card, your carrier can help you replace it.

  8. Update APN settings. If you recently changed service providers, you may need to update the Access Point Name (APN) settings. This is an advanced fix, so be careful and write down the default APN settings so you can change them back if something goes wrong.

  9. Reset the network settings. Establishing a fresh connection to your carrier's network can fix problems a reboot can't. Resetting network settings will erase all Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth connections, so save this step as a last resort.

  10. Use a different SIM card. If you have a spare activated SIM card, switch it out and see if your phone can connect to the network. If it can, there's an issue with the SIM card. Before you buy a new one, check Samsung's support website to see which SIM cards are compatible with your Samsung Galaxy.

FAQ
  • What does 'not registered on network' mean on T-Mobile?

    In addition to the reasons/solutions listed above, if you recently purchased a phone or you're switching to T-Mobile from another network, you might need to unlock your device with the old carrier. Locate your phone's IMEI number from Settings > About Phone on Android (or Settings > General > About on iOS) and contact T-Mobile to verify your account and help you unlock it.

  • Why is my phone not registered on a network when roaming?

    Your provider might not have roaming agreements with other carriers in the particular area where you're roaming and where they don't provide service. To avoid traveling out of service range, double-check the roaming coverage or look for a coverage map on your carrier's website before you go.

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