Whether you have an older Samsung or new S8, a J3, or S6, the Not Registered on Network error doesn’t make any distinction. It’s an equal opportunity killer of conversation. Forget making any calls or texts, and better hope you have Wi-Fi, because you won’t have access to your data.
So what’s wrong with your phone, causing this error? Nothing that can’t be fixed, and we will show you how! No matter the year or model, we will help you get rid of the Not Registered on Network error. Because, by definition, phones should be able to make phone calls.
Must Read: 20 Tips to Fix SIM Error: Emergency Calls Only
1. Reseat SIM Card
If the SIM card is not placed in the slot or tray correctly, your Samsung may not register on the network. If you drop your Android, the SIM can become misaligned, or it may not have been installed properly to begin with. Place the SIM securely in its tray.
If the SIM isn’t fitting well, some swear by placing tape, cardboard, paper, etc. into the tray for a tighter fit. Ensure that your SIM fits snugly, but don’t damage any other part of your phone in doing so.
2. Remove Battery and SIM/Power Off and On
Turn your Samsung off, remove the battery (if possible), and remove the SIM card. Undo everything you just did by reinserting the battery and SIM, and turning the power back on. This is an easy and effective way to fix Not Registered on Network on T-Mobile and Samsung, or on any carrier or make/model, for that matter.
3. Check SIM Condition
Examine your SIM card. Is it dirty, dusty, or rusty? Are the gold contacts clean? Perhaps you can simply remove dirt or debris. Clean the spokes/connectors on your SIM card and reader with canned air (not too forceful) or a soft dry cloth.
4. Check SIM Slot/Tray
If the SIM tray is broken or damaged, you might need a replacement. Similar to the tactics of using tape or other such padding that we spoke of in Method 1—Reseat the SIM Card—you can also attempt to adjust the tray by using a piece of a foam ear plug to apply pressure. Apply the foam by removing the back cover and placing it over the SIM card area. Replace the back cover.
5. Toggle Airplane Mode
Enable, then disable Airplane Mode. The mode disables all broadcasts and cell reception while it is configured. Make sure that it isn’t. Some phones provide easy access through Quick Settings with a double swipe downward from the top of the screen. Another easy way is to hold down the Power button, or you can go through the Settings option as well.
6. Update Network Operator Manually
Sometimes settings will change, and this will cause the network to disconnect. In general, you’ll want to tap on Settings, then to search for your network tap on Wireless and Networks > Mobile Networks > Network Operators. Make sure that your SIM isn’t locked to a specific carrier that you aren’t currently using.
7. Select Network Mode Manually
From Settings, go to Mobile Networks > Network Mode. Try setting it to WCDMA or Automatic.
8. Update APN
Tap on Settings > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names. Add the APN settings from T-mobile’s website and select them. If APN protocol is set to IPV6, change it to IPV4.
9. Toggle Between Frequencies/Bands
Toggle between 2G, 3G, LTE, etc.
10. Reset Phone Dialer
Go to Settings > Application Manager > All Apps and find the Phone/Dialer app. Select it, then wipe its cache.
11. Start Device in Safe Mode
Booting in Safe Mode starts your Samsung device using only default apps, so that you can rule out any third-party problem. If your Samsung does not display this error in Safe Mode, and you have a network, then try to rule out any app that might be the culprit. Uninstall what you must.
12. Try a Different SIM
Test out and/or obtain a replacement SIM.
13. Toggle Radio
If your Samsung will dial into a testing menu, you use it to toggle the radio. Open the Dialer app and call *#*#4636#*#* with no spaces. If you land in the Testing menu, select the option that says Phone Information. Tap on Turn Off Radio first, and then Turn On Radio. Reboot.
14. Verify IMEI
If your IMEI displays as UNKNOWN when you dial the code *#06# or go to About Device, then you could have a defective phone that needs to be replaced. Certain numerical IMEIs can also indicate that it’s corrupt. This can be restored by going into Engineer Mode. To get there, either dial *#*#3646633#*#* or download the app below.
Navigate to the Connectivity tab. Click on CDS Information. Select Radio Information. If you have dual SIMs, you will see both Phone 1 and Phone 2. Under Phone 1, insert the following command: AT +EGMR=1,7, “IMEI1” and tap on Send at Command. Under Phone 2, insert: AT +EGMR=1,10, “IMEI2”, then reboot.
Download: MTK Engineering Mode
15. Call T-Mobile Support
If the problem is the network itself, any amount of trying to troubleshoot your specific device won’t make a difference. Contact T-Mobile to be sure, and to see if they have advice. The general customer service phone number is 1-877-453-1304, or get in touch with the nearest service center. If you didn’t acquire your Samsung through T-Mobile, also check with the retailer you bought it from.
16. Ensure IMEI Hasn’t Been Blacklisted
Make sure that your Samsung hasn’t been blocked or blacklisted in any country by contacting your previous and/or current carrier.
17. Update the e911 Address
This will only help if you are the primary account holder. Go to My T-Mobile and log in. Go to Profile Settings, then Line Settings. Select the Edit option next to the e911 address, enter the correct address, and Save.
18. Try Connecting to Other Towers
Go for a drive if you have to. Contact T-Mobile if the problem is the tower on a regular basis.
19. Unlock SIM Lock
If your SIM is locked to another carrier, you are going to have problems using it with T-Mobile. You can contact that carrier to request an unlock.
20. Download EFS*IMEI*Backup
This app helps you to backup and restore your EFS folder specifically, so that you don’t have to start over with a factory reset or stock ROM. It’s a must if you modify your phone. Of course, it has the best chance of fixing Not Registered on Network on T-Mobile and Samsung phones if you do this before you install any custom ROM.
Download EFS*IMEI*Backup
21. Flash a Stable Stock ROM
If you made a backup before flashing a custom ROM, this will be easy for you. Boot into Recovery Mode, perform a factory reset, and then from Backup & Restore, hit Restore. You should always save the EFS folder at the very least before flashing a different ROM. If you didn’t, you will need to approach flashing the stock ROM in a similar manner to how you flashed the custom ROM, probably using Odin.
22. Factory Reset
If you factory reset your device, you will lose all personalization and stored data. Your device is restored to the state it left the factory in, so you’ll want to backup anything important. The option to perform a factory reset is available through the Settings menu. Go to Backup & Reset > Factory data reset > Reset Phone > Erase Everything. Factory resets are a pain, but they can be effective for fixing Not Registered on Network on T-Mobile and Samsung phones, as well as others.
23. Root Device and Install Ariza Patch
The Ariza Patch was developed as a system patch in response to issues with certain Android devices’ modems. This is has been known to help some older Samsung phones, in particular, especially if the problem surfaces after an update. Sometimes the IMEI number gets changed after the update. In order for this to work, your Android must be rooted, but we have an article to root most Samsungs if you search.
You will also need to download Busybox. Ensure that you can download from unknown sources by visiting Settings > Security. Next, download the Ariza Patch file itself. Open the Ariza app. Select the patch option. When your phone finishes, reboot.
DownloadBusyBox
Download: Ariza Patch from XDA
Conclusion
Under most circ*mstances, at least one of these methods will resolve your error. In rare instances, you might have to replace your device, or bite the bullet and take it to a repair shop. Hopefully at this point, however, your problem is solved, but if you have any questions about any of the methods or anything else, let us know in the comments.
Do you have other tips you would like to share? Let us know what worked or didn’t work for you in the comments.
