Android Says No Service or Emergency Calls Only: Fixes
When an Android phone says No service or Emergency calls only, it generally cannot register with your carrier’s network for normal calls, texts and data. The cause is either an outage or coverage gap on the carrier’s side or a SIM, setting or software problem on the phone. Compare with someone on the same carrier, then check our Verizon, AT&T or T-Mobile status pages.
What do “No service” and “Emergency calls only” mean?
Android shows these messages when the phone does not have a working connection to your carrier. “Emergency calls only” typically means the phone can still reach a network for emergency calls but cannot use your plan for normal service. These are display labels, and phone makers word them differently, so you may see “Not registered on network” or only an empty signal icon.
Google’s Fix mobile connectivity issues page lists the causes that matter here: an inactive, damaged or dirty SIM, mobile data off or Airplane mode on, weak signal, a network type your carrier does not support well, VoLTE problems, carrier outages or a changed plan, and an outdated Android version.
Is it a carrier outage or my phone?
Ask someone nearby on the same carrier, or check the carrier’s own outage tool. Our guide to checking Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile outages covers each one. If their phone works in the same spot, the cause is probably your phone, SIM or account.
| Clue | Likely cause | First step |
|---|---|---|
| Others on your carrier have no service too | Outage or tower problem | Use Wi-Fi Calling, wait, check carrier |
| Only your phone, everywhere | SIM, settings or account | Check the SIM, restart, contact carrier |
| Only inside one building | Weak signal | Move near a window or outside |
| Started after an update or a reset | Network settings or software | Check updates, reset mobile network settings |
| Started after moving the SIM | Seating or an inactive SIM | Reseat the SIM, ask carrier to activate |
How do I fix No service on a Pixel phone?
These menu paths come from Google’s Pixel Help. Phones from other makers use similar names, but menus differ, so look for the same options under Network or Connections.
- Turn Airplane mode off and on. Go to Settings > Network & internet and toggle Airplane mode.
- Check the SIM. Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs and select your carrier. If the SIM is inactive, turn on Use SIM. If the carrier name is grayed out with “No SIM,” the SIM is missing or inactive.
- Reseat the SIM. Use a SIM ejection tool to open the tray, check the card for damage, wipe off dust with a microfiber cloth and reinsert it. If it is bent or damaged, ask the carrier for a replacement.
- Check the network type. In Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, select your carrier and choose a preferred network type. Options depend on your carrier.
- Power off and on. Google suggests powering the phone off, waiting 30 seconds, then switching it on.
- Update Android. Go to Settings > System > System update.
- Reset mobile network settings. Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Reset mobile network settings.
- Contact the carrier. Ask about outages, your plan and a SIM replacement.
Take the reset step last. A separate option, Reset Bluetooth & Wi-Fi, deletes saved Wi-Fi networks, so only use it if you know your passwords. A full factory reset erases the phone and is not part of this page’s advice, so skip it unless your carrier or the phone maker asks for it.
Can I make calls while my carrier is down?
If the mobile network is down but Wi-Fi works, Wi-Fi calling may let you call and text. On a Pixel, go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Wi-Fi calling and turn on Use Wi-Fi calling, after confirming that your carrier supports it. Turn it on before you need it, since a phone with no service may not be able to complete the carrier setup. Also check VoLTE status on the same SIMs screen, because Google lists unstable VoLTE as a cause of call problems.
In an emergency, try calling the local emergency number even when the phone shows Emergency calls only. Move outside or to a window first.
What if mobile data works but calls do not?
That mix can point to VoLTE, Wi-Fi calling or an account setting. Check the VoLTE status, turn Wi-Fi calling on or off and compare, and ask the carrier whether the line is provisioned for voice. If data works but a site does not load, the problem may be unrelated to your carrier; read why a site works on one connection and not the other.
Bottom line
Compare with someone on the same carrier, then work through Airplane mode, the SIM, the network type, updates and a mobile network reset in that order. Contact the carrier through its official app or the number on your bill, and do not accept help from callers who contact you first. For wider problems, see what to do when a big service is down.
FAQ
Why does my Android say Emergency calls only?
It generally means the phone cannot register on your carrier for normal service. Causes include a SIM problem, weak signal, a carrier outage or an inactive line.
Will a factory reset fix No service?
Google’s connectivity page lists simpler steps first, such as resetting mobile network settings. A factory reset erases your data, so keep it as a last resort.
Is “No service” always the carrier’s fault?
No. A SIM, a setting, an old software version or poor signal at your location can cause the same message.
Should I pay a stranger who offers to unlock my service?
No. Only your carrier can fix account or line problems, so contact it through the official app or the number on your bill.