Key takeaways
- "Mobile network not available" means your phone can't connect to a mobile network right now, so calls, texts and mobile data may not work.
- Mobile network not available is usually caused by weak signal, a network outage, airplane mode, a loose or inactive SIM, or a software glitch.
- To fix mobile network not available, turn airplane mode on and off and restart the phone. If that doesn't work, check the SIM, then contact your provider.
You try to ring someone, and your phone tells you "Mobile network not available". Not what you want to see on a normal Tuesday. The good news is that it's usually easy to fix, and the steps below guide you through it step by step.
What does "mobile network not available" mean?
It means your phone isn't connecting to a mobile network at that moment. Without a connection, calls and texts may fail and mobile data won't work. WiFi can still be fine, which is why the message can feel confusing.
You may see the same problem worded as "no mobile network available" or "cell network not available". iPhones usually say "No Service" or "SOS only" instead, and the fixes are much the same.
Why is my mobile network not available?
Before you start tapping through settings, it helps to work out who's actually at fault. There's no point blaming the kettle when the whole street has had a power cut.
This table matches what you're noticing to the most likely cause:
| What you notice | Likely cause | What to try first |
|---|---|---|
| An airplane icon shows, or mobile data is switched off | Airplane mode on, or mobile data off | Turn airplane mode off and make sure mobile data is switched on. |
| The message only appears in certain rooms or places | Weak signal in that spot | Move near a window or step outside and see if the signal bars come back. |
| Other people on the same network have the same problem | A network outage | Check your provider's status page or social channels, then wait for the fix. |
| It started after a new SIM, a new phone or a drop | A SIM that is loose, damaged or not yet activated | Reinsert the SIM, check an eSIM is switched on, and make sure a new SIM has been activated. |
| It started after an update, or a restart helps for a while | A software glitch | Restart the phone, install any waiting updates, then reset network settings if needed. |
| Your SIM works in another phone, but not in yours | A phone setting or fault | Restart the phone, set network selection to automatic, then reset network settings. |
| Your SIM doesn't work in another phone either | A SIM or account issue | Contact your provider and check that your plan is active and payments are up to date. |
| It started after travelling abroad | Roaming or network selection settings | Check your plan's roaming rules first, then set network selection to automatic. |
How to fix mobile network not available, step by step
- Turn airplane mode on, wait about ten seconds, then turn it off. This makes the phone search for a network again.
- Restart the phone. It's the oldest trick going, and it still works more often than you'd expect.
- Check the SIM. Switch the phone off, take the SIM out, check it looks clean and undamaged, then put it back. With an eSIM, check the line is switched on in your settings instead.
- Set network selection to automatic, so the phone picks an available network by itself.
- Install any software updates that are waiting.
- Reset network settings as a last resort. This also clears saved WiFi passwords and Bluetooth pairings, so have your WiFi password to hand.
On iPhone
- Network selection: go to Settings, then Mobile Service, then Network Selection, and switch Automatic on.
- Reset network settings: go to Settings, then General, then Transfer or Reset iPhone, then Reset, then Reset Network Settings.
On Android
- Network selection: on many Samsung phones, go to Settings, then Connections, then Mobile networks, then Network operators, and choose to select automatically.
- Reset network settings: on many phones, it sits under Settings, then General management or System, then Reset options.
What if it says "mobile network not available for voice calls"?
This version usually pops up when you try to make a call. Other things, like mobile data, may still seem fine, which is a bit odd. The causes are the same as above: weak signal, a network setting, or a SIM or account problem.
Two extra things are worth a go:
- Check that the preferred network type (the 4G or 5G setting) is set to automatic.
- Try WiFi calling, if your phone and provider support it, to get the call through while you sort out the signal.
When to contact your provider
It's time to get in touch if:
- Your SIM doesn't work in another phone either.
- A new SIM still shows the message after it has been activated.
- The message keeps coming back after every fix above.
Have your phone number and account details to hand, and mention which fixes you've already tried. It saves everyone time. If your provider confirms an outage, there's nothing to fix on your side, so you just need to wait.
What to do if you're on SMARTY
If you're on SMARTY and see this message, start with our network status checker to see what's happening on the network in your area. If everything looks normal, our online customer support can help you dig further.
Not with SMARTY yet? If this message keeps appearing in the same places, coverage may be the cause, and no setting will fix that. Our SIM-only plans come with no contract, so you can test the signal where you actually spend your time, rather than taking anyone's word for it.
FAQs
What does mobile network not available mean?
Mobile network not available means a phone can't connect to a mobile network at that moment, so calls, texts and mobile data may not work. Weak signal, a network outage, a SIM issue or a phone setting are the usual causes.
Why does my phone say mobile network not available for voice calls?
The message usually appears when a phone can't place a call on the mobile network. Common causes include a weak signal, a network setting, or a SIM or account problem. Restarting the phone and checking the SIM are good first steps.
