What to do when the SIM card is not detected on your Samsung Galaxy device
If calls and mobile network connections suddenly appear to stop working on your Galaxy device, the SIM card may not be recognised properly. This issue may be caused by temporary software errors, SIM card damage, incorrect insertion, or carrier-related settings. Follow the troubleshooting steps below to check the SIM card status and restore network connectivity on your Galaxy device.
Note: Menu names, settings, and screen layouts may vary depending on the model and software version.
If calls or mobile network connections are unavailable, first check whether the SIM card is recognised properly on your Galaxy device.
Step 1. Open Settings > Tap About phone.
Step 2. Tap Status information.
Step 3. Tap SIM card status.
Step 4. Tap Network and check whether the mobile carrier name appears.
If your Galaxy device cannot detect the SIM card, the issue may be related to temporary software errors, mobile network settings, SIM card damage, or incorrect SIM card insertion. Follow the steps below to troubleshoot the issue.
Check for carrier SIM protection services
Some mobile carriers provide SIM protection services that prevent SIM cards from being activated on new devices.
- Contact your mobile carrier to check whether the SIM protection service is enabled.
- If enabled, disable the service through the carrier before using the SIM card on a new device.
Reset mobile network settings
Incorrect mobile network settings may prevent the SIM card from connecting properly to the carrier network.
Step 1. Open Settings > Tap General management.
Step 2. Tap Reset.
Step 3. Tap Reset mobile network settings.
Step 4. Tap Reset settings.
Step 5. Read the caution information > Tap Reset to confirm.
Note: Resetting mobile network settings removes saved mobile network configuration information and reconnects the device to the carrier network using default settings.
Restart using the power menu
Temporary system errors may prevent the SIM card from being recognised properly.
Step 1. Swipe down from the top right of the screen to open the Quick settings panel.
Step 2. Tap the Power off icon.
Step 3. Tap Restart.
Restart using the buttons
If touch input does not work properly, use the buttons to restart your device.
Press and hold the Side key and Volume down key at the same time for more than 7 seconds until the device restarts.
Replace or reinsert the SIM card
If the issue continues after restarting the device, the SIM card itself may be damaged, worn out, or improperly inserted.
Try inserting another SIM card to check whether the device works normally.
Step 1. Insert the SIM eject pin into the tray hole.
* Always insert the eject pin straight into the tray hole.
Step 2. Pull out the SIM tray completely.
* Do not bend or force the SIM tray.
Step 3. Place the Nano-SIM card in the tray with the gold contacts facing upward.
* Make sure the SIM card is properly seated in the tray.
Step 4. Reinsert the tray fully into the device.
* Fully dry the tray before reinserting it if it becomes wet.
* Push the tray completely into the device to help prevent liquid entry.
If another SIM card works properly, replace the current SIM card through your carrier.
Note:
- Contact your carrier store to request a SIM card replacement.
- Only Nano-SIM cards are supported on Galaxy devices that use physical SIM cards.
Clean the SIM card contacts
Foreign material on the SIM card contacts may prevent proper recognition.
- Do not touch the metal contacts with your hands or metal objects
- If the SIM card is dirty, gently wipe it with a soft, dry cloth
- Do not force the SIM card into the tray or insert it incorrectly
You can use Samsung Members Phone diagnostics to check the SIM card status on your Galaxy device.
Note: Phone diagnostics is available only on Galaxy devices with the Samsung Members app installed.
Step 1. Open the Samsung Members app > Tap Support.
Step 2. Tap Get Started.
* The full diagnostics scan begins. You can stop the process and select specific items to run individual tests.
Step 3. Select SIM.
Step 4. Follow the on-screen instructions > Check the diagnostic results.
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