How to Fix “Not Registered on Network” Error on Samsung Galaxy Devices

Seeing the “Not Registered on Network” error on your Samsung Galaxy phone can be frustrating. It means your device cannot connect to your carrier’s network, so calls, texts, and mobile data stop working. This issue can appear suddenly, even if your SIM was working fine before, and it’s usually caused by network settings, SIM issues, or software glitches rather than a serious hardware fault.

This guide explains why the error happens and how to fix it step by step.

What Causes the “Not Registered on Network” Error

This error appears when your phone fails to authenticate with your carrier. Common reasons include incorrect network mode settings, temporary carrier outages, SIM card problems, corrupted network settings, or bugs after a software update. In rare cases, it can be caused by an IMEI or hardware issue, but most of the time the fix is simple.

Restart Your Phone and Toggle Airplane Mode

Start with the basics. Restarting your phone refreshes network services and often resolves temporary connection glitches. After restarting, turn Airplane Mode on for about 30 seconds, then turn it off. This forces your phone to reconnect to nearby network towers and can immediately clear the error.

Check and Reinsert the SIM Card

Power off your phone and remove the SIM card. Inspect it for dirt or damage, gently clean it if needed, and reinsert it properly. If possible, test the SIM in another phone. If it doesn’t work there either, the problem may be the SIM itself, and you may need a replacement from your carrier.

Manually Select Your Network Operator

Sometimes automatic network selection fails. Manually choosing your carrier can fix the issue.

Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network operators, turn off automatic selection, and choose your carrier from the list. If your network appears and connects successfully, the error should disappear.

Reset Network Settings

Corrupted network settings are a very common cause of the “Not Registered on Network” error.

Go to Settings > General management > Reset > Reset network settings. This will reset Wi-Fi, mobile data, and Bluetooth settings but won’t delete personal files. After the reset, restart your phone and check network connectivity again.

Check Network Mode and APN Settings

Ensure your phone is using the correct network mode. Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network mode and select LTE/3G/2G (Auto) or the recommended option for your carrier.

Also check Access Point Name (APN) settings. Incorrect APN details can prevent proper registration on the network. If unsure, reset APN settings to default or contact your carrier for the correct configuration.

Update Your Phone Software

Software bugs can sometimes break network connectivity, especially after major updates. Go to Settings > Software update and install any available updates. Samsung often releases patches that fix network-related issues silently in One UI updates.

FAQ

Why does the error appear only in certain locations?

Weak signal coverage or network congestion in specific areas can prevent proper registration. Switching network mode or manually selecting the carrier often helps.

Can a recent software update cause this issue?

Yes. Some updates can temporarily disrupt network settings. Resetting network settings usually fixes it.

Will replacing the SIM card solve the problem?

If the SIM is old, damaged, or no longer properly provisioned, replacing it often resolves the error completely.

Is this a hardware problem?

Only if none of the fixes work and the phone fails to detect any SIM cards. In that case, the antenna or modem may need repair.

Conclusion

The “Not Registered on Network” error on Samsung Galaxy devices is annoying but rarely serious. Restarting the phone, reinserting the SIM, manually selecting the network, resetting network settings, and checking software updates solve the problem in most cases. If the issue persists after all fixes, contacting your carrier for SIM replacement or account verification is the next best step.

With the right approach, your Samsung phone should reconnect to the network and return to normal operation without needing repairs.