SIM cards for the backbone of all telecom networks in the world. If there’s an issue with your SIM card, there’s a very good chance you won’t even be able to connect to your carrier’s network, let alone be able to make calls or send SMSs. This applies to digital SIMs as well, although problems are much easier to resolve if you have an eSIM.
In this article, we’re talking about what the Service State: Out of Service error message means, what is it caused by and what you can do to fix the problem.
Also read: What is eSIM card? Advantages and Disadvantages
What causes the Service State: Out of Service error message?
The error essentially indicates that your SIM card is either out of network coverage area or there is some issue with the carrier itself. Other common causes include:
- Misconfigured phone settings.
- Physical damage to the SIM card.
- Carrier outage.
- The phone doesn’t support the SIM network.
How to fix the Service State: Out of Service error message?
Here are seven fixes you can try out.
Restart your phone
One of the first things you should do when troubleshooting issues like this is to restart your phone. Restarting your phone can help freshen things up, which can, in turn, resolve a bunch of seemingly random issues that pop up out of nowhere.
Reinsert the SIM
Another possible cause of the issues is if your SIM is improperly inserted or not making proper contact with the module inside your phone. Switching your phone off, taking out the SIM and reinserting it again can help solve this.
Use the Airplane mode
Enabling airplane mode and then disabling it effectively restarts all the network equipment inside your phone, including your WiFi, Bluetooth and, of course, the network modules. It’s just like soft rebooting your phone and can help solve this problem.
Reset your phone’s network settings
Incorrect network settings can cause all sorts of problems, including SIM cards not being detected or malfunctioning. Doing this resets your WiFi networks, Bluetooth connections, cellular and even VPN settings.
Check out our detailed guide on how to reset network settings what doing so can do here.
Check if your SIM card is enabled
Some phones have an option that can be used to enable or disable SIM cards in the phone. Check your settings to ensure that your SIM isn’t disabled.
- Head over to your phone’s settings and tap on Network & Internet.
- Tap SIM Cards.
- Make sure both your SIM slots are enabled.
Set the network mode to auto
Open your phone’s settings and follow the steps mentioned below.
- Head over to your phone’s settings and tap on Network & Internet.
- Tap on the SIM that’s causing problems.
- Tap Advanced.
- Tap Preferred network type. Make sure that the recommended network type is selected.
- Also, ensure that the Automatically select network toggle is enabled.
Check your APNs
Incorrect APNs can also mess up a SIM card’s network registration. Follow these steps to make sure you’re on the right APN. Make sure to confirm your APN settings with your network carrier beforehand.
- Head over to your phone’s settings and tap on Network & Internet.
- Tap on the SIM that’s causing problems.
- Tap Advanced.
- Tap Access point names.
- Make sure the right APN is selected.
Also read: How to unlock a SIM card without PUK code?
