Are you frustrated with your Samsung S6 constantly displaying the “Not Registered on Network” error? You’re not alone. This pesky problem has plagued many S6 users, leaving them wondering what’s causing it and, more importantly, how to fix it. In this article, we’ll delve into the possible causes behind this issue and provide you with effective solutions to get your phone up and running on your network in no time.
Understanding the “Not Registered on Network” Error
Before we dive into the possible causes, it’s essential to understand what the “Not Registered on Network” error means. When your S6 displays this error, it indicates that your phone is unable to connect to your carrier’s network. This can be due to various reasons, ranging from simple misconfigurations to more complex technical issues.
What Triggers the “Not Registered on Network” Error?
There are several scenarios that can trigger this error on your Samsung S6. Here are some of the most common ones:
- SIM Card Issues: A faulty, damaged, or improperly inserted SIM card can cause your phone to fail to register on the network.
- Incorrect APN Settings: APN (Access Point Name) settings are crucial for connecting to the internet and sending/receiving data. Misconfigured APN settings can result in the “Not Registered on Network” error.
- Software Glitches: Firmware or software issues can cause your phone to malfunction, leading to connectivity problems.
- Network Congestion: Overcrowding on the network can cause your phone to fail to register, especially during peak usage hours.
- Outdated PRL: The PRL (Preferred Roaming List) is a database that stores information about available networks. An outdated PRL can cause connectivity issues.
- IMEI Number Issues: The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number is a unique identifier assigned to your phone. Any issues with the IMEI number can prevent your phone from registering on the network.
Troubleshooting Steps to Fix the “Not Registered on Network” Error
Now that we’ve covered the possible causes, let’s dive into the troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue.
Step 1: Restart Your Phone and SIM Card
The simplest yet most effective solution is to restart your phone and SIM card. This often resolves connectivity issues, including the “Not Registered on Network” error.
How to restart your phone and SIM card:
- Turn off your Samsung S6.
- Remove the SIM card from the phone.
- Wait for 30 seconds to allow the phone and SIM card to fully power down.
- Reinsert the SIM card into the phone.
- Turn on your phone and wait for it to register on the network.
Step 2: Check and Update Your APN Settings
Incorrect APN settings can cause connectivity issues. Check your APN settings and update them if necessary.
How to update your APN settings:
- Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Access Point Names.
- Select the APN for your carrier and ensure it’s set as the default.
- If you don’t see your carrier’s APN, contact your carrier for the correct settings.
Step 3: Perform a Network Reset
A network reset can resolve connectivity issues by resetting your phone’s network settings to their default values.
How to perform a network reset:
- Go to Settings > Backup & reset > Network settings reset.
- Tap Reset network settings.
- Confirm that you want to reset network settings.
Step 4: Update Your PRL
An outdated PRL can cause connectivity issues. Update your PRL to ensure you have the latest network information.
How to update your PRL:
- Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > PRL update.
- Tap Update PRL.
- Wait for the update process to complete.
Step 5: Check for Software Updates
Ensure your Samsung S6 is running the latest software to prevent firmware or software issues.
How to check for software updates:
- Go to Settings > About device > Software update.
- Tap Update now.
- Wait for the update process to complete.
Advanced Troubleshooting Steps
If the above steps don’t resolve the issue, it’s time to dive deeper into advanced troubleshooting.
Step 1: Check Your IMEI Number
IMEI number issues can prevent your phone from registering on the network.
How to check your IMEI number:
- Dial *#06# on your phone to display the IMEI number.
- Compare the displayed IMEI number with the one on the box or on the manufacturer’s website.
- If the IMEI numbers don’t match, contact the manufacturer or carrier for assistance.
Step 2: Perform a Factory Reset
A factory reset can resolve software-related issues, but it will erase all your data, so proceed with caution.
How to perform a factory reset:
- Go to Settings > Backup & reset > Factory data reset.
- Tap Reset device.
- Confirm that you want to perform a factory reset.
Step 3: Visit a Samsung Authorized Service Center
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it’s possible that there’s a hardware problem with your phone. Visit a Samsung authorized service center for further assistance.
Conclusion
The “Not Registered on Network” error on your Samsung S6 can be frustrating, but by following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve the issue. Remember to restart your phone and SIM card, check and update your APN settings, perform a network reset, update your PRL, and check for software updates. If the issue persists, try the advanced troubleshooting steps, including checking your IMEI number, performing a factory reset, and visiting a Samsung authorized service center. With patience and persistence, you should be able to get your phone up and running on your network in no time.
What does “Not Registered on Network” mean?
This error message usually indicates that your Samsung S6 is having trouble connecting to your mobile network. It means that your phone is unable to establish a connection with the network, and as a result, you won’t be able to make or receive calls, send texts, or access data.
This issue can be frustrating, but it’s not uncommon. It’s not necessarily a problem with your phone itself, but rather a problem with the network or the SIM card. There are several reasons why you might see this error message, including issues with your SIM card, a problem with your network provider, or a software glitch.
Is it a problem with my SIM card?
It’s possible that the issue lies with your SIM card. If your SIM card is damaged, corroded, or not seated properly, it can cause your phone to not register on the network. Try removing the SIM card and cleaning it gently with a soft cloth. Then, reinsert the SIM card and restart your phone to see if the issue resolves.
If cleaning the SIM card doesn’t work, you may need to replace it. If you’ve recently switched to a new SIM card, it’s possible that it’s not compatible with your phone. You can try using a different SIM card to see if the issue persists. Additionally, you can check if the SIM card is correctly seated in the slot and ensure that it’s not loose.
Is it a problem with my network provider?
Yes, it’s possible that the issue lies with your network provider. Network outages, maintenance, or technical issues can cause your phone to not register on the network. You can check your network provider’s website or social media pages to see if there are any reported outages in your area.
If you suspect that the issue is with your network provider, you can try restarting your phone or switching to a different network mode (e.g., from 4G to 3G) to see if the issue resolves. You can also contact your network provider’s customer service to report the issue and ask for their assistance.
Can I fix it by restarting my phone?
Yes, sometimes a simple restart can resolve the issue. When you restart your phone, it can help to refresh the connection with the network and resolve any software glitches that may be causing the problem. Simply press and hold the Power button until your phone shuts down, then press and hold the Power button again to turn it back on.
If restarting your phone doesn’t work, you can try restarting your phone in safe mode. This can help to disable any third-party apps that may be causing the issue. To restart your phone in safe mode, press and hold the Power button until the Samsung logo appears, then release the Power button and immediately hold down the Volume down button.
Can I fix it by updating my phone’s software?
Yes, an outdated software can cause issues with your phone’s network connectivity. Make sure that your phone’s operating system is up to date, as updates often include bug fixes and improvements to network connectivity. Go to Settings > About device > Software update to check for any available updates.
If you’ve already updated your phone’s software and the issue persists, you can try performing a factory reset. This will restore your phone to its original settings, which can help to resolve software-related issues. Before performing a factory reset, make sure to back up your data and remove your SIM card and SD card.
Will a factory reset delete my data?
Yes, a factory reset will delete all of your phone’s data, including your contacts, photos, apps, and settings. Before performing a factory reset, make sure to back up your data to prevent losing important information. You can use Samsung’s built-in backup feature or a third-party app to backup your data.
It’s also a good idea to remove your SIM card and SD card before performing a factory reset, as this will ensure that your phone doesn’t delete any data stored on these cards. After performing a factory reset, you can restore your data from the backup and set up your phone again.
How can I prevent this issue from happening again?
To prevent this issue from happening again, make sure to regularly clean your SIM card and phone’s SIM card slot to prevent corrosion. You can also ensure that your phone’s software is up to date, as updates often include bug fixes and improvements to network connectivity.
Additionally, you can enable the “Automatic Network Selection” feature on your phone, which can help to improve network connectivity. To enable this feature, go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network mode, and select “Automatic” as the network mode.