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How to Fix SIM Card Showing Network Active But Not Working

Learn how to fix a SIM card showing network active but not working with quick resets and APN tweaks to restore calls and data instantly.

Your SIM says it’s connected, but you can’t call, text, or browse. This guide gives you fast, actionable fixes — from quick resets to advanced network tweaks — so you can restore service before contacting your carrier.

Key Takeaways

A SIM card can show “network active” yet fail if activation isn’t complete, APN settings are wrong, or network bands don’t match.
Start with quick actions: toggle Airplane mode, reseat SIM, check your balance, reset APN and network settings.
Test SIM in another device to isolate if the fault is with the SIM or your phone.
Travelers can avoid repeated problems by using eSIM for instant global activation.

Understanding the Problem

When your phone displays "Network Active" or shows signal bars, it means your SIM card has successfully registered its identity with a nearby cell tower. The tower "sees" your phone and knows you exist on the network.

However, registration alone doesn't give you permission to make calls or use data.

The Two-Step Connection Process:

Step 1: Registration (What "Network Active" means)

Your SIM broadcasts its IMSI (unique identifier) to towers
Tower confirms: "Yes, I can see this SIM card"
Phone shows signal bars and "Network Active"
Happens in: 5-15 seconds

Step 2: Authorization (What's actually broken)

Carrier checks: Is this SIM paid? Activated? On correct plan?
Phone requests: "Can I make calls? Send data?"
Network grants authentication tokens
Should happen in: 10-60 seconds

Real-World Analogy

Think of airport security:

Registration = Passport scan confirms your identity
Authorization = Valid boarding pass lets you actually fly

You can pass through passport control (registration) but still get stopped at the gate without a boarding pass (authorization).

Why This Gap Happens

Your phone got "registered" but authorization failed due to:

Carrier backend delay: Their database hasn't updated your SIM permissions yet
Wrong APN settings: Like having the wrong gate number on your boarding pass
Missing authentication: Phone doesn't have the right "password" to access services
Network mode mismatch: Trying to use 5G when tower only offers 4G
Account issues: Suspended service, zero balance, or expired plan

Common Scenarios When This Occurs

After traveling internationally

SIM registers on foreign towers but roaming not enabled
Wrong network mode for local frequencies

Brand new SIM activation
Takes 2-24 hours for carrier to finish backend provisioning
IMSI not yet added to billing database

After phone OS update
Update overwrites carrier settings or APN configuration
New iOS/Android version incompatible with old carrier profile

Switching between SIM cards

Phone caches old network preferences
Needs restart to clear previous SIM's settings

After suspension/reactivation
Account reinstated but network authentication not refreshed
Carrier needs to manually "kick" your SIM back onto network

Common Causes of SIM Connectivity Failure Despite Active Status

SIM Card Activation Issues

Carriers often need time to fully provision (update their network database) after issuing or replacing a SIM. Until this completes, calls/data may be blocked even though the SIM registers.

Incorrect APN Settings

The Access Point Name (APN) tells your device how to connect to your carrier’s data network. One wrong character can block mobile data entirely. Compare your APN to the one listed on your carrier’s site and reset to default if unsure.

Outdated Cellular Firmware

Cellular firmware controls how your phone’s radio talks to network bands. Outdated versions can mismanage frequency switching or authentication. Updating often solves subtle connectivity bugs.

Network Mode / Band Compatibility

Auto-switch between 4G/5G can fail if the local tower doesn’t support your current mode. Manual selection of LTE or 3G sometimes restores stable connectivity — especially in roaming zones.

Poor SIM Slot Condition

Dust, moisture, or bent pins can disrupt the tiny electrical contacts that let the SIM communicate.

Carrier or Regional Restrictions

Country locks, roaming bans, or devices not approved by the local regulator can cause service denial despite registration.

Quick Fix Checklist – Ranked by Success Rate

Follow these in order. Each step takes under 5 minutes:

Step 1: Toggle Airplane Mode + Restart

Time: 2 minutes
Success rate: ~60% (most common fix)
Why it works: Forces your phone to drop the old connection and re-negotiate with cell towers from scratch.

How to do it:

Turn Airplane mode ON, wait 30 seconds
Turn Airplane mode OFF
Fully restart your phone (hold power button → Restart)
Wait 60 seconds after reboot
Test: Open browser and load any website

✓ If this works: You had a temporary tower handshake glitch. Problem solved!

Step 2: Remove & Reseat SIM

Time: 3 minutes
Success rate: ~25%
Why it works: Dust, moisture, or poor contact causes 1 in 4 SIM failures.

How to do it:

Power off completely (not just Airplane mode)
Eject SIM tray with pin or paperclip
Check gold contacts – wipe gently with dry cloth if dusty
Inspect SIM slot – blow out any dust
Reinsert SIM firmly until it clicks into place
Power on, wait 60 seconds

If this works: Physical contact issue was the culprit.
If SIM looks scratched/bent: Skip to Step 7 (test in another device) – you may need SIM replacement.

Step 3: Verify Activation & Balance

Time: 2 minutes
Success rate: ~15%
Why it works: Expired data plans or suspended accounts block service even with active registration.

How to check:

Dial carrier USSD code: Examples: *#123# (check balance), *611 (customer service)
Or use carrier app: Log in and verify account status
Confirm these 3 things:
- SIM status shows "Active" (not "Suspended" or "Pending")
- Data balance is not zero
- No outstanding payment due

If account inactive: Pay outstanding balance or contact carrier billing.

Step 4: Reset APN to Default

Time: 3 minutes
Success rate: ~20%
Why it works: Wrong Access Point Name settings block mobile data entirely—even one wrong character causes failure.

How to reset:

For Android:

Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Network
Access Point Names (APN)
Tap 3-dot menu → Reset to default
Restart phone

For iOS:

Settings → General → Reset
Reset Network Settings
Enter passcode, confirm
Phone will restart automatically (iOS auto-retrieves correct APN)

If this works: You had incorrect APN configuration.
Pro tip: Screenshot your APN settings BEFORE resetting, in case you need to restore custom settings later.

Step 5: Reset Network Settings

Time: 4 minutes
Success rate: ~10-15%
Why it works: Clears corrupted cellular/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth configs and forces phone to rebuild from scratch.

WARNING: This will erase saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth pairings. Write them down first!

How to reset:

Android: Settings → System → Reset Options → Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile & Bluetooth → Reset Settings

iOS: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings

After reset:

Phone will restart
Reconnect to Wi-Fi manually
Mobile data should auto-configure

If this works: You had corrupted network configuration files.

Step 6: Switch Network Mode Manually

Time: 2 minutes
Success rate: ~10%
Why it works: Auto-switching between 5G/4G/3G can fail if local towers don't support your preferred mode.

How to switch:

Android: Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Network → Preferred Network Type → Select LTE/4G Only

iOS: Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Options → Voice & Data → Select LTE

When this helps most:

Traveling internationally (foreign towers may not support all modes)
Rural areas with spotty 5G coverage
Phone constantly switches between 5G and 4G

If this works: Your phone was stuck trying to connect to unavailable network mode.

Step 7: Test SIM in Another Device

Time: 5 minutes
Diagnostic test (determines if problem is SIM or phone)

How to test:

Borrow a friend's unlocked phone (must be same carrier or unlocked)
Insert your SIM
Wait 60 seconds
Try making a call or browsing

Results:

SIM works in other phone:

Problem = Your phone (SIM slot damage, software issue, IMEI block)
Next step: Contact phone manufacturer or repair shop

SIM fails in other phone too:

Problem = Your SIM card (physically damaged or not provisioned)
Next step: Contact carrier for SIM replacement

Still Not Working After All Steps?

Contact your carrier support if:

You've tried all 7 steps above
SIM is brand new (may need manual provisioning)
Account shows active but no service

Ask them to:

"Refresh my SIM profile on the network"
"Reset my IMSI authentication"
"Check if my device IMEI is blacklisted"

Carrier fix time: Usually resolved in 10-30 minutes over phone.

When to Fix It Yourself vs. Contact Carrier vs. Visit Repair Shop

Not sure if you should keep troubleshooting or call for help? Use this decision tree:

FIX IT YOURSELF (Continue with Quick Fix steps above)

If ALL these are true:

✓ SIM worked fine yesterday, stopped working today
✓ You're comfortable navigating phone settings
✓ No physical damage to phone (not dropped, no water exposure)
✓ You have 15-20 minutes to try troubleshooting steps

Most likely causes you can fix:

Temporary network glitch (Airplane mode fix)
Dust/poor SIM contact (reseat SIM)
Wrong APN settings (reset APN)
Corrupted network config (reset network settings)

⏱️ Expected time to fix: 5-20 minutes for 80% of issues

CALL YOUR CARRIER IMMEDIATELY (Don't waste time troubleshooting)

If ANY of these are true:

Brand new SIM card never worked

Likely: Activation not completed in their system
They need to: Manually provision your SIM in backend database
Fix time: 10-30 minutes over phone

Error message says "SIM Not Provisioned" or "Invalid SIM"

Likely: Your SIM not registered in carrier's network
They need to: Add your IMSI to their authorization system
Fix time: 15 minutes

SIM works in other phones but not yours

Likely: Your device IMEI is blacklisted or restricted
They need to: Check IMEI status and remove blocks
Fix time: 20-40 minutes (may need escalation)

Account suspended or billing issue

Likely: Service disconnected due to payment
They need to: Confirm payment received and reactivate
Fix time: 5-15 minutes

Just ported number from another carrier

Likely: Port not completed correctly
They need to: Verify port-in request and force completion
Fix time: 30 minutes to 24 hours

What to ask carrier support:

"Can you confirm my SIM is fully activated and provisioned?"
"Please refresh my SIM profile on the network"
"Can you check if my device IMEI is blacklisted?"
"Can you manually reset my network authentication?"

VISIT REPAIR SHOP / REPLACE DEVICE

If ANY of these are true:

SIM slot is visibly damaged

Signs: Bent/broken pins, loose tray, won't click into place
Cost: $50-150 repair (or use eSIM instead if device supports it)

Phone dropped from height or water damaged

Signs: SIM randomly disconnects, other features also broken
Cost: $100-300 repair or device replacement

Multiple different SIM cards all fail in your device

Signs: Borrowed 3+ SIMs from friends, none work
Likely: SIM reader hardware failure
Cost: $60-200 repair

Physical damage to SIM card itself

Signs: Scratches on gold contacts, bent/cracked, warped
Solution: Request free SIM replacement from carrier (usually $0-10)

Device is carrier-locked to different network

Signs: Says "SIM not supported" or "Contact carrier to unlock"
Solution: Request unlock from original carrier (may take 3-5 days)

eSIM emergency backup: If your physical SIM slot is broken but repair will take days:

Check if your device supports eSIM (iPhone XS+, Pixel 3+, Samsung S20+)
Buy eSIM online (BitJoy: $2.50+, instant QR delivery)
Bypass broken hardware slot entirely
Get connected in 2 minutes while waiting for repair appointment

Advanced Troubleshooting When Quick Fixes Don’t Work

Update Device & Cellular Firmware

Install pending OS updates and seek carrier firmware updates for your model.

Manual DNS Input

Set DNS to Google’s 8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4 to improve routing when the network assigns none.

Physical SIM Inspection

Check under bright light for scratches, dirt, or warping. Clean gently.

Carrier Network Refresh/Reprovision

Ask support to reset your SIM profile in their backend.

Hardware Inspection

If SIM slots or antenna boards are damaged, professional repair is required.

Special Considerations for Travelers and Digital Nomads

International travel multiplies SIM connectivity problems. Here's how to avoid common pitfalls:

Scenario 1: "Network Active" After Landing Abroad, But No Data

What's happening: Your phone registered on local towers but can't connect due to frequency band mismatch.

Example:

Your US iPhone (Bands 2, 4, 12, 25) lands in Thailand
Thai towers broadcast on Bands 3, 8, 40
Phone shows "Network Active" (finds Band 3) but data fails (can't sustain connection)

Quick fix:

Go to Settings → Mobile Network → Preferred Network Type
Switch from "5G/LTE Auto" to "4G/LTE Only"
Wait 30 seconds
Test data connection

Prevention before travel:

Google: "[Your phone model] supported bands"
Check destination country's primary LTE bands
If no overlap, consider renting local device or using eSIM

Scenario 2: Swapped to Local SIM, Phone Still Tries Home Network

What's happening: Your phone cached previous SIM's network preferences and won't switch.

Common mistake: Travelers pop out old SIM, insert new SIM, expect instant connection—but phone is still "looking" for home carrier.

Correct procedure:

Power off completely (not just SIM swap while on)
Remove old SIM
Insert new local SIM
Power on (this forces phone to re-scan networks)
Go to Settings → Network Operators → "Search Networks"
Manually select local carrier (e.g., "AIS Thailand")
After connected, set back to "Automatic"

Time saved: 15-30 minutes of confused troubleshooting

Pro tip: Set a phone reminder: "After SIM swap → Restart phone before troubleshooting!"

Scenario 3: Roaming "Works" But Costs $15/MB

What's happening: Your home carrier's roaming activated successfully—but at brutal rates.

Real example:

Sarah lands in Bali with AT&T
Phone connects (yay!)
Streams 30-min YouTube video (1.5GB)
Gets home to $450 roaming bill

Why travelers prefer eSIM for international trips:

Issue	Physical Local SIM	Home Carrier Roaming	eSIM (BitJoy)
Setup time	40 min (find shop, wait)	Instant	2 min (scan QR)
Cost	$5-15 (per country)	$10/day or $7-15/MB	$2.50+ (190+ countries)
Physical hassles	Bent pins, dust, lost SIMs	N/A	None (digital)
Multi-country	New SIM each border	Works but expensive	One eSIM, all countries
Activation wait	Sometimes 24 hours	Instant	Instant (60 sec)

When eSIM makes most sense:

Multi-country backpacking (Thailand → Vietnam → Cambodia)
Emergency connectivity (SIM failed, need data NOW)
Business travelers (no time to find SIM shops)
Digital nomads (tired of physical SIM hassles every month)

Real Traveler Example: Physical SIM Failure in Bangkok

The situation: Alex lands at Bangkok airport at 11 PM. His US SIM shows "Network Active" but no data—he can't call Uber, open Google Maps, or message his hotel.

Option A: Find local SIM shop

Walk 20 minutes to airport SIM counter (closed at 11 PM)
Wait until morning
Take expensive taxi to hotel ($40 vs $10 Grab)
Buy SIM next day ($10), wait for activation (2 hours)
Total cost: $50 + 12 hours of frustration

Option B: Buy eSIM instantly

Connect to airport WiFi
Buy BitJoy Thailand eSIM online ($4.50 for 3GB/7 days)
Receive QR code via email in 30 seconds
Scan QR, install eSIM in 90 seconds
Google Maps works before reaching baggage claim
Total cost: $4.50 + 2 minutes

Why eSIM eliminates 90% of "Network Active but not working" issues:

No physical failures: Dust, bent pins, slot damage = impossible
Instant backend provisioning: No 2-24 hour carrier database delays
Pre-configured APN: Settings auto-load, no manual input
No slot swapping: Keep primary SIM for SMS 2FA while using eSIM for data
Multi-device support: Install same eSIM on phone + tablet simultaneously

Crypto Payment Advantage for International Travelers

Problem: International transactions often blocked by banks

Example:

Your Visa/Mastercard gets fraud-blocked in new country
Can't buy local SIM without cash
ATMs charge $5-10 foreign transaction fees

BitJoy solution:

Pay with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or USDT (no bank involved)
No "suspicious foreign transaction" blocks
Instant payment confirmation
Works in all 190+ countries

Especially useful for:

Digital nomads managing finances across multiple currencies
Travelers in countries with strict capital controls
Anyone who's had their card blocked abroad (we've all been there!)

5-Day Money-Back Guarantee (Valid Through Dec 31, 2025)

Still nervous about trying eSIM?

Try BitJoy risk-free:

Buy any eSIM plan
Test for up to 5 days
If not satisfied for ANY reason → full refund within 24 hours
No questions asked

Common "try before you commit" uses:

Test eSIM capability on your device
Verify coverage quality in your destination
Compare speeds to physical SIM options

To request refund:

Email: support@thebitjoy.com
WhatsApp: [link]
Response time: Under 1 business hour (Dubai UTC+4)

Exploring eSIM as a Reliable Alternative

What is eSIM & How It Works

An eSIM is a digital SIM embedded in your phone. Activation involves scanning a QR code from your provider’s app or email — no physical card needed.

Benefits Over Physical SIM

Instant activation
No wear/dust in SIM slot
Global reach without swapping cards

Example – BitJoy Global eSIM Solutions

BitJoy offers eSIM coverage in 190+ countries, supports crypto payments, and delivers instant QR activation with 24/7 WhatsApp support.

Transition From Physical SIM Smoothly

Backup your current APN settings, ensure eSIM compatibility, start with a small plan to test.

Preventing SIM Connectivity Problems in the Future

Regular Updates

Keep your OS and carrier configs current.

SIM Care

Store in a sleeve when not in use, avoid bending.

Save APN Settings

Screenshot them for quick restore.

Use Wide Coverage Carriers

Select providers known for stable service in multiple regions.

1. Why is my SIM showing "Network Active" but I have no internet?

Most common causes (in order):

Wrong APN settings (40% of cases) → Reset APN to default
Incomplete activation (25%) → Wait 2 hours or call carrier
Zero data balance (15%) → Check account, top up if needed
Device in wrong network mode (10%) → Switch to "LTE Only"
Carrier network issue (10%) → Check carrier's status page for outages

Quick fix: Try Steps 1, 3, and 4 from Quick Fix Checklist above (takes 7 minutes total).

2. How do I get the correct APN settings for my carrier?

3 ways to find it:

Method 1: Google search (fastest)

Search: "[Your carrier name] APN settings 2025"
Example: "Verizon APN settings 2025"

Method 2: Carrier website

Visit your carrier's support page
Look for "Device Settings" or "Network Configuration"

Method 3: Text carrier support

Send text to carrier shortcode
Verizon: Text "APN" to 611
T-Mobile: Text "APN" to 611
AT&T: Text "SETUP" to 7726

Common input mistakes:

Extra spaces before/after text ("vzwinternet " vs "vzwinternet")
Wrong capitalization (some carriers are case-sensitive)
Old APN from previous carrier still saved

3. Can a physically damaged SIM still show "Network Active"?

Yes! SIM can register but fail to pass data if gold contacts are scratched or dirty.

How this happens:

Registration = simple identity broadcast (low data)
Calls/data = continuous high-speed communication (needs perfect contact)

Check your SIM under bright light:

Good: Shiny gold contacts, no scratches
Marginal: Slight discoloration, may work intermittently
Bad: Deep scratches, bent, visible wear

Test: Clean SIM with dry microfiber cloth, reinsert. If still fails → request replacement.

Tip: SIM cards typically last 5-10 years, but heavy swapping (removing/inserting frequently) shortens lifespan to 2-3 years.

4. How long does SIM activation take?

Timeline depends on activation type:

Instant (under 2 minutes):

eSIM via QR code scan (BitJoy: 60 seconds)
Reactivating existing SIM after brief suspension

Fast (2-30 minutes):

New physical SIM from carrier store
SIM replacement for same number
Most prepaid SIM activations

Slow (2-24 hours):

Online SIM orders (carrier must update backend)
Number port from different carrier
International roaming activation

Still not working after 24 hours? Call carrier support—likely stuck in provisioning queue.

5. Will switching to eSIM fix my repeated SIM problems?

YES, if your issues are:

Physical slot damage (dust, bent pins, loose tray)
Frequent SIM card wear from swapping
Lost/damaged SIM cards while traveling
Slow activation (eSIM activates in 60 seconds vs 2-24 hours)

NO, if your issues are:

Carrier network coverage problems (eSIM uses same towers)
Account/billing issues (problem is carrier-side, not SIM type)
Device hardware failure (antenna, motherboard)

eSIM advantages for travelers:

Eliminates 100% of physical SIM failures
Instant provisioning (no 24-hour carrier backend delays)
Multi-country coverage on one eSIM (190+ with BitJoy)
No swapping = no dust, bent pins, or lost SIMs

6. My SIM worked fine until I updated iOS/Android. What happened?

OS updates often overwrite:

Carrier settings bundle
APN configuration
Network mode preferences

Fix for iOS:

Settings → General → About
Wait 10 seconds—"Carrier Settings Update" prompt should appear
Tap "Update"
If no prompt appears → Reset Network Settings

Fix for Android:

Settings → About Phone → System Updates
Check for "Carrier Config" or "PRL Update"
If not available → Reset APN to default
Restart phone

Prevention: Always update carrier settings AFTER major OS updates.

7. Does cleaning my SIM card actually help?

Yes, but only for physical contact issues (about 20% of cases).

When cleaning helps:

SIM fails intermittently (works sometimes, not others)
You see visible dust/dirt on gold contacts
SIM has been exposed to moisture

How to clean safely:

DO: Use dry microfiber cloth or cotton swab
DO: Gently wipe gold contacts (not the chip)
DON'T: Use water, alcohol, or any liquid (damages chip)
DON'T: Scratch contacts with fingernails or sharp objects

When cleaning won't help:

SIM never worked (activation issue, not dirt)
Deep scratches or bent contacts (needs replacement)
Phone doesn't detect any SIM (slot reader problem)

8. Why does my SIM work with WiFi but not mobile data?

Short answer: Your APN (Access Point Name) settings are wrong.

Why this matters:

WiFi doesn't need APN to route data
Mobile data REQUIRES correct APN to connect to carrier's data gateway
Even one wrong character blocks all mobile data

Fix:

Reset APN to default (see Step 4 in Quick Fix Checklist)
Restart phone
Turn WiFi OFF to force mobile data test
Open browser and load website

Still not working? Call carrier and say: "My mobile data isn't working but WiFi is fine. Can you verify my APN and data provisioning?"

9. Can I use eSIM if my physical SIM slot is broken?

Absolutely! This is one of eSIM's biggest advantages.

Requirements:

Device supports eSIM (iPhone XS+, Google Pixel 3+, Samsung S20+, many iPads)
Check: Settings → About → look for "Digital SIM" or "eSIM" section

How to activate eSIM with broken physical slot:

Buy eSIM online (BitJoy: $2.50+, instant email delivery)
Receive QR code via email
Connect to WiFi
Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Scan QR code
Connected in 60-90 seconds

Avoids:

Expensive repair ($50-150)
Days without phone service
Buying temporary burner phone

Many travelers keep eSIM as backup even after SIM slot repair—just in case!

10. What's the difference between "No Service" and "Network Active but not working"?

"No Service" / "Searching":

Means: Phone can't find ANY cell towers
Causes: Airplane mode ON, SIM not inserted, out of coverage area, antenna damage
Fix: Check basics first (Airplane mode, SIM present, in coverage area)

"Network Active" / Signal bars visible but no calls/data:

Means: Phone found towers and registered, but authorization failed
Causes: Activation incomplete, wrong APN, account issues, network mode mismatch
Fix: Follow Quick Fix Checklist in this guide

Think of it like:

"No Service" = Can't find any airport
"Network Active" = Found airport but boarding pass invalid

11. Will factory reset fix my SIM problem?

Maybe, but DON'T do factory reset yet—it's extreme.

Try this first (safer, solves 85% of software issues):

Reset Network Settings instead of full factory reset
Keeps all your data, apps, photos
Only erases network configurations
Takes 4 minutes vs 2 hours to restore from backup

When factory reset MIGHT help:

Deep software corruption (rare)
After malware infection
Multiple unrelated problems (not just SIM)

When factory reset WON'T help:

Physical SIM damage → Need new SIM
Carrier provisioning issues → Call carrier
Broken SIM slot → Need repair or eSIM

Success rate:

Reset Network Settings: 85% success for software issues
Factory Reset: Only 5% higher (not worth the hassle)

12. I'm traveling tomorrow and my SIM just failed. Quick emergency fix?

Fastest solution: Buy eSIM online (works in 2 minutes)

Emergency procedure:

Connect to WiFi (home/hotel/cafe)
Buy eSIM online:
- BitJoy: $2.50+ for 190+ countries
- Receive QR code via email in 30 seconds
Install eSIM:
- Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM
- Scan QR code from email
- Activates in 60-90 seconds
Test immediately: Open browser, load website

Total time: 3 minutes from purchase to working internet

Why this beats other options:

Option	Time	Cost	Availability
eSIM (BitJoy)	2 min	$2.50+	24/7 online
Carrier store	2 hours	$10-25	Business hours only
Airport SIM shop	1 hour wait	$15-30	May be closed late
Repair physical slot	2-5 days	$50-150	Appointment needed

Pro traveler tip: Buy eSIM BEFORE your physical SIM fails as backup. Costs $2.50-5, gives peace of mind.

Risk-free: BitJoy offers 5-day money-back guarantee (valid through Dec 31, 2025)—try it, and if your physical SIM miraculously starts working again, request full refund!

Troubleshooting Summary

Use this table to quickly identify your issue and jump to the right fix:

How to use this table:

Find your symptom in the "Issue" column
Check "Likely Cause"
Try "Quick Fix" first (takes under 5 minutes)
If that fails, move to "Advanced Action"

Issue	Likely Cause	Quick Fix	Advanced Action
Active but no data	Wrong APN	Reset APN	Carrier reprovision
Signal drops	Band mismatch	Auto mode	Update firmware
Detected but no service	Dusty SIM slot	Clean contacts	Replace SIM
Works in one phone only	Device slot issue	Test swap	Repair hardware
Repeated activation fail	Carrier hold	Contact support	Switch to eSIM

Take control of your connectivity - whether you’re at home or halfway around the world. Start with the simple fixes, escalate when needed, and consider eSIM for a future-proof solution. If you’re ready for instant, reliable activation wherever you land, check out BitJoy’s global eSIM plans today.

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Date created November 5, 2025