How to fix “No Service” or “Emergency Calls Only” on any Nigerian SIM

In this guide, you’ll learn how to fix “No Service” or “Emergency Calls Only” on any Nigerian SIM easily.

All the steps shared here are simple, safe, and can be done by anyone without visiting a repair shop.

Yes, seeing “No Service” or “Emergency Calls Only” on your phone can be very annoying, especially when you urgently need to make a call, send a message, or browse the internet.

Many Nigerians face this problem with networks like MTN, Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile, but today there is hope as we have crafted out solutions that will help you.

The guide we put below will fix that for you. Come with me.

What causes “no service” or “emergency calls only” on SIM cards

Before you fix the problem, it’s good to understand why it happens. There are several reasons your SIM might show “No Service” or “Emergency Calls Only.” Some of the most common causes include:

Poor network coverage in your area.
SIM card not properly inserted into your phone.
SIM registration or NIN issue.
Airplane mode turned on.
Network settings error or outdated phone software.
Damaged SIM card or faulty SIM slot.

Knowing the cause helps you apply the right fix and saves you time.

Check if airplane mode is on

Sometimes, the solution is very simple. If your phone is in Airplane Mode, all network services are automatically turned off.

To fix this:

Swipe down from the top of your phone screen.
Check if the Airplane Mode icon is on.
If it’s on, tap it to turn it off.
Wait a few seconds for the signal bars to appear.

Once your phone reconnects, you should see your network name (like MTN, Airtel, or Glo) instead of “No Service.”

Restart your phone

Restarting your phone is one of the easiest ways to fix “No Service” or “Emergency Calls Only” errors. When you restart, your device refreshes its network connection and removes temporary bugs.

Here’s how to do it:

Press and hold the power button.
Select Restart or Reboot.
Wait for your phone to come back on.

After restarting, check if the network signal has returned.

Reinsert your SIM card properly

If your SIM card is not correctly inserted, your phone may not detect it.

To fix this:

Turn off your phone.
Remove the SIM card tray using a SIM ejector pin.
Take out your SIM card and clean it gently with a soft cloth.
Reinsert it properly into the tray and put it back.
Turn your phone back on.

You should now see the signal bars return after a few seconds.

Manually select your network

Sometimes, your phone might fail to automatically connect to your network provider. You can fix this by manually selecting your network.

Here’s how to do it:

Go to Settings > Mobile Network > Network Operators.
Wait for your phone to search for available networks.
Choose your network (for example, MTN NG, AIRTEL NG, GLO NG, or 9MOBILE NG).

Once selected, your signal should appear and the “No Service” message should disappear.

Check your SIM registration or NIN status

In Nigeria, all SIM cards must be linked with the National Identification Number (NIN). If your SIM is not registered or your NIN is not properly linked, your line can be blocked — leading to “No Service” or “Emergency Calls Only.”

To confirm your NIN status:

MTN: Dial *996# or *785#
Airtel: Dial *996# or 1211#
Glo: Dial *996# or *109#
9mobile: Dial *996#

If your SIM is not linked, visit your network’s nearest service center with your NIN slip and a valid ID card to reconnect your line.

Test your SIM in another phone

If the problem continues after trying the steps above, your SIM card might be damaged. The best way to confirm is by testing it on another phone.

Remove your SIM card and insert it into another working phone.
If it still shows “No Service,” then your SIM is faulty.
If it works, then the issue is from your phone.

A damaged SIM card can be replaced easily at any MTN, Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile office.

Reset network settings

If your phone’s network configuration is wrong, it can cause connection errors. Resetting the network settings will fix this issue.

To do this:

Go to Settings > System > Reset options.
Select Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile & Bluetooth.
Confirm the reset.

This will not delete your photos or files. It only resets your connection settings to default.

Update your phone software

Sometimes, an old or outdated system can cause network problems.

To fix this:

Go to Settings > Software Update.
If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
After updating, restart your phone.

Software updates often contain fixes for bugs that may affect your SIM network.

Check for network outages in your area

If many people around you are also complaining about poor signal, then it’s likely a network outage. This means the problem is from your provider, not your SIM or phone.

To confirm, you can:

Check your network’s official social media pages (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram).
Ask people nearby using the same network if they have service.

If it’s a network issue, all you can do is wait for your provider to fix it.

Visit your network’s nearest service center

If none of the above methods work, it’s time to visit your network provider’s office.

Take your SIM pack or a valid ID card and explain the problem. The staff will check your SIM, verify your NIN, and either fix or replace your line.

Here’s how to locate them:

MTN Service Center: Visit any MTN Connect store near you.
Airtel Experience Center: Visit an Airtel office or authorized dealer.
Glo World Office: Go to the nearest Glo service point.
9mobile Experience Center: Find any 9mobile shop close to you.

They will assist you for free or at a very low replacement cost.

Prevent “no service” from happening again

Once your SIM starts working again, it’s important to prevent the problem from happening in the future. Follow these tips:

Always keep your phone software updated.
Avoid cutting or damaging your SIM card.
Do not use fake SIM adapters.
Link your NIN properly to your line.
Avoid changing your SIM too often.
Store your SIM card safely when not in use.

These small actions can save you from facing another “No Service” issue.

Conclusion

Dealing with “No Service” or “Emergency Calls Only” on any Nigerian SIM can be stressful, but it’s often easy to fix if you know the right steps. From checking Airplane Mode to reinserting your SIM card, resetting network settings, or visiting your provider’s office, all the methods above are tested and legal.

Always start with the simple fixes first before assuming your SIM is bad. If you follow the guide carefully, your line should come back to normal in no time.

Whether you use MTN, Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile, these steps will help you stay connected and avoid network problems in the future.