Experiencing the frustrating ‘s21 sim card not detected’ issue on your Samsung device? You’re not alone. This common problem has been reported by numerous Samsung S21 users worldwide, causing a significant disruption in their communication and connectivity. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you navigate this issue and get your device back to its optimal performance.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the reasons why your Samsung S21 is not reading the sim card and provide you with simple, yet effective solutions to rectify this problem. Whether your S21 is not detecting the sim card or showing a ‘no sim card’ error, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and get your Galaxy S21 recognizing your sim card again.
Table of Contents
What is the Sim Card Not Detected Error?
The ‘Sim Card Not Detected’ error is a common issue that smartphone users, including those using the Samsung Galaxy S21, often encounter. This error occurs when the device is unable to recognize or detect the SIM card inserted in it. As a result, the device cannot connect to the cellular network, preventing the user from making calls, sending messages, or using mobile data. This error can be caused by various factors, including software glitches, incorrect network settings, a faulty SIM card, or even hardware issues like a defective SIM card slot.
Causes Of Samsung S21 Sim Card Not Detected Error
Understanding the root causes of the “s21 sim card not detected” error can help you troubleshoot and fix the problem more effectively. Here are some common reasons why your Samsung S21 might not be reading the sim card:
- Outdated Software: As mentioned earlier, outdated software can cause various issues, including the “s21 not reading sim card” error. Regularly updating your device’s software ensures that all components are working optimally and can resolve many common issues.
- Physical Damage: Physical damage to the sim card or the sim card slot can also cause the “s21 sim card not reading” error. This could be due to dropping the device, exposure to water, or other forms of physical impact.
- Dust or Debris: Dust or debris in the sim card slot can prevent the device from detecting the sim card. Regularly cleaning the sim card slot can help prevent this issue.
- Sim Card Not Inserted Properly: If the sim card is not inserted properly, your device might not be able to detect it. Always ensure that the sim card is correctly placed in the slot.
- Network Provider Issues: Sometimes, the problem might not be with your device but with your network provider. Issues with the network provider’s services can result in the “s21 no sim card” error.
- Faulty Sim Card: Lastly, the sim card itself might be faulty. If you’ve tried all other solutions and the problem persists, consider getting a new sim card.
Understanding these causes can help you identify and fix the “no sim card detected samsung s21” error more effectively.
15 Ways to Fix Samsung S21 Sim Card Not Detected Error
1. Check the error code
Should you encounter any specific error code or message with the ‘s21 no sim card’ issue, make sure to note it down. This could be the crucial clue needed to resolve the ‘no sim card detected’ error on your Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. A swift Google search can often lead you to an effective solution. If the error is recognized, finding a solution becomes significantly easier. So, whether your s21 is not reading the sim card or simply not detecting the sim card, having the error details at hand can expedite the troubleshooting process.
2. Restart
This simple fix can often help to solve the ‘s21 sim card not detected’ issue on your Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, especially if it’s caused by a small glitch. Restarting your Samsung Galaxy S21 5G can not only help with this ‘s21 not reading sim card’ problem but also address other minor issues on your device. Additionally, forcing an app to close can also be a handy solution to this error.
- Select the Recent Apps soft key on your Samsung Galaxy S21 5G’s display (The key with three vertical lines on the left of the Home key)
- After the Recent Apps screen appears, swipe right or left to look for the app. It should be there if you run it previously. Next, swipe up it to close. This is the forced closing process. If the app is not there, choose the Close All button to restart all apps
There is another way you can try to force close an app
- Open Settings app and navigate to Apps > More settings icon (three-dot icon, upper right)
- Go to Show system apps choose the app and select Force Stop button
3. Change Network Mode to Auto
Changing the Network Mode to Auto is a simple yet effective solution to the ‘s21 sim card not detected’ issue. This method ensures that your Samsung Galaxy S21 automatically selects the best network available, which can help if the problem is due to incorrect network settings.
- Open the ‘Settings‘ app on your Samsung Galaxy S21.
- Scroll down and tap on ‘Connections‘.
- Tap on ‘Mobile networks‘.
- Now, tap on ‘Network mode‘.
- You will see several options. Select ‘Auto connect (LTE/3G/2G)’.
- Restart your device to ensure the changes take effect.
By following these steps, your device will automatically choose the best available network, potentially resolving the ‘samsung s21 sim card not detected’ issue.
4. Disable the Radio
Disabling the radio on your Samsung Galaxy S21 is another potential solution to the ‘s21 sim card not detected’ issue. This method can help reset your device’s connection to the cellular network, which can be useful if the problem is due to a temporary glitch in the radio signal.
- Open the ‘Phone‘ app on your Samsung Galaxy S21.
- Dial ‘##4636##‘ to access the Testing menu.
- Tap on ‘Phone information‘.
- Scroll down and tap on ‘Turn off radio‘.
- Wait for a few seconds, then tap on ‘Turn on radio‘.
- Restart your device to ensure the changes take effect.
By following these steps, you’re essentially resetting your device’s connection to the cellular network, which could help resolve the ‘s21 not detecting sim card’ issue.
5. Toggle Airplane Mode
Toggling Airplane Mode on and off is a quick and easy method that can potentially fix the ‘s21 sim card not detected’ issue. This process can reset your Samsung Galaxy S21’s network settings, helping to clear minor glitches or bugs that might be causing the problem.
- Swipe down from the top of your Samsung Galaxy S21’s screen to open the notification panel.
- Look for the ‘Airplane Mode‘ icon and tap on it to turn it on. You’ll know it’s activated when the icon turns blue.
- Wait for about 30 seconds to a minute.
- Tap on the ‘Airplane Mode‘ icon again to turn it off.
- Check to see if your device now detects the SIM card.
By following these steps, you’re essentially giving your device’s network settings a quick reset, which could help resolve the ‘galaxy s21 no sim card’ issue.
6. Disconnect the SIM card
Here’s another straightforward way to tackle the ‘s21 sim card not reading’ problem on your Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. If the issue lies with the SIM card itself or if it’s not properly inserted, this method should do the trick. Simply take out the SIM card from your Samsung Galaxy S21 5G and put it back in after a few moments. Then, see if the ‘s21 not detecting sim card’ error has been resolved.
- Switch off your Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. If you Insert a SIM card while the device is on, it can corrupt data on your device
- Then remove the SIM card tray. Put a paperclip (or the insertion/removal tool) in the slot that is provided. You can see this small hole on the top part of your Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
- Next, remove the SIM card from the tray by lifting it up from the bottom
- After that reinsert the SIM card tray
- Hit in on the tray to lock it into place
- Reinstall the SIM card once some time has passed. You need to do it while the device is off. Then, check the error
7. Use another SIM
If the ‘s21 no sim card’ error persists on your Samsung Galaxy S21 5G even after reinserting the SIM card, our next move is to determine if a faulty SIM card is the culprit. Try using a SIM card that you know works well and insert it into your device. If it functions without any issues, it’s likely that your previous SIM card was the problem. In such a scenario, the most effective solution would be to obtain a new SIM card from your service provider.
8. Clear cache partition
If the ‘s21 sim card not detected’ issue on your Samsung Galaxy S21 5G started appearing after a device update, the system cache might be the problem. You can clear the cache partition, where system caches are stored, to refresh it and avoid any corruption. This could potentially resolve the ‘s21 not reading sim card’ error.
- Switch off the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
- Tap and hold the (Bixby and) Volume Up buttons and then tap and hold the Power button
- Release all buttons after the green Android logo shows
- To highlight “wipe cache partition,” repeatedly tap the Volume Down button
- To choose, tap the Power button
- Tap the Volume down button. Once the word “yes” is highlighted, tap the Power key
- The phrase “Reboot system now” is highlighted when the wipe cache partition is ended
9. Choose the Correct Network Operator
Choosing the correct network operator is another effective method to resolve the ‘s21 sim card not detected’ issue. This ensures that your Samsung Galaxy S21 is connected to the right service provider, which can help if the problem is due to incorrect network settings.
- Open the ‘Settings‘ app on your Samsung Galaxy S21.
- Scroll down and tap on ‘Connections‘.
- Tap on ‘Mobile networks‘.
- Now, tap on ‘Network operators‘.
- You will see several options. Select ‘Search networks‘.
- Wait for your device to search for available networks. Once the search is complete, select your service provider from the list.
- Restart your device to ensure the changes take effect.
By following these steps, your device will be connected to the correct network operator, potentially resolving the ‘galaxy s21 no sim card’ issue.
10. Reset network settings
If the ‘s21 no sim card’ issue persists on your Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, our next step in troubleshooting is to reset the network settings. Network functions like MMS and SMS can sometimes become corrupted due to incorrect network settings. In this step, we’ll reset the network settings to their default state to address the ‘s21 not detecting sim card’ problem.
- Open the ‘Settings‘ app on your Samsung S21. You can find this by swiping up from your home screen and searching for ‘Settings’ in the search bar at the top.
- Scroll down and tap on ‘General Management‘.
- Next, tap on ‘Reset‘. This will open a new menu with various reset options.
- In the reset menu, select ‘Reset Network Settings‘.
- You will be prompted to enter your PIN, pattern, or password for security purposes. Enter the required information.
- Finally, tap on ‘Reset‘. A warning will appear, informing you that all your network settings will be returned to their default settings. If you’re sure you want to proceed, tap on ‘Reset’ again.
This process will erase certain data from your Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. This includes Wi-Fi passwords, records of Wi-Fi networks your device has previously connected to, VPN settings, APN settings related to cellular configuration, and the list of Bluetooth devices your Galaxy S21 has been paired with in the past.
11. Update APN Settings
Updating the Access Point Name (APN) settings on your Samsung Galaxy S21 can be a potential solution to the ‘s21 sim card not detected’ issue. APN settings are used to establish a connection to the gateway between your carrier’s cellular network and the internet, which can help if the problem is due to incorrect network settings.
- Open the ‘Settings’ app on your Samsung Galaxy S21.
- Scroll down and tap on ‘Connections’.
- Tap on ‘Mobile networks’.
- Now, tap on ‘Access Point Names’.
- If available, select your service provider’s name. If not, tap on the ‘+’ sign or ‘Add’ to create a new APN.
- Enter the APN settings provided by your service provider. If you’re unsure about these settings, you can usually find them on your service provider’s website or by contacting their customer service.
- Once you’ve entered the APN settings, tap on ‘Save’.
- Restart your device to ensure the changes take effect.
By following these steps, your device will have the correct APN settings, which could help resolve the ‘no sim card detected samsung s21’ issue.
12. Update Your Software Version
One of the most common reasons for the “s21 sim card not detected” error is outdated software. Your Samsung S21 device needs to have the latest software version to function optimally. An outdated software version can cause glitches, including the device not reading the sim card. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep your device updated to the latest software version. Follow these simple steps to update your software version:
- Open your Samsung S21 device and navigate to the ‘Settings‘ menu. You can find this by swiping down from the top of your screen and tapping on the gear icon.
- Scroll down and tap on ‘Software Update‘. This option is usually located towards the bottom of the settings menu.
- Tap on ‘Download and Install‘. Your device will now check for any available software updates. If an update is available, it will be downloaded and installed automatically.
- If your device is already up-to-date, you will see a message stating “Your software is up to date“. If not, the update process will begin. Make sure your device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network and has enough battery life for the update process.
- Step 5: Once the update is complete, your device will restart. After the restart, check if the “s21 sim card not detected” error has been resolved.
Remember, updating your software version not only fixes the “samsung s21 sim card not detected” issue but also enhances the overall performance of your device. So, make it a habit to regularly check for and install software updates.
13. Boot to Safe Mode
If you’ve installed an app and then started facing issues, this method can help you figure out if that app is the culprit. Similarly, if you’re unsure which app might be causing the ‘s21 sim card not detected’ problem on your Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, this same procedure can be used to check if any of your installed apps are at fault.
- Press and hold the Power button. Then the power of window will launch.
- As soon as the Power Off window launches, then let go of the Power button
- Keep holding down the Power button. Then the Safe mode prompt will show. As soon as the Safe mode prompts lunches, then let go of the Power off
- Press Safe mode to confirm
- Up to 30 seconds may pass before the procedure is ended
- “Safe mode” displays on the home screen in the lower-left corner after a restart
In this mode, all third-party apps are turned off, leaving only the pre-installed ones active. If you find that the ‘s21 not reading sim card’ issue has vanished in this mode, it’s advisable to uninstall the apps you’ve recently added to your Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. If you can’t remember which app you last installed, you can uninstall each one individually until you identify the problematic app. To remove these troublesome apps from your Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, just follow the steps we’ve outlined below.
- launch safe mode and look for the error
- Upon concluding that a third-party app is to blame, you can begin removing each app one at a time. We advise you to begin with the most recent apps.
- Restart the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G in normal mode after uninstalling an app to check for issues
- Repeat steps 1-4 if your Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is still giving you the same problem
14. Factory reset
The ultimate solution to the ‘s21 sim card not detected’ issue on your Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is to perform a factory reset. This can be done either through the settings menu or the Android recovery menu. If there are any software or app glitches causing the ‘s21 not detecting sim card’ problem, this method should effectively resolve it.
Via Settings app
Using this method is advised if you can access the Settings app. the factory reset can be done most easily in this manner.
- Create a backup of your data and delete your Google account from the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
- Open the Settings app and select General management > Reset
- Next, go to Factory data reset option from the given options
- Read the information then select Reset to continue the procedure
- Next, select Delete All button to confirm the procedure
Via Android recovery menu options
This approach is particularly useful for performing a factory reset if your Samsung Galaxy S21 5G won’t power up or if you’re unable to access the Settings menu. By booting your Android device via the recovery menu, you can execute the correct master reset procedure, potentially resolving the ‘s21 no sim card’ issue.
- Create a backup of your data and delete your Google account from the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
- Switch off the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
- Tap and hold the Volume Up buttons (Bixby button) and then tap and hold the Power button
- Release all buttons after the green Android logo shows
- To highlight “Wipe data/factory reset” repeatedly tap the Volume Down button
- To choose, Tap the Power button
- Tap the Volume down button. Once the word yes- delete all user data is highlighted, press the power button.
- The phrase “Reboot system now” is highlighted when the factory reset is ended
15. Contact Samsung
If the ‘s21 sim card not detected’ error persists even after a factory reset, it’s likely that there’s a hardware issue at play. The problem could be due to a faulty motherboard or a defective SIM card slot. To fix the ‘samsung s21 sim card not detected’ issue, we suggest reaching out to Samsung directly. You can visit your local Samsung store or service center and request them to inspect your Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. They will provide the necessary assistance to resolve the ‘galaxy s21 no sim card’ problem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dealing with the ‘s21 sim card not detected’ issue on your Samsung Galaxy S21 5G can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, it’s usually possible to resolve the problem. Whether it’s a simple restart, reinserting the SIM card, clearing the system cache, resetting network settings, disabling third-party apps, or even performing a factory reset, there’s a solution to get your device back to optimal performance.
However, if all else fails, it’s best to seek professional help from Samsung to address the ‘samsung s21 sim card not detected’ issue. Remember, your Galaxy S21 is a powerful device, and with the right care and troubleshooting, you can overcome the ‘s21 not reading sim card’ problem and enjoy seamless connectivity once again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Samsung Galaxy S21 5G say that I don’t have a SIM card?
Your Samsung Galaxy S21 5G cannot properly read the information on your SIM card, which is why there is no SIM card error displayed on your phone. This typically occurs when your SIM card is improperly placed, broken, or when your phone has software issues following a software upgrade.
Why does my SIM card work in another phone but not in mine?
The reason should be dirt in the slot. Make sure the SIM card slot is clean and free of debris because that could affect the connection. Clear off any debris by blowing into the slot with pressurized air using a can. The contacts on the SIM card can also be cleaned with a fresh microfiber cloth.
Why doesn’t my SIM show a network?
When you see this issue, you should check to make sure your SIM card is properly inserted. Make sure it is properly seated because it could occasionally get loose or fall out of its slot. Try switching out your SIM card for one from a different carrier if it doesn’t work.
Does a factory reset fix the issue “no SIM card detected”?
A factory reset will resolve the issue if you encountered this error as a result of a software bug. However, this method won’t work if hardware is the underlying source of the issue. For hardware issues, you might need a technician’s assistance.
“No SIM card detected” error after dropped Samsung device
your Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is unable to properly read the contents of your SIM card. This usually happens when your SIM card is not installed properly, it is damaged, or your Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has software problems after a software update. So, power off the phone and take the SIM card out. Wipe the SIM card holder and the SIM card using soft cloth. Check SIM card whether any damage can be identified in surface. Then, insert it properly. If the problem still prevails you better to contact the service provider to check for internal SIM card damages.
“No SIM card detected” error after the update
Sometimes, you may get this error message soon after the update. Then, wait few minutes until the phone works with its’ new version. If still the error displays remove the SIM card and re-insert it. Moreover, check if the update is properly done.
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