How to fix Galaxy A3 (2017) No Service error (won’t register to network)

Troubleshooting No Service error on any device is not straightforward. Today’s post will show you how to fix No Service error on Galaxy A3 (2017).

Problem: Galaxy A3 (2017) has No Service error and won’t register to network

Hi guys! very happy that found your website, it’s really useful. I bought a second hand A3 2017. everything goes well, until I got home and I get immediately: “No service” selected network (Orange) not available. I had selected the network operator manually. Doing that, I got “registering on Orange” but still…does not get signal. I think it’s my own house, that has no signal, but I don’t have this problem with IPhone 6, and Motorola Moto G. Only with Galaxy A3 (using the same SIM). Is there something else I can do? Or is just that this phone is not going to get enough signal inside my house? Thanks a lot for this excellent web!

Solution: There’s a long list of troubleshooting steps that you must do to determine the reason for this problem. Follow our suggestions below.

Forced restart

Some simple network problems are fixed by restarting the system. Make sure that you reboot your Galaxy A3 to see if that will make a difference. We suggest that you simulate the effects of disconnecting the battery to do this task by pressing and holding the Volume Down and the Power keys for 10 seconds. This will forced the device to reboot as if the battery has been temporarily disconnected.

Reset network settings

If a forced restart won’t help, the next troubleshooting step that you can do is to refresh the network settings of the device. Sometimes, outdated or incorrect network configuration can create conflicts which may prevent the system from working properly. To keep the device’s network setup in its default state, here’s what you need to do:

  1. From the Home screen, swipe up on an empty spot to open the Apps tray.
  2. Tap Settings > General Management > Reset > Reset network settings.
  3. Tap Reset settings.
  4. If you have set up a PIN, enter it.
  5. Tap Reset settings. Once complete a confirmation window will appear.

The following changes will occur by performing a Reset of network settings.

  • Stored Wi-Fi networks will be deleted.
  • Paired Bluetooth devices will be deleted.
  • Background data sync settings will be turned on.
  • Data restrictive settings in applications that were manually turned on/off by the customer will be reset to the default setting.
  • Network selection mode will be set to automatic.

This troubleshooting step won’t delete any user data so you can do it safely.

Observe on Safe Mode

Some apps may conflict with Android and cause problems. To see if there’s a downloaded app causing this problem, boot the phone to safe mode.

To restart your device to safe mode:

  1. Turn the device off.
  2. Press and hold the Power key past the screen with the device name.
  3. When ‘SAMSUNG’ appears on the screen, release the Power key.
  4. Immediately after releasing the Power key, press and hold the Volume down key.
  5. Continue to hold the Volume down key until the device finishes restarting.
  6. Safe mode will display in the bottom left corner of the screen.
  7. Release the Volume down key when you see ‘Safe Mode’.

On safe mode, all downloaded apps will be suspended. This means that if your Galaxy A3 (2017) detects your network and register to it, an app is behind the problem. To identify which of your apps is causing the trouble, you should boot the phone back to safe mode and follow these steps:

  1. Boot to safe mode.
  2. Check for the problem.
  3. Once you’ve confirmed that a third party app is to blame, you can start uninstalling apps individually. We suggest that you begin with the most recent ones you added.
  4. After you uninstall an app, restart the phone to normal mode and check for the problem.
  5. If your A3 has the same problem, repeat steps 1-4.

Check the SIM card

This problem may be caused by a bad SIM card as well. Are you sure the current card is working? If it is, try to find another compatible SIM card and insert in on your A3. If the same problem occurs, there must be an issue with the phone. Continue troubleshooting it by following the steps below.

Reset all settings

Another possible reason for the problem may be an outdated system setting. To minimize the chance of system settings blocking the normal registration process with your network, make sure that you reset all settings to their defaults.

  1. From the Home screen, swipe up on an empty spot to open the Apps tray.
  2. Tap Settings > General Management > Reset > Reset settings.
  3. Tap RESET SETTINGS.
  4. If you have set up a PIN, enter it.
  5. Tap RESET SETTINGS.
  6. The device will restart to perform the reset of settings.

Like with the previous reset suggestion above, this one will not erase your personal data so there’s no need to worry over losing files.

Factory reset

If the problem remains at this point, the next best thing to do is to wipe the phone completely so you can restore its software environment to their factory state. This will erase your data so be sure to back them up ahead of time.

To factory reset your A3:

  1. Back up data on the internal memory. If you have signed into a Samsung account on the device, you have activated Anti-theft and will need your Samsung credentials to finish the master reset.
  2. From the Home screen, swipe up on an empty spot to open the Apps tray.
  3. Tap Settings > Cloud and accounts > Backup and restore.
  4. Tap the following sliders to desired setting:
    • Back up my data
    • Automatic restore
  5. Tap the Back key (bottom right) until you reach the main Settings menu.
  6. Tap General Management > Reset > Factory data reset.
  7. Scroll to the bottom of the screen, then tap RESET > DELETE ALL.
  8. If you have screen lock turned on, enter your credentials.
  9. If prompted to verify your Samsung account, enter the password, then tap CONFIRM.
  10. Wait for the device to reset.

Unroot / reflash stock firmware

If your Galaxy A3 (2017) runs on rooted software or a non-official Samsung firmware, try unroot it (if it’s rooted), or reflash the stock firmware (if it’s running custom or non-official firmware). If you haven’t heard of any of this, ask someone who’s knowlegeable about Android so they can help you check and perform any of them.

If you are positive that the software is official and not customized, just ignore this suggestion.

Network unlock

This is one of the common reasons why No Service error occurs on pre-owned devices. Some users may not bother to check whether or not the phone they’re buying is compatible with the network, or if it’s been network unlocked. If you are not sure, talk to the person who sold you the device and let him/her network unlock it first. Otherwise, you are better off not buying it.

Blacklisted devices

Phones reported as stolen or lost may be blacklisted to prevent usage. Make sure to get assurance from the seller that your A3 is not stolen or reported lost. Once a phone has been included in a blacklist, it can’t be undone. If you plan on using this phone for network services, you better return it or get a refund. Otherwise, you can use it for offline purposes.

 


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