Tracfone No Service? Try These 13 Fixes

0

Like every other mobile network provider, there is still that one issue that people are most complain about. With Tracfone it’s the “No Service.” message combined with empty signal bars.

Why Does Tracfone Say “No Service”?

1. Your Phone in a Closed Area Without a Signal

Given the great likelihood that you are in a no-signal area, your phone displays the No Signal error. If you are in a region surrounded by tall trees, a lodge in the woods, or a cellar, there is a possibility that signal strength will be weak in the area.

Try transferring your phone to a location with better signal coverage to make sure you don’t have any problems with it.

2. Your SIM Card May Get Broken

Think back to the first time you purchased your SIM card. Was the seal on the product’s package intact? Or was it scratched or tampered with in some way? You may have received a faulty SIM card, as indicated by this behavior. Take a closer look at your SIM card at this point. Keep an eye out for:

  • Discoloration and other signs of aging.
  • Edges that have been cut or clipped.
  • Scratches.
  • Cracks.
  • Dents.

If your sim card is broken, you need to have it replaced or buy a new one; there is no getting around a broken sim card.

3. Your SIM is Installed Incorrectly

SIM cards are available in three sizes: Nano, Micro, and Standard. The majority of modern phone models are equipped with Nano-sized SIM cards. However, you may still use one that requires a Micro-SIM or a Standard SIM. These SIM cards are stored in a little tray. It is a slide-out feature from the side of your phone.

The SIM card tray in previous models, on the other hand, is located on the back of the phone. You installed your Tracfone SIM card yourself. Alternatively, you can get the technician or salesperson to do it for you.

When you use the incorrect size SIM card or fail to insert it correctly, it is difficult for your phone to recognize it. As a result, the “No Service” error is shown.

4. Your Phone’s Software Could Have Bugs

We often focus on the hardware of our phones and forget just how necessary the software is. Most people don’t think it’s possible, but you can get a bug on your phone.

This is why it’s crucial to stay away from malicious-looking sites and to avoid clicking on every link you come across. Bugs can affect how your phone functions, so it could be a bug if you find yourself with a no-service message.

5. Phone Out Of Date

Smartphones are essentially small computers in their own right. And computers come with software that allows you to take advantage of their valuable functions. From time to time, IT firms make small but significant advances. They want to make the user experience as pleasant as possible.

These enhancements are delivered in the form of software upgrades. Maybe you didn’t see it. Alternatively, you may have simply swiped away the update notification. You shouldn’t ignore your phone when it wants you to update its software.

The out-of-date software may be the source of the service problems. Updating your phone’s software is the only way to protect yourself from bugs that could affect your phone to the point where you don’t have service.

6. Its APN Settings are Incompatible

Your phone will not be able to connect to the internet if you do not have an APN. The right APN settings create the connection between your computer and your carrier’s gateway. Tracfone is the service provider in this case. As soon as the carrier recognizes this, it creates a unique IP address for your phone to use.

When it comes to the internet, your IP address is your identification. You will be unable to navigate if you do not have one. In this case, incorrect APN settings might cause your phone’s network service to be unavailable.

6. You’ve Maxed Out Your Data and Minutes Plan

To be able to use your phone, you need to have data and minutes to call. If you have no service, you need to check if you still have data or minutes left on your phone. Most people that use prepaid data plans get comfortable and forget that they need to top up.

Have a reminder for when you need to top up your minutes and data to avoid maxing them out and having no service.

7. The Phone Hasn’t Been Activated

Perhaps your Tracfone just needs a period of adjustment. Particularly considering all of the different settings, apps, and data you’ve added. Your phone will be unable to connect to your carrier’s activation servers if your carrier has not activated it.

Several possible causes for this error include a minor software bug, a problem with your carrier’s network, or a hardware malfunction. You will keep seeing your phone with no service until your phone is activated. Luckily phone activation is something that can be done quickly.

8. You Haven’t Paid Your Phone Bill

If you do not pay your mobile phone bill on time, your service will go down, and you will be charged interest. Your mobile service provider may disconnect your phone, preventing you from making or receiving calls.

If you do not make efforts to resolve the debt, your account will go into default, and the contract will be terminated automatically. Once you see the notification that you have no service, you should check if your phone bill is paid up to avoid the phone being cut.

How to Fix Tracfone No Service

1. Restart your Tracfone

Perhaps a simple restart is just what your Tracfone is in desperate need of. Every phone comes with its own set of instructions. In most cases, holding the side button will cause the power off slider to show on the screen.

Android smartphones are equipped with a lock/power button. On the other hand, Apple devices use volume and side buttons. If you choose Restart, your phone will automatically reboot.

Alternatively, you can choose power Off. Wait for 10 to 30 seconds before continuing. After that, restart the computer. Check to see whether the service is restored. After a few seconds, it should display on the screen.

2. Reconnect your Mobile Network

The buttons on your smartphone may be different. However, the majority of the commands on mobile phones are the same. On an iPhone, you may use the following steps to disconnect and reconnect your mobile network:

1. Navigate to the Settings menu.

2. Cellular is the option to choose.

3. Cellular data should get turned off.

4. Wait for 10-20 seconds before continuing.

5. Close all open tabs and programs that are currently active. You may also choose to clear the RAM on your phone.

6. Return to the Settings menu and switch on the Cellular Data.

To disconnect and reconnect your mobile network on an Android device, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the Settings menu.

2. Select Network & Internet from the drop-down menu.

3. Select Mobile Network from the drop-down menu.

4. To turn off mobile data, move the slider to the left.

5. Wait for 10-20 seconds before continuing.

6. Close all open tabs and programs that are currently active. You may also choose to clear the RAM on your phone.

7. Return to the Settings menu and toggle the Mobile Data slider back on.

3. Restart Service By Toggling Airplane Mode Off/On

When a smartphone is in airplane mode, all connectivity-related capabilities are refreshed. In many circumstances, activating and deactivating the airplane mode might assist in removing any temporary glitches or faults that may have occurred.

These are the procedures you take to activate and disable the airplane mode on your iPhone:

1. Navigate to the Settings menu.

2. To activate Airplane Mode, press the toggle next to the ” Airplane Mode option.”

3. Wait a few minutes before continuing.

4. To turn off airplane mode, turn the toggle switch to the off position.

OR

1. To display the quick access menu on the home screen, swipe up from the bottom of the screen.

2. To enable airplane mode, click on the airplane symbol in the toolbar.

3. Wait a few minutes before continuing.

4. To turn off airplane mode, use the same button you used to turn it on.

These are the steps to take to enable and disable airplane mode on your Android device:

1. Navigate to the Settings menu.

2. Select Network & Internet from the drop-down menu.

3. To activate Airplane Mode, press the toggle next to the ” Airplane Mode option.”

4. Wait a few minutes before continuing.

5. To turn off airplane mode, turn the toggle switch to the off position.

OR

1. Press the power button for a long time.

2. On the screen, there will be four buttons to press.

3. To activate airplane mode, click on the symbol.

4. Wait a few minutes before continuing.

5. Press the power button for an extended period once again.

6. To turn off airplane mode, press the button on the side of the phone.

OR

1. To display the fast access menu on the home screen, slide down from the top of the screen.

1. To enable airplane mode, click on the airplane symbol in the toolbar.

2. Wait a few minutes before continuing.

3. To turn off airplane mode, use the same button you used to turn it on.

4. Avoid Devices that Cause Wireless Interference

Your location may be without service because you are surrounded by things that emit signals. Electromagnetic waves are emitted by appliances such as microwaves.

These can cause interference with cell phone signal transmissions. You should avoid using these devices nearby if you need to make a phone call or access your data.

5. Wait For The Weather

Concrete walls and trees are not the only things that can get in the way of your Tracfone service. Extreme weather conditions might also have an impact on the transmission. Heavy rain and snowstorms have the potential to disrupt the network.

Because this is something you have no control over, it is best to sit back and wait. Following the harsh weather, the service should be restored as soon as possible.

6. Move to An Area With Service

If you are failing to get service because you are in an area with no service, try to move to a place with better service. If you’re indoors, get out of the building immediately. And then wait to see whether the service returns.

In addition, avoid rural places such as woods and mountains if at all possible. Cell towers do not exist in these locations. Or, if there are any, they’re too far to be of much help.

7. Reinsert The Sim

Occasionally, removing and reinserting the SIM card can clear any transient issues in the system. It is necessary to remove the SIM card from the phone, wait a few minutes, and then reinsert it into the phone. Think of it as a soft reset for your service.

8. Update Your Phone

If the software on the device you are using is out of date, there is a risk that a defect in the program prevents it from functioning correctly. Unless you have an excellent reason for installing any updates or patch files is recommended as soon as possible. To determine whether an iPhone requires a firmware update, perform the following steps:

1. Navigate to the Settings menu.

2. Select General from the drop-down menu.

3. Select Software Updates from the drop-down menu.

4. The phone will check for any outstanding updates and notify you if any are found.

5. If you find any uninstalled updates, just tap the file to begin the installation process.

6. It may take a few seconds to complete this process.

Follow these procedures to see if your Android phone has a firmware upgrade that needs to be installed:

1. Navigate to the Settings menu.

2. Select System from the drop-down menu.

3. Select System Updates from the drop-down menu.

4. The phone will check for any outstanding updates and notify you if any are found.

5. If you find any uninstalled updates, just tap the file to begin the installation process.

6. It may take a few seconds to complete this process.

9. Change Your Phone’s APN Settings

You could have no service because of your phone’s APN settings. Fortunately, properly configuring your phone is a simple process.

To make changes to your iPhone’s APN settings, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the Settings menu.

2. Select Cellular from the drop-down menu.

3. Select Cellular Data Network from the drop-down menu.

4. Select New APN from the drop-down menu.

5. Enter “Internet” in the box for the name. Click on the OK button.

6. In the APN area, enter the word “anywhere.” Click on the OK button.

7. Don’t put anything in the Username and Password fields.

8. Save your work by using the Save button.

To make changes to your Android phone’s APN settings, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Settings menu.

2. Go to the section under Mobile networks.

3. Access Point Names should get selected.

4. To access the menu, click here.

5. Select a new APN from the drop-down menu.

6. Enter “Internet” in the box for the name. Click on the OK button.

7. In the APN area, enter the word “anywhere.” Click on the OK button.

8. Assign the username “eesecure” to the account. Click on the OK button.

9. Select a safe password for your account.

10. Select the Save option.

10. Reinsert The Sim

If the problem is not with your phone removing and reinserting the sim could be the help you need. Depending on the phone you use, switch it off, remove the sim card, and reinsert it. After switching your phone back on, you should have service.

To remove a SIM card from a tray located on the backplate, follow these steps:

1. Turn your phone around so that its back is facing you.

2. Remove the backplate of your phone with care.

3. Some phones have the tray under the battery, while others do not. If yours does, remove the battery and replace it. If this is the case, you’ll find it on top of the battery slot.

4. Slowly pull the tray out of the way.

5. Remove the SIM card from the phone.

6. Replace the SIM card in its original position. Check to see that it is in line with the form of the slot.

7. It should get secured with the tray.

8. Replace the backplate (as well as the battery) in its original location.

9. Start by turning on your phone. The service should get repaired as soon as possible.

To remove a SIM card from a phone that has a side tray:

1. You’ll need first to obtain a SIM removal tool. If a paperclip is not accessible, you may substitute it.

2. Insert the tool into the hole using the hex key. Then press the button.

3. The tray will partially move out of the way. Altogether remove it from the vehicle.

4. Remove the SIM card from the phone.

5. Replace the SIM card in the phone. If it doesn’t fit tightly into the hole, you’ll know it’s not aligned correctly.

6. Return the tray to its original position in the slot.

7. Start by turning on your phone. The service should get repaired as soon as possible.

11. Get A New Sim

You should replace your SIM card if it has been in use for a long time and has malfunctioned or become corrupted due to misalignment or a problem with your smartphone.

The only option to resolve this issue is to replace the SIM card in your phone. If this happens, you will need to go to the local SIM retailer office and request a new SIM card with the same number.

12. Get More Minutes With Phone Profile

Tracfone has earned the hearts of many of its customers. They provide a diverse selection of service options that include varying amounts of minutes and data. This product is well-suited for anyone’s requirements.

You may have reached your data and minutes limits. When you do not receive service, you may not be aware of it. To check your balance on your computer, do the following:

1. To check your Tracfone balance, go to their official balance inquiry website.

2. Choose between two options: Log In To My Account or Use My Phone Number. Log In To My Account

3. Enter your account information under the login to My Account section. After that, your account balance will get revealed.

4. Enter your phone number in the Use My Phone Number field. Go to your phone and send the word “FOUR” to the number 611611.

5. You’ll be given a four-digit identification number. Fill out the form on the website and click the Submit button. After that, you’ll be able to see your balance.

To check your balance through SMS:

1. In a new message, type the word “BALANCE.”

2. Send it to the number 611611. You’ll be sent an email with a link to the Terms & Conditions.

3. Send the message by typing “Y.”

4. Wait for the mail that will contain your account balance information.

5. To check your account balance using the My Account app, follow these steps:

6. Launch the My Account application.

7. Fill up the blanks with your account login information.

8. Your account balance will be displayed on the My Account Summary page. If this does not display, click on the menu icon and then Dashboard to bring up the menu.

13. Make Sure You’ve Paid Your Phone Bill

To avoid having no service, the best thing you can do for yourself is make sure your phone bill is paid. Not paying your phone bill is an inconvenience that you do not need to deal with. Your service may be cut when you need it the most, so always make sure to pay your phone bill in time.

The Conclusion

Although Tracfone has robust coverage, impediments might cause signal coverage to be reduced in some regions. You could have recently loaded a third-party program on your phone from a website other than the Play Store or the App Store that interfered with your device.

The safest approach to confirm that the software is not creating any problems is to start your phone in safe mode before installing it. Usually, to boot a smartphone into safe mode, you must restart it and hold down the volume down button for a long time after the logo shows.

David Johnson is a freelance writer with 9 years of experience writing for Techzillo and other established tech outlets like iMore. His focus and key interests are Apple and accessibility as well as consumer technology in general. Read our Editorial Guidlines and Fact Checking process.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here