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Network or Signal Issues

Use these helpful troubleshooting steps to resolve some common issues that may impact your network signal.

Try this first

Check the following common causes

  1. Your line is active.
  2. You're in a covered area.
  3. Airplane mode is turned off.
  4. Wi-Fi Calling is turned off. If the problem happens when Wi-Fi calling is on, follow Wi-Fi Calling problems instead.
  5. The copper plating on your SIM card has no chips or discoloration. If it does, contact us from a device that has service if you have one, or visit a Metro store for a replacement.

If your device meets the criteria and you still have no signal, proceed with the next troubleshooting steps.

Next steps

Troubleshoot signal and service errors

  1. Restart your device and check for signal bars.
  2. Change Wi-Fi Calling preferences to Cellular Preferred or Cellular Only to prevent Wi-Fi Calling issues from interfering with the signal.
  3. Turn off Wi-Fi to make sure you're using the cellular network.
  4. Set the device Network mode to Auto.
  5. Remove any cases or covers from the device.
  6. (Apple only) Reset network settings (select Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings) and verify the T-Mobile Carrier Settings are up-to-date. You can do this over Wi-Fi. Update your carrier settings on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support.
  7. Update the device software to the latest version. You can do this over Wi-Fi.
  8. Perform a manual network selection for networks your device can connect to. If you experience:
    • Registered to T-Mobile network, but no signal: The problem is likely low or no coverage. If the coverage map showed good coverage, try switching to 2G or turning off LTE.
    • T-Mobile network is not available: The problem is likely no coverage. If the coverage map showed good coverage, perform a master reset.
    • T-Mobile network is available but cannot connect: We'll need to check your SIM card when you contact us.
    • Network selection gets stuck or gives error: Perform a master reset. If that doesn't help, we'll check your SIM card when you contact us.
  9. Check for signal.

If the phone still has no signal bars or shows a "no service" error after you've worked through these troubleshooting steps, contact us from a device that has service, or visit a Metro store.

Report location

Is your location without service?

Restart your device. If that doesn't help, follow the troubleshooting steps on this page to take care of any other potential problems. If you're still experiencing issues, contact us from a device that has service if you have one, or visit a Metro store to report the problem.

Need more help?

Visit our Metro by T-Mobile Support site and fix the most common issues, right from your device! If you still have questions, contact us.

Metro Support Contact us