Sometimes when you travel, your phone doesn’t automatically connect to a network. You see “No Service,” and it’s annoying! But don’t worry, there are a few simple ways to fix this most of the time.
First, try the trick of choosing the network yourself. Think of it like this: your phone is trying to find the right friend (network) to talk to in a new place. Sometimes it can’t find the right one on its own. So, you need to help it!
How to Choose a Network Yourself (Easy Steps)
The steps might be a little different on different phones, but here’s the basic idea:
If you have an Android phone:
- Go to “Settings”: It’s usually a gear picture.
- Find “Network & Internet”: It might also say “Connections” or “Mobile Network.”
- Tap on “Mobile network”: Look for something about your SIM card or phone data.
- Find “Network Selection”: It might also say “Connection mode” or “Network operators.” Tap it.
- Turn off “Automatic”: If it’s on, just turn it off. Your phone will start looking for networks.
- Pick a Network: You’ll see a list of names. These are the networks you can use. Try picking one of the big names you see.
- Wait: Your phone will try to connect. Look at the top of your screen to see if a network name shows up and if you have signal bars.
If you have an iPhone:
- Open “Settings”: It’s the gear picture.
- Tap “Cellular”:
- Tap “Network Selection”:
- Turn off “Automatic”: Just slide the button to turn it off. Your iPhone will start searching.
- Pick a Network: You’ll see a list. Choose one of the names you see. Big companies usually work best.
- Wait: Your iPhone will try to connect. Look at the top to see if a network name appears and if you have signal.
Simple Tips That Can Help
- Be Aware of Roaming Restrictions (Especially Southern Thailand Bordering Malaysia): In some countries, and even within parts of a country, there might be rules that stop roaming from working. For example, some regions in southern Thailand, especially those bordering Malaysia, have been known to have restrictions on international roaming. If you’re traveling to such a place, even trying to choose a network yourself might not work because roaming is simply not allowed there. It’s always a good idea to check beforehand if the specific area you’re visiting has any such restrictions.
- Be Aware of Other Roaming Restrictions: Besides specific regions, some countries might have nationwide rules about roaming. Always do a quick search before you travel to know what to expect.
- Try Your SIM Card on Another Phone: If you have another phone with you or can borrow one, try putting your SIM card in it. If it still doesn’t connect to a network, the problem might be with your SIM card or your phone company’s roaming service (unless you are in a region with roaming restrictions).
- Try a Local SIM Card of the Same Network: If you can buy or borrow a local SIM card from one of the networks that your phone should be able to roam on, try using that in your phone. If the local SIM connects, but your own SIM doesn’t, it could mean there’s a problem with the roaming agreement between your phone company and that local network (again, assuming you are not in a region with roaming restrictions).
- Be Patient: It takes a little time for your phone to find and connect to a network.
- Try Different Names: If the first one doesn’t work, go back and try another one from the list.
- Sometimes You See a Familiar Name: You might even see the name of your phone company from home. Try that one first!
- Good to Check Before You Go: See which networks your phone company works with in the country you’re visiting. This can help you know which names to look for.
- Try Restarting Your Phone: If it still doesn’t work, sometimes just turning your phone off and on again can help.
Why Choosing the Network Yourself Can Be Useful
Sometimes, letting your phone choose automatically isn’t the best way:
- Better Signal: The automatic choice might be a weak signal. If you choose a different one, the signal might be stronger.
- Maybe You Know Which One is Better: If you know your phone company has a good deal with one specific network there, you can just choose that one.
So, even though we hope our phones just work when we travel, knowing how to choose a network yourself is a good trick to have. And trying your SIM in another phone, or trying a local SIM, can help you figure out where the problem is. Just remember to check for any roaming restrictions in the area you’re visiting, like in some parts of southern Thailand bordering Malaysia. These simple steps can help you get online and stay connected, no matter where you are (as long as roaming is allowed!).
