If your Android device shows the “Mobile Network State: Disconnected” message, it means your phone can detect your SIM card but can’t connect to your mobile network—blocking calls, SMS, and mobile data. This issue is more common than you think, especially with dual SIMs, eSIMs, VoLTE, and 5G setups.

In this article, we explain what causes it, how to troubleshoot it effectively, and when it’s time to seek help. Whether you’re using a Samsung, Pixel, Xiaomi, or any other Android device, this article covers all the angles in a clear and understandable way.

What Does “Mobile Network State Disconnected” Mean?

This message appears when:

  • Your phone recognizes the SIM (or eSIM),
  • But fails to register it with your mobile carrier.

Unlike “No Service” (which means no tower detected), a disconnected state means your phone is talking to the tower but isn’t allowed onto the network—often due to provisioning, configuration, or SIM issues.

You’ll often see this message in:

  • Settings → About Phone → SIM Status
  • or by dialing the ##4636## hidden testing code.

Common Symptoms

Condition Calls Work? Data Works? Status Bar Icon
Connected Yes Yes 4G/5G signal bars
Disconnected No No Empty bars or ‘×’
No Service No No No bars
Emergency Calls Only Limited No “SOS” or “Emergency”
IMS Not Registered (VoLTE issue) Sometimes Yes 4G (No VoLTE icon)

Why Does the Error Occur?

Here are the most common causes:

1. Weak Signal or Congestion

  • Poor signal strength or tower overload can prevent registration even when signal bars are visible.

2. SIM Card Issues

  • Damaged or misaligned SIM
  • SIM deactivated by carrier
  • eSIM profile deleted or not activated after reset

3. Incorrect APN or Network Settings

  • If the Access Point Name (APN) is wrong or missing, your device can’t set up a data session.

4. VoLTE or IMS Registration Failure

  • Without IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) registration, VoLTE and VoWi-Fi don’t work—and sometimes, neither does data.

5. Software Glitches or Firmware Bugs

  • Android updates or buggy modem firmware can reset radio settings, causing temporary disconnection.

6. Dual SIM Conflicts

  • In dual SIM phones, activating data on one SIM may suspend data on the second SIM, marking it disconnected.

7. Carrier or Account Issues

  • Suspended service, unpaid bills, fraud flags, or newly ported numbers can all cause this status.

When Does It Usually Appear?

Trigger Common Scenario
After reboot or Airplane Mode 10–60 seconds after toggle
eSIM Activation Until profile is downloaded & active
SIM card insertion During first-time network attach
Number porting Within 24–48 hours after switch
Roaming on 5G SA (e.g., Jio) While crossing network zones (LAC/TAC)

Device-Specific Fixes

Samsung

  • Go to: Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Access Point Names → Reset to default.
  • Test IMS: Dial *#0011# → Check IMS registration.
  • Enable/Disable VoLTE and re-check.

Xiaomi / POCO / Redmi

  • Allow SIM background services in Security App → Permissions.
  • Navigate to: Settings → SIM Cards & Mobile Networks → Tap SIM → Advanced → Reset IMS.

Google Pixel

  • Update Carrier Services from Play Store.
  • Reset via: Settings → System → Reset Options → Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile & Bluetooth.

OnePlus / Oppo

  • Turn off “Smart 5G” in SIM settings if it drops to 2G often.
  • Toggle VoLTE/Wi-Fi Calling.

Test Using Android’s Secret Codes

Code Purpose What to Check
##4636## Opens Phone Info & Testing Menu Ensure “Mobile Radio Power” is ON
*#06# Displays IMEI Must show 15-digit number (not “null”)
##1472365## GPS diagnostics Ignore failure in Airplane Mode

Special Tips for eSIM Users

  • Go to: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → eSIM Profile
  • Check if it shows “Active”
  • If not:
    • Re-scan QR code
    • Contact carrier for fresh profile
    • Enable Data Roaming (some eSIMs need this even in home country)

Best Diagnostic Tools

Tool Platform Use Case
NetMonster Android Cell tower ID, signal strength, frequency
Network Signal Info Android Real-time signal and network monitoring
Phone Info Samsung Android Check modem/baseband version after updates
ADB logcat (radio) PC Developer-level error tracing

Scenario-Based Fixes

Situation Quick Fix Advanced Fix
Just ported number Wait 1 hour and reboot Contact MNP support for provisioning
Dual-SIM conflict Switch data priority to other SIM Use DSDA phone or enable Dual VoLTE
eSIM shows active but no data Enable data roaming Get new SM-DP+ from carrier and re-provision
Bars shown but data not working Reset APN Re-flash carrier bundle/modem if needed
IMS not registered Toggle VoLTE / Wi-Fi Calling Contact carrier for IMS push
All SIMs disconnected on one phone Possible RF or baseband failure Visit service center

Step-by-Step General Fixes

  1. Toggle Airplane Mode – Wait 30 seconds before turning it off.
  2. Restart Your Phone – Clears network cache and radio states.
  3. Reinsert SIM Card – Clean contacts and reseat.
  4. Reset Network Settings – From system settings.
  5. Reset APN to Default – Check with your carrier.
  6. Check via ##4636## – Make sure Radio Power is ON.
  7. Force LTE Mode – Avoid older networks like 2G.
  8. Update Firmware – OTA or manual check.
  9. Carrier Support – Check account, suspension, or VoLTE status.
  10. Visit Service Center – If all else fails, especially for hardware issues.

When to Visit a Service Center

Consider a technician if:

  • No network on multiple working SIMs.
  • IMEI is blank or incorrect (e.g., “0049…”).
  • Signal only works on specific bands or is unstable after drop/moisture.
  • Persistent IMS registration failure even with new SIM and strong signal.

Conclusion

The “Mobile Network State Disconnected” error is common but solvable. From a misconfigured APN to an unprovisioned eSIM or hardware fault, the issue could stem from various causes—but the key is to troubleshoot methodically.

For most users, simply restarting, reseating the SIM, and resetting the APN will fix it. For more complex scenarios (e.g., VoLTE/IMS issues or porting delays), your carrier’s support or a service center visit may be necessary.

Stay proactive:

  • Keep your software up to date
  • Know how to check SIM status and IMS registration
  • Back up your eSIM QR codes
  • Monitor billing and provisioning status

Don’t let a simple network glitch get in your way—a stable mobile connection is your right.

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