Find yourself with a message “Emergency calls only” on your Android can be frustrating as it prevents you from making regular calls, sending messages, or using mobile data. This error occurs when the device fails to connect to the operator’s network, allowing only emergency calls. However, there are several ways to solve this problem. Here we will look at possible causes and solutions.

Basics Overview

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This error can be caused by simple problems such as turning on airplane mode, an incorrectly inserted SIM card, or a weak signal. Sometimes this is also caused by temporary network failures. So before you look for advanced solutions, try these quick steps to rule out common problems.

  • Flight mode: go to the notification panel and make sure airplane mode is turned off. This mode disables all mobile connections.
  • SIM card: Turn off your phone and check if the SIM card is inserted correctly. Carefully clean the metal contacts and restart the device.
  • Weak signal: If you’re in an area with poor coverage, try moving closer to a window or outside to improve reception.
  • Software update: make sure your phone is updated. Sometimes older versions of the system can cause network errors.

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Set up your network manually

Although your Android phone is designed to automatically connect to the mobile network, sometimes this process fails, resulting in the “Emergency calls only” message. This usually happens in areas with limited coverage or when changing regions. In such cases, manually selecting a carrier or setting the network type may help the device connect correctly. To do this, go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network operators and deactivate Automatically select. Then select your carrier from the list.

Only emergency calls on Android mobile networks
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If the error persists, you may be in an area with a weak signal or where 5G is not available. In these cases, switching to a different network type, such as 4G or even 3G, can help your device establish a more stable connection. Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network mode and select LTE or 3G. Then check if your phone can connect to the network again.

Force stop SIM Tools app

SIM Tools (or Sim Toolkit) is a system application responsible for managing specific services tied to a SIM card, such as operator notifications and additional functions of your network. However, if the app has bugs or corrupted data accumulates, it can prevent the device from connecting, causing messages such as “Emergency calls only.”

Emergency calls only. Android SIM Toolkit. SIM Tools.
Karina Tapia / Digital Trends in Spanish

To force stop and clear the SIM Tools cache, go to Settings > Applications. Find “SIM Tools” or “SIM Toolkit” and click “SIM Toolkit”. Force close to stop the application. Then scroll down, go to Storage and select Delete cache. Finally, restart your phone and check if the message has disappeared. This procedure resolves temporary application control conflicts, allowing the device to restore normal connectivity.

Resetting network settings

If connection errors persist, some network settings may be out of date or out of sync, especially if your carrier has had changes or recent system updates. Resetting network settings returns settings to default values, which may solve more complex problems. However, this step will delete saved Wi-Fi networks and paired Bluetooth devices, so we recommend using it only as a last resort.

Android emergency calls only Reset mobile network settings
Karina Tapia / Digital Trends in Spanish

To reset your network settings, go to Settings > General Administration. Then click Restore and select Reset mobile network settings. Finally, confirm the operation by following the on-screen instructions. Once the reset is complete, your phone will automatically try to connect to the network again.

Reset your phone to factory settings as the last option.

Android emergency calls only Reset settings
Karina Tapia / Digital Trends in Spanish

If the solutions above do not work, the problem may be related to your system settings. In this case, a factory reset may be the only option. However, be sure to back up your data as this process deletes all information on the device. To do this, go to Settings > General Administration > Restore > Restore factory settings and follow the onscreen instructions. Once completed, your phone should be as good as new and connect to the network without any problems.

Source: Digital Trends

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