Why My Airtel SIM Not Working? Problems & Solutions (2024)

My Airtel SIM Not Working: Possible Reasons & Solutions 

I am also an Airtel user and have faced the issue of my Airtel SIM not working. Here are some significant reasons why it could happen, along with the methods to fix it. 

1. SIM card not inserted properly 

People often search "Why my Airtel SIM is showing no service" or "Why my Airtel SIM is not working today". In most cases, people have inserted the SIM card incorrectly. If you think this might also be the case for you, remove the SIM from your phone. Use the pin to open the SIM holder and carefully remove the SIM card. Now, reinsert the SIM correctly into your phone. Restart your phone to see if the SIM has started showing the network. 

2. SIM card is damaged 

A SIM card is the key part of your mobile phone. After all, the main work of the mobile is to make and receive calls. If your SIM is covered in dust or moisture or faces cracks or bends, it might not work well. In such a case, take out your SIM card from your mobile and gently place it on a soft cloth. Now, clean the SIM card and its tray with a soft cotton cloth to remove any dirt or moisture. However, if your SIM card is damaged, you have to take the SIM to the Airtel Service Centre to replace it. 

3. SIM card is not activated 

Sometimes, when we buy a new SIM, the provider does not activate it himself. Rather, they will tell you how to activate the SIM yourself. So, if your Airtel SIM not working, contact your SIM provider and ask if your SIM is activated or not. If you want to activate your SIM yourself, here are the steps. 

Step 1 - Open the 'Messaging' app on your mobile. 

Step 2 - Type "SIM" 

Step 3 - Send the SMS to 121. 

Step 4 - When the confirmation message comes, reply with "1". 

Step 5 - You will soon receive a confirmation call. 

Step 6 - Reply with "1" to confirm the activation of your Airtel SIM. 

If you don't wish to activate your SIM yourself, you can go to the Airtel Service Center, where the executives will help you out. 

Check out: How to activate International roaming in Airtel? 

4. Airplane mode is ON 

Airplane mode disables network coverage. So, if your Airtel SIM not working, it could be that your phone's Airplane Mode is turned on. Here are the steps to check if Airplane Mode is activated and how to disable it. 

Step 1 - Go to the 'Settings' menu. 

Step 2 - Open the 'Connection & Sharing' sub-menu or something similar. 

Step 3 - If the Airplane mode is ON, turn it OFF by tapping on it. 

5. Poor network coverage 

Maybe your Airtel SIM was never at fault. What if the real culprit behind your Airtel SIM not working is the poor network connection? Reach out to other Airtel users in your family or the neighbourhood and ask if they are facing a similar problem. You can also contact your network service provider to check if any network maintenance is going on in your area. 

6. Recharge pack has expired 

Don't tell me you haven't checked this one first. Do you know when your Airtel SIM was last recharged? Check if your mobile number has sufficient balance, and if not, recharge it to resume the Airtel services on your SIM card. You can recharge your Airtel mobile number via the Airtel Thanks app or the official Airtel website. It saves you platform charges on your recharge payments. 

7. Phone is not working well

Sometimes, when the phone is at fault, the SIM stops working. In such a case, you can restart your mobile phone to see if the issue has been resolved. The other way is to reboot the device. However, make sure to keep a backup of all the important data on your mobile phone; otherwise, it will be lost permanently. 

8. Problem in network settings 

Issues in network coverage can occur for many reasons, such as a change in location or poor network coverage. However, you can change your network settings by following these simple steps. 

Step 1 - Open the 'Settings' menu on your mobile. 

Step 2 - Go to 'Mobile Settings'. 

Step 3 - Tap on the 'APN', i.e. Access Point Names. 

Step 4 - Now, reset the APN settings. 

Check out: Airtel free data code to get unlimited high-speed internet.

Wrapping Up 

If your Airtel SIM not working, you can try the solutions mentioned in this article. Usually, the problem is incorrect SIM placement, network issues, or a problem with the phone. However, if the problem persists, contact Airtel's customer service or visit your nearest Airtel Service centre. I hope you will find your solution in this article. If you liked this article, share it with your friends and family. 

Questions You May Have 

Q. Why is my Airtel SIM not working suddenly?

Ans. If your Airtel SIM not working suddenly, check if your recharge plan has expired. 

Q. How do I contact Airtel if my SIM is not working?

Ans. Visit the nearest Airtel Service centre or call Airtel's customer service to raise the issue. 

Q. Why is my Airtel SIM not activating?

Ans. You may have inserted the SIM incorrectly. Remove the SIM card and carefully reinsert it into the SIM holder. Restart your mobile device and see if the SIM is activated. 

Q. How can I make my Airtel SIM work again?

Ans. Visit the Airtel Service Centre to analyse the problem with your SIM. If the issue cannot be resolved, you can opt for a new SIM.