When your phone suddenly shows “No Service”, “Searching…”, or keeps dropping calls, it feels like your whole day is on pause.
Common symptoms you may recognize:
SIM card not detected or keeps disconnecting
Weak signal in areas where others have full bars
Wi-Fi or mobile data failing randomly
Calls dropping or not going through
Network available but can’t register
What’s likely happening:
These issues often come from SIM reader damage, antenna faults, software corruption, IMEI issues, or network IC problems—common on iPhone, Samsung, and Huawei devices.
Expert Tip:
Avoid removing and reinserting your SIM too many times—this can bend the reader pins and increase the repair cost.
Ready to hear clearly again?
For fast, professional network fault repair in Johannesburg South, book a same-day diagnostic with Cell Doctor. We fix signal, SIM, and network issues quickly —click on WhatsApp us anytime for instant help.
Stuck on "Searching..." or "No Service"? SIM card won't read? Wi-Fi won't connect? Mobile data not working? Network and connectivity problems turn your smartphone into an expensive paperweight – you can't make calls, send messages, or use data. Most of these issues are fixable, often same-day.
⚡ Fast Track Your Repair: Click here👉 WhatsApp Us Now | 👉 Book Free Diagnosis
Perfect — your additional research adds real conversion power, especially for anxious users. It fits exactly with a fast-diagnosis hero approach, so we’ll integrate it immediately, not later.
Below is a HIGH-CONVERSION HERO: Fast Diagnosis Promise, written for your “Know Your Fault by Symptom” section, optimized for:
⚡ Speed & reassurance
📊 Success rates + repair times (from your research)
🧠 Authority without overload
📍 Johannesburg local SEO
📈 Clicks into symptom sections
This is above-the-fold content.
Stuck on “No Service”, “Searching…”, or “Emergency Calls Only”?
SIM card not detected? Wi-Fi won’t turn on or connect?
Most network and SIM problems look scary — but 85–90% are fixable, often the same day, without affecting your data.
📵 No Signal / Searching… → 87% success rate | ⏱ 2–4 hours
📱 SIM Card Not Detected / Invalid SIM → 91% success rate | ⏱ 1–3 hours
📡 Wi-Fi Greyed Out / Won’t Connect → 84% success rate | ⏱ 2–4 hours
📍 Johannesburg • Sandton • Rosebank • Midrand
👇 Select exactly what your phone is doing — no guessing, no jargon:
📵 No Signal / “Searching…” / Emergency Calls Only
📱 SIM Card Not Detected / Invalid SIM
📡 Wi-Fi Greyed Out or Won’t Connect
📶 Mobile Data Not Working (Calls OK)
🔄 Dual-SIM Problem (One SIM Works, One Doesn’t)
📞 Calls Dropping or Not Ringing
🆔 IMEI Shows “Unknown” or “Null”
➡️ Each symptom below shows:
What’s actually broken
How long the repair takes
Real Johannesburg pricing
Success rate before you commit
Your phone has two “brains”:
🧩 Main Processor (CPU) → Apps, photos, camera, WhatsApp
📡 Baseband Processor (Modem) → Signal, SIM, calls, mobile data
If your phone turns on and apps work but signal is gone, the communication brain is struggling — not your data.
👉 Think of it like this:
A phone with a failed Baseband IC is like a brilliant person who has lost their voice.
They can think, remember, and work — but can’t communicate.
These tests help you confirm it’s hardware, not the network — and keep you on the right repair path.
Your SIM works in another phone → Your phone is faulty
Another SIM doesn’t work in your phone → SIM reader or baseband issue
Dial *#06#
Shows “Unknown” / “0” → Baseband IC or firmware issue
Shows a normal 15-digit number → IMEI is safe
If your carrier appears but won’t connect → hardware fault confirmed
We don’t guess. We test.
✔ Signal strength meters (real dBm readings, not bars)
✔ Oscilloscope & RF testing
✔ IMEI backup before motherboard work
✔ Component-level repair (not full board replacement)
🔐 100% Data-Safe Guarantee
Network repairs never touch photos, contacts, or apps.
🆔 IMEI Preservation Guarantee
Your legal device identity is backed up & restored.
🛠️ 6-Month Warranty
On all network, antenna, SIM & baseband repairs.
🟢 WhatsApp Us Now — describe your symptom & phone model
🔵 Free Network Test (10–15 min) — walk in, no appointment
🟠 Book a Same-Day Repair — most fixed in 2–4 hours
Stop guessing. Start with the symptom.
Uses symptom-first language (exact search terms)
Front-loads success rates & time (reduces anxiety)
Introduces technical authority without overload
Pushes users down the page, not off the site
Perfect hand-off into your detailed symptom sections
Don’t guess. Don’t scroll blindly.
Tap the symptom that matches your phone — each option below jumps you to the exact diagnosis, fix time, and cost range.
Your phone has:
No service anywhere
“Searching…” that never connects
Emergency calls only
Signal bars that come and go
➡️ Most common causes: antenna damage or Baseband IC failure
➡️ 87% success rate | 2–4 hour repair
[Jump to No Signal Diagnosis ↓]
Your phone shows:
“No SIM Card Installed”
“Invalid SIM” / “SIM Failure”
SIM works in other phones but not yours
Dual-SIM phone: one SIM works, the other doesn’t
➡️ Most common causes: SIM reader pins bent or SIM flex failure
➡️ 91% success rate | 1–3 hour repair
[Jump to SIM Diagnosis ↓]
Your phone:
Can’t turn Wi-Fi on (toggle greyed out)
Sees no networks
Won’t connect to any Wi-Fi
Shows MAC address 00:00:00:00
➡️ Most common causes: Wi-Fi/Bluetooth combo IC or antenna failure
➡️ 84% success rate | 2–4 hour repair
[Jump to Wi-Fi Diagnosis ↓]
You can:
Make calls and send texts
But:
Mobile data won’t load apps or internet
4G/5G shows but speeds are extremely slow
➡️ Most common causes: antenna degradation or RF amplifier failure
➡️ 83% success rate | 2–4 hour repair
[Jump to Mobile Data Diagnosis ↓]
On dual-SIM phones:
SIM 1 works, SIM 2 not detected
One SIM works for calls, not data
Can’t switch between SIMs
➡️ Most common cause: one SIM reader damaged
➡️ 88% success rate | 1–3 hour repair
[Jump to Dual-SIM Diagnosis ↓]
Your phone:
Drops calls after seconds or minutes
Doesn’t ring for incoming calls
Has one-way audio
➡️ Most common causes: antenna or baseband communication issues
➡️ 85% success rate | 2–4 hour repair
[Jump to Call Issues Diagnosis ↓]
You checked *#06# and:
IMEI is missing or shows 0
Phone shows “No Service” everywhere
➡️ Confirmed baseband IC or firmware failure
➡️ 80–90% success rate depending on damage
[Jump to IMEI / Baseband Diagnosis ↓]
1️⃣ Dial *#06# → Check IMEI
2️⃣ Try your SIM in another phone
3️⃣ Try another SIM in your phone
👉 These three tests instantly tell us if it’s hardware or software.
✔ 100% Data-Safe Repairs (photos & apps untouched)
✔ IMEI Preserved & Restored on motherboard repairs
✔ Advanced Diagnostics (no guessing)
✔ 6-Month Warranty on all network repairs
🟢 WhatsApp Us Now — tell us your symptom & phone model
🟠 Walk In for a FREE Network Test (10–15 minutes)
🔵 Book Same-Day Repair — most fixes completed in hours
(Improved High-Conversion Version)
Your phone shows one or more of the following:
“No Service” in the signal bar
“Searching…” that never connects
“Emergency Calls Only” even in strong coverage areas
Signal bars appear briefly, then disappear
👉 If other phones on the same network have signal, this is not a network outage.
Fixable in: most cases
Success rate: 87%
Typical repair time: 2–4 hours
Your data: 100% safe
This is one of the most common and most repairable network faults we see.
Your SIM works in another phone → Your phone has a hardware fault
Another SIM also fails in your phone → Confirmed device issue
Dial *#06#
IMEI shows “Unknown / Null / 0” → Baseband IC or firmware failure
IMEI displays normally → Antenna, RF, or SIM communication fault
Carrier appears but won’t connect → Hardware failure confirmed
Component
Why It Fails
Antenna flex cable
Drops, water exposure, connector corrosion
Baseband IC (modem)
Water damage, overheating, board flex
RF amplifier / RF switch
Electrical stress, liquid ingress
SIM reader communication
Corroded or damaged contacts
📌 Important: Modern phones use multiple antennas — partial failure can cause unstable signal rather than total loss.
Antenna cleaning / reconnection: R350 – R600
Antenna flex replacement: R500 – R900
Baseband IC micro-soldering: R1,500 – R2,800
RF component repair: R1,200 – R2,200
🧪 Diagnosis takes 10–15 minutes using signal meters and board testing — no guessing.
If signal is gone everywhere, settings changes will not fix hardware failure.
🟢 WhatsApp us for a free signal test
🟠 Same-day repair available in Johannesburg
(Improved High-Conversion Version)
“No SIM Card Installed”
“Invalid SIM” / “SIM Failure”
SIM works in other phones but not yours
Dual-SIM phone: SIM 1 works, SIM 2 doesn’t
👉 This almost always means a SIM reader or baseband communication fault.
Success rate: 91%
Repair time: 1–3 hours
Data risk: None
SIM faults are mechanical and electrical, not software myths.
Your SIM works elsewhere → Phone hardware fault
Multiple SIMs fail → SIM reader or baseband issue
IMEI missing → Baseband cannot authenticate SIM
IMEI present → SIM reader hardware problem
Fault
Why It Happens
Bent SIM reader pins
Forced SIMs, wrong SIM size
SIM tray / flex cable damage
Drops, tray misalignment
Baseband communication failure
Water or board damage
IMEI corruption (software)
Failed updates, firmware errors
📌 Dual-SIM phones have two separate readers — only the failed one needs replacement.
SIM reader cleaning: R250 – R450
SIM flex replacement: R500 – R950
SIM tray assembly replacement: R600 – R1,200
IMEI / firmware repair: R600 – R1,200
Forcing wrong-size SIM cards
Using needles or metal tools in SIM tray
YouTube “IMEI repair” software
These often turn small fixes into motherboard repairs.
Stop reinserting the SIM — worn contacts don’t self-repair.
🟢 WhatsApp for SIM diagnostics
🟠 Free inspection while you wait
(Improved High-Conversion Version)
Wi-Fi toggle greyed out
No networks found anywhere
Won’t connect to any Wi-Fi
MAC address shows 00:00:00:00
👉 If Bluetooth also fails, this is not a software bug.
Success rate: 84%
Repair time: 2–4 hours
Data safety: 100%
Both fail → Wi-Fi/Bluetooth combo IC failure
Bluetooth works → Antenna or Wi-Fi IC issue
Wi-Fi still greyed out → Confirmed hardware fault
Component
Why It Fails
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth combo IC
Liquid damage, overheating
Wi-Fi antenna
Drop or corrosion
Connector corrosion
Moisture exposure
Pure software issue
Rare (~5%)
📌 Phones share Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on one chip — failure affects both.
Wi-Fi antenna replacement: R600 – R1,100
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth IC replacement: R1,200 – R2,200
Software fix: R250 – R400
“Wi-Fi booster” apps
Factory resets for greyed-out toggles
Firmware flashing without diagnosis
A greyed-out toggle is a hardware signal, not a settings issue.
🟢 WhatsApp us for Wi-Fi diagnosis
🟠 Same-day repair available
Not all troubleshooting is bad.
But network, SIM, and Wi-Fi faults are hardware-critical — one wrong step can turn a repairable issue into a dead motherboard.
Use this guide before you try anything.
These steps will not damage your phone and can sometimes rule out simple issues.
Turn ON for 30 seconds
Turn OFF and wait 1–2 minutes
✔ Resets temporary network registration
✔ Safe on all phones
Power off completely
Wait 60 seconds before turning on
✔ Clears minor modem lockups
✔ Safe and reversible
What it does:
Clears saved Wi-Fi networks
Clears Bluetooth pairings
Resets APN and mobile network configs
❗ Does NOT delete photos, apps, or contacts
✔ Safe to try once
❌ Repeating it won’t fix hardware faults
Confirm other phones on the same network have signal
Test in a different area
✔ Rules out carrier-side issues
✔ No risk
Try your SIM in another phone
Try another SIM in your phone
✔ One of the most powerful diagnostic tests
✔ No risk when done gently
These actions cause permanent damage in real repairs we see weekly.
❌ Using needles, paper clips, or blades
❌ Pushing inside the SIM slot
Why it’s dangerous:
SIM pins are thinner than a hair
Once bent or snapped, the entire SIM reader must be replaced
Often tears the SIM flex cable
💥 Turns a R400 clean into a R1,200 repair
❌ Conducts electricity
❌ Scratches contacts
❌ Short-circuits the SIM reader
⚠️ Can kill both SIM slots on dual-SIM phones
❌ Hair dryers
❌ Heaters
❌ Direct sunlight
Why it’s dangerous:
Heat accelerates corrosion
Warps antenna connectors
Kills Wi-Fi & baseband chips
💥 Often causes delayed failure days later
❌ Illegal or unsafe tools
❌ Overwrites baseband firmware
❌ Bricks the modem permanently
⚠️ IMEI is a legal device identifier
⚠️ Bad tools can make the phone non-repairable
❌ Disconnecting antenna cables blindly
❌ Tearing coax connectors
❌ Mixing antenna positions
⚠️ Modern phones have 8–12 antennas
⚠️ One mis-connected cable = no signal forever
❌ Does not fix hardware faults
❌ Can corrupt baseband firmware when already unstable
💥 Makes motherboard repair harder
Your phone has two separate brains:
Main Processor (CPU): Apps, photos, system
Baseband Processor (Modem): Signal, SIM, data, calls
When apps work but signal doesn’t, the communication brain is damaged — software tricks won’t fix broken hardware.
📌 Think of it like this:
A phone with a damaged baseband is like a brilliant person who has lost their voice — everything works, but communication is gone.
Early diagnosis = cheaper repair
Delayed or DIY damage = board-level work
Some mistakes make phones not worth repairing
✔ 100% Data Safe Repairs
✔ IMEI Preserved & Backed Up
✔ No Guessing — Advanced Diagnostics Used
✔ 6-Month Warranty on Network Repairs
If you’ve reached this page, you’ve done enough.
🟢 WhatsApp us your symptom & model
🟠 Free network diagnostic in 10–15 minutes
🔵 Same-day repairs available
Many customers come to us after:
“It was fixed… then failed again”
“The signal worked for a day”
“Another shop said the board is dead”
Most of the time, the phone was never properly repaired — only temporarily revived.
Here’s why that happens.
What happens elsewhere:
Parts replaced based on symptoms only
No signal testing tools used
“Try this part and see” approach
Why it fails:
Network faults have multiple overlapping causes
Replacing the wrong part stresses the real failing component
How we prevent it:
✔ Signal strength meters
✔ Board-level continuity tests
✔ IMEI & baseband verification before repair
📌 We confirm the exact failure point before touching the phone.
What happens elsewhere:
Antenna flex replaced
Phone shows signal briefly
Failure returns days later
Why it fails:
The antenna was a victim, not the cause
The baseband IC or RF amplifier was already failing
How we prevent it:
✔ RF path testing
✔ Load and signal stability testing
✔ Post-repair stress testing
📌 We fix the cause, not the symptom.
What happens elsewhere:
Low heat control
No board preheating
No underfill replacement
Why it fails:
Cold solder joints crack again
IC shifts microscopically
Signal drops after thermal cycling
How we prevent it:
✔ Controlled reflow profiles
✔ Board preheating
✔ Proper underfill restoration
✔ Microscopic inspection
📌 Baseband repairs require precision — not shortcuts.
What happens elsewhere:
IMEI overwritten or lost
Phone connects intermittently
Network bans occur later
Why it fails:
IMEI is a legal identifier
Incorrect handling causes authentication failure
How we prevent it:
✔ IMEI backup before repair
✔ Secure restoration after repair
✔ Verification with network handshake
📌 Your phone stays legally identifiable and stable.
What happens elsewhere:
Phone powers on
Signal appears briefly
Customer leaves immediately
Why it fails:
Heat, load, and movement expose weak repairs
Problems show up after you leave
How we prevent it:
✔ Heat cycling tests
✔ Movement & flex tests
✔ Data, call & Wi-Fi stress tests
📌 If it fails here, it doesn’t leave.
What happens elsewhere:
“No warranty on network repairs”
Blame shifted to carrier or user
Why it fails:
Shops don’t want responsibility
Temporary fixes are profitable short-term
How we prevent it:
✔ 6-Month Warranty on Network Repairs
✔ Documented repair logs
✔ No-quibble fault rechecks
📌 Warranty forces correct repair the first time.
Fewer repeat failures
No paying twice for the same problem
Proper repair, not temporary revival
Honest diagnosis — even if repair isn’t viable
✔ No guessing
✔ Component-level diagnosis
✔ Proper micro-soldering methods
✔ IMEI preserved
✔ Data always safe
✔ 6-Month warranty
You’re not unlucky — you were under-diagnosed.
🟢 WhatsApp us — tell us what was “fixed” before
🟠 Free re-diagnosis available
🔵 Same-day repair when viable
Network, SIM, and Wi-Fi repairs are not cosmetic fixes — they affect how your phone legally connects to the network.
That’s why our warranty is specific, written, and enforceable.
✔ up to 6-Month Warranty on all network, SIM, and Wi-Fi repairs
✔ Covers the exact fault repaired
✔ Includes free re-inspection if the issue reappears
✔ No “store credit only” loopholes
📌 If the same fault returns under normal use, we fix it.
Your phone’s IMEI is its legal identity.
Losing or corrupting it can cause:
No signal on all networks
Intermittent service
Permanent network blocking
✔ IMEI is backed up before repair
✔ Baseband data handled using safe, compliant methods
✔ IMEI is restored and verified after repair
✔ Network authentication tested before return
📌 We never change, clone, or overwrite your IMEI.
Network repairs do NOT involve:
Storage chips
Photos, videos, or contacts
Apps or personal data
✔ Your data stays exactly where it is
✔ No factory reset unless you approve it
✔ No access to personal content
Recurrence of the same network / SIM / Wi-Fi fault
Component failure related to the repaired area
Workmanship issues
New physical damage (drops, cracks, liquid exposure)
Software modifications after repair
Unrelated faults
Network blocks by carriers
📌 We explain this before the repair — no surprises.
✔ Diagnostic logs kept per device
✔ Pre- and post-repair signal verification
✔ Stress testing before release
✔ Repair history documented
📌 Warranty is backed by process, not promises.
Many shops avoid offering warranty on network repairs because:
They don’t diagnose properly
They rely on temporary fixes
They can’t guarantee their work
We do — because we repair the root cause, not the symptom.
✔ 6-Month network repair warranty
✔ IMEI fully preserved
✔ Data 100% safe
✔ No guessing, no shortcuts
✔ Professional board-level repair standards
If your phone has signal, SIM, or Wi-Fi issues, this is the safest way forward.
🟢 WhatsApp us now for confirmation
🟠 Free network diagnostic available
🔵 Same-day repair in most cases
This usually means a hardware fault inside your phone, not a network outage.
The most common causes are:
Antenna flex cable damage
Baseband (modem) IC failure
RF amplifier issues
If other phones on the same network have signal, your phone needs diagnosis, not settings changes.
No.
“Emergency Calls Only” almost always indicates a baseband or antenna communication failure.
✔ SIM changes rarely fix this
✔ Network providers cannot fix this remotely
✔ Hardware repair is usually required
Yes.
The issue is usually not the SIM card, but:
Bent or worn SIM reader pins
Damaged SIM flex cable
Baseband authentication failure
If your SIM works in another phone, the fault is inside your device.
A greyed-out Wi-Fi toggle is a hardware fault, not a software bug.
Most commonly:
Wi-Fi / Bluetooth combo IC failure
Liquid damage
Antenna disconnection
Factory resets and updates do not fix greyed-out Wi-Fi.
No.
Network repairs do not involve storage chips.
✔ Photos, videos, apps, and contacts are safe
✔ No factory reset unless you approve it
✔ Your personal data is never accessed
The Baseband IC is the phone’s communication processor.
It handles:
Signal
Calls
Mobile data
SIM authentication
If it fails, the phone can work perfectly except for network connectivity.
This confirms a baseband communication failure or firmware corruption.
Without a valid IMEI:
The phone cannot register on networks
Signal issues are guaranteed
This is repairable in many cases with proper board-level work.
Rarely — but it can trigger an existing hardware weakness.
If the phone:
Lost signal immediately after an update
Shows IMEI errors
Has greyed-out Wi-Fi
Then the update exposed a hardware fault, not caused it.
Yes — when done correctly.
✔ Root cause repaired
✔ Proper micro-soldering methods
✔ Stress tested before release
✔ Covered by 6-month warranty
Temporary fixes fail. Correct repairs last.
Because:
They lack board-level tools
They rely on part swapping
They can’t warranty the work
Network repairs require advanced diagnostics and micro-soldering, not guessing.
Typical repair times:
SIM reader issues: 1–3 hours
Antenna repairs: 2–4 hours
Baseband IC repairs: Same day in most cases
Exact time depends on diagnosis results.
Yes.
✔ up to 6-Month Warranty
✔ Covers the repaired fault
✔ IMEI preserved and verified
✔ Free re-inspection if the issue returns
This warranty exists because we repair correctly, not temporarily.
Only safe checks like:
SIM swap test
Airplane mode toggle
Network settings reset (once)
❌ Avoid:
SIM pin bending
YouTube IMEI tools
Opening the phone
Heat drying after liquid exposure
DIY mistakes often turn small repairs into major ones.
We tell you honestly.
✔ Free diagnosis
✔ Clear cost vs value explanation
✔ No pressure if repair isn’t viable
If it’s not worth fixing, we’ll say so.
That’s normal — network faults are complex.
🟢 WhatsApp us your symptom & model
🟠 Free network diagnostic (10–15 min)
🔵 Same-day repair in most cases
If you’re on this page, your phone won’t fix itself — but in most cases, it can be fixed today.
You now know:
✔ What the fault is
✔ Why DIY and guesswork fail
✔ That your data & IMEI are protected
✔ What success rates and repair times look like
The next step is simple.
Send us:
Your phone model
The exact symptom (No Signal / SIM / Wi-Fi)
Whether the phone was dropped or exposed to liquid
📲 You’ll get:
✔ Confirmation if it’s fixable
✔ Realistic repair time
✔ Clear cost range
✔ No obligation
10–15 minute diagnosis
Signal, SIM, Wi-Fi & IMEI checked
No appointment needed
Most repairs completed same day
If diagnosis confirms repair:
✔ Professional board-level repair
✔ IMEI preserved & verified
✔ Data 100% safe
✔ 6-Month warranty included
✔ Free diagnosis
✔ No guessing
✔ No data loss
✔ No IMEI risk
✔ No repeat failures
✔ Written warranty
That’s normal — network faults are serious.
But delaying or experimenting:
❌ Increases repair cost
❌ Risks permanent board damage
❌ Can make the phone not worth repairing
Early diagnosis saves money.
This isn’t a temporary patch or “see if it works” repair.
It’s a proper fix, backed by process, experience, and warranty.
🟢 WhatsApp Us Now — Get Answers in Minutes
🟠 Walk In Today
🔵 Same-Day Repair Available
📞 Struggling With Network, SIM & Signal Issues? Let Us Diagnose It Properly — for FREE.
Stop guessing. Whether it’s a simple SIM reader issue or a serious network IC fault, we identify the exact problem and give you the best repair solution.
👉 Book Your Free Network Diagnostic Today
📍 Fast, reliable, and accurate repairs — without deleting your data.
🏅 Why Our Valued Customers Trust Us for Network, SIM & Signal Repairs
✅ 3,500+ network-related repairs completed since 2018
✅ Specialized experience in SIM reader, antenna & baseband IC repairs
✅ 92% success rate on network signal restorations
✅ Advanced tools for network IC & antenna line testing
✅ Fast turnaround — most SIM & signal issues fixed in under 2 hours
✅ Up to 6-month warranty on all network & SIM repairs
✅ Data protection guarantee — your data stays 100% safe
✅ Transparent diagnostics — we show you the exact fault
✅ We fix what others refuse
✅ Honest, final pricing — no surprise add-ons
Tired Of your Signal Issue , Restore Your Network Today , Contact Us Now.