Tracfone Unregistered SIM Error? – Here’s How to Fix

If you’ve encountered the Tracfone unregistered SIM error, luckily, it’s something you can fix.

This article will discuss the causes and top solutions for Not Registered Network errors.

We’ve come up with the best solution for how you’ll be able to fix this issue when it appears on your phone. With these simple steps, you’ll only need a few minutes to get it done.

How do you fix a Tracfone not registered on a network problem? Read on to find out!

To resolve the Tracfone unregistered SIM error, you’ll need to reinsert your SIM card and restart your phone. You can also set your phone’s networking settings manually. Going through the activation process can also help if there’s no physical issue with your SIM card.

These are some of the basics that you should know regarding this error.

Before we go through these solutions, it’s important to know the different causes, so you can better handle the problem.

My Tracfone Says Unregistered SIM – What Causes It?

Usually, a Not Registered on Network error occurs when there is physical damage to the SIM card, or it is not in position.

If you’ve ruled out your SIM issues, you could be using the wrong phone settings.

You also want to check if your phone’s software is up to date, as it can also cause the error to show.

1. Physical Damage to the SIM Card

The most obvious cause of the unregistered SIM error is damage to your SIM’s gold contact. If this is the case, your phone won’t be able to read the information saved on your Tracfone SIM.

2. SIM Card not in Position

If your SIM card is not seated properly inside the tray, it will show this error on your phone.

3. Using the Wrong Phone Settings

There are several network settings to watch out for that can cause this particular error to appear on your phone.

4. Outdated Software

Your phone’s software can interfere with your SIM card connections. Phones that have not been updated for a long time can have this issue.

Now that you have a good idea of the causes of this issue, we can now take the proper solutions to resolve this error once and for all.

Top Solutions to Fix Tracfone Unregistered SIM Error

When it comes to SIM card issues, you really need to start with the basic troubleshooting steps.

These can be incredibly effective, especially if you’re dealing with a SIM card that’s not properly positioned inside your phone.

One of the first things you can do is to reinsert the SIM card into the tray. Remove it, then replace it slowly to make sure that it’s seated inside the tray perfectly.

You can also try restarting your phone, allowing it to access your SIM card again, and reading the information on it.

These should be great starting points to resolve the unregistered SIM error on your Tracfone.

If these don’t help you out, we can move on to more advanced steps below:

Solution #1: Manually Select Tracfone as the Carrier on Your Phone

If your Tracfone displays the unregistered SIM error message, you want to specify the carrier on your phone.

Most importantly, your phone can detect your SIM and which signal it needs to connect to. However, there are also instances when it’s unable to do so.

Whenever this happens, you want to go into your phone’s settings and choose Tracfone as your carrier. Doing this essentially tells your device to connect to the Tracfone signal.

Here’s how to manually select Tracfone as the carrier on your phone:

On iPhone:

1. Open your phone’s Settings.
2. Select the Mobile Data option.
3. Choose Mobile Network.
4. Switch Off Automatic.
5. Select Tracfone from the list.

On Android:

1. Go to your phone’s Settings.
2. Select Network and Internet.
3. Choose Mobile Network.
4. Go to Advanced, then turn off Automatic.
5. Tap on Network and select Tracfone.

Note: You’ll also see other available mobile networks in your area, but you’ll need to select Tracfone since that’s the SIM installed on your phone.

Solution #2: Change the Preferred Network Type on Your Phone

There are different types of signals that your phone can connect to. Your phone will usually do an excellent job searching for the right one.

However, there are times when the software can get confused.

If your phone can’t determine which signal type it will connect to, it can show you this error message. Resolving this issue will require you to select the network type manually.

You want to select 5G or 4G so your phone can filter out the signals and connect with Tracfone’s towers.

Here’s how to select the network type that your phone will use:

On iPhone:

1. Go to the Settings app on your phone.
2. Select Cellular, then Cellular Data Options.
3. Choose Voice and Data.
4. Change from 5G Auto to LTE/4G

On Android:

1. Open your phone’s Settings.
2. Navigate to Network and Internet, then Mobile Network.
3. Select the Preferred network type.
4. Tap on the LTE/CDMA option.

Note: If the error resolves after changing the network mode, you can always change it back to Automatic.

Solution #3: Update the APN Settings

Your phone uses the APN settings to connect to Tracfone’s towers and signal successfully.

If your phone does not have the correct ones set up, it won’t be able to make a successful connection.

Different carriers have their set of settings that you need to enter on your phone.

You usually won’t have an issue with this since your phone will automatically download it.

However, it can get corrupted, and you’ll need to update it for it to work manually.

Here’s how you can manually update your phone’s APN settings:

On iPhone:

1. Go to your phone’s Settings.
2. Navigate to Cellular, then Cellular Data Options.
3. Select Cellular Network.
4. Choose APN Settings.
5. Tap the field and compare the details below.

On Android:

1. Go to your phone’s Settings app.
2. Select Mobile networks.
3. Tap on Access Point Names.
4. Select Tracfone’s APN Settings.
5. Check the values against the details below.

Tracfone APN Settings:

• Name: Tracfone
• APN: TFDATA
• Proxy: proxy.mvno.tracfone.com
• Port: 80
• MMS proxy: mms3.tracfone.com
• MMSC: http://mms-tf.net
• APN type: default,mms,supl
• MMS port: 80
• Authentication Type: PAP
• APN Protocol: IPv4

Solution #4: Reset Your Phone’s Network Settings

If you have issues with your SIM card, one of the effective ways to fix it is to reset your phone’s network settings.

It’s not the most targeted approach since it will also affect your other connections.

However, it can clear your carrier setting and allow your phone to reconnect to Tracfone’s towers and signal.

Here’s how to reset your phone’s network settings:

On iPhone:

1. Go to your phone’s Settings.
2. Navigate to General, then Reset iPhone.
3. Select Reset.
4. Tap on Reset Network Settings.

On Android:

1. Open your phone’s Settings app.
2. Go to System, then Reset options.
3. Choose Reset WiFi, mobile, and Bluetooth.
4. Tap on the Reset settings button.

Note: Performing a network reset should resolve any network glitches that you’re encountering, especially one that involves your SIM card.

Solution #5: Install the Latest Carrier Settings on Your Phone

Your carrier settings are a set of configurations that will allow your phone to connect successfully to your network provider.

Your phone will request it and then download it the first time you use your network’s SIM card.

There are instances when this does not happen. Your carrier, in this case, Tracfone, can push out settings updates leaving the previous one obsolete.

You want to force your phone to download and install the latest ones whenever this happens.

Here’s the complete guide on how to get the latest carrier settings on your phone:

On iPhone:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select General.
3. Choose About.
4. Wait for your phone to check for updates.
5. Tap on the option to update your carrier settings

On Android:

1. Go to your phone’s Settings.
2. Choose More, then Mobile Networks.
3. Select Carrier Settings.
4. Tap on Update Profile

Pro Tip: Make sure you’re connected to the internet via WiFi to avoid issues with the carrier profile update.

Solution #6: Reactivate Tracfone Unregistered SIM

If your phone says that your Tracfone SIM is unregistered, it may not be activated properly.

A SIM that’s not yet activated won’t be able to get the signal from Tracfone’s towers.

You’ll need to reactivate it so you’ll be able to use it without running into issues.

Here’s how to properly reactivate your Tracfone SIM to register it:

1. Go to the Tracfone website.
2. Click on Activate from the menu.
3. Enter your ZIP code.
4. Type in your SIM number.
5. Enter your phone’s IMEI or serial number.

Note: The SIM number can be found on the card that your SIM Card comes with.

If none of these solutions work, you can try using a different SIM to confirm if you’re dealing with a problem with your current SIM.

Damage to the card’s contacts can prevent your phone from identifying the SIM card.

Bottom Line

If you’ve been dealing with the Tracfone unregistered SIM error, these solutions will help you fix it in no time.

As long as you follow these steps carefully, you should have no problem resolving this error and getting your Tracfone SIM working again.

Read Next: How to Fix Tracfone WiFi Calling Not Working?