How to Fix SIM Card Issues on Pixel 8 Pro

• This guide offers solutions to fix SIM card issues on the Pixel 8/Pro, with various troubleshooting steps provided.
• Users are encouraged to follow the steps but should exercise caution as results may vary, and making changes to settings may impact data.

The Pixel 8/Pro, Google’s latest smartphone offering, comes with a slew of exciting features such as an improved camera, AI integration in various apps, the cutting-edge Tensor G3 chipset, and a promise of seven years of OS upgrades. However, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing, as the device has been plagued by a number of issues recently.

One of the most recent and frustrating problems faced by Pixel 8/Pro users is the SIM card not working as expected. It’s no secret that since Google made the switch to the Tensor chipset, the device’s modem performance has been subpar, resulting in frequent network connectivity issues. While it’s unclear if this is the cause of the SIM card problem this time, one thing is certain: this issue needs immediate attention.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through various methods to address and resolve the SIM card problem on your Pixel 8/Pro. Let’s dive in and get your device back on track.

Troubleshooting SIM Card Issues on Pixel 8/Pro

If you’re facing problems with your SIM card on your Pixel 8/Pro, it’s essential to explore various solutions to resolve the issue. Let’s get right to it.

Solution 1: Clear SIM Slot

Your initial step should be to inspect and clear the SIM card slot for any debris or foreign particles that may have entered. Here’s how to do it:

1. Remove the SIM card from your Pixel 8/Pro.
2. Carefully clean the SIM card slot to ensure there’s no dust or debris.
3. Re-insert the SIM card into the slot securely.

After performing this procedure, check to see if it resolves the SIM card not working problem on your Pixel 8/Pro.

Solution 2: Switch SIM Slots

If the first fix didn’t work, try switching the SIM card to the other available slot. Follow these steps:

1. Remove the SIM card from its current slot on your Pixel 8/Pro.
2. Insert the SIM card into the alternate slot, ensuring it’s securely placed.

After making this change, check to see if this resolves the SIM card issue on your Pixel 8/Pro. Sometimes, a different slot can provide a better connection.

Solution 3: Toggle Airplane Mode

If the previous fixes haven’t resolved your SIM card issue on your Pixel 8/Pro, you can try refreshing your device’s cellular settings by toggling Airplane Mode. Keep in mind that while this fix often works, it might provide temporary relief, lasting up to a few hours at most. Nevertheless, in our current situation, a quick solution can be quite valuable. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open your device’s Settings and navigate to “Network and Internet.”
2. Enable the toggle next to “Airplane Mode.”
3. Wait for a few seconds, and then disable Airplane Mode.
4. Check to see if this action fixes the SIM card problem on your Pixel 8/Pro.

Sometimes, this simple toggle can help re-establish a stable connection for a while.

Solution 4: Boot to Safe Mode

In some cases, a third-party app or service may interfere with your device’s normal functions, causing SIM card issues. To identify and resolve this problem, you can boot your device into Safe Mode. In Safe Mode, all third-party apps and services are temporarily disabled. If the SIM card problem is resolved in Safe Mode, it indicates that a third-party app is the culprit. You can then return to normal mode and uninstall recently installed apps to pinpoint the problematic one. Here’s how to do it:

1. Long press the Power button on your Pixel 8/Pro to open the Power menu.
2. Then, long tap on the “Power Off” option.
3. Tap “OK” in the “Reboot to Safe Mode” popup.
4. Verify if the SIM card is now being detected or not in Safe Mode.
5. If the SIM card is detected, reboot your device back to normal mode.
6. Uninstall the recently installed apps one at a time, starting with the ones you installed just before the SIM card issue began.
7. Once the problem no longer appears, the last uninstalled app is likely the cause. Avoid using that app, at least for the time being.

This method helps identify any conflicting third-party apps and allows you to remove them, ensuring your SIM card functions correctly.

Solution 5: Disable 5G

If you’re experiencing issues with your SIM card on your Pixel 8/Pro, instability in the 5G network might be the cause. To address this, consider switching to the more stable 4G network using the following steps:

1. Open the Settings menu on your device.
2. Navigate to “Network and Internet” and tap on “SIMs.”
3. In the “Preferred Network Type” section, select “4G/LTE” from the list.
4. Check if this resolves the SIM card not working issue on your Pixel 8/Pro.

By switching to the 4G network, you may experience improved stability and connectivity for your SIM card.

Solution 6: Disable 2G

It’s worth noting that 2G might still be enabled on your device, and in some cases, it could conflict with the newer 4G/5G networks. To address this potential issue, consider disabling 2G using the following steps:

1. Open the “Settings” menu on your device.
2. Go to “Network and Internet.”
3. Select your SIM from the list.
4. Disable the toggle next to “Allow 2G.”
5. Check if this resolves the SIM card not working issue on your Pixel 8/Pro.

Disabling 2G can help prevent conflicts with modern network technologies and potentially improve your SIM card’s functionality.

Solution 7: Disable Adaptive Connectivity

The Adaptive Connectivity feature on your Pixel 8/Pro is designed to automatically select the best network, either 4G or 5G, depending on the specific use case. For instance, it may switch to 4G when you’re using instant messaging apps to conserve battery life and switch to 5G when you’re streaming videos. However, it can sometimes conflict with the mobile network, leading to call-related issues. To address this, consider disabling the Adaptive Connectivity feature:

1. Open the “Settings” menu on your device.
2. Navigate to the “Network and Internet” section.
3. Scroll to “Adaptive Connectivity” and disable the toggle next to it.
4. Check if this resolves the SIM card not working issue on your Pixel 8/Pro.

Disabling this feature can help prevent conflicts and improve the overall functionality of your SIM card.

Solution 8: Turn off VoLTE and VoWiFi

Another potential solution is to disable Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi) features. Some users have reported resolving the issue by turning off these features. Follow the steps below to try this:

1. Go to “Settings” on your device.
2. Navigate to “Network and Internet.”
3. Select “Calls and SMS.”
4. Choose your SIM under “WiFi calling.”
5. Disable the toggle next to “Use WiFi Calling.”
6. Check if this resolves the SIM card not working issue on your Pixel 8/Pro.

Disabling VoLTE and VoWiFi may help in stabilizing your SIM card’s functionality on the device.

Solution 9: Install Pending Update

Sometimes, the SIM card issue could be linked to a buggy update from Google. In such cases, Google typically releases a patch to rectify the problem. To ensure that your device is up-to-date, follow these steps:

1. Go to “Settings.”
2. Navigate to “System” and select “System Update.”
3. If there’s a new update available, click “Install” or “Resume.”
4. Once the update is installed (this process may take about an hour), click “Restart.”
5. Check if this resolves the SIM card not working issue on your Pixel 8/Pro.

Installing pending updates can address software-related problems and improve the functionality of your SIM card.

Solution 10: Disable Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS)

Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) is a feature that allows both SIM cards to remain active simultaneously, eliminating the need to manually disable one SIM to use the other. However, in some cases, the network signal from one SIM may conflict with the other, especially if both SIMs are from different carriers. To address this, you can disable DSDS using the following instructions:

1. Open the Dialer on your Pixel 8/Pro and enter the following command: ##4636##
2. From the list that appears, select “Phone Information.”
3. Disable the toggle next to DSDS.
4. Check if this resolves the SIM card not working issue on your Pixel 8/Pro.

Disabling DSDS can help prevent potential conflicts between the network signals of your two SIM cards, potentially improving the functionality of your SIM card.

Solution 11: De-Register iMessage

If you’ve recently switched from an iPhone to a Pixel 8/Pro and are facing SIM card issues, it’s important to ensure that your phone number is unlinked from iMessage. This will enable you to use your phone number for sending and receiving messages on your new device. Follow these steps to de-register iMessage:

1. Visit Apple’s iMessage De-Register page.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions provided to complete the process.

By de-registering iMessage, you ensure that your phone number is no longer tied to your Apple ID for iMessage, which can resolve any compatibility issues when using your phone number on your Pixel 8/Pro.

Solution 12: Reset APN (Access Point Name)

The Access Point Name (APN) settings are vital for your network connectivity. If these settings become corrupted, you might encounter SIM and network-related issues. To resolve this, you can reset the APN settings and allow your carrier to create a fresh profile. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open “Settings” on your device.
2. Navigate to “Network and Internet” and select “SIMs.”
3. Choose your SIM card from the list and go to “Access Point Names.”
4. Select your current APN, tap on the overflow icon (usually three dots) located at the top right, and choose “Delete APN.”
5. Restart your device, and the APN profile will be re-created by your carrier.
6. Check if this fixes the SIM card not working issue on your Pixel 8/Pro.

Resetting the APN can help ensure that your device has the correct network settings, potentially resolving SIM card issues.

Solution 13: Reset Network

If none of the previous methods have resolved the SIM card issue on your Pixel 8/Pro, your last resort is to reset the network settings on your device to its factory defaults. Keep in mind that this action will erase all saved Wi-Fi passwords and paired devices. Be sure to sync your passwords with your Google account before proceeding. Here’s how to reset your network settings:

1. Go to “Settings.”
2. Navigate to “System” and select “Reset Options.”
3. Choose “Reset WiFi, mobile, and Bluetooth.”
4. Tap “Reset Settings” and wait for the process to complete.
5. Once done, the underlying SIM card issue should be rectified.

Resetting network settings can often resolve persistent network-related problems, including SIM card issues on your Pixel 8/Pro.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we’ve provided you with a comprehensive set of solutions to address the SIM card not working issue on your Pixel 8/Pro. If you have any questions or encounter any issues while implementing these steps, please feel free to leave a comment. We’ll respond promptly to assist you with a solution. Your feedback and questions are valuable to us, and we’re here to help you get your device back on track.

Disclaimer: The information and steps provided in this guide are intended to help users troubleshoot and potentially resolve the SIM card not working issue on the Pixel 8/Pro. However, these solutions may not work in all cases, and individual results may vary. It’s important to note that making changes to your device’s settings, such as resetting network configurations or de-registering iMessage, should be done with caution and at your own discretion. Before implementing any of these fixes, consider creating backups of your important data and settings. Additionally, it’s advisable to consult with your mobile carrier or seek professional assistance if you are unsure about any steps or if the issue persists. We do not guarantee the effectiveness of these solutions or assume responsibility for any potential data loss or device issues that may occur during the troubleshooting process.