If you're managing a fleet of 2Way handheld devices and suddenly notice that multiple units are displaying a "No Service" or "SIM Not Detected" message, it can be concerning—especially when you're relying on real-time data and connectivity for operations. This article addresses the most common causes behind this issue and provides actionable steps to restore connectivity across your devices.
When a 2Way handheld shows "No Service" or "SIM Not Detected," it typically indicates that the device is unable to establish a connection with the cellular network. This doesn’t necessarily mean the SIM card is physically damaged or permanently deactivated. In many cases, the issue stems from temporary network outages, SIM card deactivation due to inactivity, or software glitches that prevent the device from registering on the network.
In the case where the devices were previously active, it suggests the hardware and SIMs are functional. The most likely cause is that the SIM cards were deactivated—either due to a billing lapse, service suspension, or system error—and needed reactivation.
The initial support response may confirm that the SIM cards have been reactivated on the backend. This is a critical step, as even if the device appears to be in working order, it cannot connect to the network unless the SIM is active and properly registered.
It’s important to understand that reactivation is not instantaneous. The network needs time to recognize the updated status of the SIM, and the device must actively attempt to reconnect. Simply turning on the device after reactivation may not be enough—especially if the device was previously powered off for an extended period.
After SIM reactivation, the next step is to fully power cycle each handheld. This means:
Once powered on, do not assume the device will connect immediately. The device may take several minutes to search for and register with the cellular network. During this time, it’s best to move the device to an open area—ideally outdoors—away from large metal structures, basements, or areas with poor signal coverage.
Why this matters: Cellular signals can be weak or blocked indoors, especially in warehouses or industrial environments. Moving the device outside increases the likelihood of successful network registration.
One of the most effective ways to verify that the devices are reconnecting is by checking the Tagmarshal dashboard. After restarting the devices and allowing them to roam, monitor the status of each unit in real time.
The dashboard should reflect changes such as:
If the devices are still not showing up as active, it may indicate that the device is not attempting to connect or is stuck in a low-power state. In such cases, a full reset may be required.
If the device continues to show “No Service” despite reactivation and proper restart, consider performing a factory reset. This clears any corrupted settings or cached network data that may be preventing registration.
To perform a factory reset:
After the reset, the device will restart with default settings. You’ll need to reconfigure any custom settings, but this often resolves persistent connectivity issues.
To avoid similar problems in the future, consider implementing the following best practices:
A "No Service/SIM" error on multiple 2Way handhelds is often not a hardware failure but a network or configuration issue.
If, after following all steps, the devices still fail to connect, contact Tagmarshal Support (log a ticket) with the device IDs and timestamps of your attempts. This information helps the support team diagnose deeper network or backend issues.