Q: How to fix "searching" in iphone 5s

Hello there, trishamad!

Thanks for reaching out to the Apple Support Communities! It sounds like your iPhone is searching for a SIM card. I know how important it is to be sure the iPhone is able to connect to cellular data at all times. Check out this article that gives you steps to try If you can‘t connect to a cellular network or cellular data. Specifically, be sure to try these steps:

If you see No Service or Searching 

If you see No Service or Searching on your device, or can't connect to a cellular network or cellular data, follow these steps: 

1. Check your coverage area to make sure that you're in an area with cellular network coverage. 
    
   • If you can't connect to a cellular network on your iPhone, make sure that cellular data is on in Settings > Cellular*. On your iPad, go to Settings > Cellular Data.
    
   • If you're traveling internationally, make sure that your device is set up for data roaming. Go to Settings > Cellular > Data Roaming.
      
2. Restart your iPhone or iPad.
3. Check for a Carrier Settings Update.
4. Update your iPhone or iPad to the latest version of iOS.
5. Take out the SIM card and put it back in. If the SIM card is damaged, or doesn't fit in the SIM tray, contact your carrier.
6. Reset your Network Settings. Tap Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This also resets Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN and APN settings that you've used before.
7. If you have another device, see if you can connect your carrier's network with it in that location.
8. Contact your carrier to: 
    
   • Verify that your account is active and in good standing.
    
   • Make sure there are no outages in your area.
    
   • Check that your device isn't blocked from receiving cellular services and is set up with the right data plan.

If you still can't connect to a cellular network, and have confirmed with your carrier that there isn't an issue with your account or network, try restoring your device.

Another option if you test the SIM in another device and notice it's not working there either is to visit your carrier and have them swap the SIM card out to see if that allows you to connect.

Cheers!