Q: iPhone 4S "no service" problem

I upgraded to my 4S on 12/23 and it worked just fine up to 1/18. It always had the 5.0.1 update, the first time it happened I went to the apple store and they gave me a new phone which seemed to fix the problem (looks like they were not aware of the problem). A couple of days later, it goes back to the same so I call my carrier which tried to transfer me to an apple support rep and they told her that they were aware of the problem and that they had a solution and to go to http://support.apple.com/kb/ts4148 which I did but did not solve the problem. I called apple again to see what could be done and they told me that it was probably the back up I restored the phone from was corrupt and that is why it was giving me the same problem again since I transfered the corrupt file to the new phone. They reset my phone, I started as a new phone without transferring any data or contacts and I still have the same problem. I guess the last thing I can do is check the sim card (although the apple store gave me a brand new one) but I'm not sure if it is that  what is causing all this mess. Very dissapointed I wasted my upgrade on a non-working device!!!

Well it turns out that not only did I have a small issues with signal, but I also had a problem with wifi connecting and disconnecting repeatedly.  I tried the IOS 5.0.1 (9A406) update on my phone and the time to connect on power up has gone down to about 30 seconds still long but alot better then before.  It also fix the problem with wifi for me, even though it was not in the list of changes.

I also took another look at the sim card today and noticed that the contact points on the sim are very close to touching the metal sim tray.  One thing I would suggest is to check this one anyones phone that is having a problem, it may be possible that it is shorting the sim out and causing a problem.

it is obvious that this is an emergency situation that apple causes and doesnt care. It is sort of aircraft engine off while cruising at 7000 ft. One could be in trouble or lost or sth else. So what would happen? iphone did not work! it is a shame!

I had the same problem after two weeks of use, the network was lost, but when I changed my sim card to a newer type, the phone immediately started to work normally. So I think that the problem in the sim card. Here where I live in Ukraine, many people solved their problems replacing the sim card to new type.

This is a valuable lesson learned...  We are approaching 4 months and Apple has failed to acknowledge or address this and many other issues.  When the iPhone 5 comes out and you continue to support Apple, you deserve any issues that arise from the hardware defects / software bugs.

Apple just sold millions of these devices and they show they don't care.  Why support them?  Support companies who support your products!

I will be skipping the iPhone 5 no matter how amazing it is.  I need a phone that works.  That is reliable.  That does the job of a phone.  iPhone can't deliver.   Apple can't deliver.  Tim Cook can't deliver.  But yet they have billions of our dollars and are not helping us or the situation by not coming clean.

I am seriously thinking it is a hardware issue and might be replacing my iPhone for a 4th one...  I would suggest doing the same folks.   It looks as Apple rather waste money on refurbing these devices than fixing the solution in a more timely manner.   I will replace my iPhone until it works as it should.   

Ps if you want a refund, you can request it.   Since the product is faulty and buggy and since there is no support from Apple on the issue, if you have replaced your iPhone several times, Apple legally is required to repair, replace or refund.  If they can't repair it properly, replace it with one that works, then you can request a refund.   That is my next step!  This will hurt Apple as they would have to refund the device and then refurb your device.   I might do this and get an Android - because it works and Google supports devices in a timely manner!

I have the answer.......finally !

Spoke to a Vodafone rep.....and funny enough they are having problem with apple over the 'no service' resolution. Both disagree with each other.

It's down to the following. The Apple 4s has been designed so that it should be on a 3G network all the time, there's no option to disable 3G. So it's constantly searching for 3G, so because it's searching it will show 'no service'.

So everyone on this board that has a lot of problems will be in service area where it is not always 3G so hence not all 4s users are getting the problem.

Solution...... There is no fix. My first 4s was terrible so I cleaned installed the 06 fix and got a new card from Vodafone which made it much much better. The reason I know when I get no service that it's down to the 4s it that my wife has a 4. It has 4 bars when I have none. Apple will not admit any liability because they don't think it's there fault. They blame it on the networks for not having 3G.

The Vodafone rep also said that turning off the cellular data on the 4s works for some users and not others.

Hope this is of some help, but if you live in a area when 3G is not always on, you will always have problems with a 4s.

If your UK based then I learnt something today. If after the signal bars you phone says 3G then it's obvious. If it says E it means 2g. If it says UK then it means it's on 3G but no data.

You should install 5.1 beta 3. I did it on my 4S and I can now disable 3G and its working flawlessly... I am on my second day of battery and still 43% battery

how stable are Apple's betas?  I think of iOS always in beta mode even when it isn't! LOL

Since there are so many bugs in iOS 5.xx, I think the beta won't be far off?

It's amazing how fast Nokia came to the rescue and fixed the battery issue on the new WP7 devices - the Lumia 800.   In less than a few weeks, Nokia has addressed it.  

Take note Apple...  it didn't take 4+ months!  It tooks weeks!   This phone was released in November (after the iPhone 4S) and the update to address battery issues resolved today!  Congrats Nokia on fixing problems in a timely manner and keeping the buyers/customers in the loop!  Well Done Nokia!

Also, Nokia today came clean on other issues that it will fix/address in the near future!  Amazing.  Meanwhile, Apple continues to keep quiet about issues affecting the iPhone 4S and iOS 5.xx,

Apple 0 - Nokia 1

Where is 5.1 beta 3 available ??

Ok so I have been running IOS 5.0.1 (9A406), and I need to go back.  For me it was just powering up took to long and wifi troubles.  Now after installing the update, it connects to the network faster, but the wifi issue has come back for me and now my battery life has dropped to almost nothing.  Normally I can stream music to my car stereo from the ipod function, over bluetooth for 1 hour, then during work, I could stream pandora over wifi for 7 hours, then ipod through bluetooth again for another hour.  The past few days, the battery has been getting worse, yesterday, I fully charged it and it did not make it through the day without being used, it lasted about 12 hours of no use.  Today, I took a 2 hour trip playing music from iPod to my stereo through bluetooth, when I got there, the battery was at 19%.

Does apple allow downgrading to IOS 9A405, or does something need to be changed to do this?

@mritaccai

i m also having lots of problem like no service , wi fi drops , gps telling incorrect location and my more my iphone is just useless i packed in the box as i brought it and wiating for some solution to come i m very afraid about that the problem lies where????..
plzzz tell me that is all these problems are software based ...or hardware based  ????

i live in india and brought an iphone from australia factory ulocked and contract free
if it is a hardware problem i cnt even replace it plzz tell me that its only software bug not hardware ...!!!!??????????
thank you

@choppertim
i m also having this no service problem can u plz tell is it hardware prob or software

where i can get ios 5.1 beta 3 ???

Tanu

this is all SOFTWARE issues. I am from your country and faced issues. Later using hook & crook, i managed to fix issues and getting signal now.

I confirm this is IOS issues. Company like APPLE takes care of its hardware issues 100 times before launching the product. (design phase).

Do a quick thing, erase all your setting and activate your phone using wireless connection & NOT ITUNES.

You may see the magic. (I am not sure, but it has worked for me).....!!!

i got Docomo signal first and later airtel, voda everything. Wifi is also ok.