Sim slot issue. - E 2015 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi,
I have a moto e 2nd gen 3g(otus) running CM14.1 Nightly. I put a jio sim in my phone. I tried connecting to it. It did not connect. I had done this because my friend found some trick(I knew it won't work but did it for his satisfaction). It did not connect as expected, but now when I put my primary sim in the sim slot, it also doesn't connect. When I go to settings cellular network and network operators it scans and displays an error - "error while searching for operator". When I choose auto connect it says registered but again I cannot access to it. The sim works fine in the 2nd sim slot. It recognises that a sim is present but doesn't catch signals. 2nd one when there is no sim. Rest all sim is in slot 1. Does this mean my sim 1 slot is spoilt??

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From the attached screenshot, good news is that I am afraid, sim card is not being registered or recognized - this is a dual sim variant (mine is XT1521 dual sims and SIL has XT1527 with 1 slot only), correct ? Put that into another smartphone, does it read & register as normal ? Is this an OEM micro sim card or did you use a cutter to trim this, as I had issues with those myself in the early days and only stick to / use micro-sized sim card. Do not use nano Sim with the adapter as it will JAM & damage the sim slots when you attempt to pull it out (and, not worth repairing unless DIY) and standard/regular full-sized sim card cut down also known to cause problems in being recognized if not aligned & seated correctly.

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Letitride said:
From the attached screenshot, good news is that I am afraid, sim card is not being registered or recognized - this is a dual sim variant (mine is XT1521 dual sims and SIL has XT1527 with 1 slot only), correct ? Put that into another smartphone, does it read & register as normal ? Is this an OEM micro sim card or did you use a cutter to trim this, as I had issues with those myself in the early days and only stick to / use micro-sized sim card. Do not use nano Sim with the adapter as it will JAM & damage the sim slots when you attempt to pull it out (and, not worth repairing unless DIY) and standard/regular full-sized sim card cut down also known to cause problems in being recognized if not aligned & seated correctly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is XT1506 Indian edition. The sim works fine in the 2nd sim slot.

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Does that "sim" card work in a different smartphone ? If it does, the Sim card itself is fine and okay - otherwise, need a new Sim card. Put another activated micro-Sim card (new/different) known to work in other devices - into slot 1 and reboot, see what happen then. If it still does NOT recognize or read the Sim card, then the hardware/slot itself has likely failed, somehow damaged while Sim cards were being inserted and/or taken out - those contacts are very delicate.
Use slot 2 instead unless you are using both slots for dual sim function - the OEM sim slot replacement parts can be found on eBay, not expensive but someone good with a solder iron & skilled in these repairs will need to do it. Depending on labor charges & parts - might NOT be worth the effort.
Last but not least, did you check the APN settings for your Sim card/provider - make sure those are correct. Good luck !

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Letitride said:
Does that "sim" card work in a different smartphone ? If it does, the Sim card itself is fine and okay - otherwise, need a new Sim card. Put another activated micro-Sim card (new/different) known to work in other devices - into slot 1 and reboot, see what happen then. If it still does NOT recognize or read the Sim card, then the hardware/slot itself has likely failed, somehow damaged while Sim cards were being inserted and/or taken out - those contacts are very delicate.
Use slot 2 instead unless you are using both slots for dual sim function - the OEM sim slot replacement parts can be found on eBay, not expensive but someone good with a solder iron & skilled in these repairs will need to do it. Depending on labor charges & parts - might NOT be worth the effort.
Last but not least, did you check the APN settings for your Sim card/provider - make sure those are correct. Good luck !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The sim works fine in slot 2. So do I need to check it with another sim? And this happened after a 4g sim in this 3g phone(explained why I did it above). Before that the slot was working fine. When the sim was inserted, it was recognised but didn't catch signal as expected ( I tried to connect it to it's network via settings and after that it wasn't recognised). So i left the phone and went out. Then when i came back i saw that it wasn't recognised. So i put back my main sim and still things didn't change. So maybe the insertion/removal may not be d reason.
Anyways thanks for providing help!

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Anybody having any clue how I can fix this?

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@Letitride Today I put a sim in slot 1 and dialled 112(emergency number, for testing) and it registered on some network and I was able to call(though I immediately cut it). I removed both my sims and tried calling 112 again, but it didn't dial as expected. So could this problem be related to something being wrong with my radio?
Thanks in advance!

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Dev_Mashru said:
@Letitride Today I put a sim in slot 1 and dialled 112(emergency number, for testing) and it registered on some network and I was able to call ... removed both my sims and tried calling 112 again, but it didn't dial as expected. So could this problem be related to something being wrong with my radio? ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't mind answering, maybe someone else reading can help - who is the "home" carrier for this sim card, whether it's in slot 1 or slot 2 ... dialing 112 suggesting that you aren't in the U.S. but rather Asia - India ?? I have no trouble using T-Mobile USA micro-sim (home carrier in the US) or CMCC (Hong Kong, my global/traveling carrier for voice/sms ... roam on T-Mo USA, but will do AT&T roaming in the US on a different smartphone)
It sounds like your Sim is recognized & registering on a mobile network BUT whether your call can be successfully made & connected - isn't clear as you hanged up or dropped the call, correct ?? Can you do VoIP calling with the Moto E, like Facebook audio, Skype or Hangouts audio calling or similar - as not all countries are supported by these Apps ??
Do you know (call & ask the carrier's 611/customer care) what bands or frequencies are supported and used for your Sim ?
Install one or both free App from Google Play Store - SignalCheck and Signal Spy to see whether it's connected to HSPA and the CIS info (carrier info) ?
Is the sim card slot damaged somehow ? Did you used any sim card adapter as the owner's manual warned against it as the sim slot/holder with the pins are easily damaged & would need to be replaced, can't be repaired.
My gut feeling, your "radio" receiver is just fine, it doesn't fail or break on its own - the sim slot(s) might've been damaged or broken, especially if you or someone used a cutter to trim a regular, full-size sim card down to micro-sim ?

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Letitride said:
If you don't mind answering, maybe someone else reading can help - who is the "home" carrier for this sim card, whether it's in slot 1 or slot 2 ... dialing 112 suggesting that you aren't in the U.S. but rather Asia - India ?? I have no trouble using T-Mobile USA micro-sim (home carrier in the US) or CMCC (Hong Kong, my global/traveling carrier for voice/sms ... roam on T-Mo USA, but will do AT&T roaming in the US on a different smartphone)
It sounds like your Sim is recognized & registering on a mobile network BUT whether your call can be successfully made & connected - isn't clear as you hanged up or dropped the call, correct ?? Can you do VoIP calling with the Moto E, like Facebook audio, Skype or Hangouts audio calling or similar - as not all countries are supported by these Apps ??
Do you know (call & ask the carrier's 611/customer care) what bands or frequencies are supported and used for your Sim ?
Install one or both free App from Google Play Store - SignalCheck and Signal Spy to see whether it's connected to HSPA and the CIS info (carrier info) ?
Is the sim card slot damaged somehow ? Did you used any sim card adapter as the owner's manual warned against it as the sim slot/holder with the pins are easily damaged & would need to be replaced, can't be repaired.
My gut feeling, your "radio" receiver is just fine, it doesn't fail or break on its own - the sim slot(s) might've been damaged or broken, especially if you or someone used a cutter to trim a regular, full-size sim card down to micro-sim ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for replying.
My home carrier is Airtel.
It doesn't work in sim slot 1. It works on another device and sim slot 2 so there's nothing wrong with SIM card.
Yes, I am based in India.
If I manually try to select a network in slot 1 it gives a error stating no network found. If I select, choose automatically, it says it is registered on network, but I cannot make calls nor send/ receive SMS/MMS.
Yes, I can make VoIP calls via hangouts, WhatsApp etc.
I installed both SignalCheck and signal spy and found something weird. SignalCheck says that the sim is connected to CDMA. Signal Spy says unknown network. I'm not sure why it is connecting to CDMA since the sim is GSM. So maybe I feel it is due to this that I'm facing the problem.
I don't think the sim slot is damaged and I used a micro SIM (I didn't cut it or trim it or use an adaptor).
Thanks once again and I hope this helps!

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Dev_Mashru said:
... Airtel. It doesn't work in sim slot 1. It works on another device and sim slot 2 so there's nothing wrong with SIM card. I am based in India.
If I manually try to select a network in slot 1 it gives a error stating no network found. If I select, choose automatically, it says it is registered on network, but I cannot make calls nor send/ receive SMS/MMS ... I can make VoIP calls via hangouts, WhatsApp etc.
SignalCheck says that the sim is connected to CDMA. Signal Spy says unknown network. I'm not sure why it is connecting to CDMA ... don't think the sim slot is damaged and I used a micro SIM ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you borrow another AIrtel micro-sim, known to be working from someone, family, friend or neighbor - or ask Airtel to replace your sim card with a new IMEI, it's cheaper/free instead of trying to replace the sim card slot (parts & labor might not make this a worthwhile effort) ?
I look up India and the country does NOT use CDMA network nor does the Moto E 2015 (dual sim, global or US/America single sim version) has CDMA hardware or radio receiver. Strange for sure ... perhaps it's the sim card gone bad ? If it works in slot 2, you should do a call to verify it's actually connecting to the cellular network instead of hanging up.
Go to Settings, under Sim cards - with your micro-sim card(s) installed, check & read those settings ... do you see your carrier "AirTel" displayed and your assigned mobile number ?? Anything turned off or hidden ? Is data roaming off or on ? What is the Preferred network type - try to set it to 3G or even 2G only, any difference ... might have to turn ON & then OFF Airplane mode to "cycle" the radio receiver; and, is Enhanced 4G LTE Mode ON or off ??
Next, this is important - what is the APNs set to by default (and, correctly - if not, try to change it manually) ?? Network operators - is it set to choose automatically (I have about 20 APN's loaded but can choose from 2, T-Mobile and AT&T)
Also, are you running stock OEM/factory Rom or custom Rom, bootloader unlocked & rooted vs. pure stock ?? Some of the ported custom Rom has issues with WiFi but in your case, irrelevant. Sometimes, your home carrier (AirTel) can push out the proper APN settings OTA to your smartphone - see if they can do that? I am running customized Remix rom, Nougat 7.1.1 and it is smooth & great.
If you have no luck whatsoever - please upload screenshot of your Signal Check and Signal Spy - to have a look at what the scren is saying about your connection.

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Letitride said:
Can you borrow another AIrtel micro-sim, known to be working from someone, family, friend or neighbor - or ask Airtel to replace your sim card with a new IMEI, it's cheaper/free instead of trying to replace the sim card slot (parts & labor might not make this a worthwhile effort) ?
I look up India and the country does NOT use CDMA network nor does the Moto E 2015 (dual sim, global or US/America single sim version) has CDMA hardware or radio receiver. Strange for sure ... perhaps it's the sim card gone bad ? If it works in slot 2, you should do a call to verify it's actually connecting to the cellular network instead of hanging up.
Go to Settings, under Sim cards - with your micro-sim card(s) installed, check & read those settings ... do you see your carrier "AirTel" displayed and your assigned mobile number ?? Anything turned off or hidden ? Is data roaming off or on ? What is the Preferred network type - try to set it to 3G or even 2G only, any difference ... might have to turn ON & then OFF Airplane mode to "cycle" the radio receiver; and, is Enhanced 4G LTE Mode ON or off ??
Next, this is important - what is the APNs set to by default (and, correctly - if not, try to change it manually) ?? Network operators - is it set to choose automatically (I have about 20 APN's loaded but can choose from 2, T-Mobile and AT&T)
Also, are you running stock OEM/factory Rom or custom Rom, bootloader unlocked & rooted vs. pure stock ?? Some of the ported custom Rom has issues with WiFi but in your case, irrelevant. Sometimes, your home carrier (AirTel) can push out the proper APN settings OTA to your smartphone - see if they can do that? I am running customized Remix rom, Nougat 7.1.1 and it is smooth & great.
If you have no luck whatsoever - please upload screenshot of your Signal Check and Signal Spy - to have a look at what the scren is saying about your connection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm able to make calls through sim slot 2 (in fact that's how I'm using the phone as a daily driver).
I'm on otus so it's only 3g.
Changing preferred network doesn't help.
I'm rooted and running AOSPExtended v4.0 based on Android 7.1.1.
In India, as far as I know the telecom operators do not push out APN's through OTA updates.
Here are the screenshots.(1st and 2nd with sim in slot 2 and 3rd and 4th with sim in slot 1).

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Dev_Mashru said:
I'm able to make calls through sim slot 2 (in fact that's how I'm using the phone as a daily driver).
I'm on otus so it's only 3g.
Changing preferred network doesn't help.
I'm rooted and running AOSPExtended v4.0 based on Android 7.1.1.
In India, as far as I know the telecom operators do not push out APN's through OTA updates.
Here are the screenshots.(1st and 2nd with sim in slot 2 and 3rd and 4th with sim in slot 1).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It suggested that your mobile data is not provisioned​ from the carrier, turn off your data & cycle your phone to see what happened ? Turn off Enhanced 4G LTE. Can you review Sim in slot 1's APN settings ?
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

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Letitride said:
It suggested that your mobile data is not provisioned​ from the carrier, turn off your data & cycle your phone to see what happened ? Turn off Enhanced 4G LTE. Can you review Sim in slot 1's APN settings ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't use data in this phone. It is mostly connected to the Wi-Fi. But here a are the screenshots after I enabled data.
I checked the slot 1's APN settings but they seem to be fine.
Hope that these help.(1st &3rd in slot 2)
Thanks for helping!!

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I don't know whether this will help but when I insert the sim in slot 1, I get options to choose my language and I get an option to subscribe to value added services via the sim toolkit.

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I don't know what else to tell you in troubleshooting, let's review:
Sim card @airtel works in slot 2 but not slot 1 - does it work on another smartphone ?? please check & re-verify those APN settings on the other smartphone as well as Moto E
Sim card @otus works in slot 2 now and also in slot 1 ?? - why not use @otus in slot 1 and switch @airtel to slot 2, then APN is recognized and work (mobile data switched off as you don't have data , or leave it at 2G only - if that works (might restart the phone so that it can "register" OTA on the cellular tower/network). If that works, try 3G mode (and repeat by power off & register, etc.)
There's no advantage whatsoever using 4G/LTE mode in your custom Rom's firmware when you are not "registered" and activated with @airtel. Leave it on 2G could possibly "jolt" or re-awaken the sim card in "connecting" to the cellular tower/network.
If both slots are working, then it is either not seeing the @airtel sim card for whatever reasons - could be a bad physical contact, could be a corrupt APN (delete & restart device, many times - it will reset or manually "type" in the settings) Check with @airtel if you aren't sure. Also, did you reboot your WiFi router/signal to reset the data connection ?
Could the issues be in your Rom/custom firmware - backup your data & settings, try another firmware - I am running the latest Remix firmware here (been since January) it's 7.1.1 and great, no issues with dual sims - give it a try - link https://forum.xda-developers.com/mo.../rom-resurrection-remix5-5-1-t3160059/page138
If you can play with the language & extra settings via the simtool kits, why not try - you have nothing to lose.
Look under your Sim 1 mobile network settings:
Data roaming - mine is OFF
Preferred network type - mine is 3G (or 2G)
Enhanced 4G LTE - mine is OFF
APN - mine is on T-Mobile ( yours ??)
Network operators - should be automatic, set to search again (my Sim is recognized on AT&T and T-Mobile, default to T-Mobile as it is the home carrier)
There is also a Network settings reset (under Settings ... More, Wireless & networks) try that ?

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Letitride said:
I don't know what else to tell you in troubleshooting, let's review:
Sim card @airtel works in slot 2 but not slot 1 - does it work on another smartphone ?? please check & re-verify those APN settings on the other smartphone as well as Moto E
Sim card @otus works in slot 2 now and also in slot 1 ?? - why not use @otus in slot 1 and switch @airtel to slot 2, then APN is recognized and work (mobile data switched off as you don't have data , or leave it at 2G only - if that works (might restart the phone so that it can "register" OTA on the cellular tower/network). If that works, try 3G mode (and repeat by power off & register, etc.)
There's no advantage whatsoever using 4G/LTE mode in your custom Rom's firmware when you are not "registered" and activated with @airtel. Leave it on 2G could possibly "jolt" or re-awaken the sim card in "connecting" to the cellular tower/network.
If both slots are working, then it is either not seeing the @airtel sim card for whatever reasons - could be a bad physical contact, could be a corrupt APN (delete & restart device, many times - it will reset or manually "type" in the settings) Check with @airtel if you aren't sure. Also, did you reboot your WiFi router/signal to reset the data connection ?
Could the issues be in your Rom/custom firmware - backup your data & settings, try another firmware - I am running the latest Remix firmware here (been since January) it's 7.1.1 and great, no issues with dual sims - give it a try - link https://forum.xda-developers.com/mo.../rom-resurrection-remix5-5-1-t3160059/page138
If you can play with the language & extra settings via the simtool kits, why not try - you have nothing to lose.
Look under your Sim 1 mobile network settings:
Data roaming - mine is OFF
Preferred network type - mine is 3G (or 2G)
Enhanced 4G LTE - mine is OFF
APN - mine is on T-Mobile ( yours ??)
Network operators - should be automatic, set to search again (my Sim is recognized on AT&T and T-Mobile, default to T-Mobile as it is the home carrier)
There is also a Network settings reset (under Settings ... More, Wireless & networks) try that ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait.......I think there's a huge gap between what we r talking. Airtel is my carrier. Otus is the codename of the device of the 3g version of the Moto e 2nd. I think u misunderstood what I wrote.
This is the summary.
My sim slot 1 suddenly stopped working. If I put a sim, I cannot connect to any network but can call the emergency number.
The sim works fine in slot 2 and other phones.
This was a micro SIM. (Didn't trim or use any adapter)
Apns are fine.
Tried changing firmware but no luck.
This is a 3g only phone so there's no option for enabling/disabling enhanced 4g.
All the above screenshots are of the same Airtel sim being put one by one in slot 1 and 2.
Hope this clears anymore misunderstandings.
Thanks!

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OK - I see, my Moto E (XT-1521) is the dual-sim "surnia" variants - and support 4G/HRPA+/LTE, etc.
Did this @airtel micro-Sim ever worked on the Moto E ?? It works on another device ? Why not get a replacement micro-Sim from airtel to find out ?? Or try a different carrier micro-Sim known to be working ? If you are NOT using both sim slots, then - just use slot 2 plus WiFi ?
Or, you will need to get the defective sim slot serviced while under warranty or replaced, out of pocket, at your own expenses at a repair shop (if it's reasonable - these slot readers are apparently easily / prone to damage, thus ... plenty of inexpensive parts on eBay, and, a good soldering iron with skills. Bring it to an authorized Motorola service center if you are near one to see what they say.
If it's not worth the time, money & expensives - and, you need dual sims to work - shop for a new replacement phone that's network compatible.
Sorry, I don't know what else I can tell you on what to do and if anyone else can help without a physical inspection & running thru all the settings, etc. to diagnose the issue - as it is not software or app related, correct ??

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Letitride said:
OK - I see, my Moto E (XT-1521) is the dual-sim "surnia" variants - and support 4G/HRPA+/LTE, etc.
Did this @airtel micro-Sim ever worked on the Moto E ?? It works on another device ? Why not get a replacement micro-Sim from airtel to find out ?? Or try a different carrier micro-Sim known to be working ? If you are NOT using both sim slots, then - just use slot 2 plus WiFi ?
Or, you will need to get the defective sim slot serviced while under warranty or replaced, out of pocket, at your own expenses at a repair shop (if it's reasonable - these slot readers are apparently easily / prone to damage, thus ... plenty of inexpensive parts on eBay, and, a good soldering iron with skills. Bring it to an authorized Motorola service center if you are near one to see what they say.
If it's not worth the time, money & expensives - and, you need dual sims to work - shop for a new replacement phone that's network compatible.
Sorry, I don't know what else I can tell you on what to do and if anyone else can help without a physical inspection & running thru all the settings, etc. to diagnose the issue - as it is not software or app related, correct ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for helping.
Yes, I'm using this sim from the time I've bought this phone( more than a year back).
This isn't an app related issue too.
It's fine as I understand it's difficult to find issues without diagnosing a phone completely but I thank you to help how much ever u could.

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And do u also have any idea on how to fix a hardbricked nexus 7 2012 edition?

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What's left to do is to go to @airtel and see if they can check the micro-sim card for you or replace it with a new one, free or at minimal charge as a customer in good standing. And/or to a local Motorola authorized service center or trusted repair shops to see what they can do. Or, go back & flash stock ROM again to see that will fix it.
As for N7, did you follow the guides & tips - not sure how you hard-bricked by messing around with it. Pose your details & questions at the N7 forum for help. I just upgraded mine from PureNexus 6.x to Beanstalk 7.1.1 and with a newly replaced OEM battery, it's almost like a new tablet @ 4.5 years old.