Why is my Samsung Galaxy S4 not reading my SIM card?

[ManDroid7]

I currently own a Galaxy S4 SHG-M919. I know that the SIM is fine because it's new and I already tried on another phone. The problem is that if this is not a hardware issue, I have no idea how to get it to read it. I appreciate any input that you may give me. Thanks in advance!

 

[B. Diddy]

Are you sure that particular S4 model is compatible with the carrier that the SIM belongs to?

 

[ManDroid7]

Yes. T-Mobile sent it to me and it had been working for a while before it just didn't detect it anymore..

 

[B. Diddy]

If you go to Settings>Mobile Networks​, can you find an option for Preferred Network Provider and see if the wrong one is selected?

 

[ManDroid7]

You know, that's one of the first things I did. I contacted T-Mobile and they asked me to do just that. The problem is that I kept on getting the same error message:

 

[B. Diddy]

Try using a can of compressed air to blow out the SIM slot, in case there's some junk stuck in there.

 

[ManDroid7]

I'll do that. I haven't tried that yet. I'll let you know what happens. Thanks!

 

[ManDroid7]

Well, I did get a can of compressed air and tried to clean the slot like crazy. It didn't work.... Is there a way to diagnose the SIM connections by trying to downloading something into the SD card. Let me know please...

 

[B. Diddy]

Any recent system updates? If so, did this start soon after the update?

You might want to try reinstalling the firmware using Samsung Kies, Smart Switch, or Odin. http://forums.androidcentral.com/am...w-flash-stock-rom-via-odin-new-interface.html

 

[ManDroid7]

I'm gonna do it. That may just be the one thing that I haven't tried, redoing this with the right software. We'll be in touch. Thanks!

 

[ManDroid7]

In order to use Odin, I need to re-root my phone. Is that correct????

 

[B. Diddy]

I don't think so. Mind you, I don't have direct experience with Odin, but from what I've read and discussed with my colleagues here on AC, I'm pretty sure it doesn't require rooting.

 

[ManDroid7]

I apologize for confusing you when I asked you "in order to use Odin". I may already found out the problem. My IMEI needs to be restored. I went to settings and found this.
You got any ideas on how to fix this?

 

[B. Diddy]

What does it say? That the IMEI is null? Sorry, but I'm not sure how to restore it if it got corrupted somehow. You could try here: [GUIDE] Restore You IMEI And Fix Corrupted E… | Android Development and Hacking

 

[ManDroid7]

Thanks for this link Diddy! I'm gonna look it over and read it carefully. I mean, I'm really deep into this anyhow. I might as well try it and see it I can make it work. Sorry that I barely got back, but I'm in the middle of some work myself. I WILL let you know what becomes of all this. I appreciate your help!!!

 

[Steeltoe]

Thanks for your help Diddy. I all worked out in the end with your help!