New phone + old sim - can't connect to network

Brizzles · 16 Aug 2015 at 00:22

Tried to use my current payg sim in a new unlocked phone, but it refuses to connect to a network ( constant searching or just says unable to connect at this time try later ).

The sim card is recognised by the phone, as it shows my phone number, references to EE ( Orange) in the sim management screen and the numbers stored on the sim are also available.

In the sim management screen however the 3 areas indicated are greyed out

Data connection lights up, but the other 3 remain greyed out.

Are sim cards locked, or am i missing something ?

I am a complete novice at this

demonix · 16 Aug 2015 at 16:30

Are you sure it's a new phone as it looks like it's been blocked (also if it's a dual SIM phone, then try it in the other slot before doing anything else), so I would suggest that you do a check on the IMEI number to see if it's listed as lost/stolen and if it has then you've been ripped off.

Brizzles · 16 Aug 2015 at 19:30

demonix said:
Are you sure it's a new phone as it looks like it's been blocked (also if it's a dual SIM phone, then try it in the other slot before doing anything else), so I would suggest that you do a check on the IMEI number to see if it's listed as lost/stolen and if it has then you've been ripped off.

Tried both sim slots, also IMEI checks show nothing suspicious.

mithrandir · 16 Aug 2015 at 19:32

What phone is it? Some non- uk phones may not support the bands perhaps?

Myshra · 16 Aug 2015 at 19:43

model / who sold it to you / have you called up EE?

Brizzles · 16 Aug 2015 at 20:03

Phone : Umi eMax
Vendor : Ebay with 10k+ feedback

Basic Google apps were pre-installed and 'register the dual sim imei numbers' before sending out.

Brizzles · 16 Aug 2015 at 20:08

Myshra said:
model / who sold it to you / have you called up EE?

I've tried various APN settings from the EE website.

Myshra · 16 Aug 2015 at 21:53

Does mobile data work or is data is lighting up because it's on Wi-Fi? What does "register the dual SIM IMEI numbers before sending out" mean? I've never used this handset, assuming you've got the right SIM enabled then it looks like you're facing an IMEI block, I would highly advise you to call EE if you can't make a phone call (the definitive test) to check with them - No call, either SIM issue, network block, handset block or handset/network bug. Also try with alternative SIMs, pref cross network.

Just like you login to your PC, your phone logs into the network. Your SIM has a SIM-ID and when your phone turns on (and thus turns the SIM on) it connects to the network and says hi I'm <SIM ID> can i connect to the network? Network says "pass IMEI + your SIM ID back to me". The first time you pass this challenge the network tells the SIM "OK you passed from now you're 07x" and the SIM remembers this between reboots. When you don't pass the challenge (happens every reboot) because the SIM is blocked, the IMEI is on the blacklist etc... the network goes "ok bye don't talk to me" and you typically get what you're experiencing.

Edit: if it turns out it's the handset the Vodafone Smart Ultra 6 is a valid alternative to this if you want something with easier support.

Brizzles · 17 Aug 2015 at 14:14

^^ Thanks for explaining in laymans terms - Much clearer for me

Supplier has agreed there's a problem and phone is to be replaced.

Cheers.