FAQ
TL;DR: Galaxy S5 users report a reception quirk; one tech handled ~1,000 S5s and said, "I had at least a thousand Samsung s5 in hand." Reseating or replacing the SIM and cleaning the slot often restores incoming calls. [Elektroda, mastereg, post #16779612]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps Samsung Galaxy S5 owners whose outgoing calls work but incoming calls go to voicemail, with quick, low-cost fixes.
Quick Facts
- Symptom pattern: you can call out, but callers hit voicemail; reseating the SIM resolved it for the original poster. [Elektroda, Marten1985, post #16815695]
- Practical fix: clean the SIM slot and replace the SIM; effect lasts "for a while." [Elektroda, mastereg, post #16779675]
- Field volume: a technician reported handling ~1,000 S5 units, indicating recurring reception complaints. [Elektroda, mastereg, post #16779612]
- Edge case: prior repairs can damage antenna cables, causing sudden coverage loss. [Elektroda, KRY5PIN, post #16779742]
- Occurs even on new, unopened phones, so wear-and-tear isn’t always required. [Elektroda, mastereg, post #16779719]
How do I fix it when my Galaxy S5 makes calls but all incoming calls go to voicemail?
Start simple: power off, remove the SIM, gently clean the SIM slot, reinsert or replace the SIM, then test. This restored normal behavior for the original poster. “Reseating the SIM” is the fastest, no-cost step and often works immediately. [Elektroda, Marten1985, post #16815695]
What should I try first before opening the phone or visiting a shop?
Try a settings check and network mode change, then reseat or replace the SIM after cleaning the slot. Users reported better reception after combining settings tweaks with SIM reseating. This sequence avoids unnecessary disassembly. [Elektroda, mahamalak, post #16777858]
Is this a known Galaxy S5 reception issue?
Yes. A technician described it as a general, recurring problem and tied improvements to SIM-slot cleaning and SIM replacement. One expert called it a “manufacturing defect.” [Elektroda, mastereg, post #16779675]
Could a damaged or old SIM be the culprit?
Yes. Replacing an older or cut-down SIM and cleaning the slot can stabilize reception for months. If your SIM is aged or trimmed, swap it for a fresh carrier-issued card. [Elektroda, mastereg, post #16777423]
How do I safely reseat the SIM on a Galaxy S5?
- Power off and remove the battery and SIM.
- Blow out the slot with clean air; avoid liquids.
- Insert a new or cleaned SIM firmly, reinstall battery, power on, and test calls. [Elektroda, mastereg, post #16779675]
What network settings should I change to improve reception?
Toggle network modes (e.g., switch ranges), then retest. Users found that combining a mode change with SIM reseating improved coverage. Save the mode that produces the most stable signal and call performance. [Elektroda, mahamalak, post #16777858]
Can a fall, prior repair, or antenna damage cause the S5 to lose coverage?
Yes. One case traced sudden coverage loss to damaged antenna cables from earlier work. If reseating the SIM fails and the phone was opened before, inspect antenna leads. [Elektroda, KRY5PIN, post #16779742]
Does this happen only to used or disassembled phones?
No. Reports note the reception issue on new, unopened S5 units. That means you should try SIM cleaning and replacement even if your phone has never been repaired. [Elektroda, mastereg, post #16779719]
Should I test with another SIM or carrier?
Yes. Swapping in a different SIM helps isolate whether the card or account is at fault. If coverage improves with another SIM, ask your carrier for a replacement. [Elektroda, KRY5PIN, post #16779531]
Is cleaning the SIM slot a permanent fix?
No. Experts report it often restores service but may last only "for a while." If symptoms return, repeat the process or replace the SIM again. [Elektroda, mastereg, post #16779675]
What’s a SIM card slot and why does cleaning it help?
The SIM slot holds the subscriber card that authenticates your phone on the network. Contamination can cause poor contact. Cleaning restores contact, which can normalize call routing. “Cleaning the slot… gives effect for a while.” [Elektroda, mastereg, post #16779675]
Any stats suggesting this is widespread on the S5?
One technician stated, “I had at least a thousand Samsung s5 in hand,” reflecting frequent S5 service exposure and repeated reception complaints. That volume suggests a common pattern. [Elektroda, mastereg, post #16779612]
Could replacing hardware like the SIM slot be required?
Thread experts emphasized cleaning the slot and replacing the SIM card, not the slot hardware. Consider hardware work only after these steps fail. [Elektroda, mastereg, post #16779675]
What if reseating the SIM instantly fixes it—am I done?
Likely yes for now. The original poster reported normal operation immediately after removing and reinserting the SIM, then closed the issue. Monitor for recurrence. [Elektroda, Marten1985, post #16815695]
What questions should I answer before service booking?
Confirm whether the phone fell, uses a cut SIM, recently changed cards, or was opened before. These details guide whether to focus on SIM, settings, or antenna checks. [Elektroda, KRY5PIN, post #16779531]
