How to Fix Cellular Data Not Working on Your iPhone: The Ultimate Troubleshooting Guide

Jason

By Jason

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Cellular Data Not Working

Has your iPhone suddenly lost its cellular data connection? Don’t panic! There are several potential causes and solutions for cellular data problems on iPhones. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through all the reasons your iPhone may show “No Service” and fail to connect to mobile data.

Whether it’s a software bug, network outage, or incorrect setting on your phone, we’ve got you covered with 30+ troubleshooting tips to get your cellular data working again. You’ll also learn how to contact Apple and your carrier for further support.

Common Reasons Your iPhone Has No Cellular Data

Before jumping into the troubleshooting steps, it helps to understand why your iPhone may have lost its mobile data connection in the first place. Here are some of the most common culprits:

  • Software bug/glitch: An iOS bug or random glitch can sometimes break cellular connectivity. This is especially true right after a major iOS update.
  • Incorrect settings: Check your settings to make sure cellular data is enabled, data roaming is on, and airplane mode is off.
  • Weak cellular signal: Poor signal from your carrier can prevent cellular data from working normally. This often happens in rural areas or buildings with thick walls.
  • SIM card issues: Problems with the SIM card like damage or improper installation can affect mobile data.
  • Carrier outage: Widespread network outages, though rare, can also cause cellular data to stop working until fixed.
  • iPhone hardware problem: Faulty antenna or cellular components on your iPhone could prevent connectivity.
  • Used up mobile data: If you exceeded your monthly data allowance, carriers will cut off access until it resets.
  • Phone not activated: Brand new or recently reset iPhones need to be activated on the network before using cellular data.

Now let’s look at the top solutions to try when you see the dreaded “No service” or lack of LTE/4G symbol at the top of your iPhone screen.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide: How to Fix Cellular Data Not Working on iPhone

Follow these tips in order until your iPhone’s cellular data starts working again:

1. Check cellular data and roaming settings

The first thing to check is that cellular data is actually enabled on your iPhone. Go to Settings > Cellular and make sure the Cellular Data option is turned on. Also check that Data Roaming is enabled, unless you have a reason to keep it off when traveling abroad.

Turn off cellular data to fix Cellular Data Not Working

While here, you can also ensure any apps aren’t unintentionally eating up your monthly data allowance if you’re getting throttled by your carrier.

Also, here, you are able to find out the best solutions for the cellular network that is not available, and the cellular update failed.

2. Try restarting your iPhone

Restarting your iPhone essentially acts like a “power cycle” for the cellular antenna and modem. To restart an iPhone 8 or later, press and hold the side or top button along with either volume button until you see the power off slider.

For iPhone 7 or earlier, hold down the Sleep/Wake button and Volume Down simultaneously. After your iPhone powers down, wait a minute before turning it back on to allow for a clean restart.

3. Toggle airplane mode on and off

Flip the switch for airplane mode on, wait about 10-15 seconds, then turn it off again. Toggling airplane mode essentially forces the cellular radio to disconnect from the network and then reconnect. This can knock loose any temporary connection issues.

Toggle the Airplane Mode

By the way, let’s learn more about how to fix the iPhone WiFi not working issue with ease.

4. Remove and reinsert the SIM card

Eject the SIM card tray and carefully take out your SIM card. Check for any obvious damage like cracks, then gently clean the contacts with a microfiber cloth before re-inserting the card securely into the tray slot.

Reseating the SIM card ensures a clean connection with your carrier when you restart your iPhone. Only do this if you’ve had your current SIM for a while though.

5. Reset network settings

Resetting network settings erases any problematic network configurations or artifacts that may be interfering with your mobile data connectivity.

Reset Network Settings to fix Cellular Data Not Working
  • Go to Settings > General > Reset
  • Tap Reset Network Settings
  • Enter your passcode if prompted
  • Wait for your iPhone to reboot – this will delete any saved WiFi passwords too so be ready to re-connect to your preferred networks

6. Update iOS software and carrier settings

Installing the latest iOS updates can fix bugs that may be affecting cellular performance. Carrier updates also improve connectivity by updating the infrastructure software powering the cellular network.

Check the Update for Cellular Carrier

To get any pending updates, go to Settings > General > Software Update. You can also trigger a manual carrier settings update from Settings > General > About if an update is waiting.

7. Get a replacement SIM card

Even though you reseated your current SIM card, it’s possible the SIM itself has become defective or damaged, especially if you’ve had it for over a year of heavy use. Visit your carrier’s store and request a new SIM card, then transfer your service to it.

8. Reset all settings

Resetting all settings (not to be confused with resetting just network settings) will wipe your iPhone back to factory defaults while retaining your data. This clears out any problematic customized settings that may be interfering with cellular performance.

  • Go to Settings > General > Reset
  • Choose Reset All Settings
  • Enter your passcode and confirm to proceed

Keep in mind you’ll have to redo certain custom settings like wallpaper, ringtones, Notification Center widgets, and more.

9. Test in safe mode

Booting into safe mode starts your iPhone with only essential services running, allowing you to isolate whether a third-party app or accessory may be responsible for cellular data issues.

To enter safe mode on iPhone 8 or later:

  • Press and release the Volume Up button
  • Press and release the Volume Down button
  • Press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo

For iPhone 7 and earlier, press and hold both the Sleep/Wake and Volume Down buttons simultaneously after turning off your phone.

If cellular data starts working fine in safe mode, a problematic app or device is likely the culprit.

10. Contact Apple Support

If you still have no cellular data after trying the steps above, it’s time to contact Apple Support for further troubleshooting help. You can schedule a callback from an Apple advisor or book an appointment at an Apple Store for in-person support.

Apple can run diagnostics, test with different SIM cards, and potentially arrange a warranty service if there are hardware issues with your iPhone’s cellular components.

11. Contact your carrier

It’s also a good idea to contact your mobile carrier’s tech support for network-specific troubleshooting. They can check for any account restrictions, re-provision your SIM card, ensure your iPhone was activated properly, and see if there are any local outages in your area affecting service.

Many carriers also have online chat support and account management apps to get help for no data connection issues quickly.

Additional Troubleshooting Tips for Fixing Cellular Data

If you still can’t get a mobile data connection after contacting Apple and your carrier, here are some other in-depth troubleshooting steps to try:

  • Update your iPhone using your computer instead of over-the-air to fully clear any software bugs.
  • Try a friend’s SIM card in your iPhone to test if the problem is your account or phone hardware.
  • Reset your iPhone to factory defaults to eliminate any software issues (backup first).
  • Check if certain apps stop cellular from working by deleting recently installed ones.
  • Turn off Wi-Fi Calling to prevent any interference with mobile data.
  • Toggle LTE/4G off and on under Cellular Data Options which can kickstart a connection.
  • Adjust the Cellular Data Mode to LTE, 4G or 3G only instead of automatic.
  • Move your iPhone closer to a window or outside to get a better carrier signal.
  • Check your iPhone’s antenna lines for any damage or obstruction.
  • Try manually selecting a carrier network instead of automatic.
  • Verify the SIM tray is fully clicked in place and not loose.

At the end of the day, you may need to take your iPhone to an Apple Store for examination if you still can’t get mobile data working after all these steps. The hardware responsible for cellular connectivity could be faulty and require repair or replacement.

Key Takeaways and Summary of Fixes for iPhone Cellular Data

  • Double check that cellular data and roaming are enabled in your settings.
  • Toggle airplane mode on and off to force a re-connection to the network.
  • Try restarting your iPhone and reseating the SIM card.
  • Reset network settings and all settings (this also updates carrier settings).
  • Contact Apple Support and your carrier for network troubleshooting help.
  • Update iOS, carrier settings, and iPhone hardware if needed.
  • Test with a different SIM card to isolate the issue.
  • Reset your iPhone to factory defaults to eliminate any software bug.
  • As a last resort, take your iPhone to Apple for inspection & repair.

Following the step-by-step troubleshooting guide above should help you isolate and fix any software, network, or hardware issue that is preventing your iPhone from using cellular data. Reach out for support if you need any assistance getting reconnected.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why does my iPhone say “Searching…” with no service?

A: The “Searching…” message means your iPhone can’t currently find a cellular network to connect to. This could be due to poor signal strength, a network outage, incorrect APN settings, or a SIM card that needs reprovisioning.

Q: How do I reset network settings on my iPhone?

A: Go to Settings > General > Reset and tap Reset Network Settings. This will erase all WiFi passwords and network configurations without losing data.

Q: Why does my iPhone have no service after updating iOS?

A: New iOS versions can sometimes contain bugs that affect cellular connectivity. Try resetting network settings and updating carrier settings. Downgrading iOS or restoring your iPhone may be necessary.

Q: Can I force my iPhone to switch to a different carrier network?

A: Yes, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data and tap the network you want to manually select instead of “Automatic.”

Q: If my iPhone has water damage, could that cause cellular data issues?

A: Yes, water damage can short circuit the iPhone’s internal cellular components and antenna connections needed for mobile data to work properly. You’ll need to get it repaired.

Q: What should I do if my iPhone says “No service” with a valid SIM card?

A: Start with the usual troubleshooting steps like software updates, resetting network settings, removing the SIM, etc. If that doesn’t work, contact Apple to diagnose potential hardware issues requiring service.

Q: Why does my iPhone cellular data stop working after switching SIM cards?

A: The new SIM card may need to be activated properly or have the correct APN settings assigned for your carrier and data plan. Contact customer support to ensure it is set up correctly.

Q: How can I check if my carrier has an outage in my area?

A: Most carriers have a dedicated site where you can check for known outages by entering your zip code or city. Their social media accounts will also often post outage updates.

Q: What should I do if my iPhone still gets “No service” after replacing the SIM card?

A: At that point it likely indicates a hardware defect if a brand new SIM isn’t restoring cellular connectivity. Contact Apple Support to arrange for inspection and repair options.

Conclusion

Losing your iPhone’s cellular data connectivity can certainly be frustrating. Hopefully this guide has given you a strong troubleshooting toolkit to get your mobile data working again. Always start with the simplest solutions like toggling airplane mode or restarting your iPhone before factory resetting or replacing SIM cards. Persistent issues however may require contacting your carrier and Apple to sort out.

Remember to back up your data so you can restore it after any major troubleshooting steps. Stay calm and work through each fix until you see the welcome return of LTE/4G service on your iPhone’s display. You’ve got this!

Jason
Jason

Skilled software testing specialist with expertise in comparisons and research, passionate about blogging, reviews, and creating video tutorials.

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