Why is my cellular data not working? Quick fixes for 2026

Common reasons why cellular data stops working

Before we get into solutions, it helps to understand why your phone may be having trouble with cellular data. Most issues fall into one of four categories: signal problems, incorrect settings, SIM issues, or account and software errors.

Network and coverage issues

Sometimes you may have full signal bars and still no internet. Common reasons for that include:

• Poor signal strength. Basements, elevators, remote areas, or thick walls block the signal.

• Network congestion. In busy areas (like concerts or city centers), too many users can slow or block data.

• Carrier outages. Your provider may be experiencing technical issues.

• Out-of-coverage location. If you’re traveling or near the edge of your carrier’s range, your phone may lose connection.

Device settings problems

One misplaced setting can disrupt your data connection without you noticing. Possible culprits:

• Airplane mode is on. It disables all wireless connections, including cellular.

• Cellular data is off. Double-check it’s enabled in your settings. 

• Data roaming has been disabled. If you’re abroad or near a border, your phone may refuse to connect unless roaming is allowed.

• The APN settings are incorrect. Your phone needs the right access point name (APN) to connect to your carrier’s network. If the settings are off or missing, your data won’t work.

• A hotspot or VPN is interfering. Some VPNs or active hotspots interrupt your cellular data, especially on restrictive networks or plans.

SIM card issues

SIM problems are common and not always obvious. If your data suddenly drops, it’s worth checking these possibilities:

• A badly inserted physical SIM card. Even a slight misalignment can prevent your phone from connecting.

• Dirty or damaged contacts. Dust, scratches, or wear on the SIM’s metal surface can break the connection.

• An inactive SIM card. If you just got a new SIM or switched carriers, it may not be fully set up yet.

• eSIM setup errors. If you skipped a step or had an installation error, the data profile may not be working.

Software and account issues

Sometimes your device or carrier account is the culprit. Such problems include:

• Outdated system software. If your iOS or Android is out of date, your phone may struggle to connect to the network or stay online.

• A glitch in your phone’s software. A minor bug can disrupt your data connection until you restart or update.

• Data limit reached. Many cellular data plans cut off or throttle your internet once you hit your monthly limit.

• Account or payment issues. Missed payments or account flags can lead to a suspension of data service with little warning.

• Carrier-lock restrictions. If your device is still locked to its original provider, it may reject a different SIM or eSIM even if everything else is set up correctly.

How to fix cellular data not working on an iPhone

Most iPhone data issues come down to a setting that got flipped or a connection that needs a quick refresh. Let’s walk through the fixes to your problem, starting from the simplest.

Check basic settings first

Start with the cellular data settings, which are obvious but easy to miss. Open "Settings" > "Cellular" and make sure "Cellular data" is toggled ON. You can also swipe down to open the Control Center and tap the antenna icon to turn data on.

If your cellular service suddenly drops, it could be one of two things:

• You’ve entered an area with poor coverage.

• You’ve toggled airplane mode on by mistake.

Restart your iPhone

If your data suddenly stops working, restarting your device is one of the fastest ways to reset your connection.

On an iPhone with Face ID:

1. Press and hold the side and volume buttons.

2. Slide to power off.

3. Wait 30 seconds and turn it back on.

On an iPhone with a “Home” button:

1. Hold the “Power” button.

2. Slide to power off.

3. Wait 30 seconds and turn it back on.

Toggle airplane mode

Turn airplane mode on, wait about 30 seconds, and turn it off again.

This step forces your phone to drop the network and reconnect from scratch, and it often works when nothing else does.

Check your data plan and usage

If your data stops working out of nowhere, you may have hit your limit. Contact your carrier to confirm your allowance and current usage.

To check data usage on your iPhone, go to "Settings" > "Cellular" > "Cellular data usage."

If this issue happens often, it may be time to reassess how much data you need and what uses data on your cellphone most. Video streaming, social media, and app updates are usually the biggest drains.

Remove and reinsert the SIM card

A misaligned or dirty SIM card can break your connection. To fix that:

1. Turn off your phone.

2. Use a SIM tool or paperclip to eject the tray.

3. Gently wipe the SIM with a clean, dry cloth.

4. Reinsert it and turn your phone back on.

Skip this step if you’re using an eSIM.

Update carrier settings

Your phone relies on carrier settings to connect to the network properly. If those settings are outdated or haven’t been updated automatically, your data may stop working.

To check for updates:

1. Open "Settings."

2. Tap "General" > "About."

3. Wait a few seconds. If an update is available, you’ll see a prompt to install it.

If nothing shows up, your carrier settings are already up to date.

Reset network settings

Resetting your network settings can clear out bugs or bad configurations that are blocking your connection to the cellular network.

Note: This step will erase saved Wi-Fi networks, paired Bluetooth devices, and custom DNS settings, but it won’t delete apps, photos, or other personal data.

Take the following steps to reset:

1. Go to "Settings" > "General."

2. Tap "Transfer or reset iPhone."

3. Select "Reset" > "Reset network settings."

4. Enter your passcode and confirm.

Update iOS

If your operating system is out of date, it can cause network issues. To update:

1. Go to "Settings" > "General" > "Software update."

2. If an update is available, download and install it.

Check data roaming (when traveling)

If you’re outside your usual coverage area, you may need to enable data roaming. You can do it in your device’s roaming settings:

1. Go to "Settings" > "Cellular" > "Cellular data options."

2. Turn "Data roaming" on.

Need help deciding when to keep roaming on? Check out our guide: Should data roaming be on or off?

Contact your carrier

If you’ve checked the details above and the data still isn’t working, it’s time to check in with your carrier. Customer support will also help you check if your account is active and in good standing as well as if any outages are happening in your area. In the US or Canada, dial 611 from your mobile phone to reach support.

How to fix cellular data not working on Android

Android settings vary slightly by brand, but the main fixes are the same. These steps work for Samsung, Google Pixel, and other major brands.

Verify mobile data is enabled

First, confirm that your data hasn’t been switched off:

1. Go to "Settings" > "Network & internet" > "Mobile network."

2. Make sure "Mobile data" is toggled ON.

On some phones, you’ll find this under "Settings" > "Connections" > "Data usage."

Restart your Android device

You can usually clear out temporary glitches by restarting your phone:

• For most Android phones, hold the “Power” button until your phone shuts off. It will then restart.

• For Samsung Galaxy, hold the “Volume down” and “Power” buttons until your phone restarts.

Toggle airplane mode

Flip airplane mode on, wait about 30 seconds, and turn it off.

This forces your phone to drop and re-establish its connection, helping reset data without restarting the device.

Check APN settings

APN (access point name) settings control how your phone connects to your carrier’s data network. If they’re misconfigured, your data won’t work.

To check:

1. Go to "Settings" > "Network & internet" > "Mobile network" > "Access point names."

2. Tap "Reset to default" or manually enter your carrier’s correct settings.

Remove and reinsert the SIM card

A misaligned or dirty SIM can cause data issues even if everything else looks fine. To rule it out:

1. Power off your phone.

2. Remove the SIM tray and check the card for dust, scratches, or damage.

3. Gently clean it with a dry cloth.

4. Reinsert it and power your phone back on.

If you’re using an eSIM, double-check that it’s installed and active in your carrier’s app.

Reset network settings

A network reset wipes out saved configurations and forces your phone to reconnect from scratch.

Steps vary slightly depending on your device.

• Samsung: Go to "Settings" > "General management" > "Reset" > "Reset network settings."

• Google Pixel: Go to "Settings" > "System" > "Reset options" > "Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth."

You won’t lose your data, but you will lose saved Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth pairings.

Update Android software

Outdated software can cause all kinds of connectivity problems, especially after switching SIMs or traveling. To update:

1. Go to "Settings" > "System" > "Software update."

2. Install all new updates.

If your carrier has its own app (like My Verizon or T-Mobile), update that too.

Check data restrictions for specific apps

If one app isn’t loading while all others work, it may be blocked from using data. To check that:

1. Go to "Settings" > "Apps" > [App name] > "Mobile data."

2. Make sure "Background data" and "Unrestricted data usage" are both turned on.

Disable battery saving mode

Battery-saving tools often block apps from using data in the background. If your connection works on Wi-Fi but not mobile, this is one of the first things to check.

To fix that, go to "Settings" > "Battery" and turn off "Power saving mode." You can also add key apps to the exception list.

Alternative solution: Switch to an eSIM for reliable connectivity

If your cellular issues keep coming back, consider ditching the physical SIM card.

Benefits of using an eSIM over a physical SIM

An eSIM takes the hassle out of mobile connectivity. The benefits of an eSIM include:

• No physical card to misplace, bend, or insert incorrectly.

• Instant activation with no need to visit a store.

• Switching carriers with a tap.

• The perfect option for travelers who need multiple data plans.

More information: 

• eSIM vs. physical SIM

• Install eSIM on iPhone

• Install eSIM on Android

How the Saily eSIM app helps avoid cellular data issues

The Saily eSIM app gives you reliable data access without the usual SIM card headaches. It works on all eSIM-compatible devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Android phones. You get:

• Coverage in 200+ countries.

• Easy setup in just a few minutes.

• A perfect backup if your main SIM stops working or runs out of data.

Download the eSIM app and explore all eSIM destinations where Saily keeps you connected.

When to contact professional support

If you’ve worked through every fix and your data still isn’t working, it’s time to escalate. Getting professional support will help you with:

• Hardware issues. Damaged antennas or water exposure can block signals.

• Carrier account issues. You may need to verify your identity or reactivate your account.

• Phone locked to another carrier. This situation is common with secondhand phones. Check if your iPhone is unlocked and contact the support of the original provider if that’s not the case.

Preventing future cellular data issues

A few habits with save you from repeating the same troubleshooting later:

• Keep your software up to date.

• Watch how much data you use so you don’t hit the limit.

• Clean your SIM tray occasionally.

• Install carrier updates when prompted.

• Consider using an eSIM.

Still no data? Try this step next

Many cellular data issues are easy to resolve with a few simple steps. By now, you’ve likely tried simple restarts, settings checks, resetting network connections, and other options. If you’re done troubleshooting and still stuck, download an eSIM for a fast connection without relying on your carrier’s SIM or store support.