Cellular Data Not Working after iOS Update: Quickly Fix

When you update your iPhone to iOS 16/17/18, cellular data may not working on your device. Why does it happen and how to fix? All things are here to make it.

By @Dylan Last Updated October 15, 2024
 

Cellular data not working after iOS 18 update.

I can't use cellular data on my iPhone 15 since I have installed iOS 18. I have turned on Cellular data iPhone settings but it is not working. What should I do to fix this issue?

- Question from Apple Community

Updating the latest iOS system can help you get the latest features. For example, now iOS 18 supports unlocking an iPhone via Face ID while you wear a mask. But after the update process, it is common to find some issues on iPhone like iOS Bluetooth problems or cellular data not working. After all, it is the aim to let users help find the unknown bugs before it is officially releasing.

Not able to use cellular data on iPhone is quite disappointing but this guide will tell you why the cellular data issue happens and how to fix cellular data not working after iOS update.

Why is cellular data not working on iPhone after iOS update?

iPhone cellular data problems are often caused by weak signals, loose SIM card, or wrong settings on iPhone.

The signal might be blocked in the area like elevator or tunnel. Cellular data often can’t be used in the enclosed area. Some settings might be modified by iOS update, so you can’t use cellular data as usually. You can use the following solutions to fix LTE not working on iPhone.

Solution 1. Turn off cellular data button and turn it on

This method seems a no-brainer, but it is the simplest proven method to fix iPhone cellular data issue because this action would reset the cellular service on iPhone.

Just swipe down the screen from the upper-left, turn off cellular data in the control panel and then turn it on.

Solution 2. Turn on Airplane Mode and turn it off

It looks like the same action as in solution 1, but actually they have different effects. Turning off Airplane Mode and then turning it on will refresh the whole network services. The result is equal to restarting iPhone. It is effective to solve iPhone cellular not working issue.

Open the control panel on the screen, simply turn on Airplane Mode, wait for several seconds, and then turn it off.

Solution 3. Remove SIM card and install it back

The collision might cause loose contact between the chip and iPhone. You need to eject the SIM card tray and then install the SIM card into iPhone again.

Solution 4. Check Carrier Update

Sometimes an update required to use cellular data on this iPhone. You need to update carrier settings to improve cellular network connectivity and performance.

Go to iPhone Settings > General > About > tap update carrier settings near the name of your carrier.

Solution 5. Hard reset iPhone

Hard reset is also called force restart. It solves most of the system issues such as the iPhone personal hotspot not working. Pick the right way to do a hard reset of your iPhone according to your iPhone model. This action will cause no data loss.

  • iPhone 8 or later: Press the volume+ button and then quickly release. Press the volume- button and then quickly release it. Press the power button for seconds and wait for the Apple logo to appear.

  • iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus: Press both the power button and volume- button for seconds and wait for the Apple logo to appear.

  • iPhone 6s or earlier: Press both the power button and the Home button for seconds and wait for the Apple logo to appear.

Solution 6. Reset Networks and other Settings

Some settings might be modified after iOS update, but you can reset network settings or all the settings. This action will let the device forget all the password of Wi-Fi, so you’d better get a note of the passwords before you execute this method.

Go to iPhone Settings > General > Reset > select Reset Networks Settings/Reset all Settings.

Solution 7. Downgrade back to previous iOS version

The ultimate solution to fix any iOS update issue is do an iOS rollback but you will lose everything on iPhone so you need to backup iPhone to computer to never lose important data.

Step 1. Go to ipsw.me to download the previous iOS version like iOS 17 installation package to computer.

Step 2. Open iTunes, connect iPhone to computer with a USB cable and click the device.

Step 3. Hold and press Shift Key and click Restore iPhone at the same time.

Step 4. Select the downloaded iOS package on computer and install it.

Conclusion

After trying the solutions above, hope you can fix "cellular data not working after iOS update" and enjoy the latest iOS features. There are many known or unknown system issues in the new operating system. If you have problems like cellular data not working after the iOS update, you can follow the 7 solutions in this passage to fix the issue.

FAQs

1. Why does my iPhone show a "No Service" message after updating iOS?

This could be due to incorrect carrier settings or a temporary issue with your network provider. Try restarting your phone or updating carrier settings.

2. What should I do if my iPhone is stuck on "Searching" after an iOS update?

Ensure your SIM card is properly inserted, check for carrier updates, and try toggling Airplane Mode on and off.

3. Can I contact my carrier for assistance if cellular data is not working after an iOS update?

Yes, your carrier's customer support can provide troubleshooting steps specific to their network and services.

4. Why does my iPhone show LTE but still have no internet connection?

This could be due to incorrect APN settings or network issues. Contact your carrier or try resetting network settings.

5. Should I consider restoring my iPhone if cellular data issues persist after an iOS update?

Restoring your iPhone as new (after backing up important data) can sometimes resolve persistent issues with cellular data after an iOS update.