Mobile Data Not Working? Solve LTE/4G/5G Problems Fast

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Mobile data not working is one of the most frustrating smartphone issues — especially when you need internet urgently for work, maps, or communication. Whether your phone shows “No Service,” “LTE Not Available,” “5G Not Working,” or mobile data simply isn’t loading, this problem is extremely common but usually easy to fix.

This complete guide explains every possible reason why your mobile data may not work and gives you proven solutions for Android and iPhone. Follow each step carefully — one of them will fix your internet connection.

1. Turn Airplane Mode ON and OFF

This is the fastest and most effective quick fix. Airplane Mode resets your phone’s entire network connection (mobile data, calls, and signal).

  • Turn ON Airplane Mode
  • Wait 10 seconds
  • Turn it OFF again

Now check if LTE/4G/5G returns.

2. Restart Your Phone

A simple restart clears temporary network glitches that stop data from working. Completely power off your device and turn it back on after 15 seconds. This refreshes signal reception and usually restores mobile data.

3. Check If You Have an Active Data Plan

Many users forget that their data package is finished or expired. Log in to your carrier app or dial the carrier’s shortcode to confirm:

  • Your data plan is active
  • You still have data left
  • Your bill is paid

If your plan expired, renew it and your data should start working instantly.

4. Enable Mobile Data Manually

Sometimes mobile data is accidentally turned off. Check your quick settings panel or network settings:

  • Android: Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile data
  • iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data

Make sure the toggle is ON.

5. Switch Between LTE, 4G, and 5G

Sometimes your phone tries to connect to a weak 5G or LTE signal. Switching networks can restore your connection.

On Android:

  • Settings > Network & Internet > SIM > Preferred network type
  • Change to: 4G/LTE only
  • If still not working, select 3G/2G temporarily

On iPhone:

  • Settings > Cellular > Voice & Data
  • Switch between 5G, LTE, and 4G

If one of these works, the issue was weak signal.

6. Remove and Reinsert the SIM Card

A loose or poorly seated SIM card can cause data issues without completely disabling calls or texts.

  • Turn off the phone
  • Remove the SIM card
  • Clean it gently with a dry cloth
  • Reinsert it properly
  • Turn on your phone again

Check if mobile data is now working.

7. Reset Network Settings

If your phone’s internal network configuration is corrupted, mobile data will stop working. Resetting the network settings restores everything back to default.

On Android:

  • Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth

On iPhone:

  • Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings

This will NOT delete your data — only networks and APN settings.

8. Update or Add APN Settings

APN (Access Point Name) settings allow your phone to connect to your carrier’s mobile data network. If they’re wrong or missing, your internet won’t work.

On Android:

  • Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Access Point Names
  • Select your carrier APN

If none exist, tap “Add” and enter the APN details from your carrier’s website.

On iPhone: APN settings update automatically, but you can install your carrier profile through:

Settings > General > About (wait for update prompt)

9. Disable Data Saver Mode

Data Saver Mode limits background data and may stop internet access entirely for some apps.

On Android:

  • Settings > Network & Internet > Data Saver
  • Turn OFF

On iPhone:

  • Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options
  • Turn OFF Low Data Mode

10. Check for Carrier Outages

Sometimes the problem isn’t your phone — your carrier’s towers may be down. Search online:

  • “Vodafone outage”
  • “T-Mobile outage”
  • “AT&T outage today”

If the outage is confirmed, you must wait for your carrier to fix the issue.

11. Try Another SIM Card

This helps you find out if the issue is with your SIM or your phone.

  • Insert another SIM card that has mobile data
  • Check if LTE/5G works

If the other SIM works, replace your original SIM.

12. Turn Off VPN

VPN apps can block or slow down mobile data.

  • Disable your VPN temporarily
  • Restart mobile data

If your connection works, the VPN was the cause.

13. Disable Battery Saver or Power Saving Mode

Some phones block background data when battery saver is on.

Turn it off and check the connection again.

14. Update Your Phone Software

A pending software update can cause network bugs. Update to the latest version:

  • Settings > System > Software update

After update, restart the phone.

15. Check Your IMEI Status

If your phone’s IMEI is blocked by the carrier, mobile data will stop working entirely.

Dial:

*#06#

Search “IMEI check” online and verify your device is not blacklisted.

16. Factory Reset (Last Option)

If nothing works, a factory reset may fix deep software corruption. Backup your data first.

On Android: Settings > System > Reset > Factory Reset

On iPhone: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content

17. When to Contact Your Carrier

If the problem continues after all steps, contact your service provider. The issue may be:

  • A blocked SIM
  • Tower maintenance
  • Provisioning errors
  • Incorrect APN assigned
  • Line suspension

Final Words

Mobile data issues are annoying, but they are usually simple to fix. By following this complete troubleshooting guide, you should have your LTE, 4G, or 5G connection working again quickly. If the problem continues, your carrier or SIM card is likely the cause — and replacing it will solve everything.

Keep exploring FixPhoneGuide for more repair guides and troubleshooting tips!