I remember one frustrating morning when my phone showed full 4G bars, but no web page would load, and none of my apps were working. I toggled airplane mode, restarted my phone, and even switched SIM cards, but my mobile data still refused to connect.
If you’re experiencing a similar issue, you’re not alone. Many users report that their mobile data stops working even when they have a strong 4G or 5G signal. This can happen for various reasons, including incorrect network settings, software glitches, carrier issues, or even outdated SIM card configurations.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through step-by-step fixes to restore your mobile data and get your internet working again. Whether you’re on Android or iPhone, these solutions will help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue.
Understanding the Issue
Before we dive into the solutions, it’s important to understand why your mobile data might not be working despite being connected to 4G or 5G.
Possible Causes:
- Temporary network outage from your carrier.
- APN (Access Point Name) settings are incorrect or missing.
- SIM card issues (damaged, not inserted properly, or outdated).
- Phone is set to 3G or 2G mode, preventing high-speed data connections.
- Network congestion in your area.
- Data limit or restrictions applied by your mobile carrier.
- Software bugs or outdated system settings.
Now, let’s go through the most effective solutions step by step.
Fixes for ‘Mobile Data Not Working’ Even When Connected to 4G/5G
1. Check if Mobile Data Is Enabled
Tools Needed: None
Steps:
- Open Settings on your phone.
- Go to Network & Internet (Android) or Cellular (iPhone).
- Ensure Mobile Data is turned on.
- If already enabled, turn it off, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on.
- Try opening a webpage or using an app to see if the issue is resolved.
Why This Works:
Sometimes, mobile data might be turned off accidentally, or a simple reset can refresh the connection.
2. Toggle Airplane Mode
Tools Needed: None
Steps:
- Open Quick Settings (swipe down from the top of the screen on Android/iPhone).
- Tap the Airplane Mode icon to enable it.
- Wait 30 seconds, then disable Airplane Mode.
- Check if mobile data starts working.
Why This Works:
Airplane Mode resets network connections and can quickly fix mobile data issues.
3. Restart Your Phone
Tools Needed: None
Steps:
- Press and hold the Power button on your phone.
- Tap Restart (Android) or Slide to Power Off (iPhone).
- Wait 30 seconds and turn your phone back on.
- Check if mobile data is working.
Why This Works:
A restart refreshes network connections and clears temporary glitches affecting data connectivity.
4. Check if Your Carrier Is Experiencing an Outage
Tools Needed: Another internet connection (WiFi or another device with mobile data)
Steps:
- Use another device (or WiFi) to visit your carrier’s website or social media pages.
- Check if there are reports of network issues in your area.
- If there’s an outage, wait for the carrier to resolve the problem.
Why This Works:
Network outages can temporarily disrupt mobile data even if you have a strong signal.
5. Verify APN Settings (Android & iPhone)
Tools Needed: None
Steps:
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Access Point Names (APN) (Android).
- On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Network.
- Compare the settings with your carrier’s official APN settings (found on their website).
- If missing or incorrect, update the APN settings manually.
- Restart your phone and check if mobile data works.
Why This Works:
Incorrect APN settings prevent your phone from connecting to your carrier’s mobile internet.
6. Check Data Limit & Carrier Restrictions
Tools Needed: None
Steps:
- Open Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage (Android).
- On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options.
- Check if Data Saver is enabled—disable it if necessary.
- Log into your carrier account (via their app or website) and check if you’ve reached your data cap.
Why This Works:
If you’ve used up your data limit, your carrier may restrict or slow down your mobile data.
7. Reinsert the SIM Card
Tools Needed: SIM ejector tool or paperclip
Steps:
- Turn off your phone.
- Use a SIM ejector tool to remove the SIM card.
- Wipe the SIM card with a soft cloth.
- Reinsert the SIM card and turn your phone back on.
- Check if mobile data works.
Why This Works:
Removing and reinserting the SIM forces your phone to reconnect to the network.
8. Change Network Mode to 4G/5G
Tools Needed: None
Steps:
- Open Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network.
- Tap Preferred Network Type.
- Select 4G (LTE) or 5G.
- Restart your phone and check if data is working.
Why This Works:
Some phones may default to 2G/3G, which can prevent high-speed internet access.
9. Reset Network Settings
Tools Needed: None
Steps:
- Open Settings > System > Reset > Reset Network Settings (Android).
- On iPhone, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
- Confirm the reset and restart your phone.
- Check if mobile data works.
Why This Works:
This resets all network configurations without affecting personal data.
10. Contact Your Carrier for Support
Tools Needed: Another working phone or internet connection
Steps:
- Call or chat with your carrier’s support.
- Explain that mobile data is not working despite strong 4G/5G connectivity.
- Ask if your account is blocked or if there are network settings updates.
- Follow any instructions they provide.
Why This Works:
Carriers can push network updates or fix account-related issues that might be causing mobile data problems.
Pros and Cons of Each Fix
| Fix | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Toggling airplane mode | Quick and easy | Temporary fix |
| Restarting the phone | Resets network settings | May not work for deeper issues |
| Checking APN settings | Fixes data misconfigurations | Requires manual input |
| Resetting network settings | Fixes most network problems | Deletes WiFi & Bluetooth settings |
| Contacting your carrier | Resolves account-related issues | Requires external support |
Conclusion
If your mobile data isn’t working despite a strong 4G/5G signal, start with basic troubleshooting like restarting your phone, toggling airplane mode, or checking your APN settings. If the issue persists, try resetting network settings or contacting your carrier for assistance.
Which fix worked for you? Let me know in the comments!
