How to Fix Android Mobile Data Not Working

An active data connection is required for your smartphone to function properly. When Wi-Fi is unavailable, you must rely on mobile data to access the internet, even in the most remote locations. What if your Android's mobile data (or cellular connection) stops working or becomes unreliable?

There are numerous aspects to consider before connecting your Android to mobile data. So, if you don't know where to begin, troubleshooting the most common ones can be challenging. The remedies to the problem of mobile data not working on your Android are listed below.

1. CHECK YOUR DATA PLAN

Make sure your data plan is active before you start debugging. If your data plan has an use cap, you'll notice slower speeds. This is the most evident reason why mobile data isn't fully functional.

2. TOGGLE AIRPLANE MODE

Toggling aeroplane mode on your Android is a convenient way to renew all of your network connections. It has the capacity to resolve any minor network issues. Open Settings and go to Network and Internet to enable Airplane mode on your phone. Turn on Airplane mode for a minute and then turn it off.

Check to see if your mobile data is active.

3. REMOVE AND RE-INSERT SIM

After that, you should try withdrawing and re-inserting your SIM card. Make careful to check your SIM card for any damage while you're at it. If feasible, test your SIM card in a different smartphone to see if it has any issues. If the card is fine but the problem persists, try a different approach.

4. CHANGE NETWORK TYPE

Mobile data may not operate if your phone uses a network service type that isn't available in the place you're in. If you're in a remote place where 5G or 4G isn't available, for example, you can use the procedures below to change the network type to 3G.

Step 1: Launch Settings on your Android and go to Network & internet.

Step 2: Tap on the Mobile network.

Step 3: Open the Preferred network type and select 3G.

Check if mobile data works after that.

5. REMOVE THE DATA LIMIT ON MOBILE DEVICES

Setting data consumption limitations on Android phones allows you to keep track of your internet usage. If you've set a data limit on your Android, once that limit is reached, the phone will stop using mobile data.

To eliminate the mobile data limit on your Android, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Open Settings on Android and tap on Network & internet.

Step 2: Go to Mobile network and tap on Data warning and Limit.

Step 3: Turn off the switches next to ‘Set data warning’ and ‘Set data limit.

6. RESET APNS

APN (Access Point Name) is a file that contains vital information such as IP addresses, gateway details, and other information that allows your Android to connect to your carrier's network. You may need to change those settings if there's a problem with them or if you've just moved carriers or data plans.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your phone and select Network and internet. Then tap Mobile network.

Step 2: Expand Advanced to tap on Access point names.

Step 3: Tap on the three-dot menu icon in the top right and select Reset to default.

7. MANUALLY CONFIGURE APN

If resetting the APN doesn't work, use the instructions below to manually configure the APN settings.

Step 1: Open the Settings menu, go to Network and internet and select Mobile network.

Step 2: Go to Access point names and tap the ellipsis icon at the top to select New APN.

Step 3: Enter the information from your carrier in the fields provided and save your APN. Head back to the Access Point Names and select the new APN.

8. NETWORK SETTINGS MUST BE RESET

Misconfigured networks can cause problems with Wi-Fi, voicemail, mobile data, and other services. Resetting network settings allows you to rapidly restore all of your settings to their default values and begin afresh.

Remember that this should only be used as a last resort. In the process, you'll lose all of your saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth connections, and other network settings.

Step 1: Open up Settings on your Android and select System.

Step 2: Expand Advanced to open Reset options. Tap on Reset Wi-Fi, mobile, and Bluetooth.

Step 3: Lastly, tap on the Reset settings button at the bottom.

ON-DEMAND DATA

Before you start asking why your Android phone isn't using mobile data, take a few calm breaths. After you've gone over the remedies above, you should be able to stop having problems with mobile data. If none of these suggestions work, we recommend contacting your service provider for assistance.