Diagnosing your mobile data problem step by step (Mobile Data Not Working on Android)
| Step | Action | What It Fixes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Check your network status | Confirms if issue is network-wide |
| 2 | Toggle aeroplane mode on/off | Re-registers SIM on your network |
| 3 | Restart your phone | Clears temporary network errors |
| 4 | Check your network APN settings | Fixes incorrect data configuration |
| 5 | Re-insert SIM card | Fixes poor SIM contact issues |
| 6 | Contact your network support | Resolves account or SIM faults |
Mobile data, calls or texts can stop for a handful of reasons — a wrong APN, a local network outage, a loose SIM, or a device software issue. Each is covered below with its own fix.
Troubleshooting checklist
Go through them individually as listed, not jumping to the last one
Distinguishing network from device issues (Mobile Data Not Working on Android)
Check the UK APN Hub or a site like Downdetector for a known outage before touching any settings — nothing will help during an active outage, only waiting for service to return.
Troubleshooting checklist
Take them one by one in order, instead of skipping ahead
Resetting APN settings to fix mobile data (Mobile Data Not Working on Android)
Swipe down for the notification shade, tap Aeroplane Mode on, wait ten seconds, then off again. This drops the current connection and forces a fresh link to the nearest mast, clearing most temporary faults.
Troubleshooting checklist
Work through in the listed order rather than heading straight to the end
When to contact your carrier for data support (Mobile Data Not Working on Android)
A full restart (hold power, select Restart) clears the modem cache and re-registers the SIM — this fixes issues an aeroplane mode toggle alone won't.
Troubleshooting checklist
One step at a time, following the order, without skipping to the finish
Step 4 — Re-seat the SIM card (Mobile Data Not Working on Android)
Power the phone off, eject the tray with a tool or straightened paperclip, remove the SIM, and inspect its gold contacts for dirt or corrosion — clean gently, reseat firmly, and power on.
Troubleshooting checklist
In the order given, one at a time, rather than jumping to the end
Step 5 — Check APN settings (Mobile Data Not Working on Android)
A wrong APN often stops data despite full signal. Check Settings → Mobile Network → Access Point Names against your network's recommended values — the UK APN Hub has the correct figures for most devices.
Troubleshooting checklist
Tackle them individually as listed, avoiding a jump to the final one
Step 6 — Reset network settings for Mobile Data Not Working on Android
On Android, Settings → General Management → Reset → Reset Network Settings resets APN, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to defaults without affecting apps or personal data.
iPhone: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings — the phone restarts and reconnects on default settings.
Troubleshooting checklist
Follow the listed order one at a time instead of skipping to the last
Step 7 — Get in touch with support on Android (Mobile Data Not Working on Android)
Still not fixed? Contact your network's support team — it could be an account issue, a failing SIM, or a local fault. Have your account number and IMEI (dial *#06#) ready.
Troubleshooting checklist
Go one by one in sequence rather than skipping straight to the end