Cellular Data Not Working

Last reviewed:

A practical UK guide to Cellular Data Not Working, covering setup steps, common causes, fixes, and related your UK netwo

Cellular Data Not Working guide thumbnail

How to tell if it is a network outage or a device fault (Cellular Data Not Working)

Step Action What It Fixes
1Check your network statusConfirms if issue is network-wide
2Toggle aeroplane mode on/offRe-registers SIM on your network
3Restart your phoneClears temporary network errors
4Check your network APN settingsFixes incorrect data configuration
5Re-insert SIM cardFixes poor SIM contact issues
6Contact your network supportResolves account or SIM faults

A few recurring causes explain data, calls or texts failing — a bad APN, a local outage, a loose SIM, or a software issue. Each is addressed below.

📶

Troubleshooting checklist

Each step follows from the last, so the order is worth keeping

Step 1Check APNStep 2Select APNStep 3Toggle flight modeStep 4Restart phoneStep 5Test data

APN settings check for data connectivity (Cellular Data Not Working)

Check for a local outage on the UK APN Hub or Downdetector first — nothing but waiting fixes an active outage.

📶

Troubleshooting checklist

Order counts here, since later steps assume earlier ones were tried

Step 1Check APNStep 2Select APNStep 3Toggle flight modeStep 4Restart phoneStep 5Test data

Rebooting and refreshing your network connection (Cellular Data Not Working)

From the notification shade, switch Aeroplane Mode on for ten seconds then off — this reconnects to the nearest mast and clears most temporary faults.

📶

Troubleshooting checklist

The sequence builds progressively, so stick to the order

Step 1Check APNStep 2Select APNStep 3Toggle flight modeStep 4Restart phoneStep 5Test data

Getting compensation from UK carriers for data outages (Cellular Data Not Working)

A full reboot (hold power, Restart) clears the modem cache and re-registers the SIM, resolving what aeroplane mode alone won't.

📶

Troubleshooting checklist

Each step assumes the previous one, making the order important

Step 1Check APNStep 2Select APNStep 3Toggle flight modeStep 4Restart phoneStep 5Test data

Step 4 — Re-seat the SIM card (Cellular Data Not Working)

Power down, open the tray with the ejector tool or paperclip, remove and inspect the SIM's gold contacts, clean if needed, then reinsert firmly and restart.

📶

Troubleshooting checklist

Following the order matters, as each step builds on the last

Step 1Check APNStep 2Select APNStep 3Toggle flight modeStep 4Restart phoneStep 5Test data

Step 5 — Check APN settings (Cellular Data Not Working)

Full signal with no data points to a wrong APN — check it under Settings → Mobile Network → Access Point Names against the UK APN Hub's values.

📶

Troubleshooting checklist

The steps are cumulative, so the order genuinely matters

Step 1Check APNStep 2Select APNStep 3Toggle flight modeStep 4Restart phoneStep 5Test data
!
Reset Network Settings will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords
This step also removes all Bluetooth pairings and VPN profiles. Make a note of your Wi-Fi passwords before continuing. Only use this as a last resort after all other steps have failed.

Step 6 — Reset network settings for Cellular Data Not Working

Resetting via Settings → General Management → Reset → Reset Network Settings on Android restores default APN and clears connectivity pairings, leaving apps and data intact.

iPhone: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings restarts the device with defaults restored.

📶

Troubleshooting checklist

Order is important here — each step depends on the one before

Step 1Check APNStep 2Select APNStep 3Toggle flight modeStep 4Restart phoneStep 5Test data

Step 7 — Get in touch with support for data issues

Still stuck? Reach out to customer support with the account number and IMEI to hand — the cause is usually account, SIM or a local network issue.

📶

Troubleshooting checklist

Since each step builds on the last, the sequence matters

Step 1Check APNStep 2Select APNStep 3Toggle flight modeStep 4Restart phoneStep 5Test data

Frequently Asked Questions About Cellular Data Not Working

Why is your network mobile data not working?
your network mobile data may stop working due to an incorrect APN, a temporary network outage, an expired data plan, or a SIM issue. Follow the steps in this guide to identify and fix the cause.
How do I reset my your network APN settings?
On Android: go to Settings → Network → Mobile Networks → Access Point Names, then tap the menu and select 'Reset to default'. On iPhone: go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings.
Does your network have a network outage in my area?
Check your network website or their social media channels for real-time outage information. You can also check third-party sites like Downdetector for user-reported your network outages.
Why does your network show signal but no internet?
If your network shows signal but no internet, the APN settings may be incorrect or missing. Check the APN settings on your device and compare them to the correct your network values in our APN guide.
How long does a your network outage usually last?
Most your network outages are resolved within a few hours. For planned maintenance, your network usually notifies customers in advance. Check your network status page for current updates.