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