A practical UK guide to Cellular Data Not Working, covering setup steps, common causes, fixes, and related your UK netwo
How to tell if it is a network outage or a device fault
Step
Action
What It Fixes
1
Check your network network status
Confirms if issue is network-wide
2
Toggle aeroplane mode on/off
Re-registers SIM on your network 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
There are several common reasons why your mobile data, calls or texts might stop working. These include an incorrect APN configuration, a temporary network outage in your area, a SIM card that needs re-seating, or a software issue on your device. This guide walks through each possible cause and the fix for each one.
Follow these steps in order — most issues are resolved by step 1 or 2
APN settings check for data connectivity
Before changing any settings, visit the UK APN Hub or check a third-party site like Downdetector to confirm whether there is a known a network outage in your area. If the network is down, you simply need to wait for your mobile network to restore service — no settings changes will help during an active outage.
Follow these steps in order — most issues are resolved by step 1 or 2
Rebooting and refreshing your network connection
Pull down your notification shade and tap Aeroplane Mode to enable it. Wait ten seconds, then tap again to disable it. This forces your phone to drop its current connection and reconnect fresh to the your nearest mast. This fixes the majority of temporary signal and data issues.
Follow these steps in order — most issues are resolved by step 1 or 2
Getting compensation from UK carriers for data outages
Hold the power button and select Restart. A full restart clears the modem cache and re-registers your SIM on the your mobile network. This fixes many data and signal issues that toggling aeroplane mode does not resolve.
Follow these steps in order — most issues are resolved by step 1 or 2
Step 4 — Re-seat your SIM card
Power off your phone completely. Use a SIM ejector tool or a straightened paperclip to open the SIM tray. Remove the SIM card, inspect the gold contacts for dirt or corrosion, and gently clean them with a dry cloth if necessary. Reinsert the SIM firmly and power the phone back on.
Follow these steps in order — most issues are resolved by step 1 or 2
Step 5 — Check your APN settings
An incorrect APN is a common cause of mobile data not working even when you have signal. Go to Settings → Mobile Network → Access Point Names and verify the APN values match the your network's recommended settings. Visit the UK APN Hub for the correct values, or search this blog for the the APN guide for your network for your specific device.
Follow these steps in order — most issues are resolved by step 1 or 2
!
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
On Android: Go to Settings → General Management → Reset → Reset Network Settings. This restores default APN settings, clears saved Wi-Fi networks and resets Bluetooth — it does not delete your apps or personal data.
On iPhone: Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings. Your iPhone will restart and reconnect to your mobile network with default settings.
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Follow these steps in order — most issues are resolved by step 1 or 2
Step 7 — Contact your mobile network support
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, contact your network's customer support. There may be a problem with your account, your SIM may need replacing, or there may be a localised network fault. Have your account number and phone IMEI ready (dial *#06# to find your IMEI). Visit the UK APN Hub for contact details.
Follow these steps in order — most issues are resolved by step 1 or 2
Frequently Asked Questions
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 the 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 network outages are resolved within a few hours. For planned maintenance, your network usually notifies customers in advance. Check the your network status page for current updates.
