Mobile Data Not Working On iPhone In iOS 16.1? (Fix?)
Last updated on November 28th, 2022 at 05:08 am
Posted in Errors and Issues by Patricia on November 5, 2022
Mobile Data not working iOS 16.1
Mobile data not working on iPhone after iOS 16.1 update? Cellular data stops working when you’re moving out of WiFi range? Device isn’t able to switch to carrier data and loses Internet connectivity until you reboot? You’re not alone!
Mobile Data Not Working iOS 16?
This issues has been reported by Scott:
“My iPhone 13mini drops mobile data and I need to reboot the phone. This typically happens if I have been on wifi then move out of range. Mobile data is not kicking in until I reboot.”
We couldn’t replicate the issue and did not find any other similar reports, excepting the Cellular Issue Detected error that we’ve covered during the iOS 16 beta stages.
Are you experiencing the same problem as Scott? Share it in the comments section of this article please. Do mention your iPhone model and software version. We’re reporting this issue to Apple as soon as we have the confirmation that this isn’t just an isolated case.
How To Fix Mobile Data Stops Working
Apparently you have to reboot your iPhone to get back the cellular data connectivity!
1. Restart iPhone
We recommend you to perform the force restart combo for the quickest results:
- Briefly click and release Volume Up, followed by Volume Down and press & hold the Side Button until the Apple logo is displayed on the screen!
Fact: Unfortunately, this is a temporary solution, because the mobile data will stop working again as soon as the above trigger is met, getting out of WiFi range.
2. Use Airplane Mode
Cezar and Gina have confirmed the following troubleshooting sequence:
- 1. Completely turn Off WiFi in Settings -> WiFi.
- 2. Enable Airplane mode, in Control Center
- 3. Reboot iPhone (or force restart).
- 4. Disable Airplane mode. Mobile Data should work now (test it out in Safari).
- 5. Enable WiFi in Settings.
Fact: Let us know in the comments if it works for you too.
Extra Fix For iOS 16 Mobile Data Issues
If you’re using a VPN on your iPhone you should try to disable it.
Rachel informs that turning off the Virtual Private Network on an iPhone 11 Pro Max, has allowed the device to reconnect to the Internet.
Tip: You can disable VPN on iPhone from the provider’s specific app and in Settings -> General -> VPN & Device Management.
(Updated, November 21)
Reinstall iOS 16 To Fix Mobile Data Not Working
Scott confirmed that he managed to fix cellular data issues on iPhone by reinstalling the current iOS 16 version:
- For this you need a computer, Mac or Windows and the Finder / iTunes software.
- A Lightning to USB (USB-C) cable.
- Internet Connectivity.
How to: A step-by-step guide for clean installing iOS 16 is available here.
Extra Fix For iOS 16 Mobile Data Issues
You can also try disabling 5G connectivity and see if it helps:
- 1. Open Settings and tap on Mobile Data.
- 2. Go for Mobile Data Options -> Voice & Data.
- 3. Select 4G instead of 5G On or 5G Auto.
Have you managed to fix Cellular data stops working on iPhone in iOS 16? Do you have a better solution or other problems to report? Share your feedback in the comments.
Related: For more iOS 16.1 problems and available workarounds please check our extended review over here.
I am having iphone 8 ios 16.1.1
Its cellular data is not working
Thanks for reporting. Are you getting an error? Does the reboot help?
Same issue with the 12 mini
Is the issue persisting in iOS 16.1.2?
https://www.iphonetricks.org/ios-16-1-2-issues-bugs-fixed-problems-review/
I’m having the same issue (Mobile Data doesn’t work when iPhone switches from WiFi to Cellular).
First time a reboot fixed it, second time it got fixed by itself, third time not even a plain reboot fixed it, so I did the following steps:
1. Completely disable WiFi in Settings
2. Activate Airplane mode
3. Reboot iPhone (normal reboot was enough, not a forced one)
4. Disable Airplane mode -> Mobile Data works now
5. Enable WiFi in Settings
Did a few tests by manually Disabling the WiFi (from Settings) or Disconnecting the device from WiFi (from Control Center) and it’s still working at the moment.
iPhone 13 – iOS 16.1.1
Thanks for the feedback cezar. Keep us updated please.
I did these steps and still am experiencing issues with Safari when switching from WiFi to Cellular. Any other suggestions? I have an iPhone XR.
Are you using a VPN on your iPhone?
5g not working after recent my IOS 16 update. Internet only when switched to LTE.
Thanks for reporting. You can try to Reset Network Settings, but that will erase your WiFi connections too.
What I would recommend instead is a clean install using a computer as shown here:
https://www.iphonetricks.org/reinstall-ios-16-on-iphone-ipad-how-to/
I’ve tried your solution and find it helps at first then seems to max out data use after only a couple searches m,Then nothing will open again until I shut down and turn back on
Does it still occur after iOS 16.1.2 update?
https://www.iphonetricks.org/ios-16-1-2-issues-bugs-fixed-problems-review/
HI
Have the same issue in iPhone 14 pro max. After going away from the WIFI the data connection is not working even at the full signal strength. After getting a call the data connection is not working
Thanks for reporting. Does the same happen with iOS 16.1.1?
After updated To 16.1.1 my iphone8 no longer has cell service. Was on the phone with Apple for 2 hours and still not resolved. They are to call back this morning. Tried everything and last resort is to reset phone. I would hold off updating to 16.1.1 for a while to make sure they work out the bugs. At least I can text in WiFi mode
From which version have you updated to iOS 16.1.1? Are you using an eSIM or physical SIM?
15.7.1 to 16.1.1. Apple had me restore phone and the cellular did come back but now it seems to conflict with WiFi and now drops calls. I have disabled WiFi to see if that helps. Good grief
Physical sim
Are you perhaps using a VPN on your device. Another reader mentioned that she managed to fix cellular data not working after turning off the VPN provider.
my husband has an 11 pro max. Since update he has no internet connection even when at home. We have rebooted, reset, and jumped through all hoops and still no luck. Any advice welcome.
update to above comment, I fixed it!!! Disabled VPN and deleted now his phone is back
Thanks for the follow up Rachel. We will update your fix in the main content of the article. It might help others.
I updated my iPhone XS last night to iOS16.1.1 and now have an error message in Settings – Mobile saying : “An update is required to use mobile data on this iPhone”
“Your iPhone cannot access cellular data or make and receive calls or messages”
I have tried some of the suggestions above and still no access. I can use my wifi at home but as soon as I’m out I have no data access. Very frustrating!!!!
Thanks for reporting Michele. Can you please confirm from which version you updated? was it an 15.x iteration or you were already on 16.x?
Does it temporary fix it if you force restart your device?
Hi Patricia I’m not really sure as I didn’t pay attention to it before it automatically updated overnight. Sorry
No worries. Here are a few troubleshooting options:
https://www.iphonetricks.org/update-is-required-to-use-mobile-data-ios-16/
Let us know if something helps.
Hi Patricia, I’m not sure as I really didn’t pay attention before it updated automatically overnight.
I have had no success with any sort of restart. Hubby is going to back up my phone and try to see how we go today. I’ll keep you updated
Ok. Keep us updated.
Sooo I currently have the ip13 and I did the 16.1.1 update last night and since I have also not been able to connect to my cellular provider after being on wifi. I will try the soft restart right now. Hopefully that works 🤞 please fix this!! It’s frustrating, thanks!
Thanks for reporting. Let us know if you managed to fix it.
I also updated my iPhone XS last night to iOS16.1.1 (I was two updates behind i think before tbaf) and now have an error message in Settings – Mobile error saying : “An update is required to use mobile data on this iPhone”
“Your iPhone cannot access cellular data or make and receive calls or messages”
I have tried some of the suggestions above and still no access. I can use my wifi at home but can only txt other phones that are Apple. Can’t make or receive phone calls. And have to message android phones with Facebook messenger. Incredibly frustrating as I am a single parent with no working phone in the house.
Thanks for the feedback Adrienne. Have you checked this article too?
https://www.iphonetricks.org/update-is-required-to-use-mobile-data-ios-16/
My iphone 13 pro max ios 16.1.1 with issue of cellular that’s caused mobile data connection lost frequently. It seems no workaround can help
Thanks for the feedback. Have you tried to change your SIM card?
Hi folks so I am pleased to report a fix.
Resetting the network settings was only giving me a few hours of reprieve until it failed again.
So I did a full back up then factory reset/delete the device and restored it from the back up.
All good so far a few days later.
The exercise took a few hours but it seems to have worked.
That’s great news Scott. Thanks for sharing. We will update your fix in the main content of the article. Let’s hope that it will work for others too.
Updated to ios16.1.1 and now I have no mobile data, tried reboot and numerous other things but no mobile data even yhoough the 4g icon is on screen.
Have you tried to Reset All Network settings.
If that doesn’t help either try to clean install iOS 16.1.1. Scott confirmed that this worked from him. Here is how to:
https://www.iphonetricks.org/reinstall-ios-16-on-iphone-ipad-how-to/
Yes have the same issue with loss of cellular network access after a 16.1.1 upgrade on the weekend 19th/20th November. I have a iPhone 8 Plus. Took it in to the Apple Store in Chermside (Brisbane) last night and we did a full uninstall & restore off of IOS 16.1.1. This did not fix the problem so was offered the opportunity to buy a replacement phone of the same model or upgrade my phone. I don’t believe anybody raised the problem with Apple and I was dealing with the Supervisor. This phone was working perfectly until this upgrade and I am reluctant to upgrade the phone to a new one after reading this article. I went to our cellular network to check the physical sim and to be safe we had replaced it before I went to the Apple Store. I have an old Apple 5 that I recharged and took with me to the Apple Store, dropped the sim in and it works. Definitely a 16.1.1 issue. Please help!!!
Thanks for the detailed feedback Brad. The only option we see at the moment is to downgrade to iOS 15.6 RC and see if that helps. Here are the steps:
https://www.iphonetricks.org/downgrade-ios-16-1-to-15-7-1-how-to-guide/
Thanks Patricia I will give that a go. By the way I had a brief few minutes today where it connected to 4G but the response was extremely slow and then list the network. Very strange behaviour indeed.
No problem. Keep us updated and don’t hesitate to ask if you have any other issues.
I have iPhone 13pro and the 16.1.1 didn’t fix anything either. It’s sad that every time I want to use the phone at work I have to try to reboot it and even that isn’t helping much anymore. It’s completely unreliable and beyond frustrating to have a phone that never connects if I try everything known to fix it.
In this case I recommend you to downgrade to iOS 15 as shown here:
https://www.iphonetricks.org/downgrade-ios-16-1-to-15-7-1-how-to-guide/
Updated IOS of my iphone 13 pro max to IOS 16.1.1 and noticed some apps (i.e. American airlines) were not working. Some apps was showing me a message saying I had no internet and american airlines app was not downloading my boarding pass. WhatsApp was taking 1 hr to show new messages. I was, however, connected to my wifi at home. I was able to navigate to websites but everything was extremely slow. I followed the steps from another user and worked. No issues now.
Steps:
1) turned on airplane mode,
2) turned off airplane mode,
3) turned off cellular data,,
4) tried to login to american airlines app and it didn’t show the “no internet” message anymore.
5) Turned cellphone data back on
Problem fixed. Everything seems to be working fine.
Update: Just to add something. I have two iPhones 13 pro max and this issue only happened in one of my iPhones. The steps above did fix the issue on my iPhone. I hope that helps.
Thanks for the detailed feedback Gina. We’re updating this troubleshooting method in the main content of the article.
hey, my name is jose I have an iPhone 11, and I update my phone to the IOS 16.1. I used to be able to go to my cellar data on my phone and be able to change it to 3G but now after the update that feature isn’t available anymore. Is this normal?
Yes, No more 3G option here either. The network has been deprecated and isn’t an option anymore.
No cellular data after my iPhone SE 2nd gen updated itself from ios15 to iOS 16.1.1. I kept checking for updates & updated it to 16.1.2 then later to 16.2. I’ve tried all the tricks I’ve seen online except for the backup factory reset option. Nothing works even temporarily. When will Apple fix this?
Are you using a physical seem or eSim? I assume that cellular calls are also not working? Have you tried to change the SIM in case you’re using a physical one?
Am using physical SIM. Cell calls work fine, just no data. I have ejected & replaced the same SIM, but not replaced it with another.
Thanks for the follow up. Not sure what else to suggest at the moment. Let us know if you have any breakthrough.