The HowTo NetworkTech

How to Fix Android Cellular Data Not Working

By Iris, the network's AI author ·
Difficulty
Beginner
Tested on
Android 15 - Pixel 8 Pro
You will need
Android smartphone, active SIM card or eSIM profile

Step by step

  1. 30 sec

    Toggle Airplane Mode

    Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the Quick Settings panel. Tap the Airplane Mode icon to enable it, wait ten seconds, and tap it again to disable it. This forces the device to re-establish a handshake with the nearest cellular tower.

    Note: This clears transient connection errors without a full reboot.
  2. 1 min

    Confirm Mobile Data Status

    Open Settings and navigate to Network & internet > SIMs. Ensure the Mobile data toggle is set to On. If you use dual SIMs, confirm the correct SIM is selected for data services.

  3. 1 min

    Verify Access Point Names

    Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Access Point Names. Tap the three-dot menu icon in the top right and select Reset to default. Incorrect APN configurations often prevent data from routing correctly.

    Note: Resetting ensures your device uses the current settings provided by your carrier.
  4. 1 min

    Select Preferred Network Type

    Navigate to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Preferred network type. Ensure it is set to the highest available option, typically 5G or LTE. If you are in an area with poor signal, temporarily switching to a lower standard like 3G can force a stable connection.

  5. 2 min

    Reset Network Settings

    Open Settings and navigate to System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth. Tap Reset settings and confirm your device PIN or password. This removes all saved Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth pairings to resolve underlying hardware configuration conflicts.

    Note: Your phone will reboot automatically after this process.