iOS 12/12.1 Cellular Data not Working? How to Fix

Apple users may from time to time see a “No Service” or “Searching” message on their mobile screens, which is an indication of iOS 12/12.1 cellular data not working. Resolving the iOS 12/12.1 cellular data issue is a simple procedure if you apply one of the fixes we provide below.

Author Avatar Joy Taylor Last Updated: Aug. 25, 2021
Cellular Data Not Working in iOS 12

Cellular Data Not Working in iOS 12

Telecoms use different technologies for transfer or voice and data over a network, while the network types differ greatly in their data transfer capabilities. Your carrier’s network technology may cause the iOS 12/12.1 cellular data issue or force cellular data to keep turning off on iOS 12.

You should know that simultaneous voice and data transfer on iPhone is possible only via UMTS cellular networks. Users may experience iOS 12/12.1 cellular data issues when using EDGE and GPRS networks that are unable to receive calls while transferring data. The same applies to cellular networks of the type 1xRTT. Also, you need an active phone or data plan in order to use cellular data.

In our article here, we share some possible solutions to the iOS 12/12.1 cellular data not working problem in case that someday you meet the cellular data issue.

Possible Reasons for iOS 12/12.1 Cellular Data not Working

You may experience issues with your iOS cellular data connection if the device settings are not properly configured. If cellular data keeps turning off on iOS 12, you may be in an area with no coverage but you can also have your SIM card not properly inserted. Other reasons for experiencing iOS 12 cellular data issues may include faulty updates or outdated software on your iOS device.

7 Tips for iOS 12/12.1 Cellular Data not Working

Try the following tips if your iOS 12 cellular data is not working or when cellular data keeps turning off on iOS 12.

Tip 1. Check Coverage Area

Step 1. Check if you have cellular coverage in your area.

Step 2. Select Settings and tap on Cellular.

Step 3. Check if On is selected.

Tip 2. Check Roaming Settings

Step 1. Select Settings and tap on Cellular.

Step 2. Select Cellular Data Options.

Step 3. Tap on Data Roaming.

Step 4. Check if the setting is On.

Tip 3. Restart Your iPhone

  • For iPhone X: Hold the Side button and either volume button> A slider appears > Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone X > Hold the Side button again to turn on.
  • For iPhone 8 or earlier: Hold the Top (or Side) button> A slider appears > Drag the slider to turn off your device > Hold the Top (or Side) button again until to turn on.

Tip 4. Check Carrier Settings Updates

Step 1. Connect to a Wi-Fi or cellular network.

Step 2. Select Settings and tap on General.

Step 3. Check if carrier updates are available. Note that Always download the carrier settings when you insert a new SIM card into your iOS device.

Tip 5. Remove the SIM Card

Step 1. Remove your SIM card.

Step 2. Check if the SIM card is damaged and/or fits properly.

Step 3. Insert SIM card.

Tip 6. Reset Network Settings

Step 1. Select Settings and tap on General.

Step 2. Select Reset and tap on Reset Network Settings.

You should be aware that this fix erases also your Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, as well as VPN and APN settings.

Tip 7. Contact Your Carrier

You can still need to contact your carrier if your iOS 12 cellular data is not working. Contacting your carrier will help you verify your account with them is active and operational. You should also check with your carrier if your device is set up with the right data plan and you are not prevented from receiving data and calls over cellular networks. If your cellular data keeps turning off on iOS 12, you should also check for possible network outages in your current area.

Share the tips to fix iOS 12 cellular data not working on iPhone iPad. And help people get out of this iOS issue.

In most cases, you will be able to restore cellular data back to normal operation using the above tips. But if your iOS 12 cellular data not working problem remains after you have applied any of the above fixes, you should definitely contact your carrier to see why the iOS 12/12.1 cellular data issue appear.

Author Avatar
Joy Taylor Twitter Share Facebook Share

Member of iMobie team as well as an Apple fan, love to help more users solve various types of iOS & Android related issues.

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