If iPhone Cellular Data is not working after iOS 16 beta update, the most likely reason is that the system’s network settings are modified by iOS update, or the updated system itself has bugs. But in any case, as long as it’s not a hardware problem, you can fix it yourself. In this article, we will show you how to solve the problem of iPhone Cellular Data not working after iOS 16 update.
Some iOS 16 beta testers may find that cellular data is suddenly not working. The inability to transmit cellular data can seemingly happen spontaneously, and while you can typically still make or receive a phone call when this happens, you just can’t send or receive any data transmission for things like using the web, imessage, social media, or use online apps.
Obviously a cellphone is most useful when it has the capability of connecting to and using a cellular network, so if you’re experiencing an inability to use cellular data you’d be understandably perturbed.
The good news is that the vast majority of cellular data connection problems on iOS 16 are easy to fix, and most incidents are just the result of accidentally toggling a setting or two (or someone else accidentally doing so, like a kid fidgeting with a parents iPhone).
On top of the obvious issue where you are unable to get cellular data such as 5G, LTE, 4G, and 3G, you may see any of the following errors:
- Cellular Update Failed: Your iPhone cannot make and receive calls or access cellular data until it has been updated.
- An update is required to use cellular data on this iPhone.
- Could not activate cellular data network. Turn on cellular data or use Wi-Fi to access data.
This is just a subset of possible error messages. Depending on your situation, you may or may not be able to make and receive calls on top of not being able to access cellular data. Let’s jump right to it and troubleshoot non-functioning iOS 16 cellular data.
Simple solutions to fix cellular data not working on iOS 16
1. Disable and Enable Cellular Data
This is the easiest solution to fix Cellular data not working on iOS 16 issue. Disable and enable cellular data. Head over to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data. Tap the switch to turn it off. Wait a few seconds and again tap to turn it back on.
2. Restart your iPhone
This is also a simple solution to fix the problem of cellular data not working on iOS 16.
- On iPhone X, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13 or higher, hold down the Power and either of the Volume button until a power off slider appears.
- On iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus, hold down the Power button, then drag the power off slider to power off your iPhone. Once the screen turns off, hold down the Power button to power it back on.
3. Turn Airplane Mode on and off
This can sometimes help reset your cellular data. The toggle for Airplane Mode can be found right in your Settings app, or in Control Center.
4. Take out your SIM card and put it back in
Your iPhone SIM connects to your wireless carrier’s network. In some cases, ejecting and reinserting the SIM card helps to connect to cellular data in the right way thereby fixing Cellular data not working on iOS 16 issue.
Using a SIM tool or any alternative, pop out your sim card slot on the side of your iPhone, wait a few seconds, and then reinsert it.
Also, your Sim card could be damaged. In such a situation, reach out to your service provider to replace the SIM.
5. Reset your Network Settings
Is cellular data not working on iOS 16 still? It’s time to ‘Reset Network Settings’. Keep in mind, this will erase all of your saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN and APN settings. Simply follow these steps to reset network settings on iPhone:
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Enter your password when prompted.
6. Check for a carrier update
iPhone carrier providers such as AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon etc., frequently release updates. It is important to install these updates to enhance your cellular network efficiency.
You may see a notification on your iPhone asking you to install Carrier Settings Update, whenever a new update is available. However it’s possible to check and install carrier settings update manually.
To check for a carrier update, go to Settings > General > About. If a carrier or mobile update is available, a prompt will show up on your screen.
7. Update your iPhone to the latest iOS 16 beta
Updating your device to the latest iOS 16 beta version may fix glitches that may disrupt connection to cellular data in your iPhone. To update your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If it says that your software is up to date, then move on to the next solution.
8. Turn Off VPN
If you are using or are subscribed to a VPN on your iPhone, in some rare cases, it can also prevent your cellular signal from connecting. Having a VPN can be used for things like staying safe on public Wi-Fi or bypassing geo-restricted viewing restrictions. If your device is experiencing trouble connecting to cellular signal, disable your VPN temporarily and see if that helps resolve Cellular data not working on iOS 16 issue.
It might also help to disable the VPN by going into the VPN settings and toggling your app of choice to “off” and then doing a forced restart. With the forced restart, you can be sure that you are completely disconnected. Now see if your cellular data is working, and if not, move to the next solution.
9. Check date and time settings
Make sure that the date and time on your iOS 16 device are set correctly for your time zone. Here’s how:
Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
Tap on General.
Tap Date & Time.
If the date and time are incorrect, update them or turn on the option to set date and time automatically.
10. Contact your carrier
If you find cellular data not working on iOS 16 after trying the above steps, the issue could be at your mobile data carrier end. Try to reach out to your service provider to check about proper cellular settings or if any outages in your area that might be the cause of unresponsive iPhone cellular data.
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Cellular data not working after iOS 16 update? Problem fixed
These are the solutions to fix iOS 16 cellular data problem. As someone who has dealt with this issue firsthand, it can be very frustrating. Thankfully these steps have resolved the issue for many people.
Did our solutions fix your iOS 16 beta cellular data issue? Did another solution work that we didn’t mention? Drop a comment and let us know!
See also: Top 100+ New iOS 16 Features and Changes for iPhone
Rebecca Demjen says
I recently installed ios16 on my iphone 8. All is OK except the SIM is locked. When I go SIM CARD it won’t activate, no request for Sim pin, no option for entering one, just a message that I can unlock later in settings. Help!!! Thank you