Is mobile data not working on Android? Try these 8 quick fixes

Estimated reading time: 1 minute

You cannot be connected to the internet whenever you are out and about with your Android phone. Probably, a setting that was put in place when the application was built is now the culprit. Let’s talk about how to fix that and several other items to get your phone to connect to mobile data again.

Note

It depends on the model of the phone that you use, and the following are the steps to follow. The steps in this guide are based out from a Samsung Galaxy phone, though the general procedure should be followed in any Android phone.

1. Set the Correct SIM for Mobile Data

If your phone supports two Sims and is active, be certain you are connecting to the right SIM for the mobile data. This is because Android accords flexibility such that the user will have to select which SIM should be used in accessing the internet. Perhaps, it is at this location that the SIM card without an internet plan may be chosen.

To rectify this, go to Settings on your phone, find ‘Connections’, then ‘SIM Manager’, and then ‘Mobile Data.’ This then allows you to tap the selected SIM that has an internet plan so that it may be used for internet on your phone.

Wait a few seconds, and your phone should have internet access.

2. Make Sure You Haven’t Exceeded Your Mobile Data Limit

If you’re on a limited internet data plan, ensure you haven’t exceeded the allowed data limit. Some carriers allow you to continue using the internet at a fee even after you’ve used up the allowed data, while others forbid internet access.

Check your account with your carrier and see what the limit is and if you’re over that limit. If you aren’t sure how to access your account details, check out your carrier (like MTN, AIRTEL, GLO and 9Mobile)’s website to find their contact details.

3. Turn Off the Wi-Fi on Your Phone

If you’ve enabled Wi-Fi on your phone, turn it off and see if cellular data works. This is because your phone might be switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data to find and use the best internet route.

To disable Wi-Fi, pull down twice from the top of your phone’s screen and tap the Wi-Fi icon. Then, check if your mobile data works. Later, you can re-enable Wi-Fi by pulling down twice from the top of your phone’s screen and tapping the same Wi-Fi icon.

4. Toggle Mobile Data Off and On

Turning off and on the mobile data occasionally can work wonders to eliminate minor problems. In other words, it provides your phone with a new opportunity to Renew its Internet connection.

To this end, tap on the settings app on your smartphone and hit the ‘connections’ tab, then data usage to access the data options. On the next screen, you need to uncheck the “Mobile Data” switch. This disables cellular data.

Wait for about ten seconds and turn the “Mobile Data” toggle back on. Your phone should now be connected to the internet.

• Tips on how to make your Android’s battery last more than a day
• NCC directs Glo, MTN, others to block SIMs without NIN
• Voice subscriptions dip as NIN-SIM linkage bites
• MTN Nigeria closes offices nationwide following customers’ protests over NIN-SIM linkage
• 10 Gadgets every Nigerian should have in 2024

5. Enable and Disable Airplane Mode

Switching on the aeroplane mode snaps or separates your phone and re-establishes it with all the networks. This comprises the wireless fidelity networks and also the cellular network. This is a good troubleshooting tip to use when your phone doesn’t connect to the Internet or can’t make a phone call.

To do this, drag down twice from the top of the screen of the phone and tap on the flight symbol. This mutes your phone calls and shifts them to the aeroplane mode. Wait for about five seconds and then tap the same flight icon for the second time. You’ve now disabled aeroplane mode, moreover, if you want me to enable it press the button on the device labelled aeroplane mode.

6. Deactivate and Reactivate the SIM Card

To solve minor SIM issues, deactivating, and re-activating the said SIM card that has internet access is advised. This is as close to removing the SIM card and placing it back as possible with actual toggling of its state outside of the card itself.

To do this, you must open the “Settings” on your device and go to the “Connections” tab followed by the “SIM Manager” for the SIM settings. After that, the toggle beside the small SIM card that enables you to use the internet should also be switched off. This in turn disables the chosen SIM card on your phone.

7. Manually Choose the Network Provider

By default, Android automatically chooses the suitable carrier for the inserted SIM card. However, when you have trouble using the internet, choose your carrier manually.

Do that by opening Settings and tapping “Connections.” Then, select “Mobile Networks.” Turn off the “Select Automatically” toggle so your phone doesn’t choose a network automatically.

Wait a while, and you’ll see available networks. Select the suitable network on the list.

8. Reset Your Phone’s Network Settings

When all other troubleshooting solutions have been attempted and cannot produce a positive result, the issue might be with your phone’s network settings. Changing these settings can solve the issue in question, I experienced this problem and I decided to reset the settings. It is useful to perform a reset because it clears the list of saved Wi-Fi networks and connected Bluetooth devices, although the items can be connected again.

Usually to reset the network settings, go to settings, then general management and choose the reset option. Select “Reset Network Settings” and then tap on “Reset Settings.”

Confirm the action by tapping “Reset.” Then, see if mobile data works.

Well, there you have it, that is how you can fix your Android devices cellular internet connection. Hopefully, at least. As a last resort, you may have to hard reset your phone, this erases all the data on the phone. Good luck!