iPhone is Unable to Use Mobile Data or WiFi: How to Fix Internet Issues

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Jenefey Aaron

Updated on 10/23/2024 / iPhone Tips

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Losing internet access on your iPhone can feel like hitting pause on everything important - and we’ve all been there. Whether it’s your mobile data that’s not working or a WiFi connection that just won’t cooperate, these issues are more than an inconvenience. But don’t worry! Most connectivity problems can be fixed with a few simple steps. In this guide, we’ll tell you what to do when your iPhone is unable to use mobile data or wifi.

Part 1: Why Is My iPhone Unable to Use Mobile Data or WiFi?

There are several reasons why your iPhone might struggle with connecting to the internet. These issues can occur with both WiFi and cellular data, leading to errors like “iPhone won’t connect to internet away from home” or “I have 4G but no internet connection iPhone.” Below are some common causes:

  • Network issues: Poor signal strength, network outages, or incorrect network settings could cause your iPhone to lose its connection.
  • Software bugs: Occasionally, software glitches in iOS updates can interfere with your iPhone’s ability to connect to mobile data or WiFi networks.
  • Data limits: If you’ve reached your mobile data limit, your carrier may throttle or cut off your connection.
  • WiFi conflicts: If your WiFi network is experiencing issues or too many devices are connected, your iPhone might struggle to maintain a stable connection.
  • Hardware problems: In rare cases, a malfunctioning antenna or SIM card could prevent your iPhone from connecting to the internet.

Part 2: How to Fix Cellular Data or WiFi Not Working on iPhone

Now that we’ve identified the potential causes, let us tell you how to fix cellular data on iPhone. Here are several methods you can use to troubleshoot and resolve internet connectivity issues on your iPhone.

Method 1: Restart Your iPhone and Network Equipment

Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective. Dealing with wifi not working on iPhone but working on other devices? Restarting your iPhone and the router can resolve temporary software glitches.

  • Hold the Side button and either Volume button, then slide to power off your iPhone.
  • force restart iphone
  • After a few seconds, power it back on by holding the Side button.
  • Unplug your WiFi router for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
  • Check if the internet connection has been restored.

Method 2: Reset Network Settings on Your iPhone

If your iPhone won’t connect to the internet away from home or experiences connectivity issues with both WiFi and cellular, resetting your network settings can refresh connections. This process doesn’t delete personal data but will remove stored WiFi passwords, so be prepared to re-enter them.

  • Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  • Tap Reset and choose Reset Network Settings.
  • Enter your passcode if required.
  • Confirm the reset and allow your iPhone to reboot.
  • Reconnect to WiFi and test the cellular connection.
  • reset network settings

Method 3: Check for Carrier Settings and iOS Updates

If your iPhone 13 cellular data not working, outdated carrier settings or iOS software might be the cause. It’s essential to keep your device updated.

  • Go to Settings > General > About.
  • If a Carrier Settings Update option appears, follow the instructions to update.
  • Next, check for an iOS update by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update.
  • reset network settings
  • If an iOS update is available, tap Download and Install, and follow the prompts. Make sure your device is plugged in and connected to WiFi for the download.

Once the iPhone reboots after the update, test the cellular connection to see if the issue is resolved.

Method 4: Toggle Airplane Mode or Reinsert SIM Card

When experiencing issues like having 4G but no internet connection, toggling Airplane Mode can help by forcing your iPhone to disconnect from all networks and reconnect from scratch.

  • Go to Settings.
  • Toggle on Airplane Mode icon to enable it, wait 10 seconds, then tap again to disable it.
  • airplane mode to fix iphone 16 stuck after cellular setup
  • If the issue persists, remove the SIM card using a SIM eject tool, clean it gently, and reinsert it.

Method 5: Disable VPN and Network-Specific Settings

Using VPNs or specific network configurations could interfere with your WiFi or cellular data. Try disabling these settings to check if the issue resolves.

  • Go to Settings > VPN & Device Management > VPN.
  • vpn device management
  • Toggle off any active VPNs.
  • Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options and reset your APN (Access Point Name) settings to default.

Part 3: Fastest and Easiest Solution When “iPhone is Unable to Use Mobile Data or WiFi”

While manual troubleshooting steps can often resolve internet connectivity issues on your iPhone, they can also be time-consuming and don't always get to the root of the problem. If your iPhone still won’t connect to mobile data or WiFi after trying the common methods, there’s a faster and more reliable solution available—Tenorshare ReiBoot.

ReiBoot offers a powerful and easy-to-use fix for a wide range of iPhone issues, including when your device struggles to connect to cellular data or WiFi. What sets ReiBoot apart is its ability to repair deep-rooted system problems without requiring any technical know-how. Whether your iPhone’s connectivity issues stem from software glitches, system crashes, or network settings errors, ReiBoot can address these problems in just a few clicks.

Here are the steps to follow:

  • Download and install Tenorshare ReiBoot on your computer. Connect your iPhone with the computer and launch ReiBoot. Click “Start Repair.”
  • launch reiboot
  • Click “Standard Repair.”
  • fix with reiboot
  • Once Tenorshare ReiBoot finds a firmware for your iPhone, choose, and click “Download.”
  • fix with reiboot
  • Click “Start Standard Repair.”
  • fix with reiboot
  • Click “Done.”
  • repair successfully

Part 4: FAQs About iPhone Connectivity Issues

Q1: Why is my iPhone not connecting to WiFi, but other devices are?

If your iPhone won’t connect to WiFi but other devices work fine, it could be a network settings issue, interference from VPNs, or a software glitch. Try resetting your network settings or restarting your device.

Q2: Why does my iPhone say I have 4G but no internet connection?

This often happens due to poor signal strength, network outages, or issues with your mobile data plan. Restarting your iPhone or checking for carrier updates can resolve this issue.

Q3: How do I fix cellular data not working on my iPhone?

First, ensure that cellular data is enabled in Settings > Cellular. If it’s on, try restarting your iPhone, resetting network settings, or reinserting the SIM card.

Q4: Why is my iPhone not connecting to the internet away from home?

Your iPhone may have trouble connecting to mobile data because of network congestion, carrier issues, or incorrect settings. Check for carrier updates or try toggling Airplane Mode.

Q5: Is there a way to check if my iPhone’s antenna is damaged?

If your iPhone consistently fails to connect to cellular networks or WiFi, a hardware issue may be to blame. You should contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for diagnostics.

Conclusion

When your iPhone is unable to use mobile data or wifi, it’s easy to feel stuck. But with a few simple troubleshooting steps, you can often get things back on track quickly. If you’ve tried everything else and nothing seems to work, Tenorshare ReiBoot could be the hassle-free solution you need. With its intuitive interface and quick results, you can save time and avoid unnecessary frustration.

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Fix 150+ iOS Issues, No Data Loss