Why Won’t My iPhone’s Cellular Data Connect?

You’ve set up your eSIM and completed activation, but still no data? This can be annoying, but don’t worry; many travelers run into this issue! Let’s walk through the common reasons and simple fixes to help you get online.

Possible Reasons for Connection Issues

Here’s a rundown of what might be causing the problem:

  • The phone could still be carrier-locked.
  • The eSIM may have expired, been disabled, or hasn’t been properly activated.
  • You could be trying to connect from an unsupported destination.
  • Network settings or the APN might be misconfigured.
  • There might be a weak signal, or your carrier’s network could be down temporarily.
  • Device software glitches can also disrupt connections.

Quick Fixes to Try

If you’re still asking, “Why isn’t my data working?” here are some easy steps to troubleshoot:

  1. Activate Your eSIM
    • Confirm your eSIM is active: Go to Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data and select your eSIM. Toggle Data Roaming on and disable any other active SIMs.
  2. Try Airplane Mode
    • Enable Airplane Mode for about 30 seconds, then turn it off. This can clear minor connection glitches.
  3. Manually Select a Network
      • Go to Settings > Cellular > eSIM > Network Selection, turn off Automatic, and try connecting to each network one-by-one until you find a stable signal.

  4. Switch to 4G/LTE
      • In Settings > Cellular > eSIM > Voice & Data, select 4G or LTE. This can be more reliable in areas where 5G is spotty.

  5. Reset Network Settings
      • If issues persist, reset network settings under Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. (Note: This removes saved Wi-Fi passwords and settings, so back them up first!)

Following these steps should get your eSIM data connection up and running. Safe travels!