Is your Samsung Galaxy phone, running on the latest Android 14 and One UI 6.1, suddenly refusing to connect to the internet via mobile data? You’re not alone! Many users have encountered similar issues, especially after recent software updates1. But don’t worry, this comprehensive guide will walk you through a series of troubleshooting steps to get your mobile data back up and running.
Common Causes of Mobile Data Issues
Mobile data connectivity problems can stem from a variety of sources. Here are some of the most common culprits:
Software-related issues:
- Software glitches: Recent software updates or corrupted app data can interfere with mobile data functionality.
- Outdated software: Older software versions might have bugs that affect mobile data performance.
- Issues with Google services: Problems with Google services, such as outdated versions or temporary outages, can also affect mobile data2.
Network-related issues:
- Network settings: Incorrect Access Point Name (APN) settings or network mode preferences can disrupt the connection.
- Carrier network issues: Outages or poor coverage in your area can temporarily disable mobile data access.
- Data limit reached: If you’ve exceeded your monthly data allowance, your carrier might have temporarily restricted your data access.
- Airplane mode enabled: Accidentally leaving Airplane mode on will disable all wireless connections, including mobile data.
- One UI 6.1 update: The One UI 6.1 update might have removed the option to switch to 2G/3G networks, which could cause problems in areas with limited 4G/5G coverage3.
Account and app-related issues:
- Account or billing issues: Problems with your mobile plan or account status can also affect data connectivity.
- Power saving mode: Power saving mode can sometimes restrict background data usage, leading to connectivity issues.
- Background data restrictions: Certain apps might have restricted background data usage, preventing them from accessing the internet when not actively in use.
Hardware-related issues:
- SIM card problems: A damaged or improperly inserted SIM card can prevent your device from connecting to the mobile network.
- Hardware problems: In rare cases, a faulty antenna, problems with the charging port (which is connected to the antenna cable and SIM reader), or other hardware components can cause persistent data connectivity issues3.
Troubleshooting Steps
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| No mobile data connection | Check Mobile Data is On: Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Quick panel and check if Mobile data is on4. |
| Check for Software Updates: Go to Settings > Software update > tap on Download and install5. | |
| Restart your phone: Press and hold the Volume down and Power buttons at the same time for at least 7 seconds > Tap Restart > Tap Restart again to confirm your selection6. | |
| Toggle Airplane Mode: Turn Airplane mode on and off to reset network connections7. | |
| Reinsert the SIM card: Turn off your phone, remove the SIM card from the SIM card tray, and reinsert it, making sure to properly align the card with the tray6. | |
| Reset Network Settings: Go to Settings > General management > Reset > Reset network settings > Check the on-screen information and tap Reset settings > Tap Reset5. | |
| Reset APN Settings: Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Access Point Names > Tap the Menu icon > Reset to default8. | |
| Contact your carrier: If you tried the methods listed above but you are still unable to use mobile data with your device, you may be experiencing a cell coverage issue9. | |
| Slow mobile data speeds | Check your mobile plan: Ensure you haven’t exceeded your data limit2. |
| Check network coverage: You may be in an area with poor signal strength5. | |
| Clear app cache: Go to Settings > Apps > Select the app > Storage > Clear cache10. | |
| Disable data saver: Go to Settings > Connections > Data usage > Data saver11. | |
| Change network mode: Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network mode > Select a different network mode (e.g., 4G instead of 5G)12. | |
| Check for carrier settings updates: Go to Settings > About phone > Check for updates13. | |
| Apps not working on mobile data | Check background data restrictions: Go to Settings > Apps > Select the app > Mobile data > Allow background data usage14. |
| Disable power saving mode: Go to Settings > Battery and device care > Battery > Power saving mode15. |
Sources
1. Mobile Data dropping after One UI 6.1 update (Samsung S24 Ultra), accessed on December 26, 2024, https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/galaxy-s24-series/mobile-data-dropping-after-one-ui-6-1-update-samsung-s24-ultra/td-p/10720749
2. Mobile data not working? Here are some solutions – Android Authority, accessed on December 26, 2024, https://www.androidauthority.com/mobile-data-not-working-869393/
3. S22 Ultra no service at all after One UI 6.1 updat… – Samsung Community – 2908575, accessed on December 26, 2024, https://us.community.samsung.com/t5/Galaxy-S22/S22-Ultra-no-service-at-all-after-One-UI-6-1-update/td-p/2908575
4. How to troubleshoot Mobile data issues | Samsung Caribbean, accessed on December 26, 2024, https://www.samsung.com/latin_en/support/mobile-devices/how-to-troubleshoot-mobile-data-issues/
5. How to troubleshoot Mobile data issues | Samsung UK, accessed on December 26, 2024, https://www.samsung.com/uk/support/mobile-devices/how-to-troubleshoot-mobile-data-issues/
6. How to fix the “No SIM Card Detected” error on Samsung Galaxy devices, accessed on December 26, 2024, https://www.samsung.com/sg/support/mobile-devices/how-to-fix-the-no-sim-card-detected-error-on-samsung-galaxy-devices/
7. Samsung Phone Problems: Troubleshooting Guide – SimplyMac, accessed on December 26, 2024, https://www.simplymac.com/android/samsung-phone-problems
8. How to reset the APN settings to default on my Samsung smartphone – Bell Support, accessed on December 26, 2024, https://support.bell.ca/mobility/smartphones_and_mobile_internet/samsung-smartphone.how_to_reset_the_apn_settings_to_default
9. How to troubleshoot Mobile data issues | Samsung Singapore, accessed on December 26, 2024, https://www.samsung.com/sg/support/mobile-devices/how-to-troubleshoot-mobile-data-issues/
10. How do I clear the cache on my device? | Samsung UK, accessed on December 26, 2024, https://www.samsung.com/uk/support/mobile-devices/how-do-i-clear-the-cache-on-my-device/
11. THE FULLEST Guide to Solving Samsung Mobile Data Not Working – iToolab, accessed on December 26, 2024, https://itoolab.com/fix-android/samsung-mobile-data-not-working/
12. Issues with mobile network connection on Samsung phone or tablet, accessed on December 26, 2024, https://www.samsung.com/us/support/troubleshooting/TSG01212956/
13. Unable to connect to carrier data – Apple Support Community, accessed on December 26, 2024, https://discussions.apple.com/thread/251377291
14. Mobile Data is not working after the recent update. – Samsung Community, accessed on December 26, 2024, https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/galaxy-s23-series/mobile-data-is-not-working-after-the-recent-update/td-p/1096588715. Mobile data issues following update – Samsung Community, accessed on December 26, 2024, https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/galaxy-s22-series/mobile-data-issues-following-update/td-p/9713025
