Published: August 20, 2026
If your iPhone internet is not working after an iOS update and the 4G, 5G, or LTE icon has also disappeared, then turn on Cellular Data. Hopefully, this small setting will solve your issue. Sometimes the setting may change after an update, so check that Cellular Data is turned on. Once you turn it on, the internet should start working again.
If the problem still remains, follow the next steps to fix it. This will also give you the knowledge that if you face the same issue next time, you can fix it immediately without searching for “Why is my cellular data not working?”
Why Does Cellular Data Stop Working on iPhone
Minor software glitches, old cached data after an update, Data Roaming being off, Airplane Mode being on, an expired data plan, outdated carrier settings, or a SIM card not placed properly can cause this issue.
If the network is still not working even after turning on the Cellular Data toggle, then try the following steps.
Quick Fix It in Just a Moment
Restart your iPhone. Hold the Side button along with either Volume button until the power-off slider appears, slide it, wait 30 seconds, and then turn the phone back on.
Go to Settings and toggle Airplane Mode on and off. Reset the Network Settings to refresh your network connection. If a new Carrier Settings Update is available, update it and restart your device.
If you have a physical SIM card, remove it and insert it again after trying the steps above. If the SIM is not sitting properly in the tray, it can also cause cellular data problems.
Why This Happens After an Update
Sometimes your carrier releases new settings after an iOS update. If these settings are not updated on your iPhone, cellular data may not work properly. Wi-Fi can still work normally because it does not use your carrier’s mobile network.
Unstable network verification can cause frequent connection dropouts and prevent essential background security certificates from syncing. This network disruption often leads to sideloaded apps not installing on mobile data, while continuous system retry attempts can also cause severe iOS battery drain until your cellular settings are stabilized.
Reset Network Settings
If the problem continues, you can reset your network settings.
Go to Settings, General, Transfer or Reset iPhone, Reset, Reset Network Settings. This does not delete your photos, apps, or messages. It removes saved Wi-Fi passwords and some network settings, so you will need to connect to your Wi-Fi networks again.
You can read Apple’s own troubleshooting steps for cellular issues on their official support page if you want to see the full list of checks they suggest.
Check the APN Settings
APN stands for Access Point Name. It is the setting your iPhone uses to connect to your carrier’s mobile data network. In some cases, an iOS update can reset APN settings, so you may need to enter them again.
Go to Settings, Cellular, Cellular Data Network. If you see this option and the APN details are empty or different from the information provided by your carrier, contact your carrier and get the correct APN settings before making any changes. Apple also says that incorrect APN settings can stop cellular data from working.
Not every iPhone will show the Cellular Data Network option. If you cannot find it or cannot edit the APN, you will need to contact your carrier.
Check Data Mode and LTE/5G Settings
Go to Settings, Cellular, Cellular Data Options and check Data Mode. If Low Data Mode is on, it can limit automatic updates and background activity that uses cellular data. You can switch it to Standard if you want your iPhone to use normal cellular data.
You can also open Voice & Data and check which option is selected. Depending on your iPhone, carrier, and plan, you may see 5G Auto, 5G On, or LTE. 5G Auto lets the iPhone switch between 5G and LTE when needed, while LTE keeps the phone on LTE even when 5G is available. It may not stop cellular data completely, but it can make some apps feel slower.
If You Have Dual SIM or eSIM
If your iPhone has two SIMs, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data and see which SIM is selected for mobile data. The SIM you want to use for internet should be selected there.
When to Contact Your Carrier
If you’ve gone through all of the above and cellular data still isn’t working, the update may not be the real cause — it could be a SIM card that needs re-provisioning on the carrier’s side, a local network issue in your area, or an account-level restriction. Your carrier can check this from their end, something no in-phone setting can fix.
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