Are you receiving “Could Not Activate Cellular Data Network” errors when trying to access your apps or the internet? This is a common issue that you can resolve from your phone, so don’t worry.
In this article, we provide comprehensive instructions on how to fix this problem on your iPhone 12 or 12 Pro. Most iPhone versions can benefit from these tips, though the option names may differ slightly.
Table of Contents
Could Not Activate Cellular Data Network — What to Do
There are a variety of reasons why your service might be interrupted, from a setting on your handset to a faulty SIM card.
Here are a few common, proven fixes you can try. Connect to the Wi-Fi after each tip and wait a few seconds to see if it works.
- Don’t let your phone go into Airplane mode
- Switch on your cellular data
- Ensure your iOS version is up-to-date
- You need to toggle your LTE data button off and on again
- Update your carrier settings
- Your network settings need to be reset
- Your phone needs to be restarted
- Your SIM card needs to be replaced.
You may need to contact your carrier provider if none of these solutions work.
Could Not Activate Cellular Data Network on iPhone 12
We’ll now go through the steps for applying each tip to your iPhone 12.
Note: Before trying these fixes, make sure you back up your phone’s data.
Make Sure You’re Not in Airplane Mode
Check that your phone is not in Airplane mode by doing the following:
- Go to “Settings.”
- You should have the “Airplane Mode” toggle grayed out.
Make Sure Your Cellular Data Is Switched On
To check your data is switched on, first ensure your area has cellular coverage, then do the following:
- Go to “Settings” > “Cellular” > “Cellular Data Options.”
- It should be green/on when the toggle switch is flipped.
When traveling internationally, make sure your phone is set up for data roaming. Here’s how:
- Go to “Settings” > “Cellular” > “Cellular Data Options” > “Data Roaming.”
- It should be green/on when the toggle switch is flipped.
Ensure You Have the Latest iOS Version Installed
The latest iOS version can be updated by following these steps:
- To update the software, go to “Settings” > “General” > “Software Update.”
- This will check for updates. Follow the onscreen instructions to download and install it if one is available.
Toggle Your LTE Data Button Off Then On Again
- Go to “Settings” and select “Cellular Data.”
- Slide the toggle button at “Cellular Data”:
- Grey/off is to the left.
- To the right, green/on.
Check for a Carrier Settings Update
Follow these steps to check for and install a settings update:
- Go to “Settings” > “General” > “About.”
- Next to Carrier, you can see the current version of your carrier settings.
- Your carrier settings will be updated if there is a new update.
Note: You will need to download the new carrier settings if you change your SIM card.
Reset Your Network Settings
You can reset the network settings on your iPhone 12 by following these steps:
- Go to “Settings” > “General” > “Reset” > “Reset Network Settings.”
The Wi-Fi networks and passwords, VPN, APN, cellular settings, and previous settings will also be reset.
Restart Your Phone
Restart your iPhone 12 by following these steps:
- The power-off slider button will appear when you hold down either volume button with the side button.
- Wait for your phone to turn off after you drag the button to the right.
- The Apple logo appears when you hold the side button on the right side of your phone.
- Make sure your SIM card is working
Make sure your SIM card is not damaged or inserted incorrectly by taking it out and inspecting it. Using a cotton swab or blowing on it, gently clean it before reinserting.
Could Not Activate Cellular Data Network on iPhone 12 Pro
Let’s now go over the steps for applying each tip to your iPhone 12 Pro. In summary, the steps are the same for activating data on an iPhone 12:
Note: It’s a good idea to back up your phone’s data before trying these fixes.
Make Sure You’re Not in Airplane Mode
Check that your phone is not in Airplane mode by doing the following:
- Click on “Settings.”
- You should have the “Airplane Mode” toggle grayed out.
Make Sure Your Cellular Data Is Switched On
To check your data is switched on, first ensure your area has cellular coverage, then do the following:
- Go to “Settings” > “Cellular” > “Cellular Data Options.”
- It should be green/on when the toggle switch is turned on.
When traveling internationally, make sure your phone is set up for data roaming. In order to do this:
- Go to “Settings” > “Cellular” > “Cellular Data Options” > “Data Roaming.”
- It should be green/on when the toggle switch is flipped.
Make Sure You Have the Latest iOS Version Installed
The latest iOS version can be updated by following these steps:
- Click on “Settings” > “General” > “Software Update.”
- This will check for updates. Follow the onscreen instructions to download and install it if one is available.
Toggle Your LTE Data Button Off Then On Again
- Go to “Settings” and select “Cellular Data.”
- Sliding the toggle button at “Cellular Data” will enable it.
- Grey/off is to the left.
- Next, turn the green/on switch to the right.
Check for a Carrier Settings Update
Follow these steps to check for and install a settings update:
- Go to “Settings” > “General” > “About.”
- Next to Carrier, you can see the current version of your carrier settings.
- Your carrier settings will be updated if there is a new update.
Note: You will need to download the new carrier settings if you replace your SIM.
Reset Your Network Settings
Reset the network settings on your iPhone 12 Pro by following these steps:
- Go to “Settings” > “General” > “Reset” > “Reset Network Settings.”
The Wi-Fi networks and passwords, VPN, APN, cellular settings, and previous settings will also be reset.
Restart Your Phone
Restart your iPhone 12 Pro by following these steps:
- The power-off slider button will appear when you hold down either volume button with the side button.
- Wait for your phone to turn off after you drag the button to the right.
- The Apple logo appears when you hold the side button on the right side of your phone.
Check Your SIM Card
Inspect your SIM card to see if it has been damaged or inserted incorrectly. You can gently clean it by using a cotton swab or blowing on it before reinserting it.
Could Not Activate Cellular Data Network on Verizon.
An error like this could result from a phone setting, a cellular setting, or a software update.
You can try the tips outlined in the article “Could Not Activate Cellular Data Network – What to Do” at the beginning.
The Verizon support team can assist if the error persists.
Could Not Activate Cellular Data Network on AT&T
An error like this could result from a phone setting, a cellular setting, or a software update.
You can try the tips outlined in the article “Could Not Activate Cellular Data Network – What to Do” at the beginning.
You can contact AT&T support if you still see the error.
Could Not Activate Cellular Data Network on Sprint
An error like this could result from a phone setting, a cellular setting, or a software update.
You can try the tips outlined in the article “Could Not Activate Cellular Data Network – What to Do” at the beginning.
Please contact Sprint support if you still see the error.
Could Not Activate Cellular Data Network PDP Authentication Failure
The “PDP Authentication Failure” error message could indicate that your phone didn’t receive the right settings to automatically connect to the internet. To resolve the issue, try the following:
- Your phone needs to be restarted
- For a few seconds, switch your phone to airplane mode
- You can try resetting your network settings by following these steps:
Go to “Settings” > “General” > “Reset” > “Reset Network Settings.”
Additional FAQs
Why Is My Cellular Data Not Working on My iPhone?
A faulty SIM card or a setting on your handset can cause your service to be interrupted.
You can fix this problem by following the tips listed below. Refer to the “Could Not Activate Cellular Data Network” section of this article for detailed instructions on how to implement each tip using an iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 pro.
- Make sure Airplane mode isn’t on
- Make sure your cellular data is turned on
- Install the latest iOS version
- Toggle your LTE data button off and on again
- Update the carrier settings if necessary
- You may need to reset your network settings
- Your phone needs to be restarted
- Your SIM card needs to be replaced.
To rule out any problems with your plan, contact your carrier provider if none of the above work.
How to Activate My Cellular Network?
From your iPhone, follow these steps to activate/refresh your cellular network:
- For grey/off, access “Settings” > “Cellular” and slide the Cellular Data switch to the left.
- Wait 30 seconds after accessing the home screen.
- Next, go to “Settings” > “Cellular” and slide the Cellular Data switch to the right.
What does the Apple activation error mean?
Occasionally, you will receive an error stating that the Apple activation server is unavailable. There have been times when Apple’s activation servers have struggled to keep up with demand following the release of a new iPhone. Users would have to wait for their activation in this case.
There is also a possibility that this error is caused by hardware failure. If you’ve tried all the steps above, you may want to contact Apple. It’s possible your carrier will replace the phone (if it’s within the return period), but Apple should be able to clarify this matter.
Your Cellular Data Is Now Activated!
You were unable to activate your cellular data network on your iPhone – a common problem with several common fixes available. You will usually be able to enjoy the benefits of cellular data after refreshing or updating your cellular or software settings.
We’d like to know which of the tips above fixed your cellular data problem now that we’ve shown you how. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.