4G LTE not working? How to FIX the issue in 7 steps

Has your 4G LTE connection let you down recently? Or has it stopped working altogether? Don’t worry! Before blowing up the customer support line of your cell carrier, there are various fixes that you can try.

4G LTE not working? How to FIX the issue in 7 steps

1. Turn airplane mode on and off

The most obvious fix sometimes is the most reliable one. If you are having trouble with your mobile data, one of the first things you should try to do is turn on and off the aircraft mode. You can do this simply by dragging down the notification bar and tapping the aircraft icon, or by using Settings.

Depending on your Android version and phone manufacturer, the paths may vary slightly, but usually, you can enable Airplane mode by going to Settings > Wireless & Networks > Airplane mode. Turn it on for at least a few seconds and then turn it off. Your 4G LTE connection problems will go away in many cases.

2. Restart your device

If you didn’t solve your problem by switching to airplane mode, it’s time for another tried and true step— restarting your device. Just press and hold your smartphone’s power button and tap Restart. Wait and turn it back on for a few seconds. Check your status icon, but also test your 4G LTE connection speed by opening a few websites or downloading a few smaller apps.

3. Make sure the right network mode is enabled

You should have at least three types of connections, 2G, 3G, and 4G LTE or just LTE, depending on your computer and carrier. Usually, when available, your phone will attempt to link to the fastest choice, but if you tinker with your settings or have lately installed an update, it may need to be manually adjusted. Here is how to do it:

• Go to Settings, then tap on Mobile Network.
• Select Network mode. A pop-up list of preferred modes will appear.
• Tap on the auto or LTE option.

Take out and readjust your SIM card

If the trick was not done by any of the above steps, the problem may be in an ill-positioned SIM card. Eject it and replace it carefully in its tray. Be careful to return it to your device. Your LTE connection should return to normal once you’re done.

Check if you’re using the correct SIM slot

Some dual-SIM phones support LTE only in one of the two SIM slots available. If you did not realize plugging the SIM into the incorrect one, it may stop LTE from working. Try to move the other slot to the SIM card.

Reset network settings

It’s time to take a slightly more drastic step if you tried all of the above, but nothing changed. Reset the configuration of your network. Here’s how you can do this: Head to Settings, then either discover Reset or Reset & Reset. Tap that.

Tap Reset network settings from the list. Keep in mind that this step will remove all network configurations, including saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth coupled phones, etc. Tap Reset Settings if you’re sure you want to continue.

If you have one, you’ll be asked to enter your PIN. Do this and confirm that your network settings have been reset.

Once you have done this, wait a few minutes— your phone should automatically pick up new network settings. If nothing happens, a good old reboot is always an option, but you should return to normal at the end of your LTE connection. The factory reset is also always an alternative, but if you have not attempted other measures first, do not resort to it.

Contact your cell carrier

It’s time to contact your cell carrier if you’ve attempted everything else on the list and nothing seemed to solve your issue. On social media, you can always do that, but sometimes a nice old-fashioned call could better solve your issues.