iOS 18's enhanced 5G performance delivers faster speeds and more reliable connectivity. It's a welcome upgrade whether or not you always use Wi-Fi. I found this very exciting, so you can imagine how disheartening it was to discover that cellular data was not working.
Network issues often stem from outdated carrier settings, misconfigured APN details, and conflicts with VPN services. Troubleshooting can feel tricky as seemingly unrelated symptoms could mask these problems. I found it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause. Here are the troubleshooting steps you should try to restore connectivity fast.
It's likely an update glitch with your carrier's network. However, it could also stem from outdated carrier settings, incorrect APN configurations, wonky geo-restrictions, and damaged SIM cards. Understanding these specific causes is key for efficient, targeted troubleshooting.
iOS 18 came with a range of new features, but as with any major update, it also introduced a few new bugs. Unfortunately, the only solution here is to wait for the next stable version to drop. Apple typically irons out known glitches in iOS point releases.
Your iPhone needs a properly seated and functional SIM card to connect to the carrier's network. Otherwise, it won't be able to receive and send texts/calls or access cellular data.
The Network Settings section controls your Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular data connection. Even minor misconfigurations can disrupt these functions. Instead of manually sifting through your DNS settings, proxy, APN settings, and cellular data options, it's faster to reset everything. Don't worry -- data outside of your network settings will remain untouched.
VPNs route your internet traffic through servers in different locations, which is great for bypassing geo-restrictions. However, this can backfire if your cellular data is routed through a restricted region. Slow, lagging VPNs could also slow down your connection and make it seem like your cellular data is malfunctioning.
As a last resort, consider factory resetting your device. It's a drastic yet fast way to undo any feature that's interfering with your cellular data. Remember to back up your data beforehand.
Contact your carrier because their servers might be down. You can also reach out to Apple Support for guidance on more specific software-related troubleshooting steps. For hardware issues, you'll have to send in your device for repairs.