Mobile data (also called “wireless” or cellular data lets you get online when you’re not on Wi-Fi connection. Thus, if cellular data isn’t working on your iPhone after iOS 18 update, you won’t be able to connect to the Internet unless there is Wi-Fi. Thankfully, Many iOS 18 cellular data issues are easy to fix. Below, I’ve provided several troubleshooting steps you could try to see if you can get back online.
Fixing the iOS 18 cellular data issues
Here are easy ways to fix your iPhone when your cellular data isn’t working after iOS 18 update.
Turn off your Wi-Fi
Sometimes your iPhone can get caught between a Wi-Fi network and cellular, and stick with Wi-Fi even when that’s the wrong choice. If you are outside your home, for example, you might be just outside the practical range of your Wi-Fi network, and your iPhone should switch over to mobile data. But because the phone can still connect to your Wi-Fi network — barely — it stays connected, even though it can’t exchange any data. The remedy? Head to Settings > Wi-Fi then turn off Wi-Fi if it’s not already.
Toggle Airplane mode
Turning your iPhone’s connection off and then back on is the quickest and easiest way to try and fix cellular data problems on iOS 18.
You can access Airplane mode from the Control Center, but that varies depending on which iPhone model you own. If you have iPhone XR or newer, swipe down from the top-right corner to access the Control Center. On iPhone SE (2nd generation) or newer, swipe up from the bottom of the screen. Then tap the Airplane mode icon, which will turn orange when it’s enabled. Please wait about 10 seconds before turning it off.
Toggle your Mobile Data setting
Similarly, you can control your iPhone’s mobile data from the Control Center, and it’s possible that it was accidentally toggled off even if Airplane mode is not enabled.
Simply launch the Control Center and ensure the cellular icon is green, not grey, to indicate it’s on and ready to use. You can also do this by going to Settings, Cellular then flipping the Cellular Data switch to on.
Install the latest iOS 18 update
Apple frequently release software updates to fix bugs. There is possibility Apple has already released a new version of iOS 18 addressing the data problem you are facing. To check, go to the Settings app, tap General, and then Software Update. If a new iOS 18 update is available, tap Update Now and follow the on screen instructions.
Check for a carrier setting update
Although unlikely, it’s sometimes possible that your phone’s carrier settings might be to blame for your lack of data connectivity. That’s especially true if your cellular provider updated its configuration after the iOS 18 update and the changes failed to update automatically on your phone for some reason.
To fix this, go to the Settings app, tap General, and then About. If a carrier update is available, you’ll be prompted to install it. This should fix your cellular data issues. Please ensure you’re connected to Wi-Fi to download the update.
Check your SIM card
Another step that might resolve your iOS 18 data issue is to remove your SIM card, if your iPhone has one, and then reinsert it with the phone turned on. If the SIM card is dirty, clean it. If you notice any physical defects on the card, request for a replacement from your carrier. A damaged SIM card can cause connectivity issues, and getting a new one can solve the problem.
Using a SIM card tool or paper clip or sewing needle, Remove the SIM card from your iPhone, check to see if it’s damaged and positioned in the SIM tray correctly, then put it back in your phone.
If your iPhone has an eSIM — that is, an embedded electronic SIM in your phone — there’s nothing for you to remove. The best you can do is restart your iPhone.
Restart your iPhone
iPhones are miniature computers, and just like computers, sometimes you can fix issues like network connection by simply restarting them, and only takes a few minutes to shut it off and then turn it back on again.
On the iPhone Xr and newer models, hold down the Side button and either one of the volume buttons and then swipe right on the power slider to turn off the device. Wait until it fully turns off, then press down on the Side button to turn it back on.
If your iPhone has a home button, hold down the sleep/wake button until the power slider is displayed and then drag the slider to the right. Once the device is turned off, press and hold the sleep/wake button until you see the Apple logo.
If a regular restart doesn’t work, you can perform a force restart instead. To do this, press the volume up button, followed by the volume down button and then press and hold the side button. Keep holding it down, release after your phone’s screen goes black and until you see the Apple logo appear again.
Temporarily turn off your VPN
If cellular data is not working on your iPhone while using a VPN (virtual private network), temporarily turning off your VPN might help resolve the issue. VPNs reroute your internet traffic through remote servers, which can conflict with your local network settings. Turning off the VPN on your iPhone allows your phone to connect directly to the network. If cellular data start working after turning off the VPN, the VPN might be the source of the issue and not iOS 18.
Head to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management > VPN, then toggle the “VPN status” switch to “Not connected.”
Reset your network settings
If you are still having this problem, it could be a result of corruption in your iPhone’s network settings. Resetting network settings can quickly solve this issues by restoring your iPhone’s network configurations to their factory settings. Please note, resetting your network settings will also reset any saved Wi-Fi passwords, VPN connections, Bluetooth and APN settings.
Head to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset and then tap Reset Network Settings.
Contact your phone carrier
Sometimes cellular data issues can only be resolved by your wireless carrier. Carriers can check your account for issues like billing problems or service restrictions that might affect your data connection. Fixing these account issues can restore your service if it’s been suspended or limited.
Wait for a new iOS 18 Update
Sometimes, all you can do is wait. If you’ve tried everything and are still having cellular data issues on your iPhone, it’s possible Apple is aware of the issue and is working towards resolving it. You can submit a report detailing your experience on the Apple Feedback website while you wait, and keep an eye on Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone for new iOS 18 versions.