How To Fix Cellular Data Not Working on iPhone 12

Can’t browse the web or use online apps since cellular data is not working on your iPhone 12? In this post, you will find some helpful solutions that would address cellular data not working on iPhone 12. Let us read further to find out what we can do to rectify the issue. 

How to Rectify an iPhone 12 with Cellular Data Not Working

A lot of factors could affect the cellular data connectivity on your iPhone 12 that would nullify its function. One common factor is a network glitch or system maintenance on your network provider’s end. We also cannot set aside the possibility of weak signals in the area due to interference such as thick walls or far network towers. 

If this is the first time you have encountered a problem when using the cellular data on your iPhone 12, make sure to contact your service provider as they could have an ongoing server maintenance on their end and it affects the cellular data service. 

If you will give them a call, also ask them if your current plan includes cellular data or if you still have an allowance with your data plan, especially if you are not into unlimited data. Once verifying the status of the cellular data service and you find out that there’s no problem on their end, follow the steps that I have provided below. 

First Solution: Reset your iPhone 12 

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As we use our phones, several issues could occur due to glitches caused by the bugs. They tend to affect our overall experience. If your cellular data has not been working for the first time, it might be a simple refresh that could eradicate this problem.

Performing a reset on your iPhone 12 should be easy as: 

  1. Press and hold the Power/Side button and either of the Volume buttons simultaneously for a few seconds. 
  2. Release both buttons once the Slide to Power off prompt appears on the screen.
  3. Drag the Power off slider to the right to turn off your phone.
  4. After 30 seconds, press and hold the Power/Side button again until you see the Apple logo.

You also have an alternative option as a force restart to refresh the phone’s system: 

  1. Press and release the Volume Up button quickly.
  2. Press and release the Volume Down button quickly. 
  3. Lastly, press and hold the Side button for a few seconds until you see the Apple logo.

After a successful boot up on your iPhone 12, test your cellular data to see if it is working this time. 

Second Solution: Refresh Connections on iPhone 12 With Airplane Mode

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If restarting the device did not fix the cellular data problem on your iPhone 12, then it is time to remove the possibility of a connection glitch caused by conflicts with the phone’s radio transmission through airplane mode. Enabling airplane mode will disable all radio transmissions on your device and enabling it will resume them, giving a quick connection refresh. 

This simple procedure can be effective in clearing connectivity problems like cellular data not working on iPhone 12. Here’s how: 

  1. Access Settings from the Home screen. 
  2. Check Airplane mode. If toggle is currently turned on, tap on it to switch it off. If not, tap the toggle to turn it on.
  3. While the Airplane mode is enabled, perform a soft reset on your device. 
  4. Wait for your phone to go back online after the reset then access Settings > Airplane mode. Tap the switch to disable the feature. 

Once connections are established, check out if the cellular data function has been restored on your iPhone 12.

Third Solution: Remove and Reinsert the SIM Card on iPhone 12

iphone 12 sim card tray 1

One of the effective ways to deal with connection problems that is related to network connectivity is to remove the SIM card on the device. This procedure will ensure that proper SIM has been installed and that there are no interference that could hinder the cellular data functionality such as dirt or dust. 

  1. Turn off your iPhone completely.
  2. Get the SIM ejector tool then insert it into the small hole on the SIM tray. The SIM tray is found on the side of your iPhone.
  3. Gently push the ejector tool until the tray pops out.
  4. Remove the SIM card from the tray and inspect it for any signs of damage like liquid traces and scratches. If there’s none, place the SIM card back into the tray in the same position and orientation before it was removed.
  5. Push the SIM card tray back into the phone until it’s locked.

Turn on the device once you have reinserted the tray properly. Then enable the cellular to test if it is working as intended. 

Fourth Solution: Reset Network Settings on iPhone 12

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To deal with network connectivity issues such as cellular data not working, you may need to revert all manually configured network settings to their default values and options. This procedure will ensure that it is not a misconfigured network settings that’s causing the cellular data to act up. Do not worry as your personal files won’t be affected with the process. 

  1. Access Settings from the Home screen. 
  2. Tap General.
  3. Scroll down to and then select Reset
  4. Tap the Reset Network Settings option.
  5. Enter your device passcode once prompted.
  6. Then tap to confirm network settings reset.

Set up necessary network settings and enable your cellular data to check if the issue has been resolved. 

Fifth Solution: Master Reset your iPhone 12

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Your last resort if all else fail is to delete all contents on the device. Sometimes, deleting all files and data on iPhone is essential to clear stubborn glitches that may hinder certain functions such as cellular data. Since personal information will be erased as well, you will need to create a backup prior to engaging with a factory reset on your iPhone 12. 

To create a backup via iTunes:

  1. Prepare a Mac or Windows computer with the latest iTunes installed.
  2. Connect your iPhone to the computer using the Apple-supplied USB/lightning cable. 
  3. Open iTunes on your computer. Then allow iTunes to sync with your iPhone and backup files.

If you are ready, follow these steps to do a factory reset: 

  1. Access Settings from the Home screen. 
  2. Tap General.
  3. Scroll down to and then select Reset
  4. Tap the Erase all contents and settings option.
  5. Enter your device passcode once prompted.
  6. Then tap to confirm all settings reset.

Once you have initiated a successful factory reset, enable necessary settings on your iPhone 12 and check if  you are able to use the cellular data function this time. 

Still Having a Cellular Data Not Working on iPhone 12

Should the cellular data still not work on your iPhone 12 up to this point, then it is time to consult this matter to official channels. You will need to contact both Apple support and your carrier provider to resolve the problem. 

To know which one needs to be contacted first, insert your SIM card to a different device. If the cellular data is working properly on a different phone, you will need to contact Apple support first to get some official recommendations. Just inform them about the steps that you’ve already taken. 

If the cellular data is still not working even with the SIM card inserted on a different phone, contact your service provider. You may need to ask for a SIM card replacement to resolve the problem on your cellular data service.

Also Read: How to Fix Caller ID Not Working on iPhone 12

You can also visit our Youtube channel for some troubleshooting videos. Feel free to subscribe and don’t forget to give our videos a thumbs up. Thank you. 


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