How to Fix No Cellular Service After iOS Update

Summary:

Losing cellular service after an iOS update typically occurs due to incomplete carrier settings updates, software conflicts, or SIM card recognition errors. iOS updates occasionally disrupt communication between your device and carrier network, especially when cellular modem firmware isn’t properly applied. This affects iPhone 12 and newer models most frequently due to 5G compatibility requirements.

What This Means for You:

• Impact: No calls, texts, mobile data, or emergency services access
• Fix: Force-restart device + check for carrier updates
• Security: Avoid public Wi-Fi when troubleshooting (disable auto-connect)
• Warning: Don’t reset network settings before noting saved Wi-Fi passwords

Solutions:

Solution 1: Refresh Carrier Settings

Apple automatically pushes carrier updates after iOS updates. To manually trigger:

1. Go to Settings → General → About
2. Wait 30 seconds for carrier update prompt
3. If unavailable, connect to Wi-Fi and restart device

For iPhones with physical SIMs: Remove and reinsert SIM card after shutdown (eSIM users skip this). This forces re-authentication with your cellular network.

Solution 2: Force-Restart Sequence

Different iPhone models require specialized restart sequences:


iPhone 8 or newer: Press VOL UP → VOL DOWN → Hold SIDE button until Apple logo appears
iPhone 7: Hold VOL DOWN + SIDE buttons
iPhone 6: Hold HOME + SIDE buttons


Complete 3 full restart cycles (wait for home screen each time). This clears modem firmware caches that might conflict with new iOS versions.

Solution 3: Reset Network Stack

Navigate to Settings → General → Reset → Reset Network Settings. This will:

• Clear corrupted DNS cache
• Refresh APN configurations
• Reset Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connections

After resetting, immediately check Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Options to verify Voice & Data shows your network type (5G/LTE). If missing, proceed to Solution 4.

Solution 4: Restore via Recovery Mode

Required when cellular baseband fails post-update (DATA WILL BE ERASED):

1. Connect to computer with latest iTunes/Finder
2. Enter recovery mode (follow model-specific button sequence)
3. Choose “Restore” (not “Update”)

After restore, set up as new device first to test cellular service before restoring backup. If service returns, your previous backup contained conflicting network configurations.

People Also Ask:

• Q: Does iOS 17 break older iPhones’ cellular? A: iPhone XS and newer receive modem firmware updates; older models lose carrier support over time
• Q: Will removing SIM card delete data? A: No, but eSIM users must contact carrier before removing
• Q: Why does only 5G disappear after update? A: Carrier may disable unsupported 5G bands – check Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Options → Voice & Data
• Q: How long should service take to return? A: If not restored within 2 restarts (15 mins), hardware inspection needed

Protect Yourself:

• Delay iOS updates by 72 hours (carriers validate patches)
• Always backup via iCloud and computer before updating
• Verify carrier iOS compatibility at apple.com/iphone/LTE
• Keep physical SIM eject tool in wallet kit

Expert Take:

Cellular chip manufacturers (Qualcomm/Intel) occasionally withdraw modem support for older iPhones through iOS updates – check modem firmware version in Settings → General → About matches your carrier’s current release notes.

Tags:

• how to fix no service after iOS 17 update
• iPhone cellular network not working after software update
• carrier settings update failed on iPhone
• no signal after iOS 16 carrier update
• why my iPhone shows SOS only after updating
• restore iPhone baseband without iTunes

*Featured image via source

Edited by 4idiotz Editorial System