DAQ41
Level 1 (11 points)
iPad

Q: My iPad 2 has suddenly stopped engaging its 3G network (Three) and I cannot get it to look for it again

I have IPad 2 with IOS 9.3.1 and 3G connection to Three Network In UK.  Successfully operated it for well over there years. Suddenly I cannot find the carrier in Settings and there is no connection to Three network.  Checked that there are no signal or reception problems with this network.  Have switched device off and on again, makes no difference.  Have checked that the Three Network contract is still live and OK.  I do not know what to try next.   Oddly, my wife's iPad 2  - which is about 15 months younger than mine, has exactly the same problem. Any advice please?  David Quarmby

iPad 2, iOS 9.3.1, 3G network is Three (UK)

Posted on Apr 19, 2016 2:24 PM

by Carolyn Samit,Apple recommended
Carolyn Samit Carolyn Samit
Level 10 (123,800 points)
Apple Music
A:

Try the troubleshooting steps here >  If you can't connect to a cellular network or cellular data

Posted on Apr 19, 2016 2:27 PM

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DAQ41

Q: My iPad 2 has suddenly stopped engaging its 3G network (Three) and I cannot get it to look for it again

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Carolyn Samit,Apple recommended

    Carolyn Samit Carolyn Samit Apr 19, 2016 2:27 PM in response to DAQ41
    Level 10 (123,800 points)
    Apple Music
    Apr 19, 2016 2:27 PM in response to DAQ41

    Try the troubleshooting steps here >  If you can't connect to a cellular network or cellular data

  • by ilkestongill,

    ilkestongill ilkestongill Apr 20, 2016 11:36 AM in response to Carolyn Samit
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apr 20, 2016 11:36 AM in response to Carolyn Samit

    TRied all that, checked the sim, the network, done all the resets, still no service.  It's definitely since that last update fiasco.

  • by ilkestongill,

    ilkestongill ilkestongill Apr 20, 2016 11:40 AM in response to DAQ41
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apr 20, 2016 11:40 AM in response to DAQ41

    SAme ipad, same ios, same network and guess what? Same issue.  I've done  all the 'troubleshooting' stuff, and still the same.  I hope that Apple eventually get round to being brave enough to admit that their latest update is still rubbish. 

  • by Mikec1951,

    Mikec1951 Mikec1951 Apr 20, 2016 11:58 PM in response to DAQ41
    Level 1 (76 points)
    Apple Watch
    Apr 20, 2016 11:58 PM in response to DAQ41

    IT is a problem with 9.3.  Here is a work around but you will get the same problem when you power off and have to repeat it.

    turn off mobile (cellular) data in settings.

    power off

    power on

    turn on mobile/cellular data in settings.

    IT should then find your cellular provider and connect.

    good luck.

  • by DAQ41,Apple recommended

    DAQ41 DAQ41 Apr 21, 2016 12:28 AM in response to DAQ41
    Level 1 (11 points)
    iPad
    Apr 21, 2016 12:28 AM in response to DAQ41

    HI everyone, and thank you for your posts.   I have now resolved my issue with the very patient and highly competent telephone support of an Apple agent.  It seems there is a little known conflict between the current software used by Three network and IOS 9.3.1 which makes a setting which prevents the Three network being 'seen' by the iPad.  What transpired is that IOS 9.3.1 seems to have the status of a beta version - did you know that? - and the solution was to do a factory reset and restore using the latest version of 9.3.1.  The steps I was guided to take were

    - connect the iPad to itunes

    - do a complete backup of iPad

    - go to restore/factory reset (cannot remember exactly what the right hand button in the upper box on iTunes says)

    - when the new software and firmware is fully reinstalled, DO NOT restore backup, because you then restore the settings 'glitch' that caused the problem in the first place

    - instead, restore as a new iPad, and then sync the various data and files elements, and other features in the column on the left of the iTunes screen.  You can install apps this way, but I was advised - and it is easier - to go the App Store, click on 'purchased' and then choose which of your history of purchases and free apps you wish to reinstall.

    - You do lose some settings data in this process (eg I forgot to sync my safari bookmarks), but it does completely solve the problem.

     

    The Apple guy - Alan - was incredibly patient:  I had a Windows PC blue screen failure in the middle of it all, so had to reboot and restart the process with iTunes;  the total time he was on the line was 2 hrs 20 mins, including the initial diagnosis and then going through all the processses (including discovering that you cannot do a 'restore backup', so we had to go round again, doing a resintatllation of software and then taking the 'set up as a new iPad' route.). Having done this with my own ipad I was able to do the same on my wife's iPad in about 40 minutes.

     

    Hope this is helpful.

  • by cbluvr,

    cbluvr cbluvr Apr 22, 2016 10:43 AM in response to DAQ41
    Level 1 (8 points)
    iPad
    Apr 22, 2016 10:43 AM in response to DAQ41

    I lost cellular service on my iPad 2 after installing 9.3.1. Went to Apple store and could not fix. They said it was a hardware issue. Went to the carrier store and got a new SIM and still not fixed. I can get cellular back if I remove and insert the SIM card. It works properly as long as the iPad power is left on. If I shut the iPad off and turn it back on the problem returns and I have to remove/replace the SIM again to restore cellular. All this happened after installing 9.3.1. Anybody think this is a hardware problem?

  • by Maestravels,

    Maestravels Maestravels May 15, 2016 4:52 AM in response to Mikec1951
    Level 1 (4 points)
    May 15, 2016 4:52 AM in response to Mikec1951

    Thank you!  I spent hours and hours trying to fix it ...did what DAQ41 said and all was well until I DID restore from iCloud back up...as promised, just lost my 3G again.  Absolutely did not want to spend any more time by going to the App Store to reinstall Apps...and loose my other data on the way. 

     

    Your suggestion did the trick...just wish I read it a month ago!!  IOS 9.3.1 .. What a pain it's been for me!!!  After the next update, where I hope this glitch is fixed...don't think I will bother updating again!

  • by cbluvr,

    cbluvr cbluvr May 19, 2016 1:44 PM in response to DAQ41
    Level 1 (8 points)
    iPad
    May 19, 2016 1:44 PM in response to DAQ41

    Update to 9.3.2 and your cellular service will be restored. Amazing that Apple ignore my initial suggestion that 9.3.1 had an issue that required you to remove the SIM card to get cellular back. In stead they tried to get me to purchase a replacement iPad because they said it was a hardware problem. I wonder how many people they convinced it wasn't an Apple problem. My iPad now works fine.