tsum11

Q: Bad cell service on Iphone 6 vs iphone 4s

my iphone 4s has a cell signal at my house (although weak) and the iphone 6 has nothing.  What can I do?  I need to upgrade my phone but need to have service...  I assume its due to new hardware? is there any option here?  Is there something there anything that is compatible with the 4s - and/or i can get that will work?

iPhone 4S, iOS 9.3.2

Posted on Jun 7, 2016 9:43 AM

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Q: Bad cell service on Iphone 6 vs iphone 4s

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  • by srbwanderer,

    srbwanderer srbwanderer Jun 8, 2016 12:03 PM in response to tsum11
    Community Specialists
    Jun 8, 2016 12:03 PM in response to tsum11

    Hello tsum11,


    Thank you for being part of the Apple Support Community!

     

    I know how important it is to have service in as many places as possible!

     

    Cell phone service is actually determined by a number of factors.  Most important is the placement of the provider's cell phone towers in relation to your location. The closer you are to the tower, the better the reception.  Other factors include thickness of walls, what the walls are constructed of, being underground (such as a tunnel, subway station), and also weather.

     

    Since you noted one iPhone having a signal while the other showed nothing, you may find this resource helpful: If you can‘t connect to a cellular network or cellular data

     

    Specifically, check out these steps:

     

    If you see No Service or Searching 

    If you see No Service or Searching on your device, or can't connect to a cellular network or cellular data, follow these steps: 

    1. Check your coverage area to make sure that you're in an area with cellular network coverage. 
         
      • If you can't connect to a cellular network on your iPhone, make sure that cellular data is on in Settings > Cellular*. On your iPad, go to Settings > Cellular Data.
      •  
      • If you're traveling internationally, make sure that your device is set up for data roaming. Go to Settings > Cellular > Data Roaming.
         
    2. Restart your iPhone or iPad.
    3. Check for a Carrier Settings Update.
    4. Take out the SIM card and put it back in. If the SIM card is damaged, or doesn't fit in the SIM tray, contact your carrier.
    5. Reset your Network Settings. Tap Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This also resets Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN and APN settings that you've used before.
    6. If you have another device, see if you can connect your carrier's network with it in that location.
    7. Contact your carrier to: 
         
      • Verify that your account is active and in good standing.
      •  
      • Make sure there are no outages in your area.
      •  
      • Check that your device isn't blocked from receiving cellular services and is set up with the right data plan.
    8. Update your iPhone or iPad to the latest version of iOS.

    If you still can't connect to a cellular network, and have confirmed with your carrier that there isn't an issue with your account or network, try restoring your device.

     

    Hope this helps!

  • by KiltedTim,

    KiltedTim KiltedTim Jun 8, 2016 12:26 PM in response to tsum11
    Level 9 (55,547 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 8, 2016 12:26 PM in response to tsum11

    Who is your carrier? Some carriers may have Micro-Cel devices available (femtocells) that can provide a strong 3G or HSPA+ signal inside your home. Due to the construction of some homes, cell signals can be marginal in some areas (mine, included). Some carriers also offer WiFi calling, which allows you to place and receive calls (as well as send and receive SMS and MMS messages) when connected to WiFi.

  • by tsum11,

    tsum11 tsum11 Jun 10, 2016 1:08 PM in response to KiltedTim
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPhone
    Jun 10, 2016 1:08 PM in response to KiltedTim

    AT&T is my provider.

     

    I was hoping that with newer technology I would not be losing service.  As I literally have a 4S in one hand and a 6 in the other various places inside my house.  The 4S works and the 6 never does.

    I have satellite internet so can not take advantage of the calling services that i've looked into.

    I was hoping to get the 1 bar of service I get with my iphone 4S so that I can text as needed.

    I have a home phone for calls.

  • by Malignance,

    Malignance Malignance Jun 10, 2016 5:10 PM in response to tsum11
    Level 5 (4,470 points)
    iPhone
    Jun 10, 2016 5:10 PM in response to tsum11

    Try to update the carrier settings.

     

    Go Settings > General > About

     

    If you're prompted to update please do so. If there is no prompt then you're up to date.