When switching from WiFi to 4G

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Level 1

8 points

When switching from WiFi to 4G

I've started to have a weird & annoying issue recently on my XS Max? Not sure if it's to do with the phone, iOS (13.3.1) or 3 network?

When coming off of wifi, whether home, work, free/random, my phone switches to 4G. But it doesn't always (about 75% of the time it doesn't) connect to anything until I put it in and out of Airplane mode? I don't receive/can't make calls or text messages and says I am not connected to the internet if I try and go online, but the phone shows full service bars on 4G?

Have tried switching phone off & on a few time, re-seated sim card and a couple of network resets. Still the same?

Took son's Macbook into Apple for repair recently and asked them about it while I was there and she thought it may have been as I had VPN software on my phone? So deleted that and still having the same problems?

It's not a major issue, more frustrating as it always worked OK (as it should) until 3-4 weeks ago.

Anyone have any suggestions?

iPhone XS Max

Posted on Mar 12, 2020 2:26 AM

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Answer 1

MoonJ.

Community Specialist

Mar 13, 2020 8:41 AM in response to argonaut56d

Hi argonaut56d,

We appreciate you getting back to us with those additional details. Based on the steps you've taken so far, I'd recommend that you try reinstalling iOS to your device. First, you'll want to be sure you have a current backup: How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch

Next, use the steps titled "Put your device in recovery mode and set it up again" from the following resource. This process will erase the iOS currently installed and replace it with a freshly downloaded copy; be sure to closely follow step four and choose to "Update" in order to prevent data loss: If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Take some time to test for the behavior after reinstalling; if the behavior persists, reach out to Apple for additional assistance: Get Support

Best Regards.

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Answer 2

argonaut56d Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 13, 2020 5:12 AM in response to Joseph_S.

Everything is up to date. The carrier settings was the first thing I checked. And have so done weekly since.

It is already on the latest iOS (unless a new one since yesterday?) Its on 13.3.1 as per original post.

Been with Three for about 15 years. Get great reception, full signal strength in most areas I visit/pass until recently.

No reported issues from them or outage websites. Plus, it was happening continually, not for a specific time only. And when it does happen, my phone will be showing 3-4 bars of 4G service.

Went into the Three store yesterday as was passing and mentioned it to them. They gave me a new sim as I believe mine could be possibly 5-6 years old?

Immediately it was better. But since then, I am having the same issues, just not as frequently.

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Answer 3

Joseph_S.

Community Specialist

Mar 12, 2020 2:46 PM in response to argonaut56d

Hi argonaut56d,

Thanks for reaching out in Apple Support Communities. I understand that when your iPhone disconnects from a Wi-Fi network and attempts to connect to 4G, you're having trouble with the connection unless you toggle Airplane Mode on and then off. I also see you've done some great troubleshooting so far, I appreciate you including all of those steps. I'd recommend trying the steps below, if you haven't already:

"Check for a Carrier Settings update

To manually check for and install a carrier settings update:

1. Make sure that your device is connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network.
2. Tap Settings > General > About. If an update is available, you'll see an option to update your carrier settings.
3. To see the version of carrier settings on your device, tap Settings > General > About and look next to Carrier.

If you insert a new SIM card into your iPhone or iPad, you need to download the carrier settings for your new carrier.

Update your iPhone or iPad

Update your iPhone or iPad to the latest version of iOS.

Contact your carrier

Issues with your carrier or account might affect your service. 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.

Only your wireless carrier can access and manage details about your account. If you need help finding your wireless carrier's service page, use the Apple carrier-support article or an online search engine.

Get more help

If your carrier confirms that there's no issue with your account or network, but you still can't connect to a cellular network, contact Apple Support."

If you see No Service or Searching on your iPhone or iPad

Best Regards.

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When switching from WiFi to 4G

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