User profile for user: RjB2
RjB2 Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

Cycling Cell Connection

iPhone 7 recently started getting into a mode where every eight or so seconds the cell connection goes from 4 bars to one bar and eight seconds later back to four bars. Every time it goes to one bar, my call is dropped or my internet connection is lost. Also running the battery down very fast in this mode. I am stationary when it happens. The 8 second period is extremely consistent. Can't figure out how it gets into this mode or how it gets out. Rebooting has no effect. Seems to have started about the time 3G was turned off by my carrier.

iPhone 7, iOS 15

Posted on Mar 1, 2022 6:20 PM

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User profile for user: Lawrence Finch
Lawrence Finch
Community+ 2025
User level: Level 10
228,588 points

Posted on Mar 2, 2022 6:43 AM

That sounds like a capacity problem on AT&T’s network (assuming that is your carrier, because they are the only ones to shut down 3G on March 1). First, make sure you have the latest carrier update: Go to Settings/General/About, and if there is one you should be prompted to update (wait a few seconds). Also update iOS to 15.3.1 if you haven’t yet. If it continues call your carrier; some older phones need a new SIM to work on VoLTE (which is the only protocol AT&T now supports). AT&T has been mailing these out automatically, but with the state of the postal service you may not have gotten it.


If your carrier is not At&T substitute your carrier’s name in the above😏

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User profile for user: Lawrence Finch
Lawrence Finch
Community+ 2025
User level: Level 10
228,588 points

Mar 2, 2022 6:43 AM in response to RjB2

That sounds like a capacity problem on AT&T’s network (assuming that is your carrier, because they are the only ones to shut down 3G on March 1). First, make sure you have the latest carrier update: Go to Settings/General/About, and if there is one you should be prompted to update (wait a few seconds). Also update iOS to 15.3.1 if you haven’t yet. If it continues call your carrier; some older phones need a new SIM to work on VoLTE (which is the only protocol AT&T now supports). AT&T has been mailing these out automatically, but with the state of the postal service you may not have gotten it.


If your carrier is not At&T substitute your carrier’s name in the above😏

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Cycling Cell Connection

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