an update is required to use cellular data on this iPhone

I've just updated my iPhone 6S to iOS 15.7.1 and now unable to access cellular data or make and receive calls or messages. Also getting following message Cellular Issue Detected, Go to Settings for more information, when going to Settings, Cellular... I'm seeing Error ... An update is required to use cellular data on this iPhone. Why is this and how do I resolve?

iPhone 6s, iOS 15

Posted on Nov 3, 2022 9:08 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 5, 2022 11:09 AM

Hello Swanston2000,


Welcome to Apple Support Communities!

If we understand your post correctly, you're seeing an error message that an update is required to use cellular data on this phone. We're happy to help!


It sounds like there is a carrier update that is required in order to use cellular data.


"Carrier settings updates let your carrier provider update carrier network and related settings to improve cellular network connectivity and performance. Carrier settings updates can also add support for new features like 5G or Wi-Fi Calling.

When a carrier settings update is available, you'll be prompted to install it. Installation takes less than one minute, and you can keep using your device normally. If your carrier releases a mandatory update, you'll see an OK button instead of an Update button to let you know that the update was downloaded and installed.

If you dismiss the installation notification, you can manually update carrier settings by following these steps:


  1. Make sure that your device is connected to Wi-Fi or a cellular network.
  2. Tap Settings > General > About.
  3. Follow the onscreen instructions to install your carrier update.

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

To see the version of carrier settings on your device, tap Settings > General > About and look next to Carrier. To see additional carrier information, tap the version number. To verify that you have the latest carrier settings installed, contact your carrier."


Manually update your carrier settings on your iPhone or iPad


For the messages that you're not receiving, does this happen on Wi-Fi as well as cellular data?

If it is only on cellular data then when your carrier updates are installed that issue should be resolved. If this is also happening on Wi-Fi then following the steps in the article below.


If you can't send or receive messages on your iPhone or iPad


Let us know if you have any questions.

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.

Take care!



1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 5, 2022 11:09 AM in response to Swanston2000

Hello Swanston2000,


Welcome to Apple Support Communities!

If we understand your post correctly, you're seeing an error message that an update is required to use cellular data on this phone. We're happy to help!


It sounds like there is a carrier update that is required in order to use cellular data.


"Carrier settings updates let your carrier provider update carrier network and related settings to improve cellular network connectivity and performance. Carrier settings updates can also add support for new features like 5G or Wi-Fi Calling.

When a carrier settings update is available, you'll be prompted to install it. Installation takes less than one minute, and you can keep using your device normally. If your carrier releases a mandatory update, you'll see an OK button instead of an Update button to let you know that the update was downloaded and installed.

If you dismiss the installation notification, you can manually update carrier settings by following these steps:


  1. Make sure that your device is connected to Wi-Fi or a cellular network.
  2. Tap Settings > General > About.
  3. Follow the onscreen instructions to install your carrier update.

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

To see the version of carrier settings on your device, tap Settings > General > About and look next to Carrier. To see additional carrier information, tap the version number. To verify that you have the latest carrier settings installed, contact your carrier."


Manually update your carrier settings on your iPhone or iPad


For the messages that you're not receiving, does this happen on Wi-Fi as well as cellular data?

If it is only on cellular data then when your carrier updates are installed that issue should be resolved. If this is also happening on Wi-Fi then following the steps in the article below.


If you can't send or receive messages on your iPhone or iPad


Let us know if you have any questions.

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.

Take care!



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an update is required to use cellular data on this iPhone

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