Cellular Issues after iOS 16.2 update

I'm one of many users impacted by the cellular issues (lost connection and SOS-only) after the update to iOS 16.2. Specifically, my phone - a 12 Pro Max - will drop all cell and data connectivity, seemingly at random. Often it will return on its own, after several minutes. Sometimes I can restore it by toggling Airplane Mode. Usually I am only able to restore service by Resetting Network Settings. It had gotten to a point where it was happening multiple times a day.


After reviewing all community discussions and trying all the suggested fixes, I finally took the phone in for a Genius Bar appointment. The diagnostic test confirmed what I already knew: The device is current on iOS and carrier settings. There are no issues with my antenna, motherboard, or other hardware. The phone has suffered no drops and has no water damage. The logs indicated two things:

(1) Intermittent SIM card connection issues

(2) Software conflict


To remedy #1, I went to Verizon and replaced my SIM card. The issue recurred before I was a mile down the road. To remedy #2, it was suggested that one of my apps contain a bug causing the issue and recommended a clean restore, adding each app 1x1 (rather than a full restore from backup).


I've been trying to avoid #2, so instead I've begun deleting lesser-used apps to see if I can eliminate the problem. I removed a few apps to start and will be continuing to do so until I can identify the culprit. To date I've deleted:

  • Private Internet Access (I'd tried this one before and the problem persisted)
  • RoadReady
  • Realtor.com


Already, the problem has not recurred for 36 hours. Maybe this is luck, but I will keep the thread updated.

iPhone 12 Pro, iOS 16

Posted on May 14, 2023 7:09 PM

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3 replies

May 15, 2023 2:01 AM in response to PB10AM

If you are unable make a call or receive; If you can't make or receive calls on your iPhone - Apple Support



Cellular Update Failed —> If you see an Update Failed or Apple Pay Not Available alert after iOS update or restart



Settings > Mobile Data > APN [under Mobile Data APN] enter the APN pin


View and edit your APN settings

If your carrier allows it, you can view your APN settings in one of the following locations: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Cellular Network. Settings> Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options > Mobile Data Network.


View and edit your Access Point Name (APN) on your iPhone ...



Carrier Update (Required): Released by your Cellular Service provider (Carrier Update), affects your Outgoing / Incoming calls, SMS, Data etc..



How to Update Carrier Settings

You can manually check for and install a carrier settings, update with these steps: Make sure your device is connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network. Tap Settings > General > About. If an update is available, you'll see an option to update your carrier settings.

Update your carrier settings on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support




If nothing helps then --> If you see a Cellular, Ultra Wideband, or Apple Pay Issue message after an iOS update or restart



Reset Network Settings: Only network settings are removed.

  • When you reset network settings, previously used networks and VPN settings that weren’t installed by a configuration profile or mobile device management (MDM) are removed. Wi-Fi is turned off and then back on, disconnecting you from any network you’re on. The Wi-Fi and Ask to Join Networks settings remain turned on.
  • To remove VPN settings installed by a configuration profile, go to Settings > General > Profiles & Device Management, select the configuration profile, then tap Remove Profile. This also removes other settings and accounts provided by the profile. See Install or remove configuration profiles on iPhone in this guide.
  • To remove network settings installed by MDM, go to Settings > General > Profiles & Device Management, select the management, then tap Remove Management. This also removes other settings and certificates provided by MDM. See “Mobile device management (MDM)” in the iOS Deployment Reference.
  • 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.


If the above fails...



Reset All Settings: All settings—including network settings, the keyboard dictionary, the Home screen layout, location settings, privacy settings, and Apple Pay cards—are removed or reset to their defaults. No data or media are deleted.

  1. Reset All Settings: Return iPhone settings to their defaults - Apple Support:- Return iPhone settings to their defaults
  2. You can return settings to their defaults without erasing your content.
  3. If you want to save your settings, back up your iPhone before returning them to their defaults. For example, if you’re trying to solve a problem but returning settings to their defaults doesn’t help, you might want to restore your previous settings from a backup.



If nothing above works probably it could be your iPhone may have a radio or antenna problem. In that case, take your device to an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider, or contact Apple Support and get the hardware tested and if needed repaired/replaced.


Find Locations - Location Selector - Apple

Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support 

Get a Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Contact Genius Bar. Manage Reservations - My Reservations - Apple




May 15, 2023 1:59 AM in response to PB10AM

If the issues you mentioned are indeed caused by iOS, it's likely that numerous users who have upgraded to iOS 16.4.1 (a) are experiencing similar problems. However, in order for the community on this forum to provide helpful responses, it would be beneficial for you to specify the nature of the issue you are encountering. Without this information, it may be difficult for others to address your concern effectively.



With the limited information that you have provided, It is hard to even guess the problems faced by you. 


You may get faster and better responses to your query by --> Writing an effective Apple Support Commun… - Apple ...



Please re-post with detail so that someone else can help.



This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Cellular Issues after iOS 16.2 update

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