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How to fix error message "cellular issues detected"

Error is not allowing my data to work. I've reset network settings, I have reset the entire phone, I've removed my sim, ive updated IOS I have put my sim in another phone, and it works fine. Under network settings it says that my phone requires an update in order to use carrier network data, but there is no update. I updated IOS 2 days ago. I've tried connected and updating through iTunes and there are still no available updates. I have contacted apple support and carrier support my carrier says all is fine and my sim works in an old spare phone just fine. apple says to reset all of the above which I have tried and said it must be a carrier issue. my sim card works.. I actually had 2 hours today and yesterday where my data was working just fine then went right back to this error message and not working

iPhone XR, iOS 16

Posted on Aug 1, 2023 8:20 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 18, 2023 11:23 AM

How to fix error message "cellular issues detected"

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12 replies

Aug 18, 2023 7:55 PM in response to SravanKrA

I tried all of the above. I actually ended up resetting the entire phone. WORST MISTAKE EVER. Now it starts over the initial set up, ask to select language, country, then connect to wifi. Once I connect to wifi it goes to a screen that says. UNABLE TO ACTIVATE. I put the phone in recovery mode and connected it to itunes. First it attempted to do an update, 2nd it tried to restore. After that it says unable to activate as shown in the screen shots attached and yes I made sure the sim was inserted. Now the phone doesn't work AT ALL

Aug 1, 2023 10:20 PM in response to tiya192

Check your iPhone settings

Go to Settings and turn on Airplane Mode, wait five seconds, then turn it off. Check Do Not Disturb. Go to Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb and make sure it's turned off. Check for any blocked phone numbers.


If you can't make or receive calls on your iPhone - Apple Support



Can't send or receive message then try these steps first

  1. Restart your device: ... 
  2. Check your network connection. ... 
  3. Check with your carrier to see if the type of message you're trying to send, like MMS or SMS, is supported.
  4. If you're trying to send group MMS messages on an iPhone, go to Settings > Messages and turn on MMS Messaging.

More items...


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



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




Aug 18, 2023 3:02 PM in response to tiya192

I tried all of the above. I actually ended up resetting the entire phone. WORST MISTAKE EVER. Now it starts over the initial set up, ask to select language, country, then connect to wifi. Once I connect to wifi it goes to a screen that says. UNABLE TO ACTIVATE. I put the phone in recovery mode and connected it to itunes. First it attempted to do an update, 2nd it tried to restore. After that it says unable to activate as shown in the screen shots attached and yes I made sure the sim was inserted. Now the phone doesn't work AT ALL

Aug 27, 2024 8:51 PM in response to tiya192

I am dealing with the same issues with mine saying randomly one day “cellular issue detected” while underneath “Battery Not Recoginized” as I have replaced my own iPhone XR battery and one day the cellular issue detected thing came up with the same symptoms as yours was saying but mine said in the about section when I tapped on it “Your iPhone is currently unable to access cellular data or make and receive calls or messages.” I don’t know what or how this happened but now I believe it’s permanently stuck like this and by the way this is on iPhone XR iOS 17.6.1

Aug 1, 2023 10:20 PM in response to tiya192

To improve understanding of the phenomenon, it would be highly beneficial if you could share a screenshot. Visual representations carry greater impact than written descriptions.


Please remember that this is a public forum, so when attaching a screenshot, please avoid including any personal credentials such as IP addresses, card details, email IDs, Apple IDs, IMEI numbers, serial numbers, phone numbers, order IDs, or any identifiable location information if you are sharing a map.



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.



How to fix error message "cellular issues detected"

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