After iOS 17.3.1 update my iPhone won't connect to provider

I contacted my provider and they said that they found what the issue was about. The reason for this is that APN network settings of some providers have been changed after the last update and we as the end users cannot see that and change that in settings. My provider said to me that “eon connect” causes the problems and that it forces APN settings to that. Lots of people have the same issue (even friend of mine). They removed that “eon connect” from my APN and I restarted the phone and it worked properly.

VPN frequently creates more problems than it solves. But one important fact is that when you install VPN it configures itself to the specific hardware, iOS version and network that the phone uses. If any of those change it can break the VPN. So any time you change any of these you may need to delete the VPN app and profile, restart your phone then add them back (if you still want to use VPN) so it can configure itself to the new environment.

Here's Apple's advice on VPN→

Check VPN (Virtual Private Network) and third-party software to help resolve network connectivity issues - Apple Support

Something to think about→Don't use VPN - GITHUB

There are two legitimate purposes for using VPN:

• To allow access to a private network such as a school or business when you are not on site. 
• To allow access outside of a country with a repressive government that has restricted Internet access. (This has suddenly become more important)

Any other use is risky, and can lead to problems like the one discussed in this thread. VPN disguises your location by making you appear to be somewhere else in the world. But you usually can’t control that “somewhere else”, and if it is in a location that an app isn’t approved for the app won’t work. Plus the fact that the provider of the VPN knows everything about you and your location, as well as what sites you access through the VPN. So you are totally dependent on the VPN provider’s honesty. As a start, if the VPN is free, DON’T USE IT. The provider has to make money somehow, and if you aren’t paying them then they are selling your private data to make money. 

But even those that charge can’t necessarily be trusted. For example, a few years ago Avast was caught selling user browsing data. They claim they have stopped doing so, however, they lied 🤥→ FTC Order Will Ban Avast from Selling Browsing Data for Advertising Purposes

You don’t really need VPN when using public Wi-Fi, because all communications between your device and the servers it accesses are end-to-end encrypted.

If you want VPN for privacy about the sites you visit, that’s not a good choice as discussed; instead you should download and use the TOR browser.

The other use for VPN is to “steal” content that is not available in your area. I leave this question to your personal ethics.

With iOS 15.2 and later for iOS/iPadOS and MacOS Monterey 12.2 and later Apple now has iCloud+ Private Relay, which is not VPN, but provides a safer browsing environment than VPN, and it doesn't spy on you→About iCloud Private Relay - Apple Support

Thanks. My APN settings were incorrect too. Also the update must have messed with my VPN settings as my phone is working since I removed the VPN app. Worked with the tech team from my network provider to fix issue and asked about the APN settings, so all is back to normal.

I have the same problem on my iPhone 14, I went into my settings and switch over to LTE and it’s OK with continuous data connection. But we shouldn’t have to do that when we paid for an iPhone with 5G network. @apple please fix this problem Smfh

Yes, it was the provider. I visited their shop and was told the problem affected all users not just we macOS users.

Hello~ Before considering that…have you taken your iPhone in for a check? If not consider doing that. Here’s the link to set up an appointment…

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

I am updated and have no issues.

~Katana-San~

I called Apple Support yesterday and while the rep I talked to was very nice, it sounded like I was the first ever to call about this issue. She had me reset my network connection and when that did no good she suggested that I go to an Apple Store and have them check my phone. I would suggest that everyone call and report their problem as it appears nobody monitors these comments.

Hello~ Well… you are certainly entitled to your opinion but consider the massive carrier outage yesterday. Did you read through the other posts here and multiple other threads? Perhaps contacting your carrier or clicking on below…

If you see No Service, Searching or SOS on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

Have you restarted your iPhone?

Contact your carrier if needed.

~Katana-San~

Hello~ If that is the case contact your provider.

~Katana-San~

I am having the same problem. Ever since I updated my software to 17.3.1, my e-sim is not getting the signal and I cannot do any of my bank business. Apple please raise 17.3.2 asap and fix this issue.

3:01pm UK time, have the same issue: upgraded my iPhone 15 Pro a few hours ago to IOS17.3.1, and lost signal, internet etc on Three as well. Apple did the diagnostics remotely and confirmed no hardware issues, and that this should be taken up with three (who are ofc unreachable 🤡)

I have the same issue with my Iphone 11. After 17.2.1 update it`s benn some problems with loading safari, app store and many other random apps. And my settings also didn`t work, also can`t see new update to fix this problem. They did`t work both with mobile Internet and with home Wi-Fi. I tried everything I could think of: rebooting the phone, resetting the network settings, putting the phone in flight mode, the only thing that helped was vpn. After that I was able to finally install the new version of iOS 17.3.1 and what a disappointment it was when it didn't solve this connection problem either. I'm going to switch to Android, because my phone is not working, I can't solve work problems and use it normally.

I am with Vodafone and since upgrading to 17.3.1 I only have E as a signal. Have phoned VF today and they’re sending a new SIM in the hope it resolves the issue. My husband and son also have the same issue and so please please Apple get this addressed ASAP!!!