Cellular Data and SIM and E-SIM Not Working – iPhone 14 Pro on iOS 18.4.1 (Tried DFU, iTunes, SIM Change, Network Reset)

Hi everyone,


I’m running into a persistent issue on my iPhone 14 Pro (iOS 18.4.1) where cellular data becomes completely unavailable.


Here’s a detailed breakdown of the problem:


The cellular data section in Settings appeared blank, and I was unable to access mobile data at all. The device doesn’t seem to recognize or connect to any cellular network with the SIM or esim and shows no service.


To troubleshoot, I tested multiple SIMs:

• The “faulty” SIM works fine in other phones.

• I even tried a brand new SIM card, as well as others from different carriers.

• All of those SIMs work without issue in other devices, but none of them provide data or proper cellular recognition on this iPhone.


So this is definitely isolated to the phone itself, not the SIM cards or carriers.


Here’s what I’ve already tried:

Reset Network Settings

Tried new and known-working SIMs

Updated via iTunes/Finder (not OTA)

DFU restore and clean setup (without restoring a backup)

Reinserted SIMs with/without Wi-Fi


Another issue compounding this is that when trying to update iOS over the air, I consistently get an erro, even though I am connected to Wi-Fi.


This leaves me stuck:

• Cellular data doesn’t work with any SIM.

• OTA updates are blocked.

• Full DFU restore didn’t resolve the issue.


Has anyone experienced a similar issue? Is there a fix, or should I consider this a potential hardware or baseband firmware failure?


Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks!


this is a screenshot to showcase the sim settings (it looks blank and cant scan or install new esim)

iPhone 14 Pro, iOS 18

Posted on May 7, 2025 1:38 AM

Reply

Similar questions

2 replies

May 8, 2025 11:00 PM in response to Ahmedjaziri31

If you see No Service or Searching on your iPhone or iPad

  1. Check your coverage area. Make sure that you're in an area with cellular network coverage. ... 
  2. Restart your iPhone or iPad. Restart your device. ... 
  3. Check for a Carrier Settings update. ... 
  4. Take out the SIM card. ... 
  5. Reset your Network Settings. ... 
  6. Update your iPhone or iPad. ... 
  7. Contact your carrier. ... 
  8. Get more help.


If you see No Service or Searching on your iPhone or iPad ...



Remove your SIM card from the SIM card tray and then put the SIM card back. ... Make sure that the SIM tray closes completely and isn't loose. If you use a SIM tray from a different model iPhone, iPad, or from another phone manufacturer, it might not fit properly.


If you see 'invalid SIM' or 'no SIM' on your iPhone or iPad ...



Learn what to do if you see a SIM not supported alert.



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

  1. Check your coverage area. ... 
  2. If you see SOS or SOS only. ... 
  3. If you're on 3G network. ... 
  4. Restart your iPhone or iPad. ... 
  5. Check for a Carrier Settings update. ... 
  6. Turn your cellular line off and back on. ... 
  7. Reset your Network Settings. ... 
  8. Update your iPhone or iPad.

More items...


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



To be able to use any SIM across the globe you must have "No SIM Restriction" against Network Provider Lock. Please refer to the pic below.




If you see No Service or Searching in the status bar on your iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular), your device isn't connected to a cellular network. If you see SOS or "SOS only" in the status bar, your device can still make emergency calls.


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

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 Data and SIM and E-SIM Not Working – iPhone 14 Pro on iOS 18.4.1 (Tried DFU, iTunes, SIM Change, Network Reset)

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.