Safari not connecting on 5G network alone

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Level 1

20 points

Safari not connecting on 5G network alone

I have done everything I could find in the Internet to correct a problem with Safari not connecting to the Internet on 5G networks this is occurring in 2026 on the latest update and an iPhone 16 Pro Max any suggestions on how to fix this other than the obvious I’ve changed the search engine I’ve made sure everything was turned on and off like everyone thinks it should be but it’s not working

iPhone 16 Pro Max, iOS 26

Posted on Feb 19, 2026 9:27 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Russrwl Author

Level 1

20 points

Feb 19, 2026 6:43 PM in response to Camelot

Yes it’s just safari, tried on /off google for search, cleared cache etc: Firefox is working! sorry for what follows but I have done all this and restarted phone for each step:

1. Enable Cellular Data for Safari

Your phone may be configured to restrict Safari usage to Wi-Fi only.

Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data).
Scroll down to find Safari in the app list.
Ensure the toggle next to Safari is green (ON).

2. Remove or Toggle Off VPN

VPNs can conflict with 5G networks, causing browsers to fail.

Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.
If a VPN is active, tap it and disconnect.
Better yet: Tap the "i" next to the VPN and select Delete Profile, as this often solves the issue. Apple
+3

3. Check 5G Data Settings

Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data.
Ensure 5G On or 5G Auto is selected.
Ensure Low Data Mode is turned off. Apple Discussions
+3

4. Toggle Airplane Mode/Restart

Turn on Airplane Mode for 15 seconds, then turn it off to reset the cellular radio.
If that fails, restart your iPhone. Apple
+2

5. Reset Network Settings

If none of the above work, resetting network settings can fix deeper configuration issues (note: this will erase saved Wi-Fi passwords).

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Apple

Summary Checklist

✅ Cellular Data is ON?
✅ Safari is enabled under Celluar?
✅ VPN is removed/off?
✅ Airplane mode toggle performed?

Thanks for the replies

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Answer 2

MrHoffman

Level 10

147,623 points

Feb 19, 2026 6:58 PM in response to Russrwl

Remove all VPN apps, restart, and try again. Remove the apps. Don’t assume any disable function works.

If that doesn’t work, check with your carrier.

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Answer 3

Camelot

Level 9

58,875 points

Feb 19, 2026 3:05 PM in response to Russrwl

Is the problem just with Safari? Other applications work fine?

If it affects other apps, have you enabled (or disabled) Cellular Data? Check Settings -> Cellular -> Cellular Data

> I’ve made sure everything was turned on and off like everyone thinks

That's not really helpful... what you think may be 'everything' may not be. For example the 'Cellular Data' option isn't directly related to Safari itself, and it's buried a couple of levels down, so I don't know how extensive your view of 'everything' is. Maybe you did check it, but I can't rely on that unless you specifically say you checked the Cellular Data setting.

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