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iPhone 4S dropping network and data at random

Hi,


I've been using an iPhone 4 on a Vodafone contract for the past 16 month and just bought an iPhone 4S direct from Apple. It arrived on Friday morning and I got it set up correctly as far as I can tell.


When I first turn it on, it works lovely and exactly as I would expect, able to make calls, send texts and access the internet via the cellular network. However, at what appears to be random, the network will disappear (no bars of signal) stopping me making calls and texts, but still allowing me to access the internet. Sometimes, the Internet goes, but I can still make calls and texts. Other times, everything is gone and I get "No Signal" where it normally says Vodafone UK.


So when trying to fix this problem after it's noticed, I try putting it into Airplane mode and back out. The phone scans for a network and goes back to the same state as before I tried this fix. I have tried resetting network settings, but this doesn't change anything. The only thing that actually fixes it temporarily is turning the phone right off and back on again.


At this stage I assume this is a bug with the software, but I wondered if anyone else is experiencing anything like this? If no one is, I will take it up with Apple, but I don't really want to do that as I love the new phone so much!!


Cheers, Stuart

iMac (late 2009), Mac OS X (10.6.3), 27" i7 Quad-Core, 4GB RAM, 1TB HDD

Posted on Oct 16, 2011 2:53 AM

Reply
1,022 replies

Aug 24, 2012 8:26 AM in response to peterwardgd

After 4 months of living through this issue I have finally found a really easy solution to this problem that I wanted to share with everyone - I bought a HTC One X.


Wow, my problems are completely gone! No issues with dropping 3g connections, no issue of moving between wifi and cell data, and works with Exchange Servers.


Since I've spent my $500 on the HTC One X, guess I won't be getting that iPhone 5 when it comes out.


Share this easy solution to everyone you know.

Dec 24, 2012 11:48 PM in response to Moo Dang

I'm with you mate Moo Dang

I think apple has lost the plot, they should concentrate manufacturing good and simple to use products, instead try to take control or go against google map and other services,

I bought an unlock iPhone5 in Australia , $999.00 paid outright, but when I'm in Thailand ( try AIS network ) the result is No service or sim not valid keep appearing on the screen,

I don't understand, why APPLE makes it so difficult for their customer to use their products around the world, so much restriction between countries , unlike other manufacture , you take the sim out , pop other sim in, wallah , Works works works , magic!

I must say I like apple products, almost most of my gadget are apple products, but there is no points to have a good looking useless products.

NOT HAPPY CUSTOMER HERE APPLE!!!!!!!

Jan 16, 2013 12:12 PM in response to Jutfromvic

OK, I view it as so:


In the days of Leopard and IOS 4 everything was fluid and worked.


No I have and iPhone with IOS 5 ( 6 is NEVER going near it ) and a Mac Book Pro July 2012.


Both run like a dogs hind leg; Someone has put in checks that every fart the system tries to do is approved; in triplicate..


I do not buy a Quad Core I7 to have some idiot tie it up tripple checking every IO call I make.


With the above commenters I totally agree; Steve Jobs Idea was give the CUSTOMER what he/she wants.


Apple lost it once when they kicked Steve Out; now it appears that when the poor guy dies, they have learnt jack **** about B2C bussiness.


I survive by hacking the older BSD kernels to work with the newer chips set hardware, but that is obviously not to everyones taste, and takes days of effort.


Apple it is VERY simple, keep your customer base happy and you will make LOTS of lovely money; **** them off and ( iPhone5 ) is the result; noone buys.


Does NOONE EVER learn ( Lisa ) ( Vista )


John

Jul 22, 2013 4:56 AM in response to John Ainhirn-Williams

Now i'm about 20 months into a 24 month contract on my iPhone 4s 32gb, and all was great up until about 3 days ago!


Now for some unknown reason, my phone keeps dropping carrier signal 'searching....' & 'No Signal...'


I've spoken to Orange UK technical, who state that a mast in my area has been switched off. They advised me to turn off 3G & automatic carrier selection.

As soon as I did my signal strength jumped when I selected an Orange (EE) 2G network.

I really don't see the point in having a smartphone that has to be restricted in the mobile data it uses!!!


Having read one of the posts on here, I have followed & completely switched off SIRI. As this was advised by Apple support for a guy in the UK on Orange.


I can't see why this issue has suddenly appeared, so doubt it's hardware related.

My wife has a iPhone5 & she is seeing no issues!


I just hope I can live with my 4s until the new iPhone is released October'ish!!!


Seriously not happy!!!!

Jul 22, 2013 8:13 AM in response to IggyRB320

IggyRB320 wrote:


Now i'm about 20 months into a 24 month contract on my iPhone 4s 32gb, and all was great up until about 3 days ago!


Now for some unknown reason, my phone keeps dropping carrier signal 'searching....' & 'No Signal...'


I've spoken to Orange UK technical, who state that a mast in my area has been switched off.

OK.

I can't see why this issue has suddenly appeared

Maybe Orange UK has switched off a mast in your area?

Jul 31, 2013 2:58 PM in response to Chris CA

Orange or EE actually told me that they'd switched a mast off in my area. But the coverage that my iPhone 4s was connecting too was still running at 99%.


When I told the tech department that i'd seen 000:000 in the service top right hand corner, they immediately said that it was a well knon Apple tech problem. Yet, this weekwnd when I had my 4s checked at the Genius Bar, they knew of the fault but no details that it was an Apple issue. And actually said it was a provider/network problem!!!

The Genius Bar couldn't find any issue with my 4s, that would cause signal issues!


My wife has an iPhone 5 & is not seeing any problems.

As soon as Orange/EE knew this, they had no doubt that it was a iPhone issue!


However, even after Orange/EE tech told me to turn 3G off on my phone and selct a 2G network, I continued to have an absolutely shocking service/reception.

So they over-nighted me a new/replacement SIM card.

Since i've fitted it & turned 3G back on in the network settings, it appears to be working spot on!

It's still really early days, but signs are good!!


Fingers....no, everything crossed ;-)

iPhone 4S dropping network and data at random

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