Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

iPhone 4S drops 3G, have to restart phone to get it back

I'm using my iPhone 4S on the O2 (UK) network. I've noticed so far, twice that the iPhone 4S does not show any 3G (or edge even) connection at times. When I restart the phone it picks up a 3G connection immediately.


Anyone faced this issue? I'm not sure if its a carrier issue or something wrong with my hardware?

Posted on Oct 19, 2011 1:20 AM

Reply
170 replies

Mar 6, 2012 4:57 AM in response to turimblar

Ok! So I have finally gotten to the point of getting a replacement from Apple. They´ve express shipped it to me, and I´m delivering the old one back.


It happened over night, so I´m happy they do it quick and efficiently!


I´ve now restored my backup from iCloud, and am looking forward to see if the replacement phone is without the problems!

Mar 12, 2012 4:02 AM in response to turimblar

Hi all,


I had exactly the same problem that after a while when WIFI is not available I didn't connect automatically to the 3G network. the only way to get it OK is by switching off and back on, then 3g is available.

Turned in my iphone after resetting all parameters several times, got a new SIM and now I have a brand new iphone (was still under warranty)

Today I'm still having the samed issue, it has nothing to do with the hardware of my phone. I guess it has rather to do with the operating software.

Strange to believe it has to do with my local provider (proximus in belgium) since this problem happens in sweden, germany,... too.


Any idea what to do?

I'm really disappointed we don(t get any support here for this major bug!

Mar 12, 2012 10:44 AM in response to irfanhab

I'm really disappointed because I called my local provider and he told me that this issue is not even known at Proximus in Belgium so I wonder why apple didn't do anything till now.

it's a common issue in many countries, what are they waiting for.

I'm pretty sure that if I had to purchase a new smartphone again I never would take the iphone because I noticed that this issue is going on since november 2011 and apple didn't even reacton this.

Do they just want the money?

We've got the iphone 4, ipad2 and apple tv at home but the 4s is the worst one.


apple please help!!!!!!!!

Apr 9, 2012 5:27 AM in response to irfanhab

I think I've solved a similar problem. My iPhone 4s didn't connect to the cellular data network after some hours connected to wifi. I had to switch to airplane mode and back to restore cellular data connection. After trying all the possible remedies, I've just turned personal hotspot off and the problem has vanished ever since.


The personal hotspot still works well, but I don't let it on all the time, but, instead, only when I use it.

Apr 9, 2012 1:54 PM in response to tomas.rodriguez

I got a new iPhone 4S, as stated above, and I can conclude the problems are still there, and the 4S is the worst phone of the all the iPhones for me.


As Tomas says, it's strange Apple don't sort this crap out, and help operators make things right.

It seems to me some get these problems with certain operators, and some don't.

Can't wait to the next iPhone is released...


Oh, I don't have hotspot on anyway.

Apr 13, 2012 8:29 AM in response to Eigenvaue

Like everyone else on this thread, my 4G data drops connection randomly throughout the day. Sometimes resetting network connections works, sometimes doing Airplane mode works.


I have tried complete factory restores as well, no luck.


I have called ATT tech support about 8 times, no luck.


This isn a seriousy flaw that appears to have been introduced with iOS 5.1.


I really wish someone from Apple Care would actually read this thread and perhaps fix this in their OS since something is obviously broken.

May 1, 2012 10:34 AM in response to AFear

I've had the same problem on my 4S three times in a row, the last time being earlier today. The only sure way I've found to resolve it is to erase my iPhone totally, and then re-load my apps INDIVIDUALLY from my iCloud back-up - doing a total restore from iCloud only seems to bring back the 3G problem again ("connecting" symbol whirring around endlessly). A total pain, but it's the only way I've found that works.

May 8, 2012 1:12 AM in response to Scorosser

I haven´t tried it the way you have, and I have data related to many of the installed apps, which I don´t want erased, so I hope there´s another answer for this...


I´ve now updated to iOS 5.1.1 on my swapped iPhone 4S, and will see if it helps. If not, I guess I will have to try another swap, which hopefully is newer from the factory.

On my swap, it seems my battery have problems as well...

iPhone 4S drops 3G, have to restart phone to get it back

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