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iPhone 4s losing data connection multiple times/day

It seems about 3-4 times/day, my new iphone 4s will lose data connectivity. The phone will show full bars and the 3G icon appears, but I cannot access a data connection - email continuously loads, safari / facebook app / weather channel app all time out. As soon as I reboot, it works fine. This is getting really really annoying. Anyone else experiencing this or have a fix?? Thinking of returning it.

iPhone 4, iOS 5, iPhone 4s wasn't listed as option..

Posted on Oct 26, 2011 10:48 AM

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Posted on Oct 26, 2011 11:16 AM

I just received mine yesterday and I am definately having this same problem. I've found that toggling the Airplane mode on and off quickly restores the connection. The problem does seem to return when the phone goes to the lock mode on its own or after some duration.

353 replies

Oct 27, 2011 1:15 PM in response to tpero

I think I've narrowed down my issue to having the WIFI connection on. When I'm running the Hulu+ app and streaming a video, there is no loss of connection with WIFI on. Turn off Hulu and wait 15 minutes or so, start up hulu again, and the data connection isn't found until I cycle Airplane mode.


If I turn WIFI off, and am just using the cellular connection, I have no data problems.


I'm have a call into Apple support scheduled for Oct 30th, so I'll report back what they tell me.


I am on Verizon - Pacific North West, USA - Apple 4s.


I do NOT have these same problems with my wife's iPhone 3G. The wifi connection with that phone does not present these issues.

Oct 27, 2011 4:45 PM in response to tpero

I'm having this issue on AT&T.


One time rebooting the phone did not correct the problem. Also I noticed that when the phone restarts it hangs on the edge network for a while.


I'll try the airplane mode toggle but that is not a proper long term fix. Waiting for the first update to ios5 to see if it is addressed.

Oct 27, 2011 4:51 PM in response to tpero

Ok. So I think I've localized my problem. I swapped out my SMC Baricade SMCWBR14S-N4 (provided for free from my cable internet provider COMCAST), with an old-*** Netgrear WGT624_V3 and have not had this issue return.


That leaves me thinking one of two things:

1. iPhone 4s is picky about routers

or

2. My SMC router only allowed setting up WPA2-TKIP, whereas my Netgear router allowed WPA-TKIP. Perhaps what made this work is that the iPhone 4s didn't like WPA2-TKIP, even though the iPhone 3s DOES.


(I just asked SIRI... she didn't have an opinion...) 😉

Oct 28, 2011 2:57 PM in response to tpero

I'm having this issue on my 4S with AT&T.


The phone is connected to Wifi and occassionally (several times per day) the Wifi will stop working. Using Airport utility from the iPhone will show no routers accessible. If I flip airplane mode for a moment, then it works again, and Airport Utility shows all my routers again. They all have the latest firmware.


My iphone 4 and ipad 2 don't exhibit this problem even though they are both running iOS 5.


Is this a hardware problem? Should I exchange the phone?

Oct 31, 2011 9:02 AM in response to rottnmutt

I'm still having the issue but have nailed down a couple of specifics:

  • The issue Im having is specifically 3G data access, even if the menu shows 3G in an area I know has good coverage.
  • My battery is running down VERY fast - little surfing today (2 hours of sporadic usage), on wifi, and the battery is at 30% after being charged full
  • Tripping Airplane mode does not fix it for me
  • Only a full forced reset (power and menu button) will fix the issue


Ill likely take it to the Apple Store and see what they say.

Oct 31, 2011 9:11 AM in response to tpero

I have the EXACT same issue as TPERO reported at the beginning of this thread. My phone will show it is either 3G or WiFi connected, but mail, webpages and internet apps will continuously load. A restart fixes this, but it is really irritating. I have a 4S on AT&T. This happens at my home WiFi and Starbucks/ATT WiFi and on my 3G connection, so I know it is not my WiFi. Also, I still have my iPhone 4 in my apartment, and I can be on that all day without connectivity issues. I am really hesitant to make a 50-mile roundtrip to the closest iPhone store to get a replacement, especially if they try to give me a runaround. I love the iPhone and have now had 4 of them, and every one of them except the first one had hardware issues with it when it was brand new and I had to get a swap out.

Oct 31, 2011 9:11 AM in response to tpero

OP here...magically, it seems, I have not experienced this issue for a few days now. The only thing I can think of that I did was I turend the phone completely off for a few hours, and this is because I was on a plane. (I used to just use airplane mode on my 3gs since it took so long to turn off/boot, but the 4s boots so quickly, I figured I might as well save battery if I can't use it). Since then, I have not experieinced any 3G connectivity issues. So perhaps a full power-down and reboot (as opposed to a soft reset) does the trick? Maybe, maybe not. I will report back if my seemingly good fortune changes.

Nov 2, 2011 6:23 AM in response to tpero

My Problem Detailed

I have been having this same problem for months. To be more specific, it happens whether I'm on 3G or WiFi. Back before iOS5 when I was on 3G, I could simply turn off 3G and turn it back on, but now with iOS 5, it is turning Airplane Mode on/off only, which like everyone else fixes the problem only temporarily.


Attempted Failed Solutions

It has transcended hardware and SIM cards. It was happening on my iPhone 4 and when I moved to the 4s, it was still there. So, it's most likely not the phone itself. I also swapped out SIM cards. That also didn't do the trick. That leaves me to one last idea...


Last Possible Solution

It's gotta be the software. Some app or process is hacking away at the connection, possibly hogging all of the connection. This was the Apple Store's original guess too (before I upgraded phones or swapped SIM cards). Their recommendation is to restore the phone with the base OS and not from backup. Then without adding any apps, make sure that it works fine (for possibly a day or two). Then start adding apps back one at a time. Has anyone tried this yet? With so much setup, I am hesitant to try this without knowing if it will solve it.


Alternative Solutions

If it is software, possibly we all have a common app/process that few have. Maybe we can all compare what we have. Unfortunately, my app count is still over 100 even after deleting more than half of my apps. Does anyone else have any ideas? I'd love to figure this out as it is extremely frustrating as you all know.

Nov 2, 2011 8:15 AM in response to tpero

your not alone. my wife and i have the same issue. i've talked with a number of friends who are having the same problem. most of the data issues started in the past few days. switching the airplane mode on and off works only for a short time on one phone, it didn't work on the other. wifi works fine. phones show 3g and 5 bars but can't open any web pages. i also feel that it sounds like and issue with the operating system. all i know is....it's getting old real quick. i have had a few apps that would not work at all at first. i had to delete the app and then download it again. i'm wondering if maybe an app or 2 is not working properly and causing the issue. like skymatt i have a large number of apps. i will take the time to check them all out and if i find something i'll gladly post about it. if i hear of anything that helps i'll post it and i'll keep checking back to see if anyone else has come up with some type of fix. sounds like we are all in the same boat.

iPhone 4s losing data connection multiple times/day

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