Apple Event: May 7th at 7 am PT

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

Iphone 4s - 3G connection disappears after using wi-fi

Hi!


I have an odd problem with my Iphone 4s. After using a wi-fi connection at home and going out I've noticed that the phone doesn't switch automatically to 3g connection. Instead it states that there's no internet connection available at all. But if I'm restarting the phone (shut down, new start) then I get a 3g connection back immediately. This looks really annoying. Any ideas how to solve it?


Thanks!

iPhone 4S, iOS 5

Posted on Nov 6, 2011 10:39 AM

Reply
210 replies

Jul 19, 2013 3:45 AM in response to pohcheng

I ended up having 3 replaced iPhones4's all three had 3g and no service issues and the only way to get 3g/ and service back was to reboot or data reset and it would work again form anything like three days sometimes an hour or so and iether the 3g would drop out or no service would go again, I complained to T-mobile about it and told them I didnt want the iPhone anymore, thinking I was gonna be stuck with this iPhone cause my cooling off period from upgrade had ran out, they kindly replaced my Crappy iPhone with the HTC One, since then iv had NOOOOO! problems with 3g or call service Samsung or HTC it is Guys........😁

Jul 19, 2013 5:26 AM in response to twics

Actually, I think twics does give the best advice and solution to this issue.

don't use apple products.

This is not a minor issue. it is a major hassle and wastes a lot of my time when I have to reboot my phone to compare prices etc.

The whole point of having this kind of device is concenience.

If I wasn't so far along in my contract I would also be asking for a replacement.

Jul 19, 2013 7:40 AM in response to injust

While it is obvious the problem will not be fixed, I have found simply toggling into Airplane Mode fixes it which is much faster than a reboot.


I myself considered going to get replacement phone, but seeing all the posts know that it will not correct the problem. I know the iPhone 4 from Verizon does not have the issue, since my wife as the 4...so it seems limited to the 4S.


I have learned to work around it, I just hate when I miss it because then I do not get iMessages and stuff like that from time to time, but overall the problem has been manageable, yet a shame that Apple did not figure it out and fix it.

Jul 19, 2013 7:47 AM in response to pohcheng

I had the exact same problem on 2 different iphones. Someone posted a workaround earlier in this discussion to switch your carrier selection from automatic to manual. Setting/Carrier/turn automatic off and select your carrier. That has worked for me all the time and hope it helps you solve your issues as well.

Feb 1, 2014 12:12 PM in response to injust

I have never posted on a forum before but hope this may help others. I have had this problem and has been driving me nuts!!! On EE in UK and iphone 4. Every time went from wifi could not get iMessage or emails. Rang EE told not them and put through to Apple who were helpful to be fair but told me to do restore. No better. New SIM no different. Mutterings from EE shop that phone faulty etc. Anyway I have messed about and realised that the 3G coverage is terrible where I am and that friends with iPhone 5s are having same problem. I am no IT expert but get the feeling that if 3G or 4g is enabled the phone looks for masts that provide that service. Where I am they exist but the coverage is really poor. I get the feeling the phone tries to find these first and ignores 2g a lot of the time. I have turned off 3G in my mobile settings and now I get all my messages and emails. Yes internet rubbish but at least I get those important messages and the phone changes from wifi to E or GPRS from wifi with now problem. I hope this helps but as far as I can tell this seems to be a coverage issue. Not sure that carriers will admit this as may encourage you to look for another provider.

Mar 27, 2014 11:16 AM in response to Podrick

I have the same problem with my work iphone4s,

Stranded in Leeds because the sat nav died,

Had no 3g coverage all day in any location,

Needed it for navigation, used my personal

Samsung Galaxy S3 no problem.

Toggle airplane mode hey presto there's your 3G

If I use Wifi I have no 3G afterwards,

Toggle airplane mode again and hey presto.

Wondered why I received no email all day!

Apr 2, 2014 6:05 AM in response to injust

Have the exact same problem and now restarting my phone doesn't even help

The phone does not want to use cellular data only wi-fi

Jun 6, 2014 8:41 AM in response to injust

It's an insult and a joke that this is still an issue,


I'm on O2 3G plan and I can replicate this issue everyday in London moving from Kings Cross to Moorgate and it happens sporadically throughout the day, even if Wifi is disabled


As others have said, airplane mode on and off for a few seconds and it comes back but not all the time


Unacceptable, this phone should be a piece of cutting edge technology, not a glorified paperweight




Maybe I'll take my custom to Samsung/Android in future

Iphone 4s - 3G connection disappears after using wi-fi

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