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The new iPad constantly losing cellular data connnection

My new iPad (3rd gen), 4G (AT&T) cannot seem to maintain a cellular data connection. The AT&T signal meter is still there (and shows 3 bars), but the "4G" disappears, and I get a "could not activate the cellular data network" error. I know it's not my location because it happens both at work and at home, and because my iPhone 4S and 1st gen iPad don't have the problem. I have already toggled cellular data on and off, restarted the iPad, reset network settings, and restarted again. No luck. Each time I restart, the connection works for about 30 seconds, and I can check my email, but then it immediately goes out again. Has anyone else had this problem?

iPad, iOS 5.1

Posted on Mar 19, 2012 1:50 PM

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606 replies

Mar 28, 2012 2:57 AM in response to scholarwilliams

It is getting even worse. Today when I lost connection (although I have full signal 5 bars and 3G icon) I had to switch the device off and on to bring it back. Switching off/on airplane mode or the cellular data on/off did not help. This is really bad! The worse is when I see full signal and 3G icon - I can never be sure if iPad is connected to internet or not!!! I can only find it out when I manually run application that reuests internet connection.

Mar 28, 2012 3:31 AM in response to Lewpirate

exactly the same in germany with 3G (Eplus).

with a WiFi connections I have no problems.


But when I am moving mobile on the road with the NEW IPAD-3 (5.1) it's lost the carrier (APN) from time to time.

In the display you can read: eplus 3G - but I don't have any internet connection.


Only a reboot helps.


And this is a silly thing - becourse I use my e-mail for business!


Today I have a phonecall to my Provider (EPlus), but they say it's an APPLE Problem - all the simcards

working well... you an Update!


Hey Appple: When do we get a new Update for the New Ipad?

Mar 29, 2012 5:22 AM in response to Burkow

I have the same issue and this is my 1st iPad, so it's not a restore issue, it's a hardware/software issue.


The iPad 3 uses the same antenna for cellular data and Wifi and I've noticed that if I disable the Wifi, then I don't lose 3G on cellular. It's only if I'm swapping between Wifi and Cellular data that I get the problem, it's as if the Wifi somehow knocks out the cellular data capability, even though you have a good signal. As others have noticed, only power off/on helps restore connectivity and then if you enable Wifi, it goes again.


This could be a far more serious problem than we realise...

Mar 29, 2012 8:38 AM in response to slaguru

I think I may have a workaround for this...


I posted elsewhere that I think the Wi-Fi chip is knocking out/locking up the cellular data chip; they do share the same antenna.


The trick is not to have cellular data and WiFi on at the same time. If you only enable one at a time in Settings then the problem (for me at least) goes away. Not ideal but better than continually having to reset the iPad.


So in summary: Go to Settings > Cellular Data and Settings > Wi-Fi and turn both off. Then fully power off your iPad by holding down the power button for + 3 seconds.


When you power the device back on, go to settings and enable either Wi-Fi or Cellular data but not both. When you want to switch between the two, make sure you disable the Wi-Fi before enabling cellular data and vice versa, then it seems to work fine.


By not enabling them both together, the Wi-Fi signal is prevented from knocking out the cellular data (3G) chip, or so it seems...

Mar 29, 2012 9:04 AM in response to FazerWiz

I tried it, and right now Im posting this on 3G signal. I just made sure I toggled wifi off before switching to 3G. Interesting, I did notice a stronger 3G signal than normal when I woke up this morning. But so far 3G is working by doing it this way. I didn't even turn my iPad off, I just made wifi was off a few seconds and toggled 3G on without LTE and all is fine.

Mar 29, 2012 9:09 AM in response to Burkow

I have very often this problem too on my ipad 3 64 GB Wifi+3G in Belgium. I always have good reception, 3G symbol and when I starting Safari or Mail, I have always the error message saying there is an issue with cellular data connection. Airplane on/off never solves the problem. I need to shutdown and power on my iPad each time to solve it. I hope Apple will release a new version of iOS to solve this issue really annoying!


And yes I have the problem only when my iPad switches between Wifi and 3G network.

Mar 29, 2012 9:06 AM in response to FazerWiz

I have yet to reset the iPad to fix this. Just turning Cellular Data off and on again fixes the issue temporarily. There is no need to have to reset the iPad then switch WiFi off every time you're not using it. The issue is not with connecting to WiFi, but rather the cellular data. No need for the mutiple steps.


Yes, it is annoying, but it should be resolved in a firmware update soon.

Mar 29, 2012 9:14 AM in response to scholarwilliams

I can confirm this occurs in the US as well, so it's global. As I mentioned in a previous post, turning LTE off resolves the problem for me. For me, an OK short-term solution since LTE will not be in my area for another couple of months. Alternatively, turning cellular data off, then on again also resolves the problem. Obviously not something any of us should be doing for the long term.


Anxiously awaiting the firmware/ios update!

The new iPad constantly losing cellular data connnection

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