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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

606 replies

Errk!

Level 1

20 points

Apr 7, 2012 7:53 AM in response to scholarwilliams

Just chiming in to say I had this exact problem with the first iPad 3rd gen I bought (black 32gb AT&T). When it dropped the connection nothing I did short of restarting the iPad would get it to connect again, and even then often times it would connect and stay connected for a minute or even less, and lose the connection again. Turning off LTE did not help, nor did turning on airplane mode (and back). I don't recall if I ever tried resetting network settings.

I took it back to Apple and the guy I talked with didn't even want to exchange it; he just wanted to restore. Only after I told him I would have to restore from my backup because I couldn't lose my app data did he grudgingly go ahead and replace it, insisting that it was a software problem and once I did so it would start again. It didn't; it was fine. He was actually pretty rude and it was very uncomfortable dealing with him.

Interestingly, I eventually returned the iPad to Best Buy where I bought it to upgrade to the 64gb. Before even getting it home and restoring from my backup I signed in to AT&T to get my data plan. Once I did it kind of hesitated before telling me that it couldn't activate the cellular network. I reset network settings and once it restarted it was fine; I've had no problems since.

Apr 7, 2012 8:51 AM in response to scholarwilliams

Same issue in EU Lithuania, Omnitel network. After sleep GSM connectivity doesn't work.

Apr 7, 2012 9:14 AM in response to sebless

Am in Singapore and facing the same issue with 3G. Even the 3G indicator seen, my apps displayed an error that no internet connection is available. Otherwise, it will only connect in GPRS mode. For info, my Samsung Note at the same time and location works perfectly so it is not an operator signal issue.

MLadd

Level 3

727 points

Apr 7, 2012 10:36 AM in response to reeflobang

Doing a restore, and setting it up as a new iPad fixed my issue. I no longer have any issues connecting to cellular networks.

MLadd

Level 3

727 points

Apr 7, 2012 10:36 AM in response to sir_kw

Restore and set up as a new ipad resolved this issue for me.

manoskap

Level 1

19 points

Apr 7, 2012 4:05 PM in response to MLadd

So the new DOA changed iPad didn't solve my problem. Still it stops connecting to internet after a while. The thing is, while I used it the first day it was fine. After connecting to a Wifi network and then trying to use 3g the problem reappeared. Now again the same happens.... Its devastating....

MLadd

Level 3

727 points

Apr 7, 2012 5:02 PM in response to manoskap

I don't see where you mention that you attempted a restore and set up as a new iPad. Did that not work for you?

Agresiv

Level 1

0 points

Apr 7, 2012 9:40 PM in response to RonAnnArbor

I have same issue, I will try turning off LTE - thanks for the tip.

lgoenka

Level 1

0 points

Apr 7, 2012 11:38 PM in response to scholarwilliams

Having similar problems in India too, LTE hasn't launched here yet. My 3G network works fine for few hours and then all of sudden a message pops "request hardware configuration" if you accept then signal goes and invalid sim message appears. If you cancel the message it works for few hours until next time the message again pops up. I have to restart the device again and the message pops up again. The cycle goes on and on...hope apple is rectifying this issue.

Apr 8, 2012 12:48 AM in response to MLadd

Thanks for the suggestion. Restoring as a new iPad does not work for me as I have tonnes of apps and data from my iPad 2 that I need to transfer to my new iPad. Apple should come up with a solution on this.

jmgg0025

Level 1

4 points

Apr 8, 2012 1:38 AM in response to scholarwilliams

Restoring as a new iPad,reset network, change pim´s number doesn´t solve the problem.

Apr 8, 2012 4:01 AM in response to jmgg0025

Strange i gotn an call at 3:30 am on my fixed line number. Apple support calling that my case was reopened and hand to a super senoir advisor please call back. My headset for fixed line was in the lifingroom i'll keep u all posted

rjpv

Level 1

0 points

Apr 8, 2012 7:52 AM in response to CalvinBaank

Wow this is a step forward! Any luck with the senior advisor? I truly believe (and hope) this is just a software issue. I have restored my iPad like 4 times in different ways without any luck!