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Why ismy iPhone 4s switching from 3G to 1x randomly?

Somebody please HELP! So obviously when in areas lacking wifi, my iphone4s automatically connects to 3G.

For some reason, my phone will read "3G" and as soon as I try to use an app, it switches to "1X"

It just continues to switch back and forth randomly!

I've tried moving around with it, the service bars dont seem to make a difference.

I'm semi-tech-savy, but have limited experience on iPhones.

Thought maybe turning 3G off and on again, but can't seem to find an option to do so??


My mom is having the exact same problem on her 5s.


Anything to do with new iOS7 update?

Or maybe just our towers?

Any thoughts guys?!

iPhone 4S, iOS 7.0.1

Posted on Sep 26, 2013 6:22 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 26, 2013 6:54 PM

Let me guess... You have Verizon, don't you? Call them. It's probably a network problem.

20 replies

Oct 10, 2014 10:31 AM in response to alecia55

I've called Sprint about the issue. Was told to dial/call "##update#" it initiates a reset of your phone with the local cell phone towers and helps me a great deal - especially if I've turned off my phone while traveling and turn it back on in new location (across state lines, etc). The phone get's 'confused' as to where it is so by resetting it 'finds' where it is again and what network(s) to utilize.

Feb 27, 2015 6:17 PM in response to destineusa

That was not sufficient for me.


I was not able to connect to the 3G when I was outside, and even though my phone showed connected to my wiFi when I got home, I could not pull up anything inSafari - just indicated I was not connected to the Internet.


I called Sprint who had me insure voice and data roaming was on and International was off. Then she had me go into General to Reset to Reset Network Settings. The phone rebooted and I had to enter the password for my network, and Internet access was back.

Sep 15, 2015 4:04 AM in response to alecia55

II have Verizon service with my (old) iPhone 4S, and have the same trouble. Verizon suggested a new SIM card, and they offer replacemeets for free; walk into the store and ask.


i called while I was researching, and ordered a new card from them in the mail.


over the weekend, I got the idea of the corrosion on the metal of the card, and tried to figure a way to clean of the "rust" and old stuff....and decided toothpaste would not be too bad....and guess what, I'm back to faster data, Siri doesn't give me trouble and the 3G stays on all the time again.


Bottom line, brush your SIM card regularly!

Why ismy iPhone 4s switching from 3G to 1x randomly?

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