adminkids

Q: Could not activate mobile data network

Hi,

 

I have 5 Ipad 2 that have the same issue. I recently updated to iOS 9.3.4. After the update I get a popup stating "Could not activate mobile data network. turn on mobile data or use Wi-Fi to access data."

 

I have mobile data on and the ipad shows my carrier name and 3G in the top left corner.

 

I have tried many things and found that if I enter the carriers APN settings things work, however if the Ipad is powered off or runs out of battery the problem is back despite the APN settings being the same as entered.

 

I have never had to enter APN settings before the upgrade.

 

Can anyone help?

iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G, iOS 9.3.4, null

Posted on Aug 18, 2016 7:34 PM

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Q: Could not activate mobile data network

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  • by alex_oz,

    alex_oz alex_oz Aug 19, 2016 11:54 AM in response to adminkids
    Community Specialists
    Aug 19, 2016 11:54 AM in response to adminkids

    Hi, adminkids! Thanks for joining Apple Support Communities.

    It appears you have multiple iPads that were designed to connect both wi-fi or cellular service but since updating to iOS 9.3.4, you've received a warning that your iPad(s) couldn't activate your mobile data network with instructions on how to proceed.  It's strange that your iPad is showing connected to your carrier's 3G network as indicated at the top of the display, but I'll be glad to help you make sure.

    The first thing I'd like for you to do is to turn Wi-Fi off on one of the iPad and see if you can connect to the internet using Safari. If you can, than mobile data is working.

    If you can‘t connect to a cellular network or cellular data -- If your iPad can't connect with Wi-Fi turned off, follow the steps in this article.

     

    Have a great day!

  • by adminkids,

    adminkids adminkids Aug 21, 2016 1:09 PM in response to alex_oz
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPad
    Aug 21, 2016 1:09 PM in response to alex_oz

    I have done this, in fact that is why I know 3G is not working.

     

    With Wifi turned off I enter the carriers APN settings. The internet now works with 3G, however if the Ipad is powered off or runs out of battery the problem is back despite the APN settings being the same as entered.

     

    Thanks

  • by Diana.McCall,

    Diana.McCall Diana.McCall Aug 22, 2016 9:15 AM in response to adminkids
    Level 4 (2,942 points)
    Apple TV
    Aug 22, 2016 9:15 AM in response to adminkids

    Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings may help. You'll have to re-enter the settings, but it will erase any leftover bad data. You said you turned power off, so I assume you have restarted the device (long wait with Apple on white background).

  • by adminkids,

    adminkids adminkids Aug 22, 2016 2:37 PM in response to Diana.McCall
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPad
    Aug 22, 2016 2:37 PM in response to Diana.McCall

    Thanks for your reply, I have tried this as well. But it does not fix the issue.

  • by Diana.McCall,

    Diana.McCall Diana.McCall Aug 22, 2016 2:47 PM in response to adminkids
    Level 4 (2,942 points)
    Apple TV
    Aug 22, 2016 2:47 PM in response to adminkids

    Have you restarted the iPad? Hold Sleep and Home buttons until the Apple appears. That can fix a lot of post-update problems.

  • by adminkids,

    adminkids adminkids Aug 22, 2016 4:30 PM in response to Diana.McCall
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPad
    Aug 22, 2016 4:30 PM in response to Diana.McCall

    I have restarted the ipad at least 10 times. I think I may just have to hope the next update fixes things.