Losing 4G or 5G connectivity on an Android phone can be a real pain, especially when you need it most when you're away from home and rely on mobile data. While Wi-Fi coverage is essential in many environments, a smartphone's true potential comes from taking advantage of the mobile network. When Android does not connect to 4G or 5G and only works with WiFi, it is normal to be alarmed and look for quick and reliable solutions..
In this guide we are going to break down as completely as possible All the proven causes and solutions when your Android phone refuses to connect to 4G or 5G networksWe've compiled the most recommended tips, steps, and tricks from experts and users who've been through the same thing, with clear explanations so you can get back online as quickly as possible, whether it's due to a temporary outage, a configuration error, limitations from your carrier, or even physical issues with your device or SIM.
Why doesn't your Android connect to 4G or 5G and only works with WiFi?
Before you rush into blindly trying out solutions, it's important to understand that There are multiple factors that can cause loss of 4G or 5G connection on Android.Some are as simple as carrier coverage in your area, but other times they can be related to phone settings, SIM card status, a glitch in the settings, the plan you're using, or even software issues.
The most common symptoms you'll notice if your phone won't connect to 4G/5G without WiFi are:
- The mobile network icon only shows 3G, E or H, or disappears altogether when you turn off the WiFi.
- Browsing speed is slow or you can't even load pages or apps without WiFi.
- You receive network error messages when trying to use mobile data.
- The phone indicates “no service”, “emergency calls only” or similar.
- In some cases, you can't even make calls or send SMS..
Let's break down the possible causes one by one and how to solve them, to rule out the problem and find the root of the failure.
Coverage and operator network: the first point to check
The most basic but also the most forgotten: Mobile network coverage and 4G or 5G availability in your area depend directly on your operator and location.Often, the problem isn't with the phone itself, but rather with the absence, weakness, or overload of the signal where you are.
How to check coverage? Start by:
- Check 4G/5G coverage areas on your operator's website (Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, Yoigo, etc.) or use apps like OpenSignal or Network Cell Info Lite to see the actual signal quality in your current location.
- Pay attention to the physical environment: Indoors, basements, buildings with thick walls, elevators, or some rural areas can block or greatly weaken the mobile signal.
- Si Other mobile phones from the same operator also have no connection in the same location., it is probably due to a general coverage problem or a temporary outage in the area.
- In crowded places, such as concerts or stadiums, the antennas can become saturated and the data signal may lose strength or disappear temporarily.
If you notice that the quality of your connection changes when you move around or go outside, you have the answer: There is not enough mobile coverage where you were. Try another location and if the problem persists, continue reading.
Does your plan include 4G or 5G? Is the SIM compatible?
It may seem obvious, but not all contracts include access to the fastest mobile networks. Make sure your plan is compatible with 4G and/or 5G, since many operators only offer basic options with 3G or 4G+, and 5G may require a rate upgrade or even a change of provider.
Call your operator or check in their customer area What technology you have subscribed to and if you need to make any changes. If you only have 4G and want 5G, consider changing your plan or even your provider, as not all MVNOs or all areas offer 5G.
Another key issue is the SIM, which must be modern and compatible with the network you want to useVery old SIM cards, or those not ready for 5G, can prevent access to these networks even if everything else is fine. If you suspect this may be the case:
- Check with your carrier if your SIM card is compatible with 4G or 5G and request an updated version if necessary.
- Please note that if you purchased the mobile phone outside of Spain, the frequency bands may not be the same, and the SIM may not work on some networks.
APN settings: the key to accessing mobile Internet
The APN (Access Point Name, or access point name) is crucial for your Android to establish a successful internet connection using mobile data. A configuration error or lack of one means that the phone, even if it "sees" the network, cannot browse.
How to check and correct APN?
- Go to “Settings” > “Connections” > “Mobile networks” > “Access point names” (This may vary depending on the brand and version of Android).
- Compare the configured APN data with your operator's official data., available on their website or support. They typically include name, APN, username, password, and authentication type, if necessary.
- Delete the current APN and create a new one with the official data of the operator.
- Save the changes and select that APN as default.. Then, turn mobile data off and on again.
This step is essential if you have changed operators, ported or reset your mobile, since Automatic APN configuration may fail.
Make sure you have mobile data activated and the correct network type
Sometimes mobile data may be disabled without you realizing it, or the preferred network type may not be the correct one. Check these points in the settings:
- Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks.
- Confirm that the “Mobile Data” option is enabled.
- Search for “Preferred Network Type” and select “5G/4G/3G/2G (auto connect)” or the highest available option.
- On Dual SIM devices, Make sure data is enabled on the SIM that has coverage and an active rate..
If you had only 2G or 3G set, or data was disabled, your phone will never access 4G or 5G, resulting in limited speeds or losing connectivity.
Quick methods that usually work: airplane mode and restarting the phone
Turning airplane mode on and off for a few seconds is one of the most effective solutions for troubleshooting mobile connection issues.This forces the phone to disconnect and reconnect all antennas and search for the best available network, renewing the signal.
How to do it? Slide the quick settings panel, activate airplane mode, wait 10-20 seconds, and then deactivate it again. Then, activate mobile data and check if the 4G or 5G icon appears.
Another effective strategy is reboot the deviceThis clears temporary errors, frees up memory, and reestablishes connection to the mobile network. Turn your phone off and on again, or use the restart option, and see if your data returns.
Check and reseat the SIM card
A damaged or improperly inserted SIM card can leave you without data. Remove the SIM with the phone turned off, clean it gently and reinsert it ensuring it is correctly positioned.If you have a dual-SIM phone, check that it's in the correct slot.
If the SIM doesn't work in another phone compatible with 4G/5G networks, request a duplicate from your carrier. If it doesn't work in any other device, the SIM is damaged and needs to be replaced.
When you reinsert the SIM, if it asks for a PIN and recognizes it but you have no data, the problem may be in the settings (APN, network type) or the operator's coverage.
Check mobile data limits and usage
On Android, you can set data usage limits to avoid using up your entire plan. If you have used up your contracted megabytes or gigabytes, or if your limit is too low, you will be left without a 4G/5G connection..
Check Settings > Connections > Data Usage > Billing Cycle & Notification. Also, check your carrier's app or website to see if you have enough balance or data available.
When you exceed these limits, many companies reduce your speed to very low levels, which can make it seem like there's no internet connection. Ask about additional plans or increase your rate to avoid these restrictions.
Have you updated your phone? Software is also important.
An outdated system can cause connectivity issues, especially after changes to networks or operator settings. Go to Settings > System > Updates and check if any are pending..
Install all available updates, restart your device, and test the connection again. Manufacturer patches often resolve issues related to frequency bands or compatibility.
Reset network settings: a radical but effective solution
If all of the above doesn't work, Resetting network settings to factory settings usually fixes most problems.This eliminates any incorrect settings or internal conflicts that may be preventing the connection.
How do I do this? In Settings > System or General > Reset, select "Reset Network Settings" and confirm. When the phone restarts, you'll need to re-enter the Wi-Fi passwords, but you'll usually regain mobile data functionality.
Last resort: factory reset your phone
In extreme cases, A deep software glitch can prevent the data connection from working and a factory reset would be the only option.Always make a backup first.
- Go to Settings > System > Reset options > “Erase all data (factory data reset)”
- Wait for it to finish and configure the phone from scratch.
After this process, in most cases 4G and 5G connection is restored againThis step is recommended only if you have exhausted all other options.
Other tips for areas with poor coverage or persistent problems
If the faults persist in your area, you can try additional tricks:
- Use signal boosters specific to your operator's bands.
- Take advantage of the function of WiFi calls if available and supported, to improve indoor connectivity.
- Turn off 5G and use only 4G if fifth-generation coverage is unstable in your area.
- Check the official coverage maps and pinpoint your exact location.
- Do not doubt contact your operator to review your line and offer you specific solutions, especially if the problems are recurring.
Less common but possible errors
Some less common problems include:
- Damaged SIM card: Visually check for damage or dirt, and order a duplicate if necessary.
- Technical limitations of the mobile phone: Check your model specifications to verify compatibility with 4G/5G bands.
- Recent carrier changes or portability issues: The service may take a while to activate or may require reconfiguration.
- Temporary network errors: tower collapses, maintenance or saturations, which are usually resolved over time or by contacting the operator.
- Dual SIM conflicts: Make sure the primary data SIM is correctly assigned and active.
Special case: 4G/5G routers and problems connecting from other devices
If you use a router or a stick instead of a mobile phone, The steps are similar but with nuances:
- Check the router's IP in its settings. If it is 0.0.0.0, it does not get a signal from the operator.
- Confirm SIM compatibility and correct APN settings.
- Reboot, update firmware, and configure network profiles if necessary.
- Contact support if the problem persists, so we can review it remotely or change the network.
What to do if none of this works?
After reviewing all the options, if your mobile still does not connect to 4G or 5G without WiFi, consider seeking specialized help.:
- call your operator and requests a line review, possible blockages or incidents.
- Contact the manufacturer's support if there is a possible hardware failure in the antennas or internal components.
- Consider changing carriers (for coverage) or devices (if they don't support current bands).
Many Android connection issues can be resolved by following a logical order and being patient. Sometimes, the simplest fixes, such as restarting or changing location, can prevent hours of frustration.
With these instructions, you have enough tools to understand and resolve most 4G and 5G connection issues on Android. From checking coverage and rates to performing resets or updates, always contacting technical support if necessary. The key is to follow orderly steps and not skip seemingly small processes that could be the definitive solution.
