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“Could not activate cellular data network” iPhone Fix [Video]

“Could not activate cellular data network” is an error message that displays on iPhones subscribed to any cellular service carrier such as Sprint, AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile.

The message appears when the user’s data service is not activating properly.

The first step in troubleshooting this problem is to make sure that you are subscribed to a cellular data network and that there are no current holds on your account.

Once you’re sure that your cellular data plan is active, you can follow the steps in the video above to resolve the issue.

For those of you who prefer reading over watching, here are the steps typed out:

  1. Navigate to Settings -> Cellular and turn off “Cellular Data” and “Roaming”
  2. Navigate to Settings -> Safari and choose the option to “Clear all cookies and data”
  3. Turn Wi-Fi off on the iPhone
  4. Power the iPhone off and wait 5 minutes before turning it back on
  5. Navigate to Settings -> Cellular and turn on “Cellular Data” (you can turn on roaming if you want too)
  6. Try to load a website in Safari or send an email to see if your cellular data network is active

If the issue still persists, you may not be subscribed to a cellular data plan or you may be outside of your current provider’s area of service.

See Also: iOS 7 / iPhone Tutorials Playlist

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Anson Alexander

I am an author, digital educator and content marketer. I record, edit, and publish content for AnsonAlex.com, provide technical and business services to clients and am an avid self-learner. I have also authored several digital marketing and business courses for LinkedIn Learning (previously Lynda.com).

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