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Why is my mobile data not working on my Samsung? Main issues and how to fix them

The main reasons for your mobile data not working on your Samsung are issues with your settings, SIM card, or lack of available data.

Rokas Aniulis Writer Profile

Updated: January 19, 2026

Mobile data issues on Samsung devices can range from something as simple as forgetting to turn off airplane mode to issues with your settings, SIM card, or the service provider itself

Thankfully, most of these issues can be quickly solved with a few taps on your screen. Follow along to learn all about the reasons behind mobile data issues on your Samsung and how you can solve them.

If you need reliable data anywhere in the world, get an eSIM from Holafly.

Why is my mobile data not working on my Samsung?

The main reasons for data connection issues on Samsung phones are:

  • The Samsung “phone not registered on network” error.
  • Software is outdated.
  • Airplane mode is turned on, or mobile data is turned off.
  • WiFi is enabled and connected to an unstable network.
  • Glitches in mobile network settings.
  • Poor network coverage in your area.
  • Faulty physical SIM cards.

How to fix mobile data issues on Samsung

Now that you know the main potential causes of mobile internet problems on your Samsung, let’s take a look at the troubleshooting steps you can take to fix them.

Address the phone not registered on network error

“Phone not registered on network” is the most common error message you get when facing network connection issues on Samsung. In most cases, it’s a temporary error or fault with your phone’s settings. To solve it, restart your phone, toggle airplane mode on and off again, reinsert your SIM, or completely reset your network settings.

Restart your phone

Unsurprisingly, the old “turn it off and back on again” trick often works when your mobile internet isn’t working on Samsung. It forces your phone to reconnect to the network, which solves temporary glitches. Here’s how you can do this on your phone:

  • Swipe down to open the quick settings menu.
  • Tap the Power icon.
  • Select the Restart option.

If that doesn’t work, you can restart your phone by holding the power button and the volume down button simultaneously for seven seconds.

Turn airplane mode on and off

Turning airplane mode on for 30 seconds and turning it back off forces your phone to disconnect from all networks before reconnecting again. This can fix any temporary glitches and make your cellular data work as intended again.

Check if mobile data is turned on

Sometimes the cause for connectivity issues can be as simple as turning your mobile data off and forgetting to turn it back on again. Scroll down from the top of your screen to open the quick settings menu and make sure mobile data is turned on.

Turn off WiFi

Most phones are set up to prioritize WiFi connections over mobile data, even if the WiFi connection is unstable. To avoid this, simply turn off WiFi whenever you want to use mobile data.

Check your data allowance

Mobile data won’t work if your data usage exceeds your phone plan’s data allowance. Check your allowance on your cell service provider’s app or website to make sure you have data remaining on your plan. If you don’t, simply get a data add-on to get back online.

Reinsert your SIM card

Taking your SIM card out and reinserting it into your phone tackles two possible issues

  1. By taking out your SIM card, you can check for any physical damage to the card.
  2. It disconnects your phone from the network, then reconnects once the SIM is inserted. This filters out any minor glitches with the network settings.

If the same problem persists after reinserting the card, you can try inserting a different SIM card. If a different card works, there’s likely an issue with your SIM itself. To avoid issues with physical SIM cards altogether, you can get an eSIM for your Samsung instead.

Check network coverage

If mobile data stops working or works poorly when you travel, it may be because of poor coverage in your area. Typically, coverage in most cities and towns is good, but can quickly worsen if you steer further away from the cities. If you only have one or two network bars showing, you may experience issues with data, calls, and even texts.

Update your software

An outdated operating system can be the reason behind mobile network issues. Check to ensure that you have the latest OS version on your phone. If you don’t, update to the latest version to ensure everything works smoothly.

Reset your mobile network settings

Resetting your network settings should be a last-resort option when troubleshooting mobile data issues. It resets your WiFi, Bluetooth, mobile data, and all other network settings at once. As a result, you may lose all connected WiFi networks and Bluetooth devices, and will have to pair them again after the reset.

That said, doing so often solves connectivity issues when other methods don’t. Here’s how you can reset the network settings on your iPhone device:

  • Open your Settings menu.
  • Tap the General management option.
  • Select Reset at the bottom of the menu.
  • Select the Reset network settings option.
  • Tap Reset settings, then Reset.

After doing so, your device will completely reset all network settings.

Contact your carrier

If none of the above helps, chances are, there’s an issue with the mobile network itself. Contact your carrier and ask if they’re aware of any ongoing issues and if there’s anything they can do to help get you back online.

Need reliable mobile internet? Holafly has got you covered

Whether you need reliable data when traveling or a long-term data solution, Holafly has eSIM plans for you. All travel eSIM plans include unlimited data, 24/7 customer support, and hotspot sharing. On top of that, Holafly works with multiple carriers in most destinations, so you can simply switch to a different carrier if you’re experiencing issues.

Travel eSIMs start as low as $1.55/day for 90-day plans at most destinations, making it one of the most affordable unlimited data options on the market. 

For long-term coverage, get Holafly Plans, a pay-monthly eSIM subscription with coverage in 170+ destinations. There are no long-term contracts or cancellation fees, so simply use the service for as long as you need and cancel anytime.

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Rokas Aniulis

Rokas Aniulis

Senior SEO copywriter

A senior SEO writer from Lithuania, combining my passion for writing and travel at Holafly. With years of experience in technical fields, I'm here to answer all of your questions about staying connected. I specialize in turning even the most complicated topics into something everyone can understand.

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