How to

What is PDP authentication failure and how to fix it on iOS and Android

PDP authentication failure signals a communication issue between your phone and network provider. It can be resolved by resetting your network settings.

PDP (Packet Data Protocol) authentication failure is a connection issue that often appears on iPhones, iPads, and Android devices. It can be caused by an issue with your eSIM or difficulties connecting to cellular lines. This error appears on your phone as “PDP authentication failure.”

As the name says, it is an error associated with cellular network authentication. If you’re facing this issue right now, follow along to find all the necessary information to solve it.

In this article

What is PDP authentication failure?

PDP authentication failure means your cellular data connection was not configured correctly. This affects your phones ability to use mobile internet. The issue needs to be fixed before you can get back to enjoying a steady internet connection.

PDP authentication fails when a cellular network is set up incorrectly. But don’t worry; this error is common, and the solution is usually quick and easy. This error occurs on iPads as well since it is not exclusive to cell phones.

Remember that this is a phone configuration error and not a factory error. Now, let’s see how to solve this error with a step-by-step process on how to fix cellular data on iPhones and iPads.

Don’t forget that if this happens to you while you are abroad using an international eSIM, your eSIM service provider can also help you to solve this error.

How to solve PDP authentication failure on iPhone

You can usually fix the PDP authentication failure quickly and without without having to take your phone to a repair shop.

Most of the time, you’ll simply need to reset of your existing network configurations and automatically generate new ones. Here is how you can do it.

How to fix PDP authentication failure on iPhones — PDP authentication failure on iPhone. Source: Pexels.

Reset network settings on your iPhone

In most cases, the problem can be solved by resetting network settings on your phone. Your phone does not automatically change outdated protocols, so with this reset, you’ll force it to find a new protocol and solve our internet connectivity.

With these steps you can do it easily by yourself.

Put your iPhone in airplane mode.
Leave it for about five to ten seconds, then turn off airplane mode.
Restart your iPhone.
Once your device reboots, go to cellular settings and reset your mobile network settings.
Depending on the iPhone you have, the location of your network settings may appear in the following ways:
- “General” > “Reset” > “Reset Network Settings”
- “General” > “Transfer or Reset iPhone” > “Reset” > “Reset Network Settings”

When you complete these steps you should have your network correctly configured.

Resetting network settings on iOS.

Fix PDP authentication failure on iPad

The first thing you should know is that this problem on iPad has the same causes and solutions as on iPhone. So if you solved the problem on your phone, you can do the same on your tablet.

Therefore, if you have the same issue with an iPad, you can solve it with the iPhone method. Try following the steps below to see how to fix your iPad PDP authentication failure:

Put your device into airplane mode for a few seconds.
Turn off the phone and reboot.
To ensure the problem is fixed, go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will reset the network setting on the iPad.

As this problem is completely linked to the configuration of your network to access the Internet, if the problem persists, you’ll likely need to contact your network provider for help.

How to fix PDP authentication failure on iPad — PDP authentication failure on iPad. Source: Pexels.

Fix PDP authentication failure on Android

Much like iOS devices, Android phones and tablets can also get PDP authentication issues. Thankfully, the most common solution remains the same — resetting your network settings. Here’s how you can do it on your Android device:

Go to your device’s Settings menu.
Tap the System or General Management menu.
Locate and tap on Reset Options.
Select the Reset WiFi, mobile & Bluetooth, or Reset network settings option.
Restart your device.

Keep in mind that the process can be slightly different depending on your device and operating system. However, the general steps should remain mostly the same.

Reset network settings on Android.

Fix PDP failure by updating your operating system

In some cases, the PDP authentication failure can be caused by your operating system going out of date. This applies to both iOS and Android devices. If resetting your network settings doesn’t help, check if you have the latest version of your operating system.

If you don’t, update your OS and see if that helps. You may be required to reset your network settings once more after your OS is updated and your phone restarts.

What causes the PDP authentication failure?

The PDP authentication failure is usually caused by an error in the device’s network configuration. The PDP Failure can be related to your settings or an error caused by the eSIM. In some cases, it may be something totally simple, such as running out of cellular data on the eSIM. If you try to connect while there is no remaining data, you may encounter this error.

Some of the reasons why this alert comes up on your cellular device may be an easy fix. However, in some cases, it may be something that you have to leave to an expert since you could damage your phone if you try it yourself. That said, the solutions above won’t do anything to harm your phone and should help with a majority of issues.

Conclusion

All in all, PDP authentication failure is a fairly common error that can be fixed in a few simple steps. If resetting your network settings doesn’t work, ensure you have the latest OS installed on your device and that you haven’t run out of data on your mobile plan. Only then should you consider visiting a professional for phone repairs.

FAQs about PDP authentication failure

What is PDP authentication on iPhone?

PDP authentication is a security process behind the scenes when you try to connect to the internet using your cellular data. It stands for Packet Data Protocol, which is the language your mobile device uses to talk to the cell network about access data services. During PDP authentication, your iPhone and your cell network check IDs with each other.

What happens when PDP authentication fails?

If PDP authentication fails, you will not be able to use data connection or access point services as long as the error persists. In addition to this, you will usually see a notification with the error message “PDP authentication failure.” You can fix it by following the steps in this article.

Can I solve the PDP authentication problem from home?

In most cases, resetting your network settings will fix this error message. If this does not solve the problem, then you should contact your service provider to verify if the problem is with the SIM card or in another system. You may have to bring your phone to a carrier location or rely on remote support from technical services.

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Julio Osuna

English Content Writer

I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.

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