8 Simple Ways To Fix 4G Problems On Android Phones in 2023
With today’s technology, one thing that we’d like to keep our eye on is the broadband cellular network technology. In the past – when Android first became commercially available to consumers – we were all “technically” suffering from slow 3G speeds.
Generally, 3G provided us with cellular network signals across the globe, but it wasn’t enough to enjoy streaming or surfing the web without buffering. Then 4G came along and revolutionized internet cellular speeds, but with some 4G problems on Android.
We use the internet for almost everything. For instance, we need it for research, and we keep up with friends by using social networking apps like Facebook, Skype, and much more. When you realize your 4G isn’t working, it can be frustrating.
To make sure you stay connected 24/7, I put together a list of solutions that can get your 4G problem fixed in no time. Let’s get started!
Related: Fix a Phone that Won’t Charge: the Ultimate Guide
- How to Fix 4G Problems on Android Phones (8 solutions)
- Check If Mobile Data Is Turned On
- Restart Your Device
- Re-insert Your SIM Card
- Turn Airplane Mode On and Off
- Enable The Right Network Mode
- Check Whether You Enabled A Mobile Data Limit
- Reset Your APNs
- Set APN Protocol to IPv4/IPv6
- Bonus Tip: Installing a 4G Router
- Huawei Wi-Fi Router B310-518 Unlocked 4G LTE
How to Fix 4G Problems on Android Phones (8 solutions)
Note: I used the Xiaomi Redmi 4A to demonstrate how to fix 4G not working on your Android phone.
1. Check If Mobile Data Is Turned On
One of the most common reasons why your phone can’t seem to connect to the 4G network is that mobile data on your Android phone is turned off. If you´re not familiar with the technical part of your phone, you might not realize this. So to make sure that your phone is connected to mobile data, follow these simple steps.
- Open settings and go to “SIM cards & mobile networks.”
- If it’s turned off, turn it on. But if it’s already on, toggle it off then on again.
- Alternatively, swipe down in order to display a drop-down menu that contains several icons. You will see two arrows –one pointing up and the other one down. Tap that icon to activate 4G mobile data on your phone.
- Make sure there is a mobile data indicator for 4G/H close to the signal bar of your screen. In fact, this will not show if your Wi-Fi connection is turned on, so make sure that it’s turned off.
If it doesn’t work for you, try out the next step.
2. Restart Your Device
I know what you’re thinking. You must have heard many times to restart your Android phone whenever it encounters any technical problem. It’s easy to forget that a simple action like turning your device off can solve the problem.
- To do that, long-press the power button of your Cell phone to turn it off and then turn it on. Depending on your phone, you will see a prompt that tells you to Reboot or Power off. Select power off.
If there is a problem with your data connection, proceed to the next solution.
3. Re-insert Your SIM Card
The problem can also be your SIM card and not your phone. If it’s incorrectly positioned, your mobile connection won’t work properly on your Android Phone.
- Depending on your phone, open the back cover and find the SIM slot. Remove the SIM card and then put it back in properly and close it. For others, use a SIM injector to open the SIM tray. Remove the SIM card, replace it, and insert the tray back in your phone.
4. Turn Airplane Mode On and Off
- Go to settings and tap more (depending on your phone, the options may look different)
- Turn airplane mode on. Wait for a few seconds. Then turn it off.
5. Enable The Right Network Mode
If your phone is 4G/LTE, make sure you check that it’s enabled in your network options. Doing this is very simple.
- First, go to settings and select Sim cards & mobile networks as shown in the previous steps.
- Go to SIM card settings and under Mobile network, tap “Preferred network type.”
- You will see an option under Preferred network: enable 4G/LTE.
6. Check Whether You Enabled A Mobile Data Limit
When you want to save the amount of data you consume on your Android phone, you set a data limit. This option is available on all Android phones. Oftentimes, this is the reason why you’re having 4G network problems on your phone. To make sure that you can start receiving data, follow these steps.
- Head over to settings and then go to “SIM cards & Mobile networks.”
- Under SIM cards & Mobile networks, head to “Set data plan” and you will be directed to the “Data usage” settings window
- Once you are there, make sure you turn off Data usage
7. Reset Your APNs
APNs, in other words, is the acronym for Access Point Names. APNs are used by your network service provider for them to be able to connect mobile internet to your phone. It sets your phone up with settings such as the IP address and gateways so that you can start receiving a data connection on your Android phone.
- Head to settings and tap “SIM cards and networks.” Go to SIM card settings and then Access Point Names. You will see a list of APNs, Tap the menu icon Reset at the bottom left of the screen
8. Set APN Protocol to IPv4/IPv6
This option may not be available in some Android phones but others will have the option of changing the APN protocol. To know whether you can set it, follow these steps.
- Go to settings and tap “SIM cards & mobile networks.” Head over to SIM card settings and Access Point Names. You will see a list of APNs, select your network APN to edit it. Scroll down APN protocol.
- You will see an APN protocol window, select “IPv4/IPv6.”
Bonus Tip: Installing a 4G Router
In some cases, your phone isn’t really at fault here and there’s nothing wrong with it. The problem lies in the 4G signal that just couldn’t penetrate the walls of your office, house, or apartment. Rendering your smartphone unable to connect to any 4G network. If that’s the case, then we highly recommend getting a 4G router instead if 4G is the main network of your internet subscription.
Huawei Wi-Fi Router B310-518 Unlocked 4G LTE
If you need a device that can give you a strong Wi-Fi signal at home (if you rely on 4G connection from a SIM card), then we highly recommend getting this 4G Router from Huawei.
This router can be used outdoors and it uses a SIM card to connect to the 4G broadband network. It will then convert that signal to Wi-Fi giving you internet access in the comfort of your home.
FAQs
Is LTE the same as 4G?
Some phones come as 4G while others are LTE. However, LTE is not 4G. It is a predecessor of 4G.
How do I know if 4G is working?
When your phone has 4G support, you will see a 4G or sometimes a 4G LTE indicator next to the signal bar at the top of your screen.
Can I get 4G?
Yes, you can. If you are in a city or a place with a good signal for texting or calling, you should be able to use 4G.
Why is my phone not picking up 4G?
This issue mostly happens if your network connectivity is low. You can fix it by going to the settings on your phone and switching on your mobile data. Check if your phone’s network is automatic. This is one easy for fix 4G problems on Android phones
Why is my 4G so slow?
You can move to a different location. This issue can arise due to weather and network congestion.
Wrapping up
This article tackled how you can fix 4G problems on your Android phone. Some of these problems could just be minor issues that are caused by SIM card problems, while some can be fixed through the mobile phone settings.
Make sure that you check whether the data connection problem has been solved. If it hasn’t, then you have to seek assistance from a technician. If these solutions have been helpful, let me know!
I would love to hear about your success stories in the comment section below.
Is there any android phone with 4G LTE only mobile data setting instead of standard 4G prefered ?
Am using itel P33…buh it doesn’t support 4G network….but my phone is on H plus, so what’s the solution
I”m using P20 Lite it’s doesnot support 4G network but my phone is only showing H+ How do fix the problem or my my doesnot support 4G?
Hi mate, in most cases, the P20 Lite is capable of using the 4G LTE connection. It could be your area where 4G is network is not available.
Well written & accurate. Tried all suggestions & nothing seemed to work until reseated card. Hurry! 4G popped back up after restart. Brilliant. Thank you!
Hi KJ! Glad that worked out for you!