If 4G/5G/LTE isn’t showing after an Android update, it usually means the update changed (or reset) one of these:
- Preferred network type got switched (e.g., 5G/LTE → 3G/2G)
- Your phone’s mobile network settings need a reset
- SIM/eSIM provisioning didn’t reconnect cleanly
- APN settings are wrong (common on BYOD phones)
- Private DNS/VPN is interfering (less common, but real)
Start here (quick diagnosis)
- If you still get calls/SMS but data is slow and only “3G/E” shows → network mode or coverage issue
- If you’re in a weak area → 5G may drop to LTE/3G naturally (coverage dependent)
- If 5G option disappeared entirely → SIM/plan/device support or settings got hidden/reset
Do this first
- Toggle Airplane mode ON 10 seconds → OFF
- Restart your phone
- Set Preferred network type / Network mode to an option like 5G/LTE/3G/2G (Auto)
- Reset Mobile network settings
- Check system updates again (sometimes there’s a small modem patch)
Mobile Data Not Working on Android: 15 Fixes
Fix 1: Toggle Airplane Mode (fast radio refresh)
Android’s official troubleshooting includes turning airplane mode on and off to refresh connections.
Fix 2: Restart your phone
After updates, a restart often forces the modem to re-register on the network.
Fix 3: Check if you’re actually in 5G coverage
Even if your phone supports 5G, the icon only appears where your network provider has coverage and capacity. Samsung notes 5G availability depends on coverage and network conditions.
Fix 4: Set Preferred Network Type / Network Mode to Auto
After an update, phones sometimes revert to a limited mode.
Common paths (varies by device)
- Android/Pixel style: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → (your SIM) → Preferred network type
- Samsung style: Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Network mode → choose Auto option
Pick the option that includes 5G/LTE (or at least LTE).
Fix 5: Reset Mobile Network Settings (best “clean slate” after updates)
This is one of the most effective fixes when 4G/5G disappears after an update.
- Pixel guidance includes: Settings → System → Reset options → Reset Mobile Network Settings
- Samsung also provides a reset network settings path in their troubleshooting.
Fix 6: Remove SIM and insert again (physical SIM)
Power off → remove SIM → reinsert → power on.
This forces re-registration.
Fix 7: For eSIM users: toggle line OFF/ON
Go to SIM settings and toggle the eSIM line off then on (don’t delete unless you have the QR/activation ready).
Fix 8: Check Mobile Data is ON for the right SIM (Dual SIM phones)
On dual SIM devices, the update can switch “data SIM” silently. Pixel help shows SIM settings where the data line is managed.
Fix 9: Turn off VPN and test Private DNS on Automatic
Google’s Pixel network settings doc shows where Private DNS lives.
Try:
Settings → Network & internet → Private DNS → set to Automatic (or Off temporarily), then test data.
Fix 10: Reset APN to default (internet settings)
If 4G/5G icon appears but data doesn’t work, APN is a common culprit (especially on BYOD devices).
- Go to SIM/mobile network settings → Access Point Names (APN) → Reset to default (if available)
If you don’t know the APN values, use your carrier’s official help page for your country.
Fix 11: Check data roaming (only if you’re roaming)
If you are traveling, data roaming may be required. If you’re not roaming, keep it OFF.
Fix 12: Install any follow-up system update
Google recommends checking for system updates during mobile network troubleshooting.
Sometimes updates arrive in two parts: UI update + modem patch.
Fix 13: Try LTE-only temporarily (stabilize)
If 5G is unstable after the update, switch to LTE/4G for a day:
- It can confirm the issue is 5G-specific (coverage/band/provisioning)
- You can switch back later in Preferred network type / Network mode
Fix 14: Contact your network provider (when settings don’t fix it)
If you tried network reset + network mode + SIM checks and still no 4G/5G, ask your provider to:
- confirm your plan/SIM supports 4G/5G
- refresh/provision your SIM/eSIM line
- confirm there’s no outage in your area
Play Store Not Downloading on Wi-Fi (Works on Mobile Data)
Related guides
Sources
Google: Fix internet connection problems on Android devices (airplane mode + connection checks)
https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/2651367
Google Pixel Help: Connect to mobile networks + Reset Mobile Network Settings
https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/2926415
Google Pixel Help: Control airplane mode, Private DNS & other network settings
https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/2819583
Samsung Support: Issues with mobile network connection (reset network settings)
https://www.samsung.com/us/support/troubleshooting/TSG01212956/
Samsung Support: Changing the Network Mode (Network mode / Auto connect)
https://www.samsung.com/au/support/mobile-devices/network-mode/
