LTE Not Working – Suggested Fixes and Workarounds

The Wi-Fi standard for smartphones, LTE technology offers fast data transfers. For example, Verizon 4G LTE wireless broadband is 10 times faster than 3G. However, sometimes even LTE can suffer from dropped connections and no signal even when you are not on the move.

Since your phone's technology controls what you connect to and how it connects, in this article we'll focus on things to try from your handset when the LTE icon disappears from your screen. We will also cover different tips for various devices and mobile carriers. So, if your issue isn't resolved after trying the tips listed for your phone or mobile carrier, feel free to check out the other sections and use the steps as a guide.

LTE not working on iPhone

Consider trying the following tips from your iPhone when your LTE signal isn't working.

Tip 1: Disable Wi-Fi Calling

Wi-Fi calling allows you to communicate using a Wi-Fi network instead of a cellular network. While great for getting the best signal, it can interfere with your cellular connection. If you're already using a cellular connection, try turning off Wi-Fi Calling. Here's how it's done through your iPhone:

1. Open "Settings".
   
2. Tap "Phone" or "Cell".
   
3. In 'Wi-Fi Calling', tap the slider to the off position.
   

Tip 2: Reset network settings

Resetting your iPhone's network settings will remove all saved Wi-Fi networks, passwords, APNs, and VPN settings you've ever used. It will reset all your cellular data settings to default, which should hopefully fix the problem. Follow these steps to reset your network settings:

1. Open "Settings".
   
2. Tap "General", then scroll down and select "Reset".
   
3. In the middle of the screen, tap "Reset network settings".
   
4. You may be prompted to enter your password before the reset.
   
5. Your phone will restart with all your network settings reset to default. It will also try to reconnect the LTE.

Tip 3: try reinserting your SIM card

Sometimes just removing your SIM card, cleaning it up a bit, then reinserting it can fix Wi-Fi connection issues. By doing this, your phone also benefits from a reboot. Restarting your device can also resolve other technical issues you may be experiencing. Here's how to remove and reinsert your SIM card:

1. Switch off your phone.
   
2. Locate your phone's SIM tray. It will be somewhere on the right side of your iPhone.
   
3. Using the end of a straightened paper clip, insert it into the small hole, then push slightly until the tray pops out.
   
4. Remove your SIM card from the tray. You can clean it with a soft, dry cloth if you like.
   
5. When you reinsert it, make sure the angled corner lines up - it will only fit one way.
   
6. Push the tray back, then turn on your phone.
7. Once your phone has completely booted up, it will automatically try to reconnect to LTE.

LTE not working on Android

Try the following tips if the LTE signal has stopped working on your Android device.

Tip 1: Reset the APN

Your APN connects your phone to your mobile operator's network. When resetting the APN, the settings are restored to default by erasing all the changes made that could be causing an issue. Follow the steps below to reset the APN on your Android device:

1. Open "Settings" from your home screen.
   
2. Select “Connections”.
   
3. Scroll down to tap "Mobile networks".
   
4. Select "Access Point Names," then tap the three-dot menu icon in the top right.
   
5. Choose "Reset to default".
   

If you are unable to reset your APN because the option is locked or grayed out, contact your network service or carrier for assistance. Alternatively, you can also try resetting it via Tip 2 below.

Tip 2: Reset Network Settings

Resetting your network settings will reset the APN as well as all saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, Bluetooth connections, app data restrictions and relevant APN settings to its factory default settings. Here's how it's done:

1. Open "Settings".
   
2. Scroll down to select "System" or "General Management".
   
3. Tap "Reset" or "Reset options".
   
4. Select “Reset network settings” and confirm.
   

Your device will restart, your network settings will be reset, and your phone will automatically attempt to reconnect to LTE.

Tip 3: Check your data plan

Check your current data plan to see if there are any caps or limitations in place.

Review your terms and conditions. You may have exceeded a capped data allowance or your account may have been limited. Remember to contact them to verify that they received your last bill payment. Suppliers will restrict services when a bill payment is overdue.

LTE not working on AT&T

Try the following if your LTE signal stops working on your AT&T device.

Tip 1: Check your phone settings

Most phones throttle LTE under conditions such as low battery. The reason is that the fast data transfer of LTE requires more processing power and therefore consumes more battery. Check your battery settings to make sure your battery saving mode is not enabled. Follow these steps to access battery settings:

1. From your home screen, press “OK”.
2. Go to the “Settings” app and highlight it.
3. Tap "OK", "Device Tab" and "Battery".
   

Also check that you have LTE enabled on your network settings and that it is not limited to 3G. Once you enable the setting, restart your phone and try again.

Tip 2: Check your phone's compatibility

Make sure your AT&T handset is LTE compatible. Not only should it have LTE function, but the LTE bands supported by your phone should be compatible with AT&T LTE bands. Go to their official support page to check the compatibility of your handset.

Tip 3: Verify your AT&T account

Contact the AT&T Customer Service team to ensure LTE allowance is enabled on your account. If they confirm this, explain to them that your LTE signal is not working and they should be able to advise you.

LTE not working on Verizon

Consider trying the following tips if your Verizon LTE signal has lost its connection.

Tip 1: Restart your device

Restarting your phone usually clears the majority of technical faults with any device, so give it a try. This will force your phone to reconnect to your network and hopefully fix this connectivity issue. Follow these steps to restart your Verizon phone:

1. Long press the power button until the power menu appears, then release the button.
2. Choose "Restart".
   
3. Once your phone restarts, it will automatically try to reconnect to LTE.

Tip 2: Reset Network Settings

When you reset your phone's network settings, it deletes all previously used saved Wi-Fi networks, passwords, APNs, and VPN settings. It resets all your cellular data settings to default settings. Here's how to reset your network settings on Verizon:

1. Swipe up or down from the center of the home screen to access apps.
2. Go to "Settings", "General management", then "Reset".
   
3. Tap "Reset Network Settings".
   
4. Read the information, then, if you're happy, tap "Reset Settings." You may be prompted to enter your PIN, password, or pattern
   .
5. Tap "Reset" to confirm.
   

Tip 3: enable/disable airplane mode

When your phone's airplane mode is on, all of your wireless antennas, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile data, are turned off. Sometimes turning this setting on and then off will refresh the settings and force it to start working as expected. To turn Airplane Mode on and then off from your Verizon device:

1. Swipe up or down from the center of the home screen to access apps.
2. Go to “Settings” then “Network and Internet”.
3. Tap the "Airplane Mode" switch once to turn it on, then tap again to turn it off.

LTE not working on Sprint

Try the following tips if your Sprint LTE signal has lost connection.

Tip 1: reinsert your SIM card

SIM cards can move around inside the device and sometimes cause the pins to lose alignment. Try removing your SIM card, cleaning it, then reinserting it. To do this from your Sprint handset:

1. Turn off your phone and hold it face down.
2. Locate your phone's SIM tray. It will be somewhere along the left side (when your phone is facing down).
3. Using the end of a straightened paper clip, insert it into the small hole, then push slightly until the tray pops out.
4. Remove your SIM card from the tray. Wipe it gently with a soft, dry cloth.
5. When reinserting, make sure the angled corner lines up.
6. Push the tray back, then turn on your phone.
7. Once your phone has completely booted up, it will automatically try to reconnect to LTE.

Tip 2: enable/disable airplane mode

Try turning Airplane mode on and then turning it off again. When on, all wireless antennas are off. This is sometimes enough to refresh the wireless settings and force it to work once reconnected. To do this from your Sprint device:

1. Go to “Settings”, “Network and Internet”, then “Advanced”.
2. Press the "Airplane Mode" switch once to turn it on, then press it again to turn it off.

Alternately,

1. Swipe down from the status bar with two fingers to access the "Quick Settings" panel.
2. Tap the "Airplane mode" tile once to turn it on, then tap again to turn it off.

Tip 3: Check your data plan

Check your data plan to see if there are any caps or limitations in place. Review your terms and conditions. You may have exceeded a capped data allowance or your account may have been limited. Consider contacting Sprint to verify that they received your last bill payment. Suppliers will restrict services when a bill payment is overdue.

Get your LTE connection backup

Realizing that your phone has no LTE signal once the icon disappears can sometimes feel like the end of the world. Such surprises tend to happen when they are most inconvenient.

Fortunately, there are several things you can try from your handset to reconnect to the network. Options include restarting your phone and turning airplane mode on then off to refresh connections and force LTE to connect. Also check if your account has data restrictions. If the problem is with your mobile operator, trust that they will do everything possible to get you back on your feet quickly.

How do you benefit from the fast data transfer of LTE? Let us know in the comments section below.