How to fix Google Pixel 3 XL mobile data (cellular data) not working issue

Mobile data problems are sometimes the result of temporary bugs or network outages and usually fix themselves over time. In majority of cases, mobile data problems come and go without even a user noticing it. If the mobile data issue on your Google Pixel 3 XL has lingered long enough and you’re wondering what to do, check out our suggestions below.

Troubleshooting Google Pixel 3 XL mobile data (cellular data) not working issue

Mobile data problems are usually easy to fix. In some rare cases, a network operator may have to step in to fix a problem. Learn how to fix this problem by following our suggestions below.

Ensure Mobile data switch is ON

This may be a no-brainer but many users forget to check this before wanting to know why mobile data is not working. Make sure to turn mobile data on first then proceed to the next troubleshootings steps below.

Verify if voice calling works

Mobile data and voice calling usually go hand-in-hand in services being offered by most carriers. Thus, a problem in, say, voice calling, can also affect mobile data and vice versa. If you are having trouble making or receiving calls, there may be a network issue in your area. Wait for some time and see what happens. If the problem remains and the two services remain a problem, contact your network operator for support.

If voice calling works normally on your Pixel device but mobile data is not, continue with the troubleshooting below.

Check for error messages

Are you getting an error everytime you enable mobile data switch, or if you use cellular data? Taking note of such an error can help you narrow down the cause of the problem. For instance, if there’s an error message directing you to contact your network operator, there’s probably an issue with your account. If an error only shows up when using one particular app, like when you send an MMS, that app may need some troubleshooting.

If you have no idea about a particular error at all, Google is always on standby to help.

Check APN

Mobile data can’t work if your phone’s Access Point Name or APN is incorrect. Generally, APN is set automatically everytime you insert an active SIM but in case this did not happen, or if it was changed for some reason, get the correct APN from your network operator so you can manually change the one on your Pixel device.

Check Data roaming

If you are outside your home network, like when you’re in another country, you may need to turn on data roaming first in order use mobile data. Roaming is usually set up by your carrier first before you leave their network so be sure to talk to them for specific instructions if this one applies to you.

If you are in the same location where you had access to mobile data before, just skip this step.

Force restart

Sometimes, doing a simple troubleshooting step can go a long way. If mobile data is still a problem at this point, try to forced reboot the phone and see what happens. To do a forced reboot to refresh the system, simply press and hold the Power button for about 10 seconds. After restarting it, check for the problem again.

Reseat SIM card

Some Android users swear that disconnecting and reinserting the SIM card helped in fixing their mobile data woes. For us, this is probably just a coincidence but there’s no harm in trying in your case. Removing the SIM card is very easy and won’t take much time so you can go ahead and do it. Be sure to turn off your Pixel device first before removing and re-inserting the card.

Use mobile data on Safe Mode

Sometimes, third party apps may interfere with Android and cause problems. To check for third party app issue, restart your Google Pixel 3 XL to safe mode with these steps:

1. Press and hold the Power button.
2. On your screen, touch and hold Power off.
3. Tap OK.
4. After you see “Safe mode” at the bottom of your screen, wait to see if the problem goes away.

Remember, safe mode blocks third party or downloaded apps. If the problem goes away in safe mode, you can bet one of the apps is to blame. To identify which of your downloaded apps is causing the problem:

1. Exit safe mode by restarting your device.
2. Check for the problem.
3. If the problem returns, boot to safe mode again.
4. Uninstall an app. Start with the most recently downloaded one.
5. After each removal, restart your device and see whether removing it solved the problem.
6. Repeat steps 1-4 until you’ve identified the culprit.
7. After you remove the app that’s causing the problem, you can reinstall the other apps that you removed.

Reset network settings

For every network problem such as this one, you need to at least see what happens when you clear a device’s network settings. Here’s how:

1. Open Settings app.
2. Tap System.
3. Tap Advanced.
4. Tap Reset options.
5. Choose from the following:
6. Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth
   • Reset app preferences
   • Erase all data (factory reset)
   • Tap Reset settings.
7. Enter the PIN, password or pattern if prompted.
8. Tap Reset settings to confirm.

Call your network operator

Mobile data, just like any other network services, can succumb to network-related issues like outages, account provisioning issues and network glitches. If all the suggested troubleshooting steps so far has not helped, the most likely cause is not within your level to fix. Make sure to get help from your carrier.

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