If you’re having trouble with your #GalaxyNote8 connecting to the internet thru mobile data, this troubleshooting article is definitely for you. Make sure to follow the set of troubleshooting steps we provide below.
Today’s problem: Galaxy Note 8 mobile data stopped working
I just recently got my Note 8. Everything seems to work except getting mobile data. I can connect through Wi-Fi. But if I’m not near hotspots, I would like to have my own internet through the SIM card that I already have. But for some reason when the sim card is in the phone, the phone will recognize it but the mobile data will not come on. — Shelley B
How to troubleshoot your Note 8 when its mobile data is not working
Knowing the reason why your new Note 8’s mobile data connection is not working takes some troubleshooting. There are many possible reasons why a device may not have mobile data connection so let’s discuss the steps that you need to do to figure out the true cause.
Step #1: Restart your device
It’s amazing how a simple troubleshooting step like a device restart can fix problems. Due to its simplicity, many users encountering problems often skip it though so be sure you’re not one of them. We understand you are able to restart your Note 8 normally but in this case, we want you to simulate a “battery pull,” as if your device has stopped responding. To do that, simply press and hold the Power key and the Volume Down key simultaneously for more than 7 seconds. Then, wait for the device to restart.
Step #2: Verify if mobile data is enabled or not
In some cases, users who think their mobile data connection is not working may actually be right, especially if they forget to turn it on in the first place. Make sure that you don’t forget to turn mobile data on first before using it. Sounds like a no-brainer but trust us, many people still forget to do it.
Step #3: Check for slow connection
Sometimes, users may think that their cellular connection is not working because apps that need internet connection seem unable to work when, as a matter of fact, the connection is just too slow. If you’ve already enabled mobile data connection and the data indicator (like 2G, 3G, 4G, LTE, H) are showing good signal bars, the problem is most probably the absence of a good connection, but rather of slow download speed. If you have an app that can check your internet speed, try running it to confirm our suspicion. Alternatively, you can pull up your web browser and visit sites like speedtest.net or fast.com to verify the download speed in your phone. If your internet speed is way too slow, contact your carrier to know what’s going on. There may be a problem with the network in your area that you are not aware of.
Step #4: Reseat SIM card
Removing the SIM card and plugging it back in may sometimes work in these situations so be sure to do that. Turn off your device first before physically removing the SIM card. Then, wait for at least 15 seconds before reseating it.
Step #5: Check APN settings
In order for a device to use a network’s mobile data signal, it must be configured properly first. This network configuration needed for your device to use mobile data is called Access Point Name settings or APN. Usually, a device is supposed to change its APN settings once a SIM card is inserted but in case this did not happen, or something is preventing it from happening, you can manually check the APN settings in your Note 8. APN settings are network-specific so make sure to call your carrier how to set it up properly.
Step #6: Change network mode
Changing the network modes (LTE, 3G, 2G) can sometimes force network settings to change for the better. Try cycling through available network modes in your Note 8 and see if that will fix the problem. To change a network mode, just go under Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network mode.
Step #7: Check for third party app interference
We don’t have enough information about your phone’s history but we know for a fact that third party apps may sometimes cause problems. To see if one of your downloaded apps is interfering with the operating system, boot the phone to safe mode. In this mode, your Note 8 will only be allowing preinstalled apps so if mobile data works, that’s a clear sign that an app is to blame. To go to safe mode, follow these steps:
- Turn the device off.
- Press and hold the Power key past the model name screen.
- When “SAMSUNG” appears on the screen, release the Power key.
- Immediately after releasing the Power key, press and hold the Volume down key.
- Continue to hold the Volume down key until the device finishes restarting.
- Safe mode will display in the bottom left corner of the screen.
- Release the Volume down key when you see Safe Mode.
Step #8: Toggle Airplane mode
In older Samsung Galaxy devices, toggling Airplane mode can sometimes clear network bugs so if you haven’t tried it at this time, don’t skip it. Airplane Mode disables all connectivity functions of your device so turning it off and back on can potentially fix your issue. To toggle Airplane Mode, go to Settings > Connections > Airplane Mode.
Step #9: Check SIM card for mobile data (for dual SIM model only)
If you have a dual SIM model, it’s worth checking if you’ve nominated the right SIM card for mobile data. Sometimes, users may forget to pick the right SIM card to allow mobile data so to double check, you can do the following steps:
- Open Settings app.
- Tap Connections.
- Tap SIM card manager.
- Under preferred SIM card section, tap Mobile data.
- Selec the SIM card that has an active mobile data subscription.
Step #10: Contact carrier
If all else fails, contacting your carrier’s technical support team should be your last resort. There may be an account-related issue that only they can check. There may also be an on-going network issue so it’s good if you can get the estimated time of resolution straight from them. Of course, they’re also obligated to help you fix the problem, especially if your phone is part of your subscription with them. At worst, they may end up sending you a new device if they fail to identify the reason of your problem.