Does anyone run into connection issue, i.e. "Could not activate cellular data network" on iPhone 14 pro max ?

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Does anyone run into connection issue, i.e. "Could not activate cellular data network" on iPhone 14 pro max ?

When using iPhone 14 Pro Max (without WI-FI service, e.g. highway, supermarket, any where without WI-FI), my device (iPhone 14 Pro Max) ran into connection problems:

1. Safari "Fails" to respond to "search", or "Fails" to load the page from know URL.

Its status shows the device is with signal (level at 4 bar) from LTE cellular network,

It shows status "Safari couldn't open the page because the server stopped responding".

2. Apple Map "Fails" to "load the route" and Could not provide navigation (Device shows Map with "Loading Icon")

Its status shows the device is with signal (level at 2 bar) from LTE cellular network,

It shows status "... couldn't open the page because the server stopped responding".

Action-1: I tried to perform "Airplane mode" ON then OFF, which is to "warm boot" the cellular chip/system.

Result 1-1 : "Airplane mode" ON then OFF, did not clear the problem.

Result 1-2: The device's status shows the device is worst with signal (level at 0 bar) from LTE cellular network.

Result 1-3: The device later shows a dialog box "Could not activate cellular data network"

Result 1-4: The device is useless in this condition - it could not get Cellular system working"

Action-2: I tried to perform power-cycle (slide to power off after pressing two buttons)

Result 2-1: "cool boot" whole iPhone 14 Pro Max; and then Re-Start the device see "Apple logo"

Result 2-2: This FIX the problem and Restore Cellular connection and I can use the device as expected.

Later, My iPhone 14 Pro Max would ran into the Cellular connection and the problem repeated many times a day.

A: I noticed this problem with iOS (16.2) and files an problem report on Apple site on Jan 2, 2023;

B: The same problem repeatedly happens even after many upgrade to latest iOS (even with 16.4.1).

C: I brought my device to Apple Store for check up, and I was told there is no HW or RF issue,

D: Store's engineer recommended to do "Erase-Install" the latest IOS 16.4.1 and with iCloud restore.

E. The same problem repeatedly happens even after this Apple Store visit with case number.

Note: I have another iPhone 11 Pro Max, and it does not have this problem.

Q1: Anyone know how to fix this iPhone 14 Pro Max problem,

Q2: Is this RF calibration issue or

Q3: Cellular's driver is broken (not functional as expected in various condtions)

iPhone 14 Pro Max

Posted on Apr 17, 2023 3:41 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

wang3t Author

Level 1

9 points

Apr 21, 2023 7:34 AM in response to wang3t

FYI: My experience and steps taken to solve my problem:

Schedule a visit to Apple Store for HW and RF check. You might need to perform "erase install" your while at Apple Store, so be prepared to upgrade to the latest iOS version (e.g. 16.4.1) and perform backup to iCloud (or MacBook/PC).
If you still have same problem, Contact your carrier, e.g. Verizon, to get support. My case: I provided info (as that to Apple Store or Apple Support) and was asked for the IMEI and carrier bundle and was told to reboot the device and data profile will be pushed and re-inited.

After getting carrier's support to re-inited my (e)SUM data profile, I don't run into the same problem and I could not DUP this problem at places where I experienced the problem before.

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Answer 2

Apr 18, 2023 12:36 AM in response to wang3t

Few Carrier (Cellular Service Provider) does not provide Carrier Settings in full but they offer APN settings for example

Google FI which has APN to be entered manually as h2g2
MTN Ghana which provides APN pin to be updated manually as the internet
BSNL in India which provides APN pin to be updated manually as bsnlnet (Watch teh GIF below)

Settings > Mobile Data > APN [under Mobile Data APN] enter the APN pin

View and edit your APN settings

If your carrier allows it, you can view your APN settings in one of the following locations: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Cellular Network. Settings> Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options > Mobile Data Network.

View and edit your Access Point Name (APN) on your iPhone ...

Use the APN pin based on your carrier. Ask them (Your Carrrier) or search using any search engine.

If you do see the option to enter APN then the only option is given below

Carrier Update (Required): Released by your Cellular Service provider (Carrier Update), affects your Outgoing / Incoming calls, SMS, Data etc..

How to Update Carrier Settings

You can manually check for and install a carrier settings, update with these steps: Make sure your device is connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network. Tap Settings > General > About. If an update is available, you'll see an option to update your carrier settings.

Update your carrier settings on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

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Answer 3

Apr 18, 2023 12:37 AM in response to wang3t

If you are unable make a call or receive; If you can't make or receive calls on your iPhone - Apple Support

Cellular Update Failed —> If you see an Update Failed or Apple Pay Not Available alert after iOS update or restart

Settings > Mobile Data > APN [under Mobile Data APN] enter the APN pin

View and edit your APN settings

If your carrier allows it, you can view your APN settings in one of the following locations: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Cellular Network. Settings> Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options > Mobile Data Network.

View and edit your Access Point Name (APN) on your iPhone ...

Carrier Update (Required): Released by your Cellular Service provider (Carrier Update), affects your Outgoing / Incoming calls, SMS, Data etc..

How to Update Carrier Settings

You can manually check for and install a carrier settings, update with these steps: Make sure your device is connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network. Tap Settings > General > About. If an update is available, you'll see an option to update your carrier settings.

Update your carrier settings on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

If nothing helps then --> If you see a Cellular, Ultra Wideband, or Apple Pay Issue message after an iOS update or restart

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Answer 4

wang3t Author

Level 1

9 points

Apr 18, 2023 7:47 AM in response to SravanKrA

My carrier is Verizon, with 5G & LTE.

Sorry, APN is not correct for my case. I don't think this is related to APN.

Broken Cellular Connection with 2 bar signal on LTE
Warm Boot shows the hidden issue with 0 bar signal on LTE
Cold Boot restore restore Cellular Connection

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Answer 5

wang3t Author

Level 1

9 points

Apr 19, 2023 8:43 AM in response to wang3t

I called my Carrier, Verizon, and went through checking on ESIM info and power off my device and Verizon tech tried to re-initiate data setting part. Hopefully, this will fix my problem.

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