When calls work but mobile internet does not, the usual causes are a disabled data toggle, an expired plan, the wrong SIM selected for data, a carrier outage, an incorrect APN, or a VPN conflict. If calls and signal are missing too, start with the SIM and network registration rather than changing browser settings.
Settings names differ between Pixel, Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Motorola, Vivo, Oppo and other Android phones. Search Settings for the term when the exact menu path is different. Record any custom APN information before editing it.
Fix 1 — Confirm mobile data and the correct SIM are enabled
Open Quick Settings and turn Mobile data on. On dual-SIM phones, open Settings → SIMs or SIM manager and verify which SIM is assigned to mobile data. Also confirm the SIM itself is enabled. A phone can show signal bars for calls on one SIM while trying to use data through another inactive SIM.
Fix 2 — Check the plan, allowance and carrier outage
Use the carrier app, USSD code, website, or support line to confirm the plan is active and data remains. Check whether the carrier reports an outage in your area. A data cap or account restriction cannot be repaired through Android settings.
Fix 3 — Toggle Airplane mode and restart
Enable Airplane mode for 15 seconds, turn it off, and wait for the network name and data indicator to return. If that fails, restart the phone. These steps force a new network registration and often clear a temporary modem or SIM session problem.
Fix 4 — Look at the signal and preferred network type
Move to an area with stronger reception. In the SIM settings, use the carrier-recommended automatic mode such as 5G/4G/3G/2G rather than locking the phone to a technology that is unavailable locally. If 5G is unstable in one area, testing 4G/LTE can reveal a coverage issue, but restore automatic selection later.
Fix 5 — Check roaming when outside the home network
If you are travelling or the phone shows an R icon, mobile data roaming may need to be enabled. Confirm roaming rates and plan coverage with the carrier first—especially across national borders. Turning it on blindly can create charges.
Fix 6 — Disable VPN, firewall and data-saving conflicts
Temporarily disconnect VPNs and pause security or ad-blocking apps that route traffic. Turn Data Saver off for a short test, or allow the affected app unrestricted data access. If the connection returns, re-enable each feature separately and correct the conflicting app’s configuration.
Fix 7 — Reset the APN to carrier defaults
Open the SIM’s Access Point Names menu, use the three-dot menu, and choose Reset to default. Restart afterward. Do not copy an APN from a random video or website; use only current settings from your carrier. An incorrect APN name, authentication type or protocol can prevent data while calls still work.
Fix 8 — Reseat or test the SIM safely
Power the phone off before removing a physical SIM. Inspect it and the tray for obvious damage, reinstall it correctly, then restart. If possible, test the SIM in another compatible phone or another working SIM in this phone. For eSIM problems, contact the carrier before deleting the profile because a new activation code may be required.
Fix 9 — Reset network settings
Search Settings for Reset mobile network settings or Reset Wi‑Fi, mobile & Bluetooth. This can restore corrupted carrier and radio preferences but also removes saved Wi‑Fi passwords and Bluetooth pairings on many phones. It does not erase photos or normal apps.
Fix 10 — Contact the carrier with useful evidence
If the SIM fails in another phone, the carrier may need to reprovision or replace it. If multiple working SIMs fail only in your phone, a modem, antenna or software fault is more likely. Give support your location, error message, signal state, phone model, Android version and the tests already completed.
How to verify the fix
Turn Wi‑Fi off, confirm a 4G, LTE or 5G indicator appears, and open two unrelated websites. Test both upload and download by sending a small message or image. Re-enable Wi‑Fi afterward to avoid unnecessary mobile-data use.
FAQ
Why do calls work but mobile data does not?
Calls and data can use different account provisioning and network settings. Check the data plan, selected data SIM, APN and VPN.
Should I change my APN manually?
Reset it to carrier defaults first. Enter values manually only when they come directly from your carrier.
Will a network reset erase the phone?
No, but it may remove saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth pairings and mobile-network preferences.