Mobile data is an essential part of your Android experience. With the world feeling more connected daily, we can’t really spend a second without 5G / LTE / 4G. With that said, here’s how you can turn on mobile data on Android.
To turn on mobile data in Android, you can follow any of the two methods.
• Using the Settings application.
• Using the Quick Settings panel.
In this article, we’ll go over how you can turn on mobile data in a more detailed fashion alongside some tips on troubleshooting the setting not turning on properly if it comes to it.
Method #1: Using the Settings Application
You can turn on mobile data through the Settings application. The Settings also allows you to access other information and options, such as the ability to turn on Data Saver Mode, which isn’t possible through Quick Panel.
Here’s how you can turn on mobile data for Android using the Settings application.
- Open the Settings application on your phone.
- Tap “Connections“.
- Head to “Data Usage“.
- Tap “Mobile Data” and turn it on.
There you have it; we’re all done. You can explore many more options once you have the window open. For instance, you can look at your mobile data usage by tapping on the option. You can also check and add a particular data limit depending on how much data you want to use.
Method #2: Using the Quick Settings Panel
The Quick Settings panel is the easiest way to turn on mobile data on Android. Besides just mobile data, you can turn on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other options.
Here’s how you can turn on mobile data on Android using the Quick Settings panel.
- Swipe vertically, from top to bottom, to open the Quick Settings panel.
- Tap the “Mobile Data” option to turn it on.
If you want to open detailed settings for mobile data that you can access from the Settings application, hold on to the “Mobile Data” option in the Quick Settings panel.
How To Fix Mobile Data Not Turning On in Android
Now that we’ve gone through the two primary ways you can turn on mobile data on Android, you may often encounter situations where the setting simply does not budge. In those instances, there are a few fixes you can try out to ensure to help fix your mobile data not turning on.
Reinsert Your SIM
Perhaps the most common cause of your mobile data not working on Android or it being greyed out is the SIM card not being appropriately read or slightly ajar from the tray. With this, your phone will simply be unable to communicate with your provider leading to calls and mobile data not coming through.
The easiest way to fix this is by using a paper clip or a pin to open your SIM card tray and reinserting your SIM card back into its slot.
Check Your Data Plan
You need a data plan to use 3G / 4G / LTE. If you don’t, even if mobile data turns on, you won’t be able to access the internet. Therefore, before blaming your phone, ensure that you have a registered data plan with your service provider.
After you’ve done so, if you still aren’t able to access the internet, restart your phone. With it, your connection will reset, and your internet should start working quickly. If not, refer to the other tips we’ve mentioned.
Manually Enter Your APN
Your APN (Access Point Name) is a set of credentials or information your phone uses to communicate with your service provider. Usually, these are automatically entered onto your phone as soon as you insert your SIM.
However, sometimes, that may not happen. Or you may not have entered your APN information correctly. To fix that, you’ll need to enter your APN manually. Here’s how.
- Open the Settings application on your phone.
- Head to “Mobile Network“.
- Tap “Acces Point Names“.
- Enter your service provider’s APN information. You can find them on their website. Or, you can take a look at this handy list.
Conclusion
Turning on mobile data in Android isn’t all that hard. However, there will often be circumstances where that option won’t work out. In those cases, the handy tips mentioned above should be of great aid.
