Why does my Android phone keep losing service?
Your Android device may lose its network connection due to various reasons, including:
- Issues with the local mobile network operator in your area.
- Network issues with the Wi-Fi.
- Improper network settings or system settings on your Android device.
Examining these three areas can uncover the cause behind your Android phone’s network connection issues. But when should you be concerned about your phone losing its network connection?
Some indicators that your Android phone is struggling to connect to a network include:
- A weak signal bar or signal data indicator.
- Unable to use data tethering, internet hotspot, or internet connection.
- Intermittent network connection issues.
How to troubleshoot an Android phone that keeps losing service
Fortunately, you can usually fix an Android phone that’s losing service. Here are some methods you can try.
Restart your Android device
Some older Android models may have trouble running at optimal levels. For instance, your Android phone may become sluggish due to too many apps running in the background. Consequently, your phone’s functions may slow down, potentially leading to a loss of service. Restarting your device can help fix this error.
Here are some methods you can try:
- Restart the phone itself. Usually, a single restart is enough to resolve network connectivity issues.
- Restart the Wi-Fi connection. Turning the Wi-Fi off and on refreshes your phone’s link to the internet or other mobile networks. Just don’t forget to secure public Wi-Fi with a VPN connection.
- Restart your mobile internet connection. Turning your mobile data on and off can refresh your connection to your mobile internet provider.
Restarting your Android phone is the most reliable solution. Rebooting your device and/or its connections can clear up network glitches and reestablish a more stable network connection.
Toggle airplane mode
Airplane mode isn’t just for when you’re on a flight. This setting can also solve some network connection issues. Because airplane mode resets network settings (such as mobile data, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth), toggling this setting lets you refresh your Android phone’s connections.
Remove and insert the SIM card properly
Removing and reinserting your SIM card is another way to potentially solve any mobile network service issues. This step may be easier on some phones than others.
With most phones, you only need the SIM ejector tool (the small pin used to eject the SIM tray) to remove the SIM card. Simply insert the SIM ejector tool into the hole beside the SIM tray. To reinsert the SIM card, ensure the SIM is aligned correctly in the SIM tray before reinserting it inside your phone.
If your phone uses an eSIM, restarting your device is enough to refresh your eSIM card’s functions.
Check for software updates
Sometimes, an update to your Android OS, especially if it’s a significant software patch, can cause issues with your network connection. Try to check if you have a pending software update. Once you’ve installed the latest version of your Android OS, you can enable auto-install updates to download the latest patches automatically.
Check your mobile data usage
Some mobile carriers set data usage limits. If you can’t connect to the internet but your network connection is fine, you may have already consumed all your allotted data usage for your mobile plan. In this case, you’ll have to wait until your data allowances refresh to connect to the internet again. Another way to solve this issue is by contacting your plan provider and upgrading to a plan with a higher data limit.
Reset your router
Sometimes, a network connection error may appear on your phone, but your Wi-Fi router may be the real culprit. Watch out for issues like Wi-Fi not having a valid IP configuration, Wi-Fi authentication problems, and your Wi-Fi router’s physical location. All these issues can affect your Android phone’s capability to connect to the internet.
Factory reset your Android phone
If none of the above solutions work, you may have to factory reset your Android phone. This method is the last resort if your phone is still experiencing a loss of network service. When you factory reset an Android device, it wipes away all phone data and settings, such as SSIDs and paired devices.
