How to Fix An Update is Required to Use Cellular Data on this iPhone in 2023

If you own an iPhone and have encountered the frustrating error message “An Update is Required to Use Cellular Data on this iPhone,” you are not alone.

This common issue can disrupt your ability to access essential services, browse the internet, and stay connected on the go.

The error typically arises due to a variety of factors related to updates and settings on your device.

If you encounter the frustrating “An Update is Required to Use Cellular Data on this iPhone” error, there are various troubleshooting methods you can try to resolve the issue.

First, attempt a force restart of your iPhone, as this may clear any temporary software glitches causing the problem.

Next, check for carrier settings updates by connecting your device to a stable Wi-Fi network and navigating to Settings > General > About.

Enabling and disabling Airplane Mode can also help refresh wireless connections. It is essential to keep your iPhone’s firmware up to date, as outdated software may contribute to the error.

Additionally, ensure that your SIM card is clean and properly inserted. Resetting network settings, turning off VPN, and enabling Data Roaming may also provide potential solutions.

In this guide, we will explore step-by-step methods to troubleshoot and fix the “An Update is Required to Use Cellular Data on this iPhone” error, ensuring you can seamlessly utilize cellular data without any hindrance.

Let’s dive into the solutions and get your iPhone back online in no time.

Related: Why is My iPhone Internet So Slow and How to Fix it

Why Have I Received an Error “An Update is Required to Use Cellular Data on this iPhone”?

The error message “An Update is Required to Use Cellular Data on this iPhone” can occur due to various reasons related to updates and settings on your device.

Some common factors that may trigger this issue are as follows:

• Carrier Settings Update: Failing to update your carrier’s settings can hinder your iPhone’s ability to use cellular data, leading to this error. Since carrier settings are regularly updated, it is essential to ensure that your iPhone is up-to-date with the latest configurations.
  
  
• Outdated iOS Version: If you haven’t updated your iPhone’s iOS version, it can result in the “cellular update required” error. Network carriers often adapt their systems to accommodate the latest iOS versions, causing compatibility issues with older iOS versions.
  
  
• Network Settings Conflict: Conflicts in your network settings can interfere with the iPhone’s ability to connect to cellular data. Resetting the network settings to their default values can help resolve these conflicts and restore the cellular data functionality.
  
  
• SIM Card Issues: Proper functioning of cellular data relies on a well-functioning SIM card. If the SIM card is dirty, damaged, or not inserted correctly, it can trigger the “an update is required to use cellular data on this iPhone” error.

To address this issue, it is crucial to check and update both your carrier settings and iOS version regularly.

Additionally, ensuring that your network settings are properly configured and your SIM card is in good condition will help resolve the error and enable the use of cellular data on your iPhone.

How to Fix An Update is Required to Use Cellular Data on this iPhone

Force Restart iPhone

The article begins with a basic force restarting iPhone. Often, the problem is caused by a software glitch, which can be resolved by restarting the iPhone. Check out the steps based on your iPhone model.

iPhone 8 and later

Step 1 Press and release the Volume Up button quickly.

Step 2 Press and release the Volume Down button quickly.

Step 3 When the Apple logo appears, press and hold the Side button for a few seconds before releasing it.

For the iPhone 7/7 Plus

Hold down the Volume Down and Power buttons at the same time until the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone 6S and previous models

Step 1 Press and hold the Home and Sleep/Wake buttons simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.

Step 2 The force restart approach was tried, but it did not alleviate the issue that an update is necessary to access cellular data on this iPhone pop-up message on the screen. As a result, rather than forcing a restart, we should choose a better solution. Let’s go on to the next repair.

Check for Carrier’s Settings Update

The error appears to be completely tied to the Cellular Data and Carrier Settings; thus, upgrading the iPhone’s Carrier Settings may remedy the issue.

Connect the iPhone to a stable Wi-Fi network and check for an update to the carrier’s settings.

Step 1 On your iPhone, open the Settings app.

Step 2 Select General.

Step 3 Select About.

Step 4 If there is a pending Carrier Settings Update, iPhone will display a pop-up prompting you to update the carrier settings on iPhone.

Enable and Disable Airplane Mode

Another possible alternative is to restart the iPhone’s wireless connections by activating Airplane Mode.

Airplane mode is one of the best ways to disengage and refresh the iPhone from all wireless connections.

Step 1 Select the Settings app.

Step 2 Turn on Airplane Mode.

Step 3 Wait 2 minutes before turning off Airplane Mode.

Step 4 Alternatively, go to the Control Center and toggle the Airplane Mode switch.

Update the Software on your iPhone

Similarly, updating the firmware of the iPhone is important in reducing problems and smoothing out the iPhone by resolving current faults and providing new functionality.

It is possible that the iPhone is displaying difficulties when turning on Cellular Data due to outdated firmware.

Step 1 Select the Settings app.

Step 2 Select the General.

Step 3 Scroll to the bottom and click Software Update.

Step 4 If a software update is available, download and install it.

Eject SIM and Re-insert it

The faulty or filthy SIM card will not function properly and will annoy you with such issues. To ensure that this isn’t the case, remove the SIM tray and SIM, then clean both with a soft cloth.

Step 1 Turn off your iPhone by pressing the Side button.

Step 2 Remove the SIM tray and insert the SIM Eject PIN that came with the iPhone.

Step 3 Clean the SIM card and the SIM tray.

Step 4 Replace the SIM tray with care, making that the SIM card is properly inserted.

Step 5 Start the iPhone.

Reset Network Settings

Resetting network settings can help with network-related issues to some extent. It does, however, delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords, VPNs, APNs, and Cellular settings.

Steps to Reset Network Settings in iOS 15 and iOS 16

Step 1 Go to “Settings.”

Step 2 Go to “General,” then “Transfer or Reset iPhone.”

Step 3 Finally, select “Reset” > “Reset Network Settings.” Enter your iPhone Lock passcode and try again after a restart. Other crucial settings, media, messages, and other data will not be erased throughout this process.

For iOS 14 & Earlier

Step 1 Launch the Settings app.

Step 2 Select General.

Step 3 Locate and launch Reset.

Step 4 Reset Network Settings should be selected.

Step 5 Enter your iPhone’s passcode and press the Reset button.

Turn Off VPN

If you are using a VPN service on your iPhone, you may receive an upgrade required to utilize cellular data on this iPhone problem.

As a result, it is strongly advised that you disable the VPN on your iPhone and check again if you are permitted to access cellular data.

Turn on Data Roaming

Have you checked to see if data roaming is enabled on your iPhone? Well, the chances are there; thus, you must ensure that data roaming is enabled by following the instructions below:

Step 1 To begin, go to Settings and select Cellular.

Step 2 Then, find and select Cellular Data Options.

Step 3 Finally, if you’re traveling abroad, enable Data Roaming.

Reset All Settings

Resetting All Settings resets all modified settings to default. If you made any incorrect settings while exploring the gadget, you can correct them by resetting all settings.

This will not remove any personal information or anything else.

Steps to Reset All Settings in iOS 15 and Later Version

Step 1 Go to the “Settings” app 

Step 2 Tap “General”

Step 3 Find and open tap “Transfer or Reset iPhone”

Step 4 Tap “Reset” 

Step 5 Lastly, tap on “Reset All Settings”

Step 6 You will be prompted to enter your iPhone Passcode for security reasons. 

Step 7 Tap Confirm Reset All Settings. After that iPhone will reboot.

Steps to Reset All Settings in iOS 14 and Earlier Versions

Step 1 On the iPhone, open the Settings app.

Step 2 Select General.

Step 3 Select Reset.

Step 4 Press the Reset All Settings button.

Step 5 Enter the passcode here.

Step 6 Finally, press Reset All Settings to confirm.

Disable Wi-Fi Calling

It’s strange to associate Wi-Fi Calling with Cellular Data, yet in some circumstances, turning off Wi-Fi Calling cures cellular data issues.

And there is obviously no danger in doing so.

Step 1 Open the Settings app.

Step 2 Scroll all the way down to the Phone app.

Step 3 Select Wi-Fi Calling.

Step 4 Disable Wi-Fi Calling on This Phone.

Contact your carrier

There could be a problem with your cellphone carrier. Local outages are possible. Or there could be a problem with your account.

Simply contact your service provider. Here are the customer service websites for the major cellphone providers:

• T-Mobile customer support
• Verizon customer support
• AT&T customer support

Factory Reset iPhone

So far, if none of the previous solutions has worked to resolve the An Update is Required to Use Cellular Data issue on this iPhone 13, 12 Pro Max, iPhone 11 Pro, XR, X, SE, or any other iPhone, a factory reset is the last resort.

Unfortunately, it will wipe the entire iPhone and force you to reset it. Don’t forget to back up your iPhone; otherwise, you won’t be able to undo any changes.

Step 1 Open the iPhone’s Settings app.

Step 2 Select General.

Step 3 Swipe down and select Reset.

Step 4 Choose Erase All Content and Settings. [will wipe all data and start again]

Step 5 Enter your iPhone’s passcode.

Step 6 Erase iPhone is confirmed.

How to Fix An Update is Required to Use Cellular Data on this iPhone – Takeaway

That’s how to resolve the Update Required to Use Cellular Data on this iPhone problem notice.

If you’ve tried all of the following techniques and nothing has worked, you may be suffering hardware issues.

If you discover that the cellular data on your iPhone is not working, you should contact Apple to inquire about a possible repair. 

We hope you found this guide useful. However, if you need additional information, please leave a comment below and let us know.

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