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Before 4G was introduced and brought into use, everyone used 3G networks. Using 3G would be frustrating because of its slowness. While streaming or surfing, it would have faced buffering several times. Later, 4G network emerged and took the spot of 3G. But sometimes, you face a few issues with 4G networks. You might ask a few questions, like why does my phone say LTE instead of 4G? and why is my 4G phone only getting 3G? This article on how to fix 4G not working Android issue will help you resolve the said issue.
14 Ways to Fix 4G Not Working on Android
Everyone needs the Internet to communicate and learn. With this fast-paced world around us, a mobile with slower network connectivity would be frustrating. The fourth-generation network has eased our life in many ways. The use of fifth-generation is growing, but this is not available everywhere. Though the network has been developed to 5G, many of us still face 4G and LTE issues. You may encounter problems while
- Making a video call or surfing online when you travel.
- Sometimes, you may also face cellular network issues even when you work at home.
- To fix this problem we have shown all the possible methods in this article below. But before going to the methods let us know the answer to your query why does my phone say LTE instead of 4G in the below section.
Why Does My Phone Say LTE Instead of 4G?
Your phone may say LTE due to the network availability of the particular area. LTE stands for Long Term Evolution is actually slower than true 4G but faster than 3G networks. Your phone may say LTE instead of 4G or vice versa due to the availability of the network in the location where you are in.
Preliminary Steps
To get connected to a 4G network, you have to perform the following preliminary steps.
Ensure that your SIM cards and device are 4G-compatible. If either of them is not 4G-compatible, then you cannot connect to the 4G network.
Check that you have inserted 4G compatible SIM in the right slot, as few smartphone models support 4G in a specific SIM slot.
Note: Since smartphones don’t have the same Settings options, and they vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, hence, ensure the correct settings before changing any. The screenshots used in this article are taken from OnePlus Nord.
Method 1: Re-insert SIM Card
If methods 1 and 2 fail, then there are chances that the problem is caused due to the inserted SIM card.
- Close all running apps from the Recent screen.
- Use the SIM ejector pin that came with your smartphone and insert it in the pinhole next to your SIM card tray to remove the SIM card.
- Take out the SIM tray and wait for a few seconds then, reinsert the SIM tray with the SIM card.
Note: You should insert the SIM card in the SIM 1 slot of the SIM tray if there are multiple SIM slots.
- Wait for getting the cellular network to be established and see if your device connects to the 4G network or not.
Note: You will receive a 4G text in the network bar of the particular SIM network.
Method 2: Restart Device
If you face issues with the 4G network even after turning the cellular data on, then try restarting your device.
- Press the Power button for a few seconds.
- Tap on the Restart option.
Method 3: Turn On Mobile Data
Sometimes, you might fail to turn on the cellular network and wonder why 4G is not connected. First, check if mobile data is connected by following the steps below.
- Swipe down the top notification bar to open the notification panel on your device.
- Tap on the Mobile data option to turn it On.
Note: If it is turned on already, then tap to turn it Off and tap again to turn On.
Method 4: Switch to 4G Network Mode
If you are thinking why is my 4G phone only getting 3G then, this may be due to incorrect network settings in your device. To fix 4G not working Android issue, you need to ensure that you have enabled the right network option. Follow the steps below to switch to 4G network mode.
- Open the Settings app on your device.
- Then, tap on Wi-Fi & Network.
Here, select the SIM & Network option.
Now, tap on the Preferred network type.
- Select the 2G/3G/4G (Automatic) option.
Note: Your device might have other options such as Prefer 4G/LTE or 4G(only). If so, select that option.
Method 5: Turn Off Airplane Mode
Sometimes, your phone cannot connect properly to the network signal broadcaster, and putting your smartphone on Airplane mode can help you fix 4G not working Android
- Go to the notification panel on your device by swiping down the top notification bar on the screen.
- Tap on the Airplane mode icon to turn it On if it is Off by default.
- Wait for a few seconds and tap on the Airplane mode icon to turn it Off.
Now, connect to the cellular network as shown in Method 1.
Method 6: Turn Off Bluetooth
Similar to Bluetooth conflicting with the Wi-Fi connection on your mobile, it may also cause issues with the cellular network. Follow the steps below to fix the 4G not working Android issue.
- Swipe down the top notification bar on the screen to bring up the notification panel on your device.
- Tap on the Bluetooth icon to disable it.
Method 7: Turn Off Mobile Data Limit
People prefer to use their daily data in a limited way, so they enable mobile data limit. Disabling this feature to limit mobile data usage may also fix the 4G not working Android issue. Follow the steps below.
Note: You can also enable this feature back later if you want to have control over the limitation of data used.
- Navigate to Settings and tap on Wi-Fi & Network.
Then, tap on the Data usage option.
Select the Billing Cycle under your cellular data name.
- In the Auto-disconnect from the network option, tap on the toggle to turn it Off.
Now, switch On your Mobile Data as illustrated in Method 1.
Method 8: Reset Access Point Names (APNs)
One of the answers to the question, why does my phone say LTE instead of 4G, is resetting Access Point Names (APNs). These APNs are responsible for setting up an IP address and gateways to connect to the network. Follow the instructions below to reset APNs on your device to fix 4G not working Android problem.
- Go to Settings on your device and tap on Wi-Fi & Network.
Then, tap on SIM & Network.
- Select the respective SIM (e.g. SIM 1) to use the 4G network under the SIM SETTING section
Then, tap on Access Point Names.
- Now in the top-right corner of the screen, tap on the three horizontal dots icon.
Finally, tap on the Reset to default option.
- This will reset your internet and MMS settings. Now, turn On the mobile data as shown in Method 1.
Method 9: Set APN Protocol to IPv4/IPv6
Many smartphones don’t allow you to set APN protocol. If your mobile has this option, then ensure to change the APN protocol to IPv4/IPv6 to fix 4G not working Android issue. Here are the steps listed below to set APN protocol.
- Navigate to Settings > Wi-Fi & Network > SIM & Network > SIM SETTING > Access Point Names as illustrated in Method 8.
- Here, tap on your APN.
Swipe down and select the APN protocol.
Then, select the option IPv4/IPv6.
Method 10: Manually Enter APN Settings
Some Android updates may lead to issues with APN settings. If resetting APN to default doesn’t help, then manually set the APN. Follow the steps below.
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi & Network > SIM & Network > SIM SETTING > Access Point Names as illustrated in Method 8.
Tap on the + icon at the top right corner of the screen.
- Add the APN details.
Note: The details of APN will be available on the official carrier website (e.g. Vodafone).
- After entering the details, tap on the three horizontal dots icon in the top right corner of the screen.
And select the Save option to save the details.
- Finally, select the newly created APN option from the list.
Method 11: Reset Network Settings
If rebooting your device and changing APN doesn’t work, then try resetting your network settings. This will reset all your network connections, mobile networks, and Bluetooth settings and fix 4G not working Android problem. Follow the given steps to reset Network settings.
- Navigate to Settings and tap on the System settings.
Method 11: Reset Network Settings
If rebooting your device and changing APN doesn’t work, then try resetting your network settings. This will reset all your network connections, mobile networks, and Bluetooth settings and fix 4G not working Android problem. Follow the given steps to reset Network settings.
- Navigate to Settings and tap on the System settings.
- Tap on Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth option.
Finally, tap on the Reset Settings option.
On tapping this, it prompts you to insert your pin or password, if any. Enter them and tap the Reset settings option again.
Method 12: Update Android OS
You may ask why does my phone says LTE instead of 4G. If the network is changed to 4G LTE, then it is said that it may slow down the network speed. Sometimes, updating your device may resolve the issue of 4G not working. Follow the steps below to update Android OS and fix 4G not working Android issue.
- Go to your device Settings.
- Scroll down and tap on the System settings.
Now, tap on System updates.
- Your device will check for updates.
4A. If an update is available, install the update and reboot your device.
4B. If your Android OS is up-to-date, then it will say Your system is up to date.
Method 13: Contact Network Service Provider
If none of the methods above work, then you have to contact the network service provider. You can either dial their toll-free number or post the issue on their social media handles.
Method 14: Repair Your Device
If your network service provider reports no issues on their side, then the issue persists with your mobile. It is best to check with a technician for any hardware damage. If you face 4G not working on your new Android mobile, then it may be a manufacturing fault. In this case, you can visit the nearest service center to resolve this problem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the difference between LTE and 4G?
Ans. To be simple, 4G is faster than LTE. LTE is a type of 4G technology but slower than the true 4G network.