Samsung Galaxy Note 5, S6, S6 Edge, S6 Edge Plus cannot connect to Mobile Data Network [How to Fix]

Having trouble connecting to mobile data network on your Galaxy Note 5? This content may be able to help you with that.

This post contains troubleshooting steps and tips that will help you deal with mobile data issues on your Samsung Galaxy Note 5 Marshmallow 6.x.x. These methods can also be applied to other Samsung devices including Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, and S6 Edge Plus running the same Android OS version with mobile data connectivity issues.

Possible Causes

One good approach in solving issues on a device is by looking into the possible causes beforehand. What could have possibly prevented your device from connecting to your mobile data network?
Problems on mobile data network may occur due to any of the following reasons:

1. Account standing issue - Most carriers will halt services including mobile data connectivity for delinquent accounts. In this case, you would be required to pay for your past due bills to resume services.
2. SIM card installation issue - a damaged and improper installation of the SIM card can also inflict mobile data connectivity issues on a device.
3. SIM lock issue - some issues on mobile data connectivity are tied to SIM unlock, especially those who just switch carriers but keep using the same phone.
4. Physical or liquid damage on the phone. A device may not be able to function properly because of a damaged component. Damages can occur immediately or later after the device fell or was exposed to moisture.

Recommended Workarounds

After knowing the possible causes, you may then proceed with the troubleshooting methods below.

1. Contact your carrier for account status verification. Ensure your account is in good standing and that your plan hasn't reached the limit yet. Some carriers will disable data for accounts that have reached the plan's limit.

2. Check the SIM card and make sure it is properly installed and not dysfunctional. To isolate the problem, you may switch SIM cards between active devices using the same network. If necessary, please contact your carrier for further testing and/or SIM card replacement.

3. Contact your previous carrier for a SIM unlock code (if applicable). Do this if you just made a switch of carrier and decided to use the same phone. Your device may still need to be reprogrammed for it to get your new carrier's services, in this case.

4. Check for any possible damage on your phone. You can inspect the LDI or Liquid Damage Indicator located on the battery, in the battery compartment of your device. You'll know if it's all good if the LDI appears solid white, or white with pink or purple Xs.

If the problem persists after performing all the above suggestions, then you may continue with the following workarounds:

1. Check the status bar on your device for the 3G or 4G indicator to verify connectivity.

2. Remove any third-party accessories or cases, which may affect connectivity on your device.

3. Turn off Airplane Mode. Here's how:

• Swipe down from the top of the screen to launch the Quick settings menu.
• Locate the Airplane Mode switch from the Quick Settings panel options/icons.
• Tap to turn Airplane Mode off. If the icon is grayed out, then it means Airplane mode is OFF or disabled.

4. Verify Mobile data is enabled on your device. 
To check, go to Apps-> Settings-> Mobile networks -> Mobile Data-> check the box next to Standard Data.

5. Disable Mobile Data Limit on your device. To do this, go to Apps-> Settings-> Data Usage-> Turn off the Set Mobile Data Limit option. Simply toggle the switch next to the option from ON to OFF.

Important Note:
Disabling the mobile data limit option on your device may cause you to exceed your plan's data limit which may result to extra charges.

6. Reboot your phone. Again, a simple restart often does the trick. To those who need help, here's how to do it quick:

• Hold the Power button button until the Power menu pops up.
• Tap the option to Power Off.
• Wait for the phone to turn off completely.
• Wait for another 30 seconds and then press the Power button to restart your phone.

7. Reset APN settings. If after the restart, you still can't connect to your mobile data network, you may try to reset the APN settings on your device. However, I suggest contacting your carrier before you perform this method because there's a chance that your phone's connection information may also be reverted back to the original carrier's APN settings configuration.

Here are the steps to RESET APN settings on your Samsung Galaxy device:

1. Tap Apps from the Home screen.
2. Tap Settings.
3. Scroll to and tap Mobile networks.
4. Select Access Point Names from the given options.
5. Tap the MORE button to view more options.
6. Tap Reset to default.

If all the aforesaid methods failed to resolve the problem and your device still cannot connect to your mobile data network, then contact your network carrier to escalate your concern and get further support and recommendations.