How Do I Reset My Mobile Network Settings?
How to reset mobile network settings on iPhone and Android. Learn what a network reset does, what it deletes, and how to fix mobile connection issues.
10/6/20266 min read
If your phone suddenly stops connecting to mobile data, loses signal, or displays No Service, resetting your network settings can sometimes solve the problem. But how to reset mobile network settings depends on whether you use an iPhone, Android phone, or Samsung Galaxy.
A network reset can help when you have problems such as mobile network not working, mobile data failing to connect, or your phone keeps losing signal. It can also clear network configurations that may be preventing your phone from connecting correctly.
In this guide, we explain how to reset mobile network settings, when you should do it, what happens afterward, and whether the process deletes your personal data.
What Does a Network Settings Reset Do?
Before learning how to reset mobile network settings, it is important to understand what a network reset actually changes.
A network settings reset returns certain connectivity settings to their default state. Depending on your phone, this can affect mobile network configurations, Wi-Fi connections, Bluetooth pairings, VPN settings, APN settings, and saved network information.
It is different from a factory reset. A factory reset is designed to erase your phone and return it to its original state. A network reset focuses only on connection-related settings.
Apple, for example, says that resetting network settings removes previously used networks and some VPN settings, while also resetting Wi-Fi, cellular, VPN and APN settings.
Samsung similarly explains that resetting network settings can reset Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and other network settings.
When Should I Reset My Mobile Network Settings?
You may be considering how to reset mobile network settings because something has gone wrong with your phone's connectivity.
A network reset can be worth trying if:
Your mobile network is not working.
Mobile data is not working.
Your phone has no signal.
Your phone says No Service.
Your phone shows mobile network not available.
Your phone can't connect to the network.
Your phone keeps losing signal.
You have poor mobile signal.
Calls are repeatedly dropping.
Mobile data stopped working after changing a SIM or network provider.
Samsung specifically recommends resetting network settings when the mobile network connection is unstable and mobile data cannot be used.
However, you should normally try simpler solutions first. Restart your phone, turn Airplane Mode on and off, check that mobile data is enabled, and make sure your network provider is not experiencing an outage.
How Do I Reset Network Settings on iPhone?
If you use an iPhone, how to reset network settings on iPhone is straightforward.
To reset the network settings:
Open Settings.
Tap General.
Select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
Tap Reset.
Select Reset Network Settings.
Enter your passcode if requested.
Confirm the reset.
Apple's current UK support guidance uses this exact Settings path and explains that the process resets Wi-Fi networks and passwords, mobile settings, and VPN and APN settings.
After the reset, you will need to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks and enter their passwords again.
It is important not to select Erase All Content and Settings if you only want to troubleshoot your network. That is a completely different process that removes your personal content.
How to Reset Network Settings on Android
If you are looking for how to reset network settings on Android, the exact menu can vary between manufacturers and Android versions.
On many Android phones, you can find the option by going to:
Settings → System → Reset options
You may see an option such as Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth or Reset network settings.
Select the relevant option, review the information shown on screen, and confirm the reset.
Because Android manufacturers customise their software, the exact wording may be different on Google Pixel, Motorola, Xiaomi, OnePlus and other Android phones.
Before completing a reset mobile network settings process, check what your particular phone says will be removed.
How to Reset Network Settings on Samsung
For Samsung Galaxy users, how to reset network settings Samsung devices can vary slightly depending on the model and software version.
On many recent Samsung phones, the process starts with:
Open Settings.
Tap General management.
Tap Reset.
Select Reset mobile network settings or the relevant network reset option.
Tap Reset settings.
Confirm the reset.
Samsung's UK support instructions use Settings → General management → Reset → Reset network settings on supported devices and recommend the process for unstable mobile connections and mobile data problems.
Some newer Galaxy models provide separate options for mobile network settings and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth settings. For example, current UK device guides show Reset mobile network settings as a separate option on some Galaxy devices.
So if your Samsung menu looks different, don't assume the option is missing. Your device may simply use different wording.
What Does Reset Network Settings Do?
It clears network-related configurations and allows your device to establish those connections again from a clean state.
Depending on the phone, this may include:
Saved Wi-Fi networks.
Wi-Fi passwords.
Bluetooth connections.
Mobile network settings.
APN configurations.
VPN settings.
Other saved network preferences.
On Samsung devices, network settings can include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and other network configurations.
On iPhone, Apple says the reset removes Wi-Fi networks and passwords, mobile settings, and VPN and APN settings.
The purpose is to remove connection configurations that may have become incorrect or corrupted.
What Happens When You Reset Network Settings?
Your phone forgets certain network configurations and returns them to their default state.
Your phone may disconnect from Wi-Fi, Bluetooth accessories may need to be paired again, and you may need to reconnect to your mobile network.
If your problem was caused by an incorrect network configuration, the reset may allow your phone to establish a connection correctly again.
For Samsung users, current device guidance also warns that saved APN connections can be removed when mobile network settings are reset.
After completing how to reset mobile network settings, test your calls and mobile data before changing anything else.
Does Reset Network Settings Delete Everything?
No. A network settings reset is not the same as a factory reset.
It does not normally delete your:
Photos
Videos
Apps
Contacts
Messages
Documents
Personal files
Apple explicitly states that resetting settings does not erase content or media.
This makes a network reset a much less drastic troubleshooting option than completely resetting your phone.
However, network information can be removed, so you should be prepared to reconnect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices afterward.
Does Reset Network Settings Delete WiFi Passwords?
Apple confirms that Reset Network Settings removes saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords.
Some Samsung devices can also remove saved Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections when the relevant network settings are reset.
If you do not remember your home Wi-Fi password, make sure you can access it before performing how to reset mobile network settings.
Is It Safe to Reset Network Settings?
Generally, yes.
It is a standard troubleshooting option and is much less disruptive than a factory reset. However, you should understand that saved network connections and configurations may be removed.
Apple recommends trying other troubleshooting solutions before resetting network settings and advises users with work or school-managed network configurations to consult their administrator first.
If your phone belongs to your employer or is managed by an organisation, a network reset could remove configurations that were installed for work.
What If Mobile Data Is Still Not Working?
If mobile data not working UK remains a problem after completing how to reset mobile network settings, the cause may not be your phone's network configuration.
Check the following:
Is your mobile data switched on?
Does your SIM work in another phone?
Is your account active?
Do you have network coverage where you are?
Is there a network outage?
Did you recently change providers?
Are your APN settings correct?
Samsung recommends contacting your carrier if mobile data remains unavailable after the relevant troubleshooting steps.
If resetting your settings does not solve the problem, checking your mobile network coverage can help determine whether weak signal is causing the issue.
If your phone still says No Service, has no signal, or cannot connect to the mobile network, your provider may need to investigate the SIM, account or network coverage.
Knowing how to reset mobile network settings can help when your phone develops persistent connectivity problems.
A network reset can be useful for mobile network not working, mobile data problems, no signal, unstable connections and other network-related issues. It is also a relatively safe troubleshooting step because it does not normally remove your personal files or apps.
The exact process for how to reset mobile network settings varies between iPhone, Android and Samsung devices, so always check the wording shown on your particular phone.
Before you start, remember that saved Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth connections and other network configurations may be removed. Once the reset is complete, reconnect your networks and test your mobile connection.
FAQs
How do I reset network settings?
The steps depend on your phone. On iPhone, go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings. Android and Samsung devices use different menus, but the reset option is normally found within the system or General management settings.
Will resetting network settings fix no signal?
It can help if incorrect network configurations are causing the problem. However, it will not fix every cause of poor signal. Network outages, coverage limitations, SIM problems and account issues may require help from your mobile provider.
Does resetting network settings remove my SIM?
No. A normal network settings reset does not remove your physical SIM or cancel your mobile service. It resets network configurations stored on the phone.
Should I reset network settings or factory reset my phone?
If the problem is related to mobile data, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or mobile connectivity, try a network reset first. A factory reset is much more drastic because it is designed to erase your personal data and return the phone to its factory state.
What should I do after a network reset?
Reconnect to your Wi-Fi networks, pair your Bluetooth accessories again if necessary, and test calls and mobile data. If the connection still does not work, contact your mobile network provider for further troubleshooting.
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