The lack of high-speed 4G (LTE) Internet on your smartphone can be caused by various factors. Most often they are associated with malfunctions of the telecom operator, as well as technical problems in the smartphone itself. If you regularly experience problems with your 4G connection, this article is for you. You will learn about the main causes of problems and also how to fix EE signal problems or difficulties with the 4G connection when using the services of other operators.
Problems With 4G Network Coverage
If you are faced with a problem using 4G Internet on your smartphone, the first step should be to check the availability of network coverage. If you are in an area where 4G coverage is weak or non-existent, this could be the root cause of the problem.
To solve this, try moving to another place where you know the signal is stronger. Many mobile operators provide coverage maps on their websites.
Turning on airplane mode on your device for a few seconds and then turning it off can also be helpful. This forces the phone to reconnect to a nearby tower, which can sometimes improve call quality.
Smartphone Settings For Receiving 4G Signal
The next step is to check your phone settings. Incorrect network settings are often the reason why 4G Internet simply does not work. Go to your phone’s network settings and make sure the mode that supports 4G (often referred to as LTE or 4G) is turned on.
If your smartphone is configured to only use 3G or 2G networks, this may interfere with access to 4G.
Sometimes manually selecting a network can help. In this case, try selecting your operator in the network settings. If the problem persists after changing the settings, try rebooting your device to reset your network settings and give your phone a chance to reconnect to the network.
Problems With SIM Cards When Using 4G
This rarely happens, but it’s still worth checking your SIM card. If it is damaged, outdated, or incorrectly installed, this can also lead to a lack of 4G Internet.
Try removing and reinserting the SIM card, making sure it is seated correctly in the slot. If possible, try using this SIM card in another phone to see if it works there. If the SIM card does not work in another device, it may need to be replaced. Contact your service provider for a new SIM card if your previous one is damaged or outdated.
In some cases, you may need to contact your operator’s support team to resolve issues with activating or updating your SIM card.
4G Interruptions Due to Network Congestion
Network congestion is common in crowded areas, such as sporting events or concerts. In such cases, even if your phone and SIM card are fully functional, the 4G connection may be unstable or impossible due to high network load.
In these conditions, it is useful to use Wi-Fi, if available. If not, you can try switching to 3G, as sometimes older networks are less congested. Alternatively, if there is no immediate need to use the Internet, it is recommended to wait until the network load decreases.
Problems With Your Smartphone
Problems with your smartphone hardware may affect network functions, including 4G. If you suspect that the problem is related to hardware problems (for example, with the antenna or internal network components), the first step should be to contact a service center. There, specialists can carry out diagnostics and repairs.
It is important to pay attention to the behavior of the device: overheating, unusual sounds, or error messages may indicate hardware problems. As a last resort, if a hardware problem is confirmed to be beyond repair, the device may need to be replaced.
Problems With 4G Activation From The Operator
Sometimes the problem may be related to the services of the mobile operator. If 4G Internet does not work, you need to make sure that your tariff plan supports 4G and that this service is activated for your number.
To do this, you can visit the operator’s website or contact its support service. In some cases, especially after changing the tariff or operator, special activation or configuration of 4G by the operator may be required. Also, if you recently received a new SIM card, make sure it is activated and registered with the network.
This problem almost never occurs with new SIM cards, but with SIM cards released 5-10 years ago, the problem occurs very often.
Software Updates
Updates to your smartphone’s operating system are essential to keeping your smartphone secure and running efficiently, but sometimes they can unexpectedly affect network functionality, including 4G connectivity.
If you notice problems with 4G after a recent update, make sure your device is running the latest software. Sometimes manufacturers release additional updates to fix identified problems.
Rebooting your device after updating may also help. If the problem persists and you are confident that it is related to the latest update, consider downgrading to the previous version of the operating system if such an option is available for your device.
Using a 4G Booster
If you are outside the city or in a room where the mobile connection is obviously lost not only because of construction, then the only way to improve the situation is to use a booster. The booster is an effective device for solving connection problems with EE, Tesco, Vodafone, or other operators. It is a device designed to expand signal coverage and provide a stable signal in places where it is poorly received or completely absent.
Planning the installation of such a system should begin by determining the frequencies that should be amplified. To ensure high-quality communication, it is not at all necessary to amplify all frequencies. All user devices have certain priorities and it is enough to boost only those frequencies that are necessary in a particular case.
Wrapping It Up
There can be many reasons for problems with a mobile connection – from a faulty smartphone to the simple distance of the user from a cell tower. If your issues with the mobile connection of Vodafone, EE, Three, or other UK operators are obviously related to the distance from the cell tower, then the only solution to improve communication in your country house, office or basement is to install a mobile signal booster. We recommend contacting UCtel, a reliable service provider for improving 3G, 4G, and 5G communications.
