Some apps not working on mobile data? Try these fixes

Android apps not working on mobile data can be a big problem if you are on the go and don’t want to be limited to WiFi-covered areas. Not having a reliable data connection can be painful, and we made sure to introduce some applicable solutions for all of you in need.

Table of contents:

1. Check for data connection
2. Check your data plan and limits
3. See if data is turned off for the app
4. Remove the SIM card and reboot your device
5. Reset APN to default settings
6. Reset network settings
7. Change DNS settings
8. Clear cache from the Google Play Services app
9. Enable data roaming
10. Other fixes for Android apps not working on mobile data

Why my Android app is not working on mobile data?

There are a few possible reasons why you can face the issue of Android apps not working on mobile data. The app might be disabled for cellular data or you might have a problem with your data plan. There are other possibilities as well. We are going to cover them in the next steps:

1. Check for data connection

Make sure to check you have a correct data connection. The best thing to do is to visit speedtest.net and check for connection speed. Make sure to also check if you have used all your data plans or your daily data limit.

2. Check your data plan and limits

Some mobile data plans come with limitations. Make sure you have enough data left or that you’re not late on your payment. Check for settings regarding your data plan limit. Data Plan Limit will automatically disable Mobile data if your reach the predetermined limit.

Open Parameters > Network and Internet > Mobile network and look for Data warning or overdrive option and disable limits here. Those options can also be found on the Security app on Xiaomi phones. Go to the Security app and tap on Settings and then Data usage > Data plan. There you can set up data limits and check for data usage warnings.

3. See if data is turned off for the app

Go to Parameters > Apps and notifications > All apps, find the app which is not working, and tap on it. Then you click on Mobile data and WiFi. From there you can check if the data is disabled for that app or if there is any background data restriction. Alternatively, go to Settings > Apps > Manage apps, choose the app you want to check, and then go to Data usage where you can enable Mobile data and Background data.

4. Remove the SIM card and reboot your device

It’s an easy step to do. Just turn off your phone, remove the SIM card, and then put it back in. Turn on your phone and check if everything is back to normal. Your SIM card can move a bit and the pins can get out of the line, so you can play with your SIM card a bit to make sure it is in the right place.

5. Reset APN to default settings

Sometimes you can have issues with your mobile data setup. To reset the APN settings to the defaults, go to Parameters > Network and Internet > Mobile network > Access point names, tap on the three-dot menu, and click Reset to defaults. If you are using Xiaomi, you can access those settings by going to Settings > SIM cards & mobile networks. From there, click on the SIM card you want to check, then go to Access Point Names and click on Reset.

6. Reset network settings

You can also try resetting network settings to give your connection a fresh start.

To reset network settings on Android:

1. Go to Parameters > systems > Reset options > Reset network settings / Reset Wifi;
2. Or go to Settings > General management > Reset > Reset network settings;
3. If you are using a Xiaomi device, go to Settings > Connection & sharing > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and Bluetooth > Reset settings.

7. Change DNS settings

Changing DNS settings can sometimes fix your problem with the app not working on cellular data.

To change the DNS:

1. Go to your phone Parameters > Wifi and network > Private DNS;
2. Or go to Settings > Connection & sharing > Private DNS > Private DNS provider hostname and enter the hostname of the DNS provider;
3. For Google public DNS, enter DNS. Google as the hostname. If you want to use Cloudflare DNS, enter 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com;
4. You can also download the 1.1.1.1 App from Google Play Store.

8. Clear cache from the Google Play Services app

If your problem occurs only on Google apps, there might be a chance there is some problem with Google itself.

You should try these steps:

1. Go to Settings > Apps > See all apps > Google Play Services > Storage & cache > Clear cache. This will clear the cache from Google Play Services which might solve the issue;
2. Check if there are any system software updates. Go to Settings > System > System Update > Check for updates;
3. Remove and then re-add your Google account. To do that, go to Settings > Passwords & accounts > Google account > Remove account, and then add it again.

Alternatively, you can wipe the cache partition on your Android and try again.

9. Enable data roaming

If you are visiting another state, you should turn on roaming data for your apps to work with mobile data.

Do turn on roaming data:

1. Go to Parameters > Network and internet > Mobile network > roaming and then restart your phone;
2. Or go to Settings > SIM cards & mobile networks > Advanced settings > Data roaming and change settings from there.

10. Other fixes for Android apps not working on mobile data

If you still face an issue with Android apps not working on mobile data, you should check to see if the Airplane mode is turned on and try rebooting your device. Make sure there is no data saver turned on or if the app is not blocked in your country, which can cause that, even if you can download, it won’t work with your data as your internet provider might have blocked it.

Thank you for reading and make sure to leave a comment if you know any other way to fix mobile data not working on the Android app. Don’t forget to visit our Facebook and Twitter pages for more.

Editor’s note: This article was initially published in February 2022. We made sure to revamp it for freshness and accuracy.