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How to Fix the Cellular Data Grayed Out Issue on iPhone and iPad

Quick Tips
  • If you have restricted changes to mobile data – you won’t be able to toggle it on/off. Go to Content Restrictions, and Allow changes to it.
  • You can also try turning off the SIM and turning it on.
  • If nothing works, try resetting all the network settings on your iPhone.

Fix 1: Turn Off and Turn on Cellular Service

Turning off and turning on the cellular service can re-establish the connectivity, free from bugs and glitches. Additionally, you can also try restarting your iPhone.

Open the Settings app, and tap on Mobile Service. Select the SIM, turn it off, and turn it on.

If you’re using a physical SIM, you can try removing and inserting it again.

Fix 2: Disable Content Restrictions

Restricting changes to cellular data locks many settings in place. You can no longer use the Cellular icon on the Control Center to toggle cellular data on or off.

Step 1: Open the Settings app, select Screen Time, and go to Content Restrictions.

Step 2: Scroll down to the Allow Changes To menu, and select Mobile Data. Tap on Allow, and enter your passcode to make the changes.

This will allow you to make changes to mobile data and will let you turn it on.

Fix 3: Disable Lockdown Mode

Lockdown Mode on your iPhone protects you if you’re suspecting a targeted cyberattack. Apple says most of us are unlikely to get affected by it. But if you’ve accidentally enabled it – you may not be able to use cellular data.

Open the Settings app, go to Privacy, scroll down, and select Lockdown Mode. Turn it off and restart your iPhone.

Fix 4: Check the MDM Profile

It’s also likely that your iPhone or iPad has an MDM (Mobile Device Management) profile installed. Usually, that’s the case if the device was handed to you by your employer or organization. MDM profiles can not only impose restrictions on cellular data, but they can also block you from removing the said restrictions.

To check, go to Settings > General > Profiles & Device Management. If there’s one, tap on it to view the restrictions imposed by it.

Do not remove the MDM profile yourself since that could stop various apps and features from functioning properly on your device

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Fix 5: Reset Network Settings

Resetting Network Settings will reset all the network-related configurations on your iPhone and establish a fresh connection.

Note: This option deletes the Wi-Fi passwords from your iPhone and other network configurations. So, save Wi-Fi passwords before proceeding to the steps.

Step 1: Open the Settings app and tap on General. Tap on Transfer and Reset.

Step 2: Select Reset. Tap on Reset Network Settings.

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Also Read: How to fix iPhone cellular data not working.

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Last updated on 22 May, 2024

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