Recently, iPhone users have reported a “Cellular Update Failed” error message on their iPhone 7s. After the report of this error on the iPhone 7s, other iPhone models followed suit. So now, many Apple users are not able to access cellular data.

This failed update means you won’t be able to make calls or send text messages on your iPhone.

Undoubtedly, that’s a frustrating situation you want to get out of as soon as possible. Well, we’re here to help you do that.

If you’re wondering why the Cellular Update Failed Error keeps showing up, there are a few reasons why. Right now, your top priority is to fix the cellular update error and use your iPhone without any interruptions.

Keep reading to find out how you can fix the Cellular Update error on your iPhone 7 or any other model.

How to Fix Cellular Update Failed Error in iPhone 7

Here are nine procedures you can follow to get rid of the iPhone cellular update failed notification.

Turn Airplane Mode On and Off

The simplest way to get rid of the cellular update failed message is by switching your iPhone’s Airplane Mode on and off.

Toggling Airplane Mode corrects any minor cellular connectivity issues by resetting the signals.

Here’s how you switch Airplane Mode on and off on your iPhone:

  1. First, go to the Control Center of your iPhone.
  2. Next, tap the airplane icon to turn on Airplane Mode.
  3. Wait a few moments, then turn Airplane mode off again.
  4. Finally, try turning your cellular data on to see if the Cellular Update Failed window is still popping up.

Turn Off Wi-Fi Calling and Voice LTE

Next, you can try to turn off Wi-Fi calling and Voice LTE features. Again, there’s no science behind this solution, but it has worked for people who faced the iPhone cellular update issue before.

Here’s how you can do so:

  1. First, open your Settings app and tap the “Cellular” options. Once you find the Wi-Fi calling feature, enable it.
  2. If it’s already enabled, toggle with the “Wi-Fi Calling on This Phone” feature before disabling it entirely.
  3. Then, go back into your Cellular settings and select “Cellular Data Options.” Next, tap “Enable LTE” before switching the settings to “Data Only.”
  4. This will turn off your iPhone’s Voice LTE feature. Now, try to update your cellular settings again.

Turn Cellular Data On and Off

If that doesn’t help either, here’s another quick and simple way to get rid of the iPhone Cellular Update Failed error.

All you have to do is turn your cellular data on and off. In Settings, you’ll find the Cellular section, in which you can turn cellular data off.

After doing that, you can check if the update is working or not. It may be that your cellular network provider is having some connectivity issues; turning your data on and off can help reset the cellular connection.

Check iOS Update

Another reason your cellular update failed on iPhone could be that a software update is pending. So, don’t forget to check your iPhone’s latest iOS version software update before you take any further steps.

Here’s how you can do so:

  1. Open your Settings app and go into “General.”
  2. Then, tap “Software Update” to check if an iOS update is available for you.
  3. If there is, tap “Download and Install” to get the update instantly and fix your cellular update issue.
  4. Check your data once again to see if you’re still facing the same problem.

Reinstall the SIM Card

Probably, your SIM card isn’t inserted correctly, resulting in a poor connection to your cellular data.

To get rid of the window that says “Cellular Update Failed” on your iPhone, make sure your SIM card isn’t loose, damaged, or placed incorrectly.

For this step, you’ll need a SIM card ejector tool.

Take your SIM card out using a SIM Card eject tool and look for any signs of damage. If it seems like it’s in good condition, place it back into the SIM card tray but ensure that the microcontroller is faced down. Plus, the SIM card shouldn’t be loose.

Then, slide the SIM tray back into the iPhone, lock it, and try to turn your data on again.

Check Carrier Settings Update

The carrier settings in your iPhone deal with the improvement of the carrier’s cellular network and its connectivity. If there’s a pending carrier settings update you haven’t installed, it may display the “Cellular Update Failed” message.

Here’s how you can check for any cell phone carrier settings updates in your iPhone:

  1. First, open your Settings app and select About.
  2. If there’s a carrier update available for your device, you’ll see a pop-up message that says, “Carrier Settings Update.”
  3. Tap on “Update” to update carrier settings.
  4. Once the update has been installed completely, try connecting your data again.

Reset Network Settings

It may be that the problem lies in the connection of the cellular networks, but a quick network reset should fix that for you. While your device data will stay intact, all the network settings will be changed to default.

By doing so, you’ll be able to get rid of the interruption that’s causing the Cellular Update Failed error. Here’s you can reset network settings:

  • Open your Settings app and select “General.”
  • Tap “Reset” and select the “Reset Network Settings” option.
  • Once you’ve confirmed the reset, you can let your iPhone finish the process.
  • After the network settings reset, try to reconnect your mobile data.

Reinstall iPhone System

This step may seem tedious, but it’s worth it if you want access to your cell data once again. Bringing your iPhone to its original factory condition will get rid of any glitches or errors you might have been dealing with.

Here’s how you can reinstall your iPhone system:

  • Connect your iPhone to your Mac via USB and launch the iTunes app.
  • Select your iPhone in the Devices section and click the “Summary” tab.
  • When you tap the “Restore iPhone” option, a confirmation pop-up window will show up.
  • Select “Restore” to confirm the process and agree with the license agreement.
  • Then, a new iOS system will download and install into your iPhone, which will now restart.
  • You can now use the “Slide to Set Up” option to launch the Setup Assistant. It’ll give you instructions that you can follow to set up your iPhone.
  • Once your iPhone is all set up, you can try to connect your mobile data once again.

Factory Reset Your iPhone

If all else fails, you can simply factory reset your iPhone.

To do so, you can follow these simple steps:

  1. Ensure that all your data is backed up on iCloud.
  2. Open your Settings app and select “General.”
  3. Tap “Reset” and select “Erase All Content and Settings.”
  4. Use your device password to confirm this reset and let your device finish the process.
  5. Retrieve your data from iCloud.
  6. Try to connect to your cellular service again.

If none of these solutions worked, you might have to go to the Apple store to get it fixed. You can also contact Apple Support or your cellular provider to check if it’s a fault from their end.

FAQs

Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the iPhone cellular update failed issue:

Why Does my iPhone 7 Say Cellular Data Update Failed?

There are a couple of reasons behind this Cellular Update Failed error:

Hardware Issues

It could simply be a hardware defect that’s not allowing the SIM to attach to the iPhone correctly. In this case, you can go to the Apple Store to get professionals to check it. Before you do so, make sure you’ve inserted the SIM correctly.

Software Issues

It could also be a software issue in your settings that’s causing this error. Recent network updates can also cause this issue in your data connectivity.

In any case, you can fix this problem by following any of our troubleshooting tips. In addition, interrupted data networks can stop you from contacting your friends and family, which can be especially problematic in the case of an emergency.

That’s why you must update your data carrier to the latest version.

How Do you Update Cellular Data on iPhone 7?

If you keep seeing “No Service” or “Searching” on your iPhone 7, it may be time to update your cellular data. It’s important to do so if you want to stay in contact with your friends and family in case of an emergency.

Here’s how you can update your cell data in a few simple steps:

  1. Firstly, you have to make sure to connect your device to Wi-Fi or a cellular network.
  2. Then, open your Settings app and select “General.” Next, look for the About section, in which you’ll find an option to update your carrier setting.
  3. Download and install this update to ensure your data network is working correctly.
  4. If you want to see the version of this carrier update, go into the About section again.
  5. Look next to your carrier name, and you’ll find what you’re looking for.

Remember, you’ll need to install the settings for your new carrier if you insert a new SIM into your iPhone.

Conclusion

Not being able to access your data options can result in a lot of interruptions in your daily life. Mainly, you won’t be able to communicate with your friends and family via call or text messaging.

That’s why you must fix the cellular update failed error as soon as you can. Now that you know nine ways how to do so, you’ll never have to see the “Cellular Update Failed” message again!