Problems with mobile data on Samsung is one of the most common complaints from users. Slow page loading, lack of 4G/5G connection or sudden network disconnection can occur even on new models like Galaxy S24 or Galaxy A55. Often the culprit is outdated settings APN, a malfunction of the communication module or operator errors. In this article, we will look at how to properly โupdate the Internetโ on your phone - from basic methods to hidden functions Androidthat are not written about in official instructions.
It is important to understand: the phrase โupdate the Internetโ can mean different actions - from manually updating the network configuration to completely rebooting the communication module. We will consider all current methods, including those that work on One UI 6.1 and newer. If after reading the article the problem remains, at the end you will find a diagnostic checklist and a link to hidden service menus Samsungwhich help in 90% of cases.
1. Updating APN settings: why it works in 80% of cases
Settings APN (Access Point Name) is a โbridgeโ between your phone and the operatorโs network. If they are lost or outdated (for example, after updating the firmware or changing the SIM card), the Internet may disappear or work at speed 2G. On Samsung these settings are sometimes reset automatically, especially after installing major updates Android.
To update the APN:
- ๐ฑ Open
Settings โ Connections โ Mobile networks โ Access points (APN). - โ๏ธ Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select
Reset to default values. - ๐ If the option is not available, create a new APN manually (the parameters can be requested from the operator or found on its website).
- ๐ถ Save the changes and reboot the phone.
On models Galaxy S22/S23 and newer, after resetting the APN, additional confirmation may be required via SIM menu (a USSD request is sent ##4636##). If after these steps the Internet does not work, the problem may lie in operator profile, which also requires updating.
If there are several profiles in the APN list, leave active only the one that matches your operator. Extra access points can cause conflicts.
2. Manual operator profile update (EPL/MCC-MNC)
Each telecom operator binds your SIM card to a unique profile, which contains data on supported frequencies, network priorities (5G/4G/3G) and other parameters. If this profile is outdated (for example, after changing the tariff or updating base stations), the phone may not โseeโ modern networks.
You can update the operator profile on Samsung in two ways:
- Via USSD command:
- ๐ Dial
##4636##and selectPhone information. - ๐ Scroll down to the block
Updating PRL/EPL profileand clickUpdate.
- ๐ Dial
- ๐ฑ Go to
Settings โ SIM cards and mobile networks โ [Your operator] โ Update profile. - โ ๏ธ If the option is missing, contact operator support and request sending a new profile via SMS.
- Turn on
Airplane modefor 30 seconds. - Disable it and wait for re-registration on the network (the antenna icon should blink).
On some models (for example, Galaxy Z Fold/Flip), after updating the profile, a reboot of the communication module is required. To do this:
What to do if the profile is not is being updated?
If after several attempts the profile is not updated, this may mean:
1) Blocking by the operator (for example, due to debt).
2) Incompatibility of the SIM card with the network (for example, the old SIM does not support 5G).
3) Hardware failure of the communication module (diagnostics required at a service center).
3. Resetting network settings: when this is the only option
If updating the APN and profile did not help, the next step is full reset of network settings. This procedure deletes all saved Wi-Fi networks, passwords, Bluetooth settings and mobile data settings, returning them to factory defaults. On Samsung the reset is performed without deleting personal data, but you will need to re-configure connections.
Instructions:
- โ๏ธ Go to
Settings โ General management โ Reset โ Reset network settings. - ๐ Enter your PIN code or pattern (if prompted).
- ๐ฑ Confirm the reset and wait for the phone to reboot (it will take 1-2 minutes).
- ๐ After turning on, re-configure the mobile data (APN will be downloaded automatically or will require manual entry).
- ๐ฑ Go to
Settings โ Phone information โ Software information. - ๐ Find the line
Baseband version(orBaseband version). This is the modem firmware version. - ๐ Compare it with the latest version for your model on the website Sammobile or in the official application Samsung Members.
- ๐ฒ If an update is available, install it via
Settings โ Software update(selectDownload and install). - ๐ Connect to a PC and use the app Samsung Smart Switch to force check for updates.
- ๐ Manually download the firmware from the website Sammobile and flash it via
Odin(only for advanced users!). - ๐ Check if the Internet works on another SIM card (for example, from another operator).
- ๐ก Use the application NetMonster or CellMapper to analyze the signal level and frequencies.
- ๐ง If the phone has been dropped or gotten wet, disassemble it (if you have experience) and check the antenna contacts.
- Dial
*#0011#โthe current state of the communication module is displayed here. - If the line
RRC StateindicatesIdle, and the network does not receive, the problem is in the antenna or SIM card. - If
Network Typeis displayedUnknownthe modem firmware may fail. - ๐ Changing DNS:
By default, operators use their own DNS servers, which can be slow. Try replacing them with
1.1.1.1(Cloudflare) or8.8.8.8(Google). To do this:- Go to
Settings โ Connections โ Other networks โ Mobile networks โ Access points (APN). - Select your APN and in the field
DNSenter a new one address. - Save and reboot your phone.
- Go to
- ๐ Using a VPN:
Some operators limit the speed for certain services. A VPN (for example ProtonVPN or Warp from Cloudflare) can bypass these restrictions. Install the application from Google Play, connect to a server in your country and check the speed.
- ๐ก Force network selection:
If the phone clings to an overloaded tower, you can manually select another network:
- Dial
##4636##and selectPhone information. - In the section
Set preferred network typeinstallLTE only(if you need 4G) orNR/LTE(for 5G).
- Dial
- Go to
Settings โ Connections โ Mobile networks. - Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select
Improving the network. - Enable the option and wait for optimization (may take up to 5 minutes).
- โ Deleting all APNs:
If you manually deleted all access points, the phone will not be able to automatically load new ones. In this case, you will have to call the operator and request settings.
- โ Using old USSD commands:
Codes like
##4636##may differ for different models. For example, on the Galaxy A-series, some commands do not work. - โ Ignoring software updates:
If you delay installing updates Android, the modem firmware also remains outdated, which leads to problems with 5G.
- โ Independent firmware without backup:
An attempt to flash the modem via
Odinwithout a backup can lead to โbrickingโ phone. - ๐ Before any manipulations with the network create a backup via Samsung Cloud or Smart Switch.
- ๐ Always after changes restart the phone โmany settings are applied only after a reboot.
- ๐ก If you are roaming, check if the operator is blocking some functions (for example, 5G).
- The operator temporarily blocks your SIM card (check your balance or service status).
- The phone has an energy saving mode activated, which limits background traffic.
- In your region, technical work is underway at base stations.
- Disable
Energy saving modein the settings. - Manually select network
4G (LTE)instead ofAuto. - Install the application Internet Speed Master to optimize the connection.
- Change DNS to
1.1.1.1or8.8.4.4. - APN update is applied immediately, but may require reconnecting to the network.
- Resetting network settings always requires a reboot.
- Changing DNS works without rebooting, but the speed may not update immediately.
- Your SIM card does not support 5G (you need USIM).
- The option is not activated in the APN settings
NR (5G). - The operator does not provide 5G in your region.
- The modem firmware is outdated.
- Connect to each network again and enter passwords manually.
- If you synchronized passwords with your account Google, they can be restored automatically after logging in.
- Use applications like WiFi Password Viewer (root access required).
- Phone model and version One UI.
- Test results from the service menu (
*#0011#). - Location where problems are observed.
On models with One UI 5.0 and newer after After resetting, a notification may appear "A new operator configuration update has been detected" โconfirm its installation. If the reset does not help, the reason may be software failure (solved by flashing) or hardware failure (for example, damage to the antenna module).
4. Checking and updating the firmware of the communication module
The communication module (modem) in smartphones Samsung has its own firmware, which is sometimes updated separately from the main system. If you have an old version of the modem, the phone may not work correctly with new operator base stations, which leads to interruptions in communication or low Internet speed.
You can check and update the modem firmware like this:
On some models (for example, Galaxy Note 20 or Galaxy S21), the modem firmware is updated only together with the main software. If you have an outdated version, but the system says โNo updateโ, try:
Updating your modem firmware can significantly improve your internet speed, especially if you are using 5G. After the update, it is recommended to reset the network settings (see section 3).
5. Diagnosis of hardware problems: when the software is not to blame
If all software methods have been tried, but the Internet still does not work, the reason may lie in hardware. The most common malfunctions:
| Symptom | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The Internet only works in 2G, 4G/5G missing | Damage to the antenna module or cable | Diagnostics at a service center, antenna replacement |
| Constant connection breaks, even with a good signal level | Faulty SIM card or slot | Replacing the SIM card with a new one (preferably nano-SIM), cleaning the slot contacts |
| The phone does not connect to the network after falling or getting wet | Damage to the motherboard (communication module) | Service repair, module replacement |
| Low Internet speed at full signal strength | Overheating of the processor (throttling) | Cleaning dust, replacing thermal paste |
For self-diagnosis:
Try another SIM card
Check the signal level in the service menu (*#0011#)
Inspect the phone for physical damage
Test the Internet in another location (exclude poor coverage area)
-->
If you suspect a hardware fault, but are not sure โ use the hidden service menu Samsung:
6. Alternative methods: from VPN to changing DNS
Sometimes the problem lies not in the phone, but in the routing of the operator's traffic. In such cases, non-trivial solutions help:
On models with One UI 6.0 and newer there is a hidden function "Improving the mobile network"that optimizes the connection. To activate it:
If the speed increased after changing DNS or using a VPN, the problem was on the operatorโs side. Report this to support: perhaps they are limiting traffic for your tariff.
7. Common mistakes and how to avoid them
When trying to โupdate the Internet,โ users often make mistakes that only aggravate the problem. Here are the most common:
To avoid problems:
Most problems with the Internet on Samsung can be solved in the following order: APN โ operator profile โ network reset โ firmware update. If nothing helps, either the operator or the hardware is to blame.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
๐น Why does the Internet still not work after updating the APN?
Possible reasons:
Solution: contact your operator or try using the phone in another location (for example, in the city center).
๐น How to speed up the Internet on Samsung if the speed is low?
Try:
๐น Is it possible to update the Internet without rebooting the phone?
Yes, but not all methods will work without a reboot. For example:
๐น Why on Samsung 5G does not work, although the phone supports it?
Reasons:
Solution: update your operator profile, check your APN settings and contact support to clarify coverage.
๐น What to do if all Wi-Fi passwords are lost after a network reset?
Unfortunately, resetting the network deletes all saved passwords. To recover them:
If none of the methods helped, the problem may be on the operatorโs side. Contact support and report: