How to Disable Automatic Network Selection on iPhone 14

Not getting a good cellular reception on your new iPhone when using it in a certain location? Manually switching to another network available might help. This post will walk you through configuring the default cellular network selection on the new iPhone 14 series. Here’s how to disable automatic network selection on Apple iPhone 14.

The list of available networks may vary depending on the available providers that have coverage in that area.

Your phone will then attempt to connect to the selected network. By then you can gauge whether or not the new network in use is better than the previous. If needed, switch to a different network available. 

Automatic vs. Manual Network Selection

Most, if not all smartphones are programmed to automatically manage network selection from the network side in conjunction with the SIM card settings. This prompts the device to connect to a better if not the best network available in that location. Some cellular network providers even block bad networks at a specific location so that the device will automatically choose another network that’s more stable.

For this reason, enabling automatic network selection on a smartphone is recommended as it lets the device automatically search for and connect to a better network, especially when traveling from one location to another.

However, there will always be instances when using manual network selection is more practical. Common scenarios wherein manual network selection is necessary include when having trouble with SMS and calls due to a poor cellular network reception.

And that’s it!