How to fix my iPhone 7 Plus that keeps losing signal, having poor reception, other signal issues? [Troubleshooting Guide]

Every mobile device is susceptible to various types of network issues. Even the highest-tiered smartphones like Apple’s latest flagship, the iPhone 7 Plus have no exceptions. Among the pertinent issues that have been raised and encountered by many users are signal loss, poor or intermittent network signal, and no signal in general. Random glitches on the network service provider’s end as well as network outages (scheduled or unexpected) appeared to be the typical factors to blame. Dealing with signal problems and errors can be frustrating especially for those who are relying much on their smartphones to carry out some work and business transactions on a daily basis. Calling, texting as well as internet services are most likely affected. That is why these problems need to be addressed as soon as possible.

Highlighted in this post are potential solutions and suggested workarounds to deal with various types of network signal issues transpiring on the iPhone 7 Plus. If by any chance, you’ve bumped into this page while searching for some help in resolving a relevant issue on the same device, then feel free to refer to this content. Read on to have some clues on what went wrong or what has caused your iPhone 7 Plus to succumb into a network signal loss or other network signal issues and errors on your iPhone.

But before anything else, if you have other concerns with your iPhone 7 Plus, make sure you drop by our troubleshooting page for we have already addressed some of the most commonly reported issues with this new iPhone. If you need further assistance or if you can’t find what you’re looking for in that page, fill up our iPhone issues questionnaire and hit submit. Don’t worry, it’s a free consultation service so you don’t have to worry about anything. Just give us more information about the problem and we’ll do our best to help you fix it.

Possible causes of network signal problems on the iPhone 7 Plus

Determining the underlying cause will help you obtaining the ultimate quick fix to any problem transpiring in mobile devices. To give you some clues on what to work or where to start when troubleshooting a network signal problem on your iPhone 7 Plus, here is a list of the possible causes. You can start working on each of these subsequent aspects when trying to troubleshoot the problem on your end.

Network outage. One of the inevitable culprits is an outage. Network outages can be scheduled or unexpected. Scheduled outages are usually broadcasted or announced prior to the set date. Unexpected outages on the other hand can happen at any time. Possible reasons are technical issues affecting the network service like broken towers or damaged network lines, facilities and equipment. These usually result to poor signal, signal drops, or no network signal in general. Scheduled outages are typically part of the network service provider’s regular maintenance. In order to ensure network performance and stability, service providers carry out regular maintenance to scrutinize every single aspect of their network equipment, lines, towers, and network facilities. There are also certain instances where the problem is isolated to a network carrier or service provider. Just like what happened to some iPhone 7 and iPhone Plus users who have encountered random LTE signal dropping or No Service error when attempting to use certain apps like Google Maps or Waze. While the underlying cause was not disclosed, the problem was fixed by switching from LTE to Data Only. Later on, Apple has released a fix patch in a form of iOS update to resolve the problem.
Account-related issues. This is likely the case for delinquent accounts or accounts with unsettled balances. Network service providers typically imposed a temporary (soft) disconnection to accounts with unpaid bills. In this case, outgoing services like calling and texting won’t be disabled or unavailable. Should this be the case, you will need to contact your service provider and settle your accountabilities for your network services to reinstate or resume. Also ensure that your account is set up with the correct data plan for your cellular services.
Incorrect settings. Network signal issues and errors that are triggered by incorrect settings on the device is also another possibility. If you just got this new iPhone and couldn’t connect to a cellular network the first time you tried to, then make sure that cellular data is enabled on your device settings. Also make sure that your iPhone is set up for data roaming service, if you are having trouble connecting to a cellular network while travelling internationally.
SIM card issues. Network signal problems that are tied to a faulty SIM card are usually depicted by relevant error prompts and messages telling that something wrong with the SIM card. Invalid SIM card, no SIM card, no service, network unavailable, or SIM card unrecognized or not registered are the common error prompts to manifest in this case.
Software glitches. Some cases of network signal issues have been tied to software glitches. Installing faulty updates for instance can lead a similar issue on the iPhone. Network signal errors that are triggered by some bugs typically instigate after installing the update. Minor glitches affecting the iPhone’s software functions are usually rectified by a reboot or soft reset while major ones would already require a system restore.
Hardware damage. This is the worst among the possible causes. Physical or liquid damage affecting the iPhone’s network functions would already need a technician’s aid for remedy. A damaged SIM card, SIM card tray, network antenna or component on the iPhone 7 Plus circuit board are the usual triggers. For network signal issues that are inflicted by a damaged SIM are typically resolved by a SIM card replacement. You may need to contact your network service provider on this matter.

How to fix network signal issues on the iPhone 7 Plus?

Now that you have already identified the possible causes, you can now proceed with problem troubleshooting. When troubleshooting, you can start by checking and working on the possible causes mentioned above and then see what happens. Doing so will increase your chances of obtaining quick resolution. Be sure to test your iPhone after completing each step to determine whether the problem has been fixed. Proceed to the next applicable solution or workaround, if necessary. So here are a few possible solutions and recommended procedures for you to try on.

Before you begin, make sure that you are using your iPhone within your network coverage area. If you are way too far or out of your coverage area, most likely it is the main reason as to why you are experiencing poor reception, signal dropping, or no signal on your iPhone 7 Plus. Check the signal bars or signal indicators on your iPhone and see how much signal strength you’re getting. Also check and ensure that there are no ongoing outages that might have interrupt network services in your place. You can contact your network service provider to verify these matters. Aside from outages, also don’t forget to verify your account status. Make sure that your account is active and in good standing, and that your iPhone is not blocked from receiving cellular services and set up with the correct data plan. Once you have verified that you are within your network coverage area or confirmed that there are no ongoing outages affecting network services and yet you are still experiencing network signal problems when using your device, try performing the following procedures.

First Solution: Reboot your iPhone 7 Plus.

Minor device issues including those that are associated with network signal or services can sometimes be triggered by software glitches or random bugs. A simple yet most effective remedy you can try to deal with these issues is a reboot or soft reset. Basically, you will just turn your iPhone off for a few seconds and then turn it on again. The process will eliminate any minor flaws or random iOS errors without affecting any of your iPhone data, thus it is safe to try on. Here’s the proper way to perform a soft reset on your iPhone 7 Plus:

Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button on your iPhone 7 until the slider shows up.

Drag the slider to power off your device completely.

Wait for at least 30 seconds.

After the elapsed time, press and hold the Sleep/Wake button again until the Apple logo appears.

Your iPhone will then reboot.

Alternatively, you can do a force restart on your iPhone 7 Plus. This method is applicable if for some reasons your iPhone lost signal or encountered signal errors and became unresponsive. The process is similar to the standard reboot but done through the hard keys. Here’s how:

Press and hold the Sleep/Wake and Volume Down buttons for at least 30 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
Wait for your iPhone to complete the reboot process.

After the reboot, check to see if your iPhone is already getting good signal or network coverage.

Second Solution: Check your iPhone settings.

If you haven’t done it already, try to check your iPhone settings and make sure that cellular data is active or turned on. To do so, head over to Settings-> Cellular. Toggle the switch to turn the feature ON if necessary. Meanwhile, if you are travelling internationally and having some troubles with your iPhone 7 Plus cellular network, go to Settings-> Cellular-> Cellular Data Options-> Data Roaming. Make sure that Data Roaming option is enabled.

Third Solution: Remove and re-insert the SIM card on your iPhone.

If the problem persists with Cellular Data or Data Roaming features enabled on your iPhone, then try to remove and re-install the SIM card. Here’s how it’s properly done:

Power off your iPhone completely.

Pop the SIM card tray open using a paperclip or SIM-eject tool into the hole beside the tray.

Carefully remove the SIM card from the tray.

Check the SIM card for any signs of damages or scratches.

After ensuring no damage on the SIM card, place the SIM card back into the SIM tray.

Make sure the SIM card is secured.

Insert the SIM tray completely in the same way that you removed it.

Turn your iPhone back on and then see what happens.

Important Notes:

Be sure to use only the SIM tray and SIM card that came with your device.
In the case where the SIM card is damaged or does not fit in the SIM card tray, contact your carrier for recommendations.

Fourth Solution: Reset network settings on your iPhone 7 Plus

If the network or signal problem occurs after making some changes on your iPhone’s network settings, then you can either revert the changes back to the prior configuration or reset your network settings instead. Be sure to note though that performing the latter (network settings reset) will also erase your network information including Wi-Fi networks and passwords, along with other network settings that you have used before. That being said, it is recommended to create a backup of this information before you proceed.

Once you’re all set, go to Settings-> General-> Reset-> Reset Network Settings. Wait until the network reset is finished and reboot your iPhone. After the reboot, check and see if the network signal is already fine.

Fifth Solution: Update iOS to the latest version.

If you haven’t yet updated your iPhone 7 Plus iOS, then you should consider getting the latest update now. Given that the problem persists after completing all the aforementioned procedures, it is possible that a software bug is inflicting major flaws, particularly on the iPhone’s network functions. Should this be the cause of your trouble, installing the latest iOS update might be able to help. You can download the iOS 10.3.3 as it includes bug fixes and security enhancements for your iPhone. Just head over to the official support page of Apple.

Sixth Solution: Restore your iPhone 7 Plus (Factory Reset)

If the problem persists or you still cannot connect to a cellular network even after updating to iOS 10.3.3, your next option is restoring your iPhone otherwise known as factory reset. The process will wipe everything from your device including the information and settings, and then installs the latest version of iOS. Doing so will likewise eradicate all tough bugs residing in and affecting the iPhone’s system registry. To proceed with iPhone system restore through iTunes, you will need to secure a computer (Windows or Mac) that runs the latest OS and latest version of iTunes software. As much as possible, use the latest Windows or Mac OS for your computer to prevent any system compatibility issues in the process. Once you’ve got everything set, follow these steps to restore your device to factory default settings:

Open iTunes on the computer.

Connect your iPhone 7 Plus to the computer using the supplied USB cable or connector.

If prompted, enter your device passcode or click the option to Trust This Computer and then follow the onscreen instructions.

Select your iPhone 7 Plus from the list of available devices showing in iTunes.

Navigate to the Summary section, then click Restore [device name].

Click Restore again to confirm action. Doing so will prompt iTunes to erase your iPhone and installs the latest iOS version available.

Wait until your iPhone restores to factory settings and then you can set it up as new.

Seek More Help

Contact Apple Support or your network service provider if the problem continues after performing all applicable solutions including those that are recommended in this content. If you think the problem can only be resolved by a SIM card replacement, contact your carrier for more information on how to avail for a replacement SIM.

If you suspect that a faulty hardware is to blame, then you have the option to take your iPhone to an authorized service center for hardware assessment and/or repair. Consider the latter recommendation especially if there were prior instances of dropping or liquid exposure on the iPhone that might have caused physical or liquid damage to your iPhone’s network components, inflicting relevant issues to manifest.

Engage with us

If you have other issues with your Apple iPhone 7 Plus, we are always willing to help. Contact us through our iPhone issues questionnaire and provide us with all necessary information about your problem so we can find a solution to your issue.