How to fix an iPhone X that keeps losing signal (easy steps)

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Service drops, intermittent or unstable signal on the iPhone X can be attributed to a software error if not a damaged SIM card or other relevant components. When this happens, basic services and iPhone functions like calling and texting are likewise unstable or totally not available. Having said that, it is but very necessary to address and fix the problem as soon as possible so as not to miss important calls and messages. Highlighted below are recommended workarounds and potential solutions to network issues particularly on service drops or intermittent signal on the iPhone X. Feel free to try these methods whenever needed.

Before we move on, if you have other issues with your iPhone, visit our iPhone X troubleshooting page for we have already addressed some of the most commonly reported issues with the device. Browse through the page to find issues similar with yours. If you still need our assistance after that, then fill up our Android issues questionnaire to contact us.

First solution: Reboot your iPhone X (soft reset).

The first recommended solution to minor software glitches that might have caused your iPhone X to keep losing signal is a soft reset or restart. You can restart your iPhone X through settings menu with these steps:

  1. Tap to open Settings app.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Scroll down and tap Shut Down. Your iPhone will then power down.
  4. After 30 seconds, press the Side/Power button on the right side of your iPhone to turn it back on.

Alternatively, you can do the usual restart using the hardware keys. And here’s how it’s done:

  1. Press the Power/Side button and either Volume buttons simultaneously for a few seconds.
  2. When the Slide to Power Off option appears on the screen, swipe right on the slider to turn off your device.
  3. After 30 seconds, press the Side/Power button again to turn it back on.

A soft reset will not delete your personal information or other critical data stored on the internal memory of your iPhone X so there’s no need to worry of data loss in this process.

Second solution: Remove and reinstall the SIM card.

Sometimes, all you have to do is remove and reinstall the SIM card on your iPhone X to make things work as intended. This could be what’s needed if a minor glitch is preventing your iPhone system from reading the SIM card and likewise if by any chance the SIM card is dislodged. Here’s how it’s done:

  1. Turn your iPhone completely off.
  2. Use the SIM eject tool if not a small paperclip to unlock the SIM tray by inserting it into the tiny hole or slot provided.
  3. Remove the SIM card tray when it pops out.
  4. Remove the SIM card from the SIM tray and check for any visible signs of damage like scratches.
  5. If there’s none, place the SIM card back into the SIM card slot. Be sure to position the SIM card with the gold contacts facing downwards.
  6. Press in on the tray to lock it into place.

When the tray is secured, turn your phone back on and see if that fixes the intermittent signal issue. If not, then move on and try the next applicable solutions.

Third solution: Reset network settings.

A network settings reset will erase your current network settings including Bluetooth, Cellular Data, Wi-Fi networks and passwords set up your phone and then restore them to their default values. Any erratic configuration will therefore be removed and so as the errors it might have caused on your device. Here’s how it’s done.

  1. Tap Settings from the Home screen.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap Reset.
  4. Select the option to Reset All Settings.
  5. If prompted, enter the correct passcode for your device.
  6. Tap Reset All Settings to confirm.

You will need to set up your Wi-Fi networks and other necessary network features after your iPhone X reboots.

Fourth solution: Update carrier settings or iOS.

Just like Apple, carriers also rollout carrier settings update for iOS devices periodically. These updates offer enhanced carrier network settings and features to improve network connectivity and performance on your device. Usually, you will be prompted to install it when a carrier settings update is available unless if it’s a mandatory update issued by your carrier. To manually check and install a carrier settings update on your iPhone X, follow these steps:

  1. Verify and ensure your iPhone has Wi-Fi Internet access.
  2. Tap Settings.
  3. Tap General.
  4. Tap About.

If there’s an option to update your carrier settings, follow the onscreen instructions to implement that update. Otherwise, contact your carrier for more information and official recommendations.

You may also consider updating iOS to the latest version. Software updates do offer solutions to software-related issues transpiring on your iPhone. Assuming that your iPhone X keeps losing signal due to some bugs in the network system, an update containing the required fix patch must be the key to rectifying intermittent service on your device. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Tap Settings from the Home screen.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap Software Update.

If an update is available, you will be prompted with a notification saying so. Before implementing the new update, back up all your important data for safekeeping. Once everything is set, follow the onscreen prompts to download and install the latest iOS version on your iPhone X wirelessly. Your iPhone must have wireless Internet access and sufficient power to complete the OTA update download and installation.

Alternatively, you can use iTunes to update your iPhone X if necessary.

Fifth solution: Restore your iPhone X.

You may opt to master reset or restore iOS on your iPhone X if none of the prior methods is able to fix the problem. There might be some more complex system issues that can only be remedied by a full system reset. In this case, you may go for a factory reset or DFU mode restore. Nevertheless, these methods should only be considered as last resorts as both would result to data loss. If ever you are willing to take chances in either a factory reset or iOS restore, then you may do so but be sure to back up your iPhone data beforehand.

You may opt to proceed with a factory reset through your iPhone X settings. Alternatively, you can use iTunes on a computer. Visit our Tutorials page to view the steps on how to carry out a factory reset or DFU mode restore on your iPhone X, if necessary.

Other suggestions

  • Remove any casing/accessories. Some third-party casing and accessories may tend to block the iPhone antenna or pertinent component, thus preventing your device from getting a stable signal from the cell towers. To make sure this isn’t the culprit, try to remove any casing or accessory from your iPhone and then see if that makes a difference with the signal strength and quality.
  • Replace your SIM card. It’s possible that your SIM card is damaged or not working. If that is so then you need a new SIM card replacement. Contact your carrier or service provider for more details on this matter.

Escalate the problem

Contact Apple Support to report the issue if it started after installing the latest iOS update on your iPhone X. In this case, the problem can be tagged among other post-update issues that need to be promptly addressed by a follow-up update containing the required fix patch. Escalating the problem would be the first step to let iOS programmers know of what’s there to fix next.

Connect with us

If you need more help with the use of certain functions and features of the new Apple iPhone X smartphone, feel free to visit our Tutorial Page. There you can find a list of how-to contents, step-by-step tutorials, as well as answers to FAQs regarding iPhone 8. If you have other concerns or encountered some troubles while using the phone, you can reach us through this form. Just be sure to tell us more details of the problem or device issue(s) you may have and we will be more than happy to assist you further.

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