Is your iPhone XS Max constantly losing signal? If calls drop frequently, mobile data cuts out, or your signal bars vanish, you’re not alone — especially after an iOS update. Here’s how to troubleshoot and fix the issue.
1. Toggle Cellular Data Off and On
A quick reset of your mobile connection may fix the issue:
- Go to Settings > Cellular
- Turn Cellular Data OFF
- Wait 10 seconds, then turn it back ON
This refreshes the connection to your carrier’s tower.
2. Restart Your iPhone (Soft Reset)
Sometimes, a reboot is all you need:
- Press and hold the Side + Volume button until the power slider appears
- Slide to power off
- Wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on
3. Use the Airplane Mode Trick
Toggling Airplane Mode can force a cellular reconnection:
- Open Settings > Airplane Mode
- Turn it ON and wait 10 seconds
- Turn it OFF and let your phone reconnect to your carrier
4. Reset Network Settings
If a network configuration is corrupt, this will restore defaults:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset
- Tap Reset Network Settings
- Enter your passcode and confirm
You’ll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi afterward, but this won’t delete personal data.
5. Install Carrier Settings Update
Sometimes, carriers release updates separate from iOS:
- Go to Settings > General > About
- If an update is available, a prompt will appear — follow the on-screen instructions
6. Reset All Settings
This erases all system settings without deleting data:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings
- Enter your passcode and confirm
This can fix issues triggered by misconfigured or corrupted settings.
7. Reinsert the SIM Card
Your SIM card might be misaligned or corrupted:
- Power off your phone
- Use the SIM eject tool to remove the tray
- Remove, clean, and reinsert the SIM card
- Power your phone back on and wait for reconnection
If the SIM looks scratched or damaged, contact your carrier for a replacement.
8. Restore Your iPhone via Recovery Mode
For severe software issues:
- Connect your iPhone to a computer and open iTunes or Finder
- Put your phone into recovery mode
- Press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold the Side button until you see the recovery screen
- Choose Restore when prompted
If that doesn’t help, consider a deeper DFU mode restore.
Still Dropping Signal?
If the signal still drops:
- Contact your carrier to check for outages or SIM issues
- Reach out to Apple Support if the problem started after an iOS update
- Visit a Genius Bar or authorized service center if hardware damage is suspected