Verizon wireless cellular signal works on the LTE network. Most Verizon mobile phones can quickly connect and use the LTE network.
Unfortunately, sometimes glitches interrupt this connection, causing the Verizon LTE signal not to work. While missing cellular service is frustrating, finding a quick fix to connection issues is easy if you know where to start.
Some quick fixes to restore LTE connectivity include restarting your phone, toggling between Airplane Mode, and enabling data. LTE service can also be restored with a replacement SIM card. You can also try turning off your Wi-Fi to bypass the LTE network altogether. Sometimes, a limited LTE signal in an area is a reason for the LTE not to work.
When troubleshooting your phone, it is always best to start with quick and easy fixes before moving to more advanced solutions. The issue with limited LTE connection may not be your phone but your location.
Rural areas tend to have limited LTE connectivity, causing the LTE not to work. If you have tried several quick fixes to restore the LTE signal, there may be a broader outage in your area preventing the LTE signal from being broadcast to your mobile phone.
Quick Fixes
Luckily, if your Verizon LTE is not working, a few quick fixes can help restore connectivity. These fixes are easy to do and only take a matter of seconds.
It is always best to first start with the quick fixes and progress to more invasive troubleshooting measures to restore your LTE signal on your phone.
Turn Off WiFi
If you see your LTE is not working, you may want to turn off your WiFi. Sometimes, mobile phones are set up to use the WiFi network as the default connection. Your phone may automatically connect to the wireless internet, bypassing the LTE network completely.
Simply go into your phone’s settings and turn off the WiFi to fix this. After a few seconds, your mobile phone should detect and connect to the LTE signal.
Restart Your Phone
Sometimes all your mobile phone needs to find and connect to the LTE signal is a quick restart. Restarting your phone can help restore connectivity by periodically fixing problems or glitches.
Fully power your phone down, and turn it back on again. After restarting your phone, try to connect to LTE again to ensure the connection has been restored.
Turn off Airplane Mode
Turning off your LTE signal and enabling Airplane Mode is always best when flying. However, leaving Airplane Mode on even after you land will prevent the LTE signal from reaching your phone. Try to toggle Airplane mode off if you have accidentally left it on.
If your Airplane Mode is already off, simply toggling between on and off can sometimes restore the LTE connection. Turn the Airplane Mode on, wait about 30 seconds, and then turn Airplane Mode off. Test your LTE signal again and see if your connection is restored.
Is Your Data Enabled?
In some cases, turning off the data on your phone may be necessary. You may want to avoid roaming charges in a different country or want to save data if your cellular data plan is limited. If you have trouble getting onto the LTE network, there may be a chance your data is simply disabled.
Make sure you enable your data. Usually, this can be done through the Settings option on your phone. Go to Settings, followed by Cellular. Ensure the Cellular data toggle button is in the on position and toggled to green. Enabling data through the cellular menu should allow your phone to receive an LTE signal.
Is Your SIM Card the Issue?
Your phone may have trouble connecting to LTE because of a malfunctioning SIM card. The SIM card powers your mobile phone device and stores essential data. When the card malfunctions, it could lose the information needed to connect to LTE properly.
Try to remove the SIM card and reinsert the sim card into your phone. When removing the SIM card, make sure you don’t accidentally touch the gold parts of the card. Ensure the SIM card lines up correctly on either side of the port. You’ll want to ensure the notches on the side are in alignment.
Removing the card is also a good opportunity to do a quick inspection. Make sure the care is in one piece, isn’t cracked, or missing any contact points. A broken or damaged card could cause the LTE signal to become lost.
Do You Need a new SIM Card?
SIM cards are essential for modern smartphones, but a damaged SIM card could be why your phone isn’t connecting to Verizon LTE. If you notice your SIM card is damaged or cracked, you may need to replace the card.
Not only could using a damaged SIM card further damage your phone, but it could prevent the LTE signal from reaching your mobile device. The best way to get a new SIM card is to order the specific type and model from Verizon. After replacing the damaged SIM card, you should have better luck connecting to LTE.
Are Your Network Settings Correct?
Resetting your Verizon network settings can sometimes get the LTE signal to reach your phone. To reset your network settings, you’ll need to follow the instructions below:
Step 1: Go to Settings
On your phone, navigate to Settings, followed by System. Next, click on General.
Step 2: Reset Network Connection
In the following menu, you’ll want to find an option for Reset. Next, tap the option to Reset Network Connections. Sometimes, you’ll have to enter your passcode to continue the process. Enter your passcode now to proceed.
Step 3: Confirm Reset
Next, confirm you would like to continue with the network reset. This step will trigger your device to reset and reboot itself. Wait for your mobile phone to cycle through the reboot phase.
While resetting the network connections will likely not disrupt your data and settings, ensuring your phone is fully backed up is a good practice before a network reset.
Step 4: Try to Re-Connect to LTE
Try to reconnect to the LTE signal. You should see the signal appear in the upper left of your phone screen with a restored connection.
Do You Have Cell Signal In Your Area?
Sometimes, the issue with limited LTE connection is a lack of signal coverage. Some areas of the country have more cell signals with updated equipment and cellular towers. If you happen to be in an area with limited Verizon coverage, you may not be able to get LTE to register on your phone.
Typically, remote areas are problematic for LTE signals and lack comprehensive coverage of major urban areas. If you struggle with limited or no LTE signal on your Verizon phone, you can try to change location or move to an area with a higher altitude. Sometimes just going to a higher area will allow the signal to reach your phone.
The LTE signal can also be blocked in a basement or heavily insulated room. Buildings with thick concrete walls can often stop the cellular LTE signal from reaching your phone. Try to move outdoors or to a higher floor to establish an LTE signal to your phone again.
Is Your Phone Compatible?
While most modern phones are compatible with LTE, there is always the chance that your phone does not. If your phone doesn’t have the proper compatibility, it cannot pick up the frequency the LTE signal sends out. Without the ability to detect LTE in the area, your phone won’t connect. Sometimes, cell phones are calibrated to specific carriers, so a phone designed to pick up an AT&T signal may not receive a Verizon LTE signal.
Before you buy a new mobile phone, be sure that your new phone is compatible with the LTE signal. The retailer where you purchase the phone should be able to tell you, or you’ll want to look at the specifications for your phone model.
Could There be an Outage?
If you have tried the quick fixes for your phone and still aren’t having any luck, there is always the possibility of an area-wide outage. Sometimes Verizon towers and signals become interrupted, preventing an LTE signal from reaching your phone. You can always go to Verizon’s website and locate the Down Detector to verify if your area has an outage.
There’s also the chance that you could be the first to report an outage. If you are struggling with an LTE connection, and have gone through the above troubleshooting steps, be sure to reach out to a Verizon support agent. You’ll be able to troubleshoot your phone’s connectivity further or report an outage in your area.