Check out these 8 easy ways to fix iPhone cellular data not working during phone calls, allowing you to text, browse the web, and use other online apps without interruptions.
These tips work even if you use multiple SIM cards on your iPhone, ensuring compatibility across carriers like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, US Cellular, Vodafone, or others worldwide.
In some regions, Apple may use terms like Mobile Data or Mobile Service instead of Cellular Data, so adjust accordingly.
The issue you may encounter:
While on a phone call, you might see errors when trying to browse the web or use internet-dependent apps:
- Cellular Data is not available during this call.
Cellular Data Not Available: “SIM cannot provide cellular data during this call. Switch cellular data to ‘Second SIM’?”
In most cases, even if you don’t see these errors, your internet may not work when you’re on a phone call on your iPhone.
Here are all the solutions to fix these.
1. Turn on VoLTE or Voice Over 5G
Traditionally, cellular data is temporarily suspended during a phone call to prioritize voice transmission.
However, technologies like VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and Vo5G/VoNR (Voice over 5G/Voice over New Radio) utilize data networks to carry voice, allowing uninterrupted cellular connectivity during calls. This means you can browse the web and use apps normally when making a VoLTE or Vo5G call. Additionally, these technologies offer other benefits, such as faster call connection times and improved voice clarity.
To ensure VoLTE or Vo5G is activated on your iPhone, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app and tap Cellular.
- If you use two or more SIM cards on your iPhone, select your line name under the SIMs heading. And if you use just one SIM card, tap Cellular Data Options at the top.
- Hit Voice & Data.
- Turn on VoLTE or Voice Over 5G Standalone.
- Repeat steps 2, 3, and 4 for the other SIM card if you use two on your iPhone.
Now, make or receive a phone call. As you’re talking on the call, open Safari and try visiting a website. It will work!
Important notes:
- While most global carriers support VoLTE and Vo5G, some don’t.
- Some cellular networks are VoLTE only, and they don’t let you disable VoLTE. As a result, you won’t find the option to toggle VoLTE settings. With such carriers, cellular data will always work when you’re on a phone call.
2. Turn on Cellular Data Switching
This tip only applies if you use two SIM cards (eSIM) on your iPhone.
Cellular Data Switching allows you to continue using cellular data regardless of which line is set as your default data line and which one you’re using for calls. It does this by automatically switching between your SIM cards as needed.
Follow these steps to enable Cellular Data Switching and ensure uninterrupted internet connectivity during phone calls on your iPhone:
- Open the Settings app and select Cellular.
- Tap Cellular Data at the top.
- Turn on the switch for Allow Cellular Data Switching or Allow Mobile Data Switching.
3. Switch on cellular data
This is a no-brainer. You can use cellular data during a phone call only if it’s enabled in the first place. So, if you’re on a phone call and don’t see 4G, LTE, or 5G next to the cellular bar at the top (left image below), simply open iPhone Control Center and tap the cellular icon to make it green, which signifies it’s switched on. Now, you can use cellular data on your phone.
4. Check if you have cellular data allowance
To use the internet during a phone call, you must have an active cellular data plan. Open your carrier’s app to check your data allowance and plan validity. If necessary, recharge or pay your bill to restore service.
5. Restart your iPhone
On a few rare occasions, you may not be able to use cellular data services due to a minor software glitch. In such cases, turning off your iPhone and turning it back on may help restore data services.
6. Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi
If your iPhone is connected to a working Wi-Fi network, you don’t have to bother with the steps above, as you should have no issues using the internet during a phone call. This is because iOS always prefers Wi-Fi connection over cellular data (except during Wi-Fi Assist), so when you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network, it will continue to handle your internet needs even during a phone call.
7. Update to the latest carrier settings
Just as Apple pushes new iOS updates, your phone carrier also provides updates from time to time. If you see a pop-up asking you to update carrier settings, definitely do that. You can also manually check for it and install updates if available.
8. Follow other tips to fix cellular data issues
Lastly, if things are still not working well, follow these solutions to fix cellular data not working on your iPhone. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Enable and disable Airplane mode
- Make sure you’re in an area with cellular coverage and decent signal
- If you’re in a new location, turn on data roaming
- Make sure the iPhone date & time are correct (Settings > General > Date & Time and turn on Set Automatically)
- Update your iPhone
- Reset network settings on your iPhone
More iPhone tips: More than 10 ways to hang up a call on iPhone