Wondering why is the Optus mobile data not working? Well, this guide covers everything!
Optus mobile data issues are often related to planned/unplanned outages, maintenance with the network or potential APN setup misconfiguration.
This short read will review all the possibilities for non-working Optus mobile data and provide the best-working solutions found on the web.
If your Optus plan mobile data is not working, check whether the Optus mobile service is online and update the firmware of your device.
Let’s learn more about how to perform all of this quickly!
Why is My Optus Mobile Data Not Working?
When facing challenges with the mobile data of your Optus plan, the initial steps would be to identify all possible reasons contributing to the issue.
We’ve prepared a list containing all the possibilities that can impact the Optus mobile data, so let’s take a look at what’s going on:
Those are the possibilities that can impact the Optus mobile data.
However, keep in mind that the aforementioned causes involve many factors, so let’s jump into the troubleshooting guide!
Optus Mobile Data Not Working – Quick Ways to Fix!
Calling, sending SMS and using mobile data requires at least 2 coverage bars for optimal functionality.
Note: Before proceeding with the guide, check the cellular indicator of your mobile device and verify that the coverage is not an issue.
1. Check for a Mobile Optus Outage
An outage could impact the Optus service in your area and suspend the mobile data usage for clients connected to the network.
It is possible to check the service status of the Optus network by visiting an online page on the provider’s website.
Here’s how to identify ongoing service outages with Optus:
- Navigate to Optus’s Network Status page on your device.
- Select the “Mobile Outages” tab and choose “Unplanned.”
- Check for any ongoing unplanned Optus service outages.
- Go back to “Mobile Outages” and then select “planned.”
- Check if there are planned Optus service maintenances.
Info: All details related to the Optus outage will be reflected in the service outages tab!
2. Turn OFF Your Mobile’s Wi-Fi
An existing (stronger) connection to a nearby Wi-Fi connection will prevent the mobile device from accessing any available mobile data.
This happens due to the so-called “auto-bouncing,” which happens when the cellular and Wi-Fi are both activated on your Optus mobile device.
So, if there is a set Wi-Fi connection in a range that is stronger than the current signal of the Optus mobile data, your phone will automatically switch to Wi-Fi.
Follow these steps to deactivate the Wi-Fi feature of your device:
- Open the “Settings” app on your Android/iOS device.
- Tap the “Wi-Fi” field and check if the device is paired.
- To turn OFF the feature, tap on the activation slider.
Note: Do not reactivate the Wi-Fi feature while investigating the Optus mobile data issues!
3. Reactivate the Mobile Data Feature
Reactivating the mobile data feature of your Optus mobile device can resolve connectivity issues and throttles with the external network connection.
Such a simple toggle OFF and ON may not sound promising, but it will refresh the cellular connection reaching your mobile.
How to Deactivate the Mobile Data On Android?
- Go to Settings → “Cellular” → “Mobile Data” and tap the activation slider to turn it off.
How to Deactivate the Mobile Data On Apple’s iOS?
- Go to Settings → “Mobile Service” → “Mobile Service” and set the feature to “OFF.”
Note: Wait for at least 30 seconds, re-activate the mobile data feature of the Optus mobile, and double-check the status page for Optus mobile services.
4. Update the Software of your Device
Outdated firmware of your device’s operating system could cause issues with the connectivity to the Optus network.
So, the next step is to verify that the firmware of your Optus mobile device is updated to the latest version available to optimise the performance of all networking features.
How to Update Firmware Version On Android?
If your Optus mobile data is not working on Android, update the device’s firmware:
- Open the “Settings” app on your Android device.
- Go to “Firmware Update” and tap “Check Now.”
- Wait until the latest software update is displayed.
- Next, select “Start Firmware Update” to begin.
- Wait until the firmware version finishes updating.
How to Update Firmware Version On Apple’s iOS?
If your Optus mobile data not working iPhone, update the device’s firmware:
- First, enter the “Settings” app on the iPhone or iPad.
- Access the “General” tab and tap “Software Update.”
- Wait for the automatic checker to recognise updates.
- Select the “Start Update” button to begin the process.
- Wait until the iOS device uploads the latest firmware.
Alert: Active Wi-Fi or cellular connection is required for updating the firmware!
5. Configure the Optus APN Settings
The APN (or MMS) setting allows your mobile device to establish a connection to the provider’s private network.
If the settings are incorrect or manually changed, you may be unable to benefit from any of the cellular features that come with your Optus mobile subscription.
How to Correct APN Configuration On Android?
- To configure the APN on Android, go to Settings → “Mobile Networks” → “Access Point Names” → “New APN” → “Name Field.”
How to Correct APN Configuration On iOS?
- To configure the APN on iOS, go to Settings → “Mobile Network” → “Mobile Data Options” → “APN settings.”
| Optus APN Configuration Settings | |
| Setting Name: | Value: |
| Name | Optus MMS |
| Home Page/MMSC | http://mmsc.optus.com.au:8002/ |
| APN | MMS |
| Primary/MMS Proxy | 61.88.190.10 |
| Port | 8070 |
| MCC | 505 |
| MNC | 02 |
| Auth Type | PAP |
| APN Type | mms |
| MMS Protocol (for Android) | WAP 2.0 |
If you see any other fields not shown in the table above, feel free to leave them blank.
However, each of the APN settings listed above is fundamental for the Optus mobile network to function correctly on your device.
Note: Once you’re done configuring the APN settings of the mobile device, don’t forget to Save the changes before exiting the tab.
6. Check the Remaining Optus Mbps
You can check the current data allowance set by Optus by visiting the Optus mobile app.
In addition, if you’ve exhausted the allowance entirely and there is no data left, you can add an extra amount of data by completing an additional payment.
To check the remaining data of your Optus user plan, visit the mobile application and navigate to the homepage.
You will be able to view the plan’s data limit and how much data is left (if any).
How to Add Additional Mbps to Optus Plan?
- Open the Optus app on the Android/iOS device.
- Tap the “Service” tab at the bottom of the page.
- Next, select “Add-ons” and then choose “Data.”
- Then, select the data amount you wish to add.
- Tap “Continue” to proceed with the payments.
- Then, choose “Review amount” → “Buy Now.”
Tip: Select an alternative Optus provider plan for a higher data allowance!
7. Reset the Device’s Network Settings
A potential fault in the network settings configuration of the Optus device will disallow a private connection with Optus’s network.
Hence, to address any settings-related issues, it is advised to perform a network settings reset and re-configure the APN and data preferences from scratch.
How to Restore Network Settings On Android?
- Open the Settings app and tap on “System.”
- Choose “Reset Options” and scroll down.
- Press “Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.”
- Tap “Reset Settings” to initiate the reset.
How to Restore Network Settings On Apple’s iOS?
- Open the “Settings” app and go to “General.”
- Tap the “Transfer or Reset [Device]” option.
- Press “Reset” → “Reset Network Settings.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to finalise.
Note: Don’t forget that the network data reset will erase all remembered Wi-Fi and Bluetooth networks, including the pre-created cellular and APN settings.
Quick Recap:
When the Optus mobile data not working, reactivate the mobile data feature of the device and update the APN settings as per Optus’s requirements.
In addition, upload the latest firmware available for the device’s operating system and reset the unit’s network settings.
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Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.