public mobile data not working

To fix Public Mobile data not working, you must first get to the root of the problem. It is not common for Public Mobile SIM to encounter problems.

If you are a Public Mobile user, you know that their services run well. However, there are situations when you may encounter errors.

When such errors happen, a quick solution is necessary.

To fix the Public Mobile data problem, update your device’s APN setting. This is the most common cause of failed data connection. As long as you are enjoying calls and SMS services, the data problem emanates from APN problems.

Updating your APN can be done manually or online depending on the device you are using.

Keep on reading to find out other solutions that could help.

Reasons Why Public Mobile Data Not Working

Assuming that your device has access to SMS and call services, the problem with your device is data only.

This means that you are connected to your network provider but your device networks are not configured to receive data packets from Public Mobile.

The main causes of data miscommunication in Public Mobile are

  • Incorrect APN details
  • Frozen phones
  • Improper placement of SIM cards
  • Mobile networks settings errors

Solutions to Public Mobile Data Not Working Issue

fix public mobile data not working

The other common problems include device glitches and data package problems.

Before you look at any advanced steps, start by trying a simple refresh on your device.

Here is the solution for your phone.

Solution #1 Restart Your Phone

The first step you should take is to restart your phone. This will help refresh your device. It also offers a fresh connection to the internet.

restart phone

How to restart your android device

  1. Press and hold the power button on your android device
  2. If a menu of options shows up, select Restart
  3. If your device does not offer power options, just hold the power button until the power goes off
  4. If you select restart, the device should start by itself
  5. If you power off by holding the power button, use the same button to power the device back on.
Note: Once the device restarts, tap on the mobile data icon on your shortcut menu and try connecting to the internet.

Solution #2 Change APN Settings

The second solution is to change your APN settings. This solution can be used if you recently bought a new device. If you have just bought a device, you must update its APN settings.

The APN or Access Point Name is the system of communication between your phone and the server.

All phones need APN settings to communicate with the network provider. The Settings can be sent to your phone automatically or installed manually by your actions.

Android APN Settings for Public Mobile

change apn settings

You want to ensure that you are using an unlocked device. If the phone is not unlocked, contact your previous mobile service provider.

If it is unlocked, proceed to change your APN settings. For Android devices, you can check your APN details from your settings.

Change APN settings on Android phone

  1. Tap Settings from your home screen menu
  2. Tap on Mobile Networks
  3. Select Access Point Names
  4. Tap on the Menu button
  5. Tap New APN

From here confirm if the fields are filled with the right content.

Here are the details to fill in the necessary fields:

Once you have made all the necessary changes, select save. 

Note: To activate the changes you have made, you have to restart your device.

Change APN on Apple Device

Most Android devices are configured automatically once you insert a Public Mobile SIM.

The same cannot be said about Apple devices. In most cases, you have to configure your Apple device.

The situation gets worse if you are using an old Apple device. Earlier versions of iPhone require that you install APN manually.

You can reset your iPhone’s APN directly from your phone’s settings. You can also do it online by following the command prompts.

Here are the steps.

Manually add APN to iPhone:

  1. Go to Settings on your phone
  2. Select a Cellular or Mobile Network
  3. Select Cellular Data Network
  4. Select Mobile Options

Fill the fields with the following information

  • APN: truphone.com
  • Username & Password: *Leave Blank*
Note: Leave all the other fields you may find on your iPhone empty or the way they are. The most important field to complete is the APN option.

Solution #3 Reset Mobile Networks Settings

reset network settings

If your APN settings are updated but the device still has a problem, you may want to reset your network settings.

Device network settings can hamper connection to the internet if you have messed up with the configuration. The settings can even be messed up by a child.

Note: By choosing to reset your phone networks, you agree to lose your WiFi passwords, Bluetooth, and all network preferences.

Reset networks for android

  1. Go to your phone Settings
  2. Scroll down and select Backup and Reset
  3. Tap Reset Settings
  4. You must enter your password or unlock pattern to proceed
  5. After inputting your password tap Reset Settings once more
  6. Settings will be reset and a confirmation message displayed on your phone screen

For Apple Devices

  1. Go to settings on your main menu
  2. Select General under the settings options
  3. Select Transfer or Reset
  4. Select Reset
  5. Select Reset Network Settings

If you are using an Apple device that uses iOS14 or earlier versions you need a different path.

Here is the path to follow to reset networks:

  1. Got to Settings
  2. Select General
  3. Select Reset
  4. Select Reset Network Settings
Note: The path used for some android devices may vary.

The most important factor to note is that if you are resetting networks, find the reset option under “System” in your settings.

Solution #4 Turn off the Phone and Remove SIM

remove sim

This is a solution that could help realign your SIM to your phone. Only go for this option if both data and calls are not functioning.

In that case, the problem could be with your SIM or phone hardware. To resolve the problem, you have to reject your SIM and place it back.

  1. Using your phone SIM ejection pin, push the SIM plate out
  2. Remove the SIM and wipe it with a dry piece of cloth
  3. Turn off your phone following the steps in Solution #1
  4. Once your phone is off, remove your battery if the phone has a removable one
  5. Now return your SIM card to your phone and power it on
  6. Test your internet to see if it is working well

Solution #5 Factory Reset Your Phone

The final solution is to factory reset your device. This step should only be used if all options have failed.

Remember that, if your device is not backed up you could lose contacts and other important details.

Factory Reset Android Phone

  1. Go to settings
  2. Scroll down select Backup and Reset
  3. Tap Factory Data Reset
  4. Tap on Reset Device
  5. Select Delete All

Factory Reset Apple Device

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Select General
  3. Click on Transfer or Reset iPhone
  4. Click on Erase all Content
Note: Factory resetting your phone is a decision you should only take once you have exhausted all your options.

This is because it can delete very important information and applications. To avoid such a mess, only apply factory reset when it is absolutely necessary.

Summary

To resolve Public Mobile data not working, start by refreshing the device. A simple restart should be able to solve the problem.

If this fails, try changing APN settings. Follow the steps above until your device connects to the internet. If all fails, you may have to try factory resetting your device.

Read Next: Public Mobile Network Not Available? – Fix Guide