Telstra Mobile Data Not Working? (Diagnose & Solve Now!)

If your Telstra mobile data not working, then this guide contains every solution possible!

Inaccessible Telstra mobile data might be a result of a failed link with the provider’s network or issues with your device’s settings.

This reading will help you uncover all potential causes for the problem and provide corresponding solutions to restore the Telstra mobile data functionality.

Whenever Telstra’s mobile data isn’t working on your device, correct the carrier settings and the Telstra APN configuration. Reinsert your Telstra SIM, update the firmware of the device and restore the networking settings to factory default.

Let’s explore the issue further!

Why is Telstra Mobile Data Not Working on Android?

Here’s why Telstra’s mobile data isn’t working on an Android device:

The default cellular carrier is improperly selected.
The firmware version of the device is not current.
There’s a fault with the device’s network settings.

This is what causes your Telstra mobile data not to work on the Android operating system.

Why is Telstra Mobile Data Not Working on iPhone?

Here’s why Telstra’s mobile data isn’t working on your iOS device:

Improperly inserted SIM card of the iOS device.
An issue with the iOS device’s network settings.
Wrong Telstra APN configuration on the iPhone.

Those are the possible causes for the sudden disappearance of Telstra mobile data or reception.

Keep reading further into the guide to explore reliable resolutions to the problem.

Telstra Mobile Data Not Working – Quick & Easy Solutions

If the status says “E” or has less than 2 bars, move out of dead zones and check for nearby devices or objects that are interfering with the reception.

Tip: Before starting with the guide, ensure your mobile device has at least 2 bars of cellular connectivity.

1. Re-activate the “Mobile Data” Feature

Reactivating the mobile data feature of your device should address issues with the cellular connectivity provided by Telstra.

Restarting the mobile data will temporarily disable the cellular coverage of your phone, allowing Telstra’s network connection to restart and refresh.

How to Re-Activate Mobile Data On Android?

Open the Settings app on your Android device.
Next, tap on “Network & Internet” → “Internet.”
Tap on the “Settings” next to the Telstra carrier.
Turn the “Mobile Data” option off and then on.
Test the cellular connection of the Telstra mobile.

How to Re-Activate Mobile Data On Apple’s iOS?

Open the Settings and go to “Mobile Service.”
Tap the activation slider next to “Mobile Data.”
Wait 30 seconds while the data is deactivated.
Tap the activation slider again to turn on the data.
Test your iPhone’s connectivity to the network.

Note: Once you’ve reactivated the mobile data, reboot the system through the power menu and check if Telstra's data is now accessible.

2. Adjust the Network Carrier’s Settings

Not specifying the preferred carrier in your device’s mobile setting will not allow any of the Telstra mobile data from being used.

The next step is to select Telstra as the default cellular provider and regain access to all features included in your subscription and mobile data.

Set “Telstra” As the Default Provider On Android:

Start by opening the “Settings” on your Android device.
Tap “More Networks” or “More Settings” (older models).
Select “Network Operators” and wait for the tab to load.
Scroll the network providers list and then locate “Telstra.”
Confirm the provider choice and save the carrier settings.

Set “Telstra” As the Default Provider On Apple:

Access the “Settings” app from the home screen.
Tap on “Cellular” and go to “Cellular Network.”
Tap “Network Selection” from the options below.
Tap the “Automatic Switch” for manual selection.
Select “Telstra” from the list as the manual carrier.

Note: Only carrier networks that are in the range of your phone will appear as an option!

3. Reinsert Telstra’s Mobile SIM Card

An impaired connection between the mobile device and the Telstra SIM card may cause issues with the cellular connectivity and the mobile data.

To address issues with the SIM card, it is advised to eject the chip, clean the SIM tray and reinsert it correctly into your Telstra mobile.

Here’s how to reinsert Telstra’s SIM card in easy steps:

First, find the SIM slot on the side of your Telstra mobile.
After that, insert a pin to pop open the tray and pull it out.
Remove the Telstra SIM card from your mobile’s SIM tray.
Clean the SIM tray out of dust accumulation and debris.
Place the Telstra SIM back into the SIM tray of your device.
Gently push the SIM tray into the mobile device cardholder.
Test the cellular coverage and your Telstra mobile data.

Note: If the SIM card is visually damaged or does not fit the tray properly, contact Telstra for a replacement or require a SIM extension.

4. Update the Firmware of the Device

The next step is to update the firmware of your mobile device to gain access to the latest features and hotfixes.

Uploading the latest firmware available for your device is necessary to maintain proper functionality of all default features and settings, including mobile data.

How to Update Firmware On Android?

To update, go to “Settings” → “Software Update” → “Start Update.”

How to Update Firmware On iOS?

To update iOS, go to “Settings” → “General” → “Software Update” → “Install Update.”

Once the device finishes the firmware update, it will reboot to load the latest software data and functions.

You can enable “Automatic Updates” for both Android and iOS devices in the settings.

5. Apply Telstra’s APN Configuration

Not adjusting the APN configuration of your mobile device to Telstra’s details may disallow the usage of cellular functions, such as mobile data and cellular calling.

This step will provide you with the correct APN configuration released by the carrier to correct your device’s settings.

How to Set the APN Settings On Android & iOS?

To set up the APN settings on an Android device, go to Settings → Wireless Connections → More → Mobile Networks → Access Point Names.

To set up the APN settings on an iOS device, go to Settings → Cellular → Mobile Network → Mobile Data Options → New APN.

Telstra APN Settings Configuration
Setting	Correct Value
APN	telstra.iph
Name	Telstra Internet
Port	Not required
Proxy	Not required
Password	Not required
Username	Not required
Server	Not required
MMS proxy	10.1.1.180
MMSC	http://mmsc.telstra.com:8002
MMS protocol	WAP 2.0
MMS port	80
MNC	01
MCC	505
APN type	default,supl,mss
Authentication type	Not required

If you see any other fields, they are unnecessary, so leave them blank.

Most mobile units will not allow you to save the settings if any of the important fields are left blank.

Note: Double-check for any typos if you cannot save the APN configuration!

6. Check for Local Telstra Outages

There could be a local service outage with Telstra’s network, interrupting your device’s mobile data usage.

To determine if the current mobile status of Telstra is active and whether there are any outages, you must visit the provider’s outage page through a web browser on your device.

Here’s how to check for pending outages with the Telstra mobile service:

Navigate to Telstra’s Outage page and input your address.
Click on “Search,” and when prompted, sign into your account.
Check the current status of the Telstra mobile network below.

When there is a network outage, there is not much you can do but wait.

However, you can have peace of mind since the problem is not on your side.

Note: Remember that an outage or maintenance of the network may take up to 3 hours before it is resolved, so you must remain patient.

7. Reset the Mobile Network Settings

In case you’re still having issues with using Telstra’s provider mobile data, it is recommended to revert the network settings of your device to default.

So, restoring the default setup of the network settings is an effective method, but all Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Cellular settings will be lost.

How to Network Reset an Android Device?

Open the Settings app on your Android device.
Enter the “Reset Settings” → “Network Reset.”
Confirm the reset by entering the device’s PIN.
Follow the on-screen steps to finalise the reset.

How to Network Reset an iOS Device?

Open the Settings app and go to “General.”
Next, tap on “Transfer or Reset [Device].”
Tap “Reset” → “Reset Network Settings.”
Input your iPhone’s PIN and follow the steps.

Note: Your mobile should automatically acquire Telstra’s APN configuration, and if not, refer to solution #5 from this guide for manual adjustment.

Quick Recap:

Whenever the Telstra mobile data not working, first reinsert the SIM card and adjust the device’s APN configuration.

If the issue persists, detect local Telstra outages, revert the device’s network settings to defaults and update the OS firmware to the latest version.

Finn Wheatley

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.