Skip to main content

Some iPhone 12s keep dropping 5G — here’s what you can do to fix it

There seems to be a cellular connectivity issue impacting some iPhone 12 users. According to multiple reports on social media, some iPhone 12 models keep dropping 5G and LTE service, showing a “No Service” notification at various points throughout the day, even in areas with strong service available.

The problem has been well recorded by 9to5Mac and others, and there are some workarounds to try and resolve it. According to user reports on Reddit, as well as forum posts from Apple Discussions, if an iPhone 12 is dropping cell coverage, it can be fixed in a couple of ways until an official resolution arrives. Some are more advanced than others.

The most obvious way to restore 5G, LTE, and cell service on an impacted iPhone 12 showing “No Service” is to enable Airplane mode and then disable it. This will force the iPhone to reconnect to the cell network. Simply slide down from the right corner of the screen, and tap the icon of the Airplane. Then tap it once more. Your iPhone should then reconnect to the cell phone network.

A second fix is a little more advanced. In cases where iPhones show “No Service,” Apple recommends that iPhone users reset the network settings. This will reset all Wi-Fi related settings, as well as carrier-related settings to the factory default. You can tap Settings General Reset Reset Network Settings to help correct the issue. Your iPhone will show the Apple logo, and then restart. There’s no guarantee this will fix this specific issue, but is a good catchall to try and address connectivity problems in general.

You also can consider turning off 5G connectivity to help avoid the chances that your iPhone 12 searches for 5G signals as it switches from tower to tower. You can do this by opening Settings, then clicking Cellular Cellular Data Options Voice & Data LTE. This last method fixed the connectivity issues with our iPhone 12 Pro Max running on T-Mobile.

It is unknown what is causing this issue, but there are reasons as to why this might occur. An issue with carrier provisioning is the best guess, as the problem appears to be linked to all the major carriers in the U.S. It also could be a software bug. Apple’s next iOS update, iOS 14.3, recently hit the Release Candidate milestone, and it could perhaps address the issue in a software update.

Editors' Recommendations

Arif Bacchus
Arif Bacchus is a native New Yorker and a fan of all things technology. Arif works as a freelance writer at Digital Trends…
Why you should buy the iPhone 15 Pro Max instead of the iPhone 15 Pro
Someone holding an iPhone 15 Pro Max outside on a patio, showing the back of the Natural Titanium color.

If you want the best iPhone money can buy in 2024, you have two options: the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. They have the same chipset, similar display technology, nearly identical cameras, etc. It's a really close battle, save for the fact that the iPhone 15 Pro is $200 cheaper.

It might be tempting to save some cash and choose the iPhone 15 Pro, but I recommend you splurge for the larger (and more expensive) iPhone 15 Pro Max. Why? Let me explain.
It's a big iPhone you won't hate using

Read more
This one thing could make iOS 18 the best iPhone update in years
The Home Screen on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Apple’s WWDC 2024 is just a couple of months away. As with every WWDC, we’ll see what Apple has in store for the next generation of software across its hardware portfolio, including the iPhone with iOS 18.

Rumors have been swirling about iOS 18 and how it will be “one of the biggest updates yet.” We know some features like RCS support in Messages are definitely coming, with other whispers of big home screen customization changes and more.

Read more
When will Apple release iOS 18? Here’s what we know
An iPhone 14 laying face-down on a wood table.

Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) will start on Monday, June 10. During the conference keynote, the company is expected to unveil new software updates for its major products, including iOS 18 for iPhones.

iOS 18 is expected to be a major iPhone update, likely ushering in a new design and AI features. If you are wondering when you can get your hands on the latest software version, here's everything you need to know about iOS 18's release date.
When will the iOS 18 beta be released?

Read more