Why Does Your Phone Say “Mobile Network State Disconnected” And How to Fix It

Key Features

• A damaged or improperly inserted SIM card can cause network connectivity problems.
• Incorrect APN or network settings can prevent proper network connection.
• Region-specific QR codes or activation errors may prevent eSIM profile registration.
• Network congestion or outages can cause your phone to show “In Service” while disconnected.
  

Are you struggling with the frustrating ‘mobile network state disconnected’ error on your Android device? This issue can be both puzzling and annoying, especially when it prevents you from connecting to your mobile network. Whether you’re trying to make calls, send texts, or access the internet, being disconnected from the network can disrupt your mobile experience. But what does this error really mean, and how can you fix it? 

The “Mobile Network State Disconnected” error is a common issue faced by Android users, often occurring after a system update, SIM card change, or network-related issues. In fact, research shows that around 35% of Android users have encountered connectivity issues like this at least once in their mobile usage lifetime. It affects not just internet browsing, but also impacts call functionality, which can be quite disruptive. With the right knowledge, however, this issue can be fixed within minutes.

In this blog we’ll walk through the causes, solutions, and specific fixes for devices like Samsung and Android, helping you get back to normal.

What Does “Mobile Network State Disconnected” Mean on Android?

The “mobile network state disconnected” error means that your Android device cannot connect to the mobile network, despite the system showing that the network is available. This can happen when the network settings are misconfigured, or there’s an issue with the SIM card, the carrier’s network, or the phone’s software.

Android devices rely on mobile network settings to connect to the internet and make calls. This involves establishing communication with the carrier’s base station. If the device fails to authenticate the network connection properly, it leads to the “mobile network state disconnected” error. For example, when the SIM card is not correctly registered, or there’s a problem with the device’s mobile radio interface layer (RIL), the error may appear.

What Causes the “Mobile Network State Disconnected” Error?

There are several reasons why you might encounter the “Mobile Network State Disconnected” message. Below are the most common causes:

SIM Card Issues

One of the most common causes of the “Mobile Network State Disconnected” error is an issue with the SIM card. If the SIM card is damaged, improperly inserted, or not activated, it can prevent the phone from connecting to the mobile network. It’s crucial to check if your SIM card is functioning correctly to ensure seamless network access.

Network Settings Misconfiguration

Sometimes, your phone’s network settings can be misconfigured, which leads to connectivity issues. These settings include things like APN (Access Point Name), roaming preferences, or network mode (e.g., LTE/4G). Incorrectly set configurations can cause the “Mobile Network State Disconnected” error, as the phone will be unable to connect to the right network.

Weak or No Signal

If you are in an area with poor or no signal coverage, your phone will fail to establish a network connection. This is often observed in remote or rural locations where mobile network towers are scarce. The “Mobile Network State Disconnected” error can arise if your phone cannot find a strong enough signal.

Software Glitches

Your phone’s software plays a significant role in maintaining the connection between your device and the mobile network. Bugs or outdated software can sometimes cause the mobile network state to disconnect. Software updates and regular reboots are essential to fix these glitches and improve network connectivity.

How to Fix the “Mobile Network State Disconnected” Issue?

If you’re struggling with the “Mobile Network State Disconnected” error, there are several potential causes and solutions to explore. 

Here’s a detailed guide to help you troubleshoot and resolve this issue efficiently.

1. APN Settings

Your device connects to the mobile network using Access Point Names (APNs). If the APN configuration is incorrect, missing, or blocked by the carrier, your phone can remain in a disconnected state even when everything else seems fine.

Signs of an APN Issue

• The carrier name appears, but mobile data fails to connect.
• Rebooting the device or reinserting the SIM card doesn’t help.
• Switching to another SIM card or network works immediately.

How to Fix:

• Go to: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs or SIM Card Settings > Access Point Names
• Delete any outdated or suspicious APNs.
• Tap “+” to add the exact APN configuration from your carrier’s website.
• Set the APN type as “default, supl, mms” (or according to your carrier’s instructions).

Manually updating the APN settings often restores the connection, transitioning your device from disconnected to connected instantly if the SIM is valid.

2. Carrier or Region Lock Can Block Data

Some phones, especially those purchased internationally, may have limited network bands or carrier restrictions that prevent them from connecting to the correct frequency for mobile data in your country.

Signs of a Carrier or Region Lock

• Voice and SMS work fine, but the mobile network state remains disconnected.
• The issue persists even after performing a factory reset.
• Your device model ends in codes like CN (China), HK (Hong Kong), IN (India), or G (Global).

Solution:
If your phone’s modem firmware doesn’t support your local LTE bands or is carrier-locked, data access may be restricted. Unless you can officially unlock the device or flash universal modem firmware, there may be no effective fix. In unsupported networks, the phone may always show a disconnected state.

3. eSIM Profile Not Registering

For devices using eSIMs, issues can arise if the carrier profile isn’t properly registered. Even after scanning the QR code, some phones might not establish a connection. This happens if the QR code is region-specific or if the phone is reset after activation.

Common Issues

• Verizon, AT&T, and other regional carriers may block imported models if the eSIM wasn’t activated through their official app or website.
• The phone won’t show a warning but will fail to register mobile data properly.

How to Fix It:

• Change the Preferred Network Type from 5G to 4G. This simple switch often re-triggers the connection handshake.
• If the problem persists, remove the eSIM profile entirely and redownload it. This forces a fresh negotiation with your carrier and may restore data access instantly.

4. Diagnostic Code: Confirming It’s Not a Hardware Issue

Before assuming a hardware malfunction, you can perform a diagnostic check to confirm that the issue lies with the carrier or SIM.

Steps to Run Diagnostic:

• Open the dialer and type: ** ##4636## **
• Tap on “Phone Information.”
• Check the following:
  • Mobile Radio Power: Should be ON.
  • Data Service: Should show as “Connected.”
  • Network Type: Should display LTE, HSPA, or a similar value.

If everything appears fine but the mobile network state still shows as disconnected, the issue is likely related to the SIM or carrier, not the phone hardware.

5. Force a Carrier Settings Update

Sometimes, Android phones like Samsung, Pixel, and Sony pull carrier-specific configurations when you insert a SIM card. If this update is skipped or blocked, your device may default to a generic data profile, causing mobile data to be disconnected.

Steps to Force a Carrier Settings Update:

• Go to Settings > About Phone > Software Information.
• Tap on Carrier Settings Update (if available).
• Restart the device and wait 30–60 seconds.

If the option isn’t visible, insert your SIM card into another compatible phone that supports OTA (Over-the-Air) carrier provisioning. After waiting a few minutes, return the SIM card to your original device. The SIM will retain the updated carrier settings and may trigger a fresh connection handshake.

6. Disable Smart Network Switching Features Temporarily

Many phones, including those from Samsung (Smart Switch), Oppo, and Huawei, feature automatic network switching. While meant to optimize between Wi-Fi and mobile data, this feature can sometimes cause mobile data to stay disconnected, especially in weak coverage areas or with dual-SIM phones.

How to Disable Network Switching:

• Go to Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi > Advanced.
• Look for options like “Switch to mobile data” or “Auto network switch.”
• Disable these options and restart your device.

Once disabled, your phone will stop attempting to switch networks and will typically establish a stable connection to mobile data.

7. Advanced Fix: Force Registration with Airplane Mode and Band Lock

If none of the above solutions work, there’s an advanced trick you can try to force registration with your carrier.

Steps:

1. Enable Airplane Mode on your device.
2. Open the dialer and type ** ##4636## **.
3. Tap on Set Preferred Network Type and choose a common network type like LTE/WCDMA or GSM only.
4. Exit the menu and disable Airplane Mode.
   

This forces your device to re-register with your carrier, and in some cases, the mobile network state will flip to connect within 30 seconds. For rooted devices or Samsung phones, you can combine this with a band lock app to pin your connection to a known supported band.

Why Does My “Mobile Network State” Show “Disconnected” But Service State Shows “In Service”?

Many Android users experience a “mobile network state disconnected” error, even when the service state shows “In Service.” This issue can arise due to SIM card problems, such as improper insertion or dust in the SIM slot, which can disrupt the connection. Cleaning the SIM slot and reinserting the SIM card is often a simple fix.

Another potential cause is carrier network issues. Even if the system indicates “In Service,” network outages or maintenance may cause instability, leading to a disconnected state. Software bugs within the Android system can also result in inaccurate network reporting, which can be resolved by restarting the phone or updating the software.

Conclusion

Mobile Network State Disconnected” error is a common issue that can arise due to various factors like SIM card issues, misconfigured settings, or network-related problems. While it can be frustrating, most cases can be resolved with a few simple troubleshooting steps, such as updating APN settings, checking for software bugs, or ensuring your SIM card is functioning correctly. If the problem persists, contacting your carrier for support or considering a device reset may be necessary. With the right approach, you can quickly restore your mobile network connection and avoid future disruptions.