Could Not Activate Cellular Data Network : Use Cellular settings for connection issues
Some Windows 10 devices have a SIM card or eSIM in them that lets you connect to a cellular data network, so you can get online in more places by using a cellular signal.
If your Windows 10 device doesn’t have a SIM card or eSIM, you can still connect to a cellular network by plugging in an external cellular device (also called a cellular modem or mobile broadband device). Either way, you must have a data plan from a mobile operator to connect.
If your cellular data connection is working correctly, you shouldn’t need to change the cellular settings. However, if you’re having cellular connection problems, changing one or more settings may help.
The following is a list of the cellular settings that you can use to try and fix cellular connection problems. Settings vary by Windows 10 device model and mobile operator.
| Setting | Does this |
|---|---|
| Let Windows manage this connection | Determines if your Windows 10 device will automatically connect to the cellular data network when it’s available. Clear the check box if you want to manually connect each time you want to use your cellular data connection. Select it if you want Windows to manage the connection for you. When selected, you’ll connect to cellular data automatically when you’re not connected to another kind of network.
To find this setting, select the Start button, then select Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular > Let Windows manage this connection. This setting is available when you’re disconnected from the cellular data network, and it’s applied when you select Connect. |
| Use this SIM for cellular data | Determines which SIM or eSIM profile is used for your cellular data connection. To help control costs, you can choose the cellular network connection to use for cellular data. For example, you might choose one SIM or eSIM profile over another because data costs less. This setting only appears on Windows 10 devices that have both a SIM and an eSIM.
To find this setting, select the Start button, then select Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular > Use this SIM for cellular data. |
| Data roaming options | Determines if your cellular data connection stays on when your Windows 10 device is outside your mobile operator’s network. Selecting Don’t roam can help prevent data roaming charges.
If you do allow roaming, you can use cellular data when your Windows 10 device is in a roaming area. Depending on your data plan, you might pay more for data you use when roaming. To find this setting, select the Start button, then select Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular > Data roaming options. |
| Use cellular instead of Wi-Fi | Sometimes you might be connected to a slower Wi-Fi network, or you might be in an area where using cellular data would be faster than Wi-Fi. In cases like this, Windows can connect you to the best network based on your current location if you select When Wi-Fi is poor or Always. When cellular data is used, it will use data from your data plan and you may incur charges.
To find this setting, select the Start button, then select Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular . |
| Choose apps that can use your cellular data | To help control your data usage, you can choose which apps can or can’t use cellular data. For example, if you have an app that uses a lot of data, but you don’t use it often when you’re on the go, you might not want that app to use cellular data.
To find this setting, select the Start button, then select Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular > Choose apps that can use your cellular data. On the Cellular data screen, do one or more of the following:
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| Network selection | Appears when roaming and determines which cellular network connection is used. The default setting is Automatic.
If you try to connect to a cellular network and see a message that the selected network isn’t available, you can choose Search for networks, and then select another cellular network. To find this setting, select the Start button, then select Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular > Advanced options. |
| Active network | Displays the name of the cellular network that you’re using.
To find this setting, select the Start button, then select Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular > Advanced options. |
| Set as a metered connection | A metered connection is an Internet connection that has a data limit associated with it. By default, cellular data connections are set as metered. Some apps might work differently on a metered connection to help reduce your data usage. Also, some updates for Windows won’t be installed automatically.
If you set a data limit in Data usage settings for your cellular data connection, Windows can help you stay under your data limit and set the metered connection setting for you. To find this setting, select the Start button, then select Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular > Advanced options. |
| Add an APN | The Internet access point name (APN) is the address your Windows 10 device uses to connect to the Internet when using your cellular data connection. Usually, the Internet APN is set automatically.
If your cellular data connection isn’t working and you can’t connect to the Internet, type a new Internet APN based on your location and mobile operator. If you can connect to a Wi‑Fi network on your Windows 10 device or have a phone handy, try searching online to find the Internet APN settings for your mobile operator.
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Properties |
This displays information about your SIM and cellular data connection. For example, you can find your IMEI number here.
Select Copy to copy the information to paste into an email or elsewhere. This can be helpful if you’re having connection problems and need to send information to your mobile operator or support person. To find this Properties setting, select the Start button, then select Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular > Advanced options. |
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