A guide to solving the “Mobile network state disconnected” problem

Smartphones and the Internet play very crucial roles in our day-to-day life. You can easily view the network state of your device while using it. So, what is a Mobile Network State? A mobile network state helps you to know the current status of your device’s network connection. It helps you to determine whether your device is connected to a cellular network.

Your device can be in any of these states:   

1. Searching
2. Connected
3. Emergency only
4. Denied
5. Disconnected

Sometimes, you might come across the “Mobile Network State Disconnected” problem. It is one of the most common network issues faced by an Android user. This problem can become very frustrating as you are unable to make or receive any phone calls. Also, you cannot even use the internet unless you switch to a Wi-Fi network.

So, why are you facing the “mobile network state disconnected” issue? You may face this issue when your device is out of range. Sometimes, issues within your device or the network can also cause this problem. There are many reasons which can lead your device into a “disconnected” state. 

Reasons for a “disconnected” mobile state

• Your device may be out of range: You are currently using the device in an area that has very weak or no cellular coverage. 
• Network congestion: The network might be facing heavy traffic in your area. This leads to a network jam and causes a temporarily disconnected state. 
• Device settings: Some settings in your device can also cause connection problems to the network. 
• Damaged Hardware or SIM: Your device’s SIM card slot or the SIM itself may be damaged. This can also lead to a disconnected network state. 
• Software issues: There may be some glitch or bug in your device’s software that is causing this problem. 
• Power-saving mode: Switching to a power-saving mode can reduce the connectivity or completely turn it off. 
• Battery level: Sometimes, the low battery level of your device automatically disconnects you from the network by entering a low-power mode. 
• Network maintenance: Your network may be under maintenance. 

Using a 3G SIM card in a 4G or 5G device may also be the reason behind the mobile network state being “disconnected”. This happens when your device is unable to connect to a 4G or 5G network by using a 3G SIM.

Let us first have a look at some simple methods to solve your “mobile network state disconnected” issue. You can try these methods before jumping to any lengthy methods. 

Simple Methods to fix your “disconnected” mobile network state

• Restart your device: Most issues related to network connectivity can be easily solved by simply restarting your device. 
• Check the network coverage: A weak signal can also cause this problem. Hence, make sure you are using the device in an area with good network coverage. 
• Airplane mode: Sometimes, network connectivity issues can be solved by simply using airplane mode. Turn the Airplane mode on and wait for 30 seconds. Turn it off and check your connectivity status. 
• Check your SIM card: Make sure you have inserted the SIM card properly. Also, check if the SIM card slot of your device is working by inserting another SIM. 
• Mobile data: Reset your network connection by turning the mobile data off and on. 

If you are still facing the issue, there may be some network settings on your device or other factors causing it. Let us have a look at other methods that can fix your “mobile network state disconnected” issue.

Fix your “mobile network state disconnected” problem

Change network type

When you are using a 3G SIM card, you can’t connect it to the 4G or 5G networks. This might be the reason behind your disconnected network state. Just change the network type of your device from 4G or 5G to 3G to solve this problem. 

• Step 1: Open Settings on your device. 
• Step 2: Select Connections. 
• Step 3: Select the Mobile Network option. 
• Step 4: There will be an option called “Preferred Network Type”. Tap on it. 
• Step 5: Select the 3G network option. 

Disable Wi-Fi

Sometimes, when your mobile is connected to a Wi-Fi network, you might come across a disconnected mobile state problem. Just disable Wi-Fi to solve your issue. 

• Step 1: Open Settings on your device. 
• Step 2: Select Connections. 
• Step 3: Select the Wi-Fi option 
• Step 4: Turn it off by using the toggle button. 

Reset Network Settings

Resetting network settings work like a wonder in almost every problem related to network connectivity. 

• Step 1: Open Settings on your device. 
• Step 2: Select System. 
• Step 3: Tap on Reset Options. 
• Step 4: There will be an option called “Reset Network Settings”. Tap on it. 
• Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions and select the confirm option. 
• Note: Resetting network settings will erase all your saved Wi-Fi networks and their passwords.  

Reconfigure APN Settings

Any misconfigurations in your device’s APN settings can also lead to this problem. Reconfiguring them will solve it. 

• Step 1: Open Settings on your device. 
• Step 2: Select Connections. 
• Step 3: Select the Mobile Network option. 
• Step 4: Tap on APN or Access Point Names. 
• Step 5: On the upper-right-hand corner, find three dots and select the “Reset to default” option. 
• Step 6: Confirm your reset by tapping on the “Reset” option. 

Upgrade your SIM to a 4G or 5G Network

You might face problems using a 3G SIM card in a 4G or 5G compatible device. To solve this issue, just upgrade your SIM card to a 4G or 5G network. 

• Step 1: Contact your mobile service provider and check the availability of 4G or 5G upgrades.
• Step 2: Provide your phone number and ask for the procedure for upgrading your SIM card. 
• Step 3: Follow this procedure and receive the new SIM card. 
• Step 4: Insert your new SIM card in your device and restart it. 
• Step 5: Check if your mobile network is working fine now. 

Note: Upgrading your SIM card will not solve your problem if there are issues within your device or its network settings. 

Remove Unwanted Apps

Any app using a network connection or that changes the device’s network settings can potentially lead the mobile network into a disconnected state. Removing these apps from your device can solve your problem. Let us have a look at some apps that are responsible for such problems:

• VPN (Virtual Private Network) apps: VPN apps can change the device’s network connectivity by redirecting network traffic through a remote server.
• Battery saver apps: Some battery saver apps turn off network connectivity to save battery. This leads to a disconnected mobile network state. 
• Security apps: Like battery saver apps, security apps like firewalls or antivirus can also lead to this problem. 
• Network optimizer apps: Some network optimizer apps modify the device’s network settings without your knowledge and causing the problem. 

Note: It is not necessary that these apps always lead you to such network problems. Many other factors are also responsible. But, if you suspect that any app is causing such network issues, try disabling it or uninstalling it from your device. 

Use a Signal Booster

A weak mobile signal can also cause the “mobile network state disconnected” problem. When you use your device in an area that does not have good network coverage, it becomes difficult for your device to maintain a stable connection.

You can use a signal booster in this case. A signal booster amplifies the mobile signal to establish a strong connection with the network. 

• Install a signal booster at your home: Signal boosters are available in different forms. It ranges from small portable devices to large systems.
• Connect the signal booster by using a power source and an external antenna: The external antenna helps in capturing the mobile signal from the nearby cell tower. It will then be passed to the signal booster. The signal booster will amplify the signal and send the modified signal to your device.
• Use your device in the area covered by the signal booster: Using amplified signals will help your device establish a strong network connection. This will reduce any disconnections due to weak signal strength. 

Note: A signal booster can solve this problem only if it is due to weak signal strength. Also, signal boosters may not be compatible with all devices. Hence, make sure to check the manufacturer or your service provider before installing a signal booster. 

Check for Software Updates on your device

In some cases, your “mobile network state disconnected” problem can be solved by updating your device. Software updates include fixes related to bugs or glitches. Hence, any connectivity problem due to bugs will be solved by installing the latest software update. 

• Step 1: Open Settings on your device. 
• Step 2: Select Software Update. 
• Step 3: Click on Download and Install. 
• Step 4: Wait until it completes the download and installation. 
• Step 5: Restart your device. 

Note: All network connectivity issues may not be solved by updating your device. If this does not solve your issue, there may be some other factors responsible. 

After trying all of these methods, if you are still facing the “mobile network state disconnected” problem, there may be some issues with your network provider. Contact customer care and address your problem in brief. They will give you the necessary instructions to solve your problem.