If your device is picking up a network signal, but not connecting:
1) Check the APN settings (this is nearly always the problem)
- Some devices automatically detect the correct APN settings. Others will require the settings to be manually updated. This is usually done by creating a 'new profile' for the SIM card you're using.
Many network operators use different APN settings for different SIM card types e.g. 'Pay As You Go' mobile broadband SIM cards will often have a different APN to a 'Contract' mobile broadband SIM. Also a mobile phone SIM card with a data package may have a different APN to a mobile broadband only SIM
2) The 2G \ 3G \ 4G signal may be too weak to establish a connection
- The modem may have just enough reception to detect a network is available but the signal strength is not enough to establish a connection
- Suggestions on how to improve your mobile broadband signal
3) Check you have credit available
Does you mobile broadband SIM have credit available. Contact the network operator
4) Check DNS server settings
Some devices have the original network operators DNS server address (IP Address e.g. 85.87.123.35) manually entered. When using a SIM from another operator the DNS needs to be set 'Dynamically' or manually updated.
3rd party DNS servers (e.g. Open DNS) will often not work with mobile broadband connections.
5) Computer network Settings
Have your PC network settings be modified?
- Do you have any fixed routes applied to your PC
- Is your web browser configured to use a proxy server
6) Installed Security Software
Do you have any security software (e.g. Antivirus, firewall) installed on your computer that could be blocking the mobile broadband connection? Try temporarily disabling the security software.
7) Is the device unlocked
A mobile broadband device supplied by a network operator must be unlocked before it will work with SIM cards from different operators!
Related error messages:
'Connecting' followed by 'disconnecting''Disconnected'
'Error connecting'
