Cellular/Mobile Networks

Cellular data is the default and provides access to the Internet when not within a Wi-Fi hotspot. Hotspots take precedence (see Wi-Fi hotspot). If cellular data is turned off, users cannot receive email, Web pages, videos, app downloads or software updates. Essentially, you want your cellular data on so you can use your phone.

iPhone Cellular Settings

Cellular Data

This is where you can your cellular data on and off (it is recommended that you leave this on).

Cellular Data Options

 

Data Roaming

This allows your phone to connect to a cellular network if you are outside of your networks boundaries. You generally want this on while you are traveling unless you will be charged for roaming (check with your wireless carrier for details)

Voice & Data

These Options will be displayed on 5G compatible iPhones (12, 13, 14 etc.)

5G On

Allows for 5G connection

5G Auto

Toggles between 5G and LTE

4G/LTE

Turns off 5G and keeps only 4G/LTE connection on

Low Data Mode

This helps reduce cellular data usage. This can be beneficial if you are on a limited data plan or need to conserve data when traveling.

Limit IP Address Tracking

This hides your IP address from being tracked in mail and safari. If turned off this will also disable Private Relay in iCloud.

Personal Hotspot

This allows you to tether your iPhones hotspot to another device. (Check with your wireless carrier to see if your plan has this feature).

Allow others to join:

This allows other devices to connect to your hotspot.

Wi-Fi Password

This displays the password to join your personal hotspot. You can edit the password by clicking on it. You will need to enter this password on the other device before connecting.

Beneath these options it will show other cellular features and plan details based on what model iPhone you have, your carrier, and your region. Contact your wireless carrier for more information about this section as it may vary significantly.

The following section allows you to choose which apps you want to use cellular data. If you turn them off they will only connect on Wi-Fi

Maximize Compatibility

When this is on your iPhone will make use of the 5GHz band (this makes the hotspot speeds faster) instead of the 2.4GHz band. Depending on the network capabilities on the device that is connected to your phone, this may not be helpful.

Carrier Settings

These settings may vary depending on your wireless carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-mobile etc.)

Turn On This Line

This will toggle the service on your phone on and off. If you turn this off you will not be able to make calls, texts, or use the internet. This will turn off your phones cellular connection.

Cellular Plans

This will show you what cellular data plan you have with your wireless carrier. This may vary depending on your wireless carrier and your rate plan. For more information contact your wireless carrier for details.

Network Selection

When you open this setting by default your network selection will be automatic. You can choose to select your network manually but when you are out of reach your phone will lose connection.

Wi-Fi Calling

Wi-Fi Calling can be extremely helpful if you don’t get cellular service at your home, for example, and you would like to use Wi-Fi instead of cellular data to make phone calls. If your phone and wireless carrier support this feature it is recommended you leave this turned on.

Calls On Other Devices

When this is turned on you will be able to receive calls on other Apple devices you own such as a Mac Book, Apple Watch, or iPad.

Usage

From here you can see what your data plan allows you to use and how much data you’ve used. For example, you will see if you have unlimited or limited calls, texts, and data.

Carrier Services

From here you can view your wireless carriers apps, websites, and support numbers.

SIM PIN

A SIM PIN allows you to put a pin code on your SIM card to keep your phone number safe. If you don’t have a SIM PIN on your SIM card and someone takes your SIM card and tries to use your phone number then they will be able to use your cellular plan and phone number and possibly find a way to steal your information. It is highly recommended you have this on but it is very important you don’t forget what your SIM Pin is because you will be asked to enter the pin any time your phone turns off or if your switch your SIM card to another phone. 

To set up a SIM PIN, turn on the switch next to SIM Pin and create a pin. You will be asked to enter your SIM Pin twice to verify.

Note: You will have three attempts to enter your SIM PIN correctly before your SIM Card is locked and you will have to contact your wireless carrier to get the issue resolved. Your pin on your lock screen is not the same as your SIM Pin unless you set up the same code for both.

Delete ESIM

This will delete any current ESIMS that are activated on your phone. If you do this your phone will not have service.

Add ESIM

You can add an ESIM or multiple ESIMS from here if your iPhone and wireless carrier allow it.

Wi-Fi Assist

This will turn on cellular data when the Wi-Fi connection is bad.

iCloud Drive

When you are not connected to Wi-Fi your phone will use cellular data to transfer documents and data.

iCloud Backup

You can turn your iCloud back up on from here our you can also do it from your iCloud Settings.

Samsung Mobile Network Settings

Data Roaming

This allows your phone to connect to a cellular network if you are outside of your networks boundaries. You generally want this on while you are traveling unless you will be charged for roaming (check with your wireless carrier for details)

Network Mode

• 5G/LTE/3G/2G (best option, 5G isn’t going to kill you)
• LTE/3G/2G (Good option)
• LTE/3G (Good Option)
• 2G only (Basically no service)

Access Point Names

An access point name (APN) on mobile phones establishes a connection to the gateway between the carrier’s network and the internet. The APN finds the IP address that the device is identified with on the network, determines if a private network is needed, chooses the correct security settings, and more.

These Settings are specific to each Carrier. They will usually be configured automatically, however in rare situations you may need to reconfigure the APN Settings. Contact your wireless carrier for assistance if that’s the case.

Network Operators

A network operator will monitor and troubleshoot communication and application related issues through the use of network management and diagnostic tools. Ideally, you want to keep the select automatically switch on so your phone can reconfigure service based on location.

Google Pixel Mobile Network

Note: Some of these settings may be slightly different depending on your Mobile Network Provider, Phone Model, and Data Plan.

When you click on the name of your Mobile Network Provider, you will see all of your Mobile Network Connection Settings.

Edit

At the top right hand corner of the screen you will see a Pencil Icon that you can tap on to edit your SIM Card name and some color options you can designate to your SIM Card (this may come in handy if you have more than one SIM Card.

Use SIM

A SIM Card can be either physical or electronic and a mobile device needs a SIM card from a Mobile Network Provider so the phone can connect to the Wireless Carriers cell towers so your phone can make and receive calls, messages, and access data (the internet). Only one phone number can be used on a SIM Card at a time.

If you turn this switch off, this SIM Card will no longer be connected to the network. This means you will not be able to make calls, texts, or access the internet unless you’re using Wi-Fi.

Data

You will see how much Mobile Data you have used on your Pixel here and you will also see when you will reach your data limit if you have one. Check with your Mobile Carrier for details on data usage.

Call Preference/SMS Preference

These settings are for those who have more than one SIM Card (more than one phone number) activated on their Pixel. You can designate one SIM Card for phone calls and one for text messages.

Mobile Data

This switch allows you to access data through your mobile network. Mobile data allows you to make phone calls, send text messages, use apps, and access the internet while you’re not on Wi-Fi. You will want to leave this on if you don’t want to lose connection.

Roaming

Data roaming is essentially when your mobile network provider doesn’t have towers to support your connection wherever you are so you are able to use towers owned by other carriers.

Before you turn on your data roaming, check with your Mobile Carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-mobile, etc.) to make sure that you wont be charged extra for roaming. For the most part, getting charged for roaming is a thing of the past while you are using data from a carrier within your own country but you should still check to be sure. You may still get charged when you are roaming internationally.

App Data Usage

From here you can see how much data each application on your phone uses. If you are exceeding your data limit you may find the culprit in here.

Data Warning & Limit

From here you can set a specific data limit and set warnings once you’ve used a certain amount of data. This can be useful if you’re on a limited data plan. Check with your wireless carrier for more details.

Preferred Network Type

From here you can choose which network you would prefer your Pixel to connect to. You will have the following options:

• 5G (recommended)
• 4G/LTE
• 3G
• 2G

It is highly recommended that you use the highest network that your phone is capable of. 5G isn’t going to kill you, and even if it could, 5G frequency waves are in the air whether you turn it on or not so you might as well enjoy high data speeds before you go.

Carrier Settings Version

Carrier Settings Version is like the current software update you wireless carrier is on so to speak. It’s not really relevant to the average user so you don’t really need to worry too much about it.

Calling

Wi-Fi Calling

This will allow you to use your phone number over a Wi-Fi Connection. For more about Wi-Fi Calling click on the link.

Carrier Video Calling

This allows for the video calling function on your phone.

Network

Automatically Select Network

With this on your phone will automatically select a network provider based on the SIM Card in your phone. When it’s off you can choose a network but you need an active SIM from a different wireless carrier.

Choose Network

From here you can choose a network provider if you have more that one.

Access Point Names

Access Point Names (APNs) are all the details that your phone needs to connect to a mobile data network. Ideally you don’t want to mess with these settings as a wrong entry can cause your mobile network connection to stop working. Check with your wireless carrier for more details or if you chose not to listen to me and messed up your phone.

Allow 2G

The old 2G network is less secure because it doesn’t have as strong of an encryption as the more recent networks and it’s not very fast. On the flip side it can improve your connection in some areas. So ideally for security, keep this off unless you really need it. Regardless of wether it’s on or not, it will still be allowed for emergency calls so you’re not risking security for safety.