Mobile data · Settings guide
How to turn mobile data on or off on Samsung and Pixel phones
Sources checked · how we check
Mobile data lets your phone use the internet through your carrier when you're away from Wi-Fi. Its switch is in the Quick panel and in Connections settings.
01 · Before you start
Check these first
- In the Quick panel, the Mobile data icon is blue when it's on and grey when it's off.
Source: Samsung: what is mobile data and how do I turn it on or off
02 · Change the setting
Step by step, by device
Quick panel
Swipe down → Mobile data
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Quick panel.
- Tap the Mobile data icon to turn it on or off.
Source: Samsung: what is mobile data and how do I turn it on or off
Settings
Settings → Connections → Data usage → Mobile data
- Open Settings, tap Connections, then Data usage.
- Use the switch to turn mobile data on or off.
Source: Samsung: what is mobile data and how do I turn it on or off
Google Pixel
Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Mobile data
- Open Settings and tap Network & internet, then SIMs.
- Turn Mobile data on or off. With it off, you can only use data on Wi-Fi.
Source: Google: reduce and manage mobile data usage on a Pixel phone
If the setting doesn't change
If mobile data still won't turn on after these steps, Samsung says to contact your network provider: the issue is likely with your mobile service rather than the phone.
Source: Samsung: what is mobile data and how do I turn it on or off
Frequently asked questions
How do I know mobile data is on?
The Mobile data icon in the Quick panel is blue when it's on and grey when it's off.
Why won't mobile data turn on?
Samsung says to contact your network provider if the switch doesn't work.