A freezing phone is irritating, especially when you are in some kind of emergency. On top of that, you find your phone frozen whenever you switch to mobile data. Well, you are not alone in imagining why the phone freezes when mobile data is on.
Many users have reported the same incident worldwide. However, the reasons can be different for different users. Let’s check out the most common reasons.
Why is My Phone Freezing and Lagging When Mobile Data is On?
Typically, you turn on mobile data when you are outside. Mobile data saves you from using unreliable public Wi-Fi networks. However, if your phone freezes when the mobile data is on, the entire situation can be frustrating.
Why does my phone freeze when I turn on mobile data on my iPhone? The probable reason might be below. So, let’s dive into the reasons first.
1. Network Congestion
Chances are that your phone struggles with the current network coverage. Usually, phones freeze when they receive poor or inconsistent network coverage. For clarity, check your phone’s signal status. See if it keeps switching between 5G, 4G, 3G, or even 2G networks.
Indeed, that status shows that your device keeps looking for a stable connection. Consequently, it can overwhelm your phone’s resources. So, it’s quite normal for your Android or iPhone to lag or freeze.
2. Background Apps Utilising Mobile Data
Are too many background apps that run on mobile data open? The moment you turn on cellular data, the background apps might start syncing using the connectivity and it slows down your device.
Hence, inspect the background apps on your mobile phone. If they are among messaging services, social media apps, and email clients, then your phone freezes when the mobile data is on. With an overload in the processing power, your phone starts freezing and lagging.
3. System or Software Glitches
When was the last time you updated your phone? With outdated software, your device might be full of software bugs and system glitches. According to iPhone Service experts, your phone’s mobile data functions might not be compatible with the current version of the operating system.
That’s why your phone starts acting erratically whenever you turn on the mobile data. A software error may lead to instability.
4. Low Memory or Storage
Why does my phone keep freezing Android? Limited RAM or insufficient storage can be another reason. As soon as you activate mobile data, it can trigger multiple applications simultaneously.
From downloading large update files to syncing in real-time, your applications can consume sufficient resources. And if your phone runs low on memory or storage, then it will struggle with the performance. Undoubtedly, your phone will start freezing or lagging.
5. Overheating
Why is my phone freezing and lagging? Well, the usage of mobile data can be demanding. Especially when you watch live streaming, browse too much, or use an app that needs constant communication.
Consequently, your phone can overheat while handling all such tasks. Your mobile phone can slow down or freeze when your device overheats. So, you assume that your phone freezes when mobile data is on.
6. Third-party App or Malware Interference
Why does my phone keep freezing Android? Reportedly, third-party apps or malware can bother your device’s performance when you activate mobile data. And your iPhone or Android device might freeze.
Sometimes, unoptimized third-party apps may put a strain on the resources of your phone. On top of that, things can get worse when they try to access the internet through cellular data. Also, malware can exploit your system and lead to issues with mobile data access.
7. Conflicts with Carrier Settings
Why does my phone freeze when I turn on mobile data? iPhone—the answer may lie in your mobile phone’s carrier settings. In case your device’s network settings don’t align with those of the carrier, then your phone may not be fluent in connecting to cellular data.
Resetting your phone’s settings might be an effective solution in this case. Otherwise, you may suffer from unwanted lagging and freezing whenever you enable cellular data.
8. Improperly Seated or Damaged SIM Card
Sometimes, your phone freezes when mobile data is on because the SIM card has issues. For instance, if the SIM card has been slightly misplaced, then you will encounter lagging or freezing on the device.
On the other hand, a dirty or damaged SIM card is equally guilty of network nuisance. Hence, inspect your SIM card to reveal the truth.
How to Resolve Phone Freezing While Switching to Mobile Data?
We understand how irritated you feel if your phone freezes when mobile data is on. However, you can try the following simple troubleshooting steps:.
Restart Your Mobile Phone
Restarting your device will free it from cache, background apps, temporary software glitches, and more. Those might be triggering your phone to freeze whenever you enable mobile data. So, restart your mobile device and see if it makes any difference.
Remove the Phone Case and Other Accessories
This might sound strange but it might work for you. If your phone has a thick case around it then it can cause network issues. Hence, remove it and see if it improves the performance with mobile data turned on.
Besides the phone case, you might want to remove your phone’s accessories too. Sometimes, connected peripherals can interfere with the mobile data connection. As a result, your phone struggles or freezes.
Update Your Device
Why does my phone keep freezing Android? Perhaps your operating system is outdated. Whether it’s an iPhone or Android, the issue is real. The exact path to update your Android phone’s software might differ from one model to another.
However, you can follow Settings → System → Updates and upgrade the operating system. On iPhones, it’s as simple as Settings → General → Software Update.
Make Some Space
The unavailability of storage or memory can make your phone hustle when you turn on mobile data. Hence, the smart move is to clear up some storage space. For that, you can uninstall apps that you no longer use, transfer big files to an external hard drive or cloud storage, etc.
Thus, you can pull off a heavy load from your device’s resources.
Replace the SIM If Required
Why is my phone freezing and lagging when I turn on mobile data? Probably, the issue is within the SIM card. Take your time, access your device’s SIM slot, and inspect the SIM card. If it has too many scratches or damage, then you should replace the SIM.
Still, Your Phone Freezes When Mobile Data is On…
Then, your phone may require an expert intervention. Visit a mobile repair near me and get your phone inspected. Android or iPhone service experts will diagnose the underlying hardware problem and devise the best solution.
