S24 lost cellular connection after latest update

[dunxd]

I updated my Samsung S24 with the latest version of OneUI/Android - build number is now UPO1A.231995.007.S921BXXU5AYA5.

Since doing that my phone is no longer able to connect to any cellular network.  WiFi and Bluetooth are ok.  WiFi calling works.  But no 5G/LTE etc.  When I go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network operators then toggle Select automatically I get the message "Error while searching for networks".  This happens for both physical SIMs in the phone, both of which work fine with other phones.

I have experienced exactly the same problem with a Samsung A53 5G both when updating the phone software, or switching off Flight Mode. Both times that happened I resolved the issue by doing a factory reset which is extremely inconvenient. I actually switched to this new S24 because I thought there may be a hardware issue with the A53.  But now it seems pretty clear there is a fault in the Galaxy updates.

• I have tried wiping the cache partition, as suggested on some sites and forum posts.  That has not resolved the issue.
• I have rebooted the phone multiple times.
• I have turned off and on mobile data, and each of the SIM cards in SIM Manager.
• I have removed and reinserted the SIM cards.
• I have reset the Access Point Names for both SIM cards
• I have disabled and reenabled Flight mode.
• Factory reset phone and setup again.
• Switched the SIM cards.

None of the above fix the issue.

I note that there are a LOT of reports of this issue on these forums, many of which mention the issue arising after updating the software and some reporting that the cellular connection worked fine after factory reset.  But a factory reset is in no way an acceptable fix. It takes several hours to restore settings, and if this happens somewhere there is no WiFi then you are out of luck.

Another common things with these forum posts is there is never any official response from Samsung.

Has anyone got any closer to understanding what is going on, or a reliable fix (that isn't one of the long list mentioned above)?

[shift3d]

I cannot say I am thrilled with Samsung currently. Hope you find a solution that works for you. 

Phone was purchased new January 4th 2025. Weeks now of going back and forth on the feedback app, the phone needs to be inspected as it could be a hardware issue and they cannot tell from the software logs - sure, no worries with the requirement to inspect however... 

Here's some issues:

 - Inspection in their store is available from their website, one location, decent enough drive and time out of the day, and they will have to take the phone for 24-48 hours to assess and decide if it is a repair or replacement issue. If it is a repair, they will then hold onto the phone for an additional period, likely 5 days, to repair and return. They will not release the phone back to you until repaired. 

 - Can take it to their authorised repair centre elsewhere who may assess it on the spot (only found out by calling a third party retailer that this was possible), takes 2 hours, covered under Samsung for assessment cost given the age of the phone, however if the repair option is decided.. they will again need to hold the phone for around 5 days to facilitate repair (add time for communication and the like). They will not release the phone back to you until repaired. 
 - in either case, no loan phones are available.

- for those of us with Microsoft's Authenticator - this doesn't transfer well between phones and may often mean contacting multiple IT departments to get resolved and added to a new device - not ideal if you are then to switch back to a repaired phone or replacement as you're going through that process again. 

After spending $2,100 on the phone, and in this short timeframe for it to have issues, and for it to be a massive muck around with work and business responsibilities in the interim... I find myself rather displeased with Samsung and would rather contemplate buying a competitor phone, never to return to Samsung, so that I only have to go through the hassle of setting it up and rolling over all 2FA/MFA requirements once. 

Already wasted enough time replacing the SIM, wiping cache, resetting network settings, researching and following-up the issue, calling stores etc. to be given generic replies. Have half a thought to contact the ACCC to push for a replacement given the age of the phone and the process required to even facilitate a repair, given 2 months into ownership the phone is not operating in a fit for purpose state as purchased. 

[semajoel]

I have the same issue, done all tricks, talked to customer support, nothing helped, in my situation i only found luck in 3G. Lte and 5G are no longer functional.

[FoxDelTango]

Same here on S24 Ultra and I only use one SIM. I've power cycled again and again, changed preference for 5G and 2G, but still my mobile network connection is 5% of what it used to be. When I'm not on Wi-Fi, my messages often don't send or take a very long time to. And it's not about signal strength, but during a call with good connection and where I don't move around it will just drop the connection and call without warning. It's a disruption for life and work and is a danger when I'm alone where I'd normally rely on my phone to get me out.

It all started after my ONEUI7 update, as ***** as the display changes were this is on the level of risking a lawsuit. It's a smear on Samsung's reputation, especially for how expensive these phones are. There are many more of us.

https://www.reddit.com/r/oneui/comments/1kgspys/mobile_network_performance_after_one_ui_7/

[shift3d]

As an update, phone went in for repair and had the "sub PBA & FPCB cable replaced"

Issue is still not resolved, still drops out and areas where full 4G/5G coverage should be, it's having issues accessing data even with full bars at times. It can revert briefly if you reset network settings to having better coverage but then goes back. 

Samsung member support is unhelpful, they revert to replace SIM card, reset network settings, etc. There should be consumer protections in place for such situations for replacement within a certain time frame from purchase.

It has been a very disappointing experience with Samsung and the way they approach repair of these electronics, and it seems any comment of there being an issue since the UI update is being ignored. 

At this stage, I'll likely sell the phone and step away from Samsung. I visit sites where the phone is the only way to contact emergency services if something happens, and paying for the coverage from a provider to be able to do so, yet like yourself - the connection will just drop.

Friends are having a great experience with their Pixel, so might have a look at that instead. Have reached out to the ACCC however haven't yet received a reply.