Wifi Access interfering with Cellular service

Question

Wifi Access interfering with Cellular service

I have an iPhone 16 Pro Max using iOS 18.2.

I live in downtown Atlanta, GA with tMobil cell towers in site from my hi-rise window on the 10th floor. I also have 500MB Wifi service in my home which works find in all known parameters.

Since updating to iOS 18 I have had multiple instances of dropped calls while clearly in close reach of both the tMobil 5G tower and a WiFi access point within feet of the device.

I called tMobil tech support who checked their service and reported all of their towers in normal operation. He then suggested that the problem is likely interference with the cell signal from WiFi. He suggested I turn off the WiFi service on the phone when in the cell service coverage area. I did this, and indeed the problems disappeared with dropped calls in my home.

But I do not stay in my home all the time, and not uncommonly am out of reach of the tMobil signal inside a building. Previously the phone would seamlessly switch to WiFi service and calls would work fine over WiFi, and this is still the case. Unless as instructed I have turned WiFi off!

But it is a terrible inconvenience to need to turn WiFi on and off to operate my cell phone within the 5G cell network!

I have been an iPhone customer for almost 15 years, and have never previously experienced this problem through multiple iterations of iOS and iPhone hardware. This problem appears to be unique to my current iPhone 16 Pro Max and iOS 18.

Am I alone in experiencing this problem? Is there an alternative solution to constantly turning my iPhone WiFi service on and off depending on my location?

Help!!!

Thanks...

iPhone 16 Pro Max

Posted on Dec 23, 2024 12:12 PM

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Answer 1

Dec 23, 2024 09:17 PM in response to William Mcclatchey1

Please check the bandwidth that you are getting. Disable WiFi before running this Field Test.

You may check the current LTE band/5G/4G/3G by dialing *3001#12345#* pressing the call button and then selecting the Serving cell info option

Bandwidth on the 2nd and 3rd Screenshots.

See the pic below which is self-explanatory

E, 2G, 3G, 4G, LTE, VoLTE, and 5G all are Carrier Specific features. Contact your Carrier (Cellular Service Provider), the agency that issued the SIM / eSIM to you. About the LTE options on your iPhone - Apple Support (IN)

See the Pic below and the explanations thereof

The pic below is self-explanatory

However, iPhone model-specific feature is listed here --> Identify your iPhone model - Apple Support . and tap on "See the Technical Specs for Model "XXXXXX" under each model and Scroll down to the "Cellular and Wireless" section.

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Answer 2

Dec 23, 2024 09:16 PM in response to William Mcclatchey1

William Mcclatchey1 wrote:

Since updating to iOS 18

...

It's not always the iOS update's fault! Many things can cause phone problems. If you tell people you think it's an iOS update, it might make it harder to fix or find a solution for the real issue.

Remember, the right question often leads to the solution!

iOS updates aim to enhance user experience, boost security, and fix bugs rather than disrupt core features. The majority of the issues after updates might stem from underlying, unmentioned factors. Updates won't typically alter personal data but may refine settings or features. Backup before major updates for safety. Review Apple's update details and backup advice for a smooth process.

Kindly consider checking your settings and addressing any device issues before attributing the issue to external factors. This could be a pure coincidence that the iOS update affected the iPhone functions.

Before initiating a standard iOS update, it's advisable to create a backup. Have you completed this step? If yes, proceed with the restoration from the backup.

See what each update does: About iOS 18 Updates, About iOS 17 Updates, About iOS 16 Updates, About iOS 15 Updates, About iOS 14 Updates, About iOS 13 Updates, About iOS 12 Updates, and so on...

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Wifi Access interfering with Cellular service

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