Battery drain after updating to iOS 18.6.2 – "No Cell Coverage" using 51%

Hi,


Since I updated my iPhone to iOS 18.6.2, my battery drains very quickly. When I check the battery usage, I see “No Cell Coverage” consuming 51% of the battery. Before this update, I never even saw this in the list.


I live in the Netherlands where the mobile network infrastructure is very good, and I normally always have coverage. That’s why I don’t understand why this suddenly appears and drains my battery so much.


Does anyone know what I can do to prevent “No Cell Coverage” from using so much battery? I would prefer not to constantly switch Airplane Mode on and off. Otherwise, I might consider going back to an older iOS version.


For reference:


  • iPhone 15 Pro
  • iOS 18.6.2


Thanks in advance!



[Edited by Moderator]

iPhone 15 Pro, iOS 18

Posted on Sep 6, 2025 04:49 AM

Reply
9 replies

Sep 6, 2025 05:31 AM in response to robbie018

Sometimes simply rebooting your device can help refresh its memory. I believe you can also go into the settings and refresh network settings which may also help with connection issues.

and you can always call your cell provider and see what they recommend.


Sometimes with updates comes changes in how they communicate with towers, so rebooting or refreshing can help with those connections.

Sep 6, 2025 05:52 AM in response to robbie018

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!



Was/Is your device Jailbroken? If that's the situation, please be informed that attributing the issues to iOS updates may not be accurate.



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...



Sep 6, 2025 05:56 AM in response to robbie018

You may try some of these steps, please check after each step...


  1. Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary software glitches. Turn off your iPhone, wait for a few seconds, and then turn it back on.
    1. Restart the device. That's it.
    2. Still not solved --> Force restart iPhone - Apple Support
  2. If you're using a VPN, disable it and check if the error goes away. Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management and turn off any active VPNs.
  3. Corporate iPhone Profile Check and Removal Guide
    1. Is this your corporate iPhone? Then please contact the system administrator of your corporate
    2. If it is your device, in that case, do you have any profile installed by your corporate/organization/enterprise/School Management?
    3. Erase the profile added by you If you have installed a profile on your own --> Install or remove configuration profiles on iPhone - Apple ...
    4. Please contact the system administrator of the organization who provided the profile to you
  4. Reset Network Settings: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings: Only network settings are removed.
    1. When you reset network settings, previously used networks and VPN settings that weren’t installed by a configuration profile or mobile device management (MDM) are removed. Wi-Fi is turned off and then back on, disconnecting you from any network you’re on. The Wi-Fi and Ask to Join Networks settings remain turned on.
    2. To remove VPN settings installed by a configuration profile, go to Settings > General > Profiles & Device Management, select the configuration profile, then tap Remove Profile. This also removes other settings and accounts provided by the profile. See Install or remove configuration profiles on iPhone in this guide.
    3. To remove network settings installed by MDM, go to Settings > General > Profiles & Device Management, select the management, then tap Remove Management. This also removes other settings and certificates provided by MDM. See “Mobile device management (MDM)” in the iOS Deployment Reference.
    4. Reset your Network Settings. Tap Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This also resets Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN and APN settings that you've used before.
  5. If the issue persists, you can try resetting all settings on your iPhone. This will not erase your data but will reset all personalized settings to their default values. Go to Settings > General > Transfer & Reset > Reset > Reset All Settings and confirm the action. Note that you will need to reconfigure your settings afterward. All settings—including network settings, the keyboard dictionary, the Home screen layout, location settings, privacy settings, and Apple Pay cards—are removed or reset to their defaults. No data or media are deleted.
    1. Reset All Settings: Return iPhone settings to their defaults - Apple Support:- Return iPhone settings to their defaults
    2. You can return settings to their defaults without erasing your content.
    3. If you want to save your settings, back up your iPhone before returning them to their defaults. For example, if you’re trying to solve a problem but returning settings to their defaults doesn’t help, you might want to restore your previous settings from a backup.
  6. Make sure you have the latest updates installed.
    1. Update Over-the-Air (OTA) —> Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support (IN)
    2. Update using iTunes/Finder —> Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support (IN)


If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it is recommended to reach out to Apple Support or visit an authorized service center for further assistance. They can provide specific guidance based on your device model and iOS version.


Sep 6, 2025 10:38 AM in response to SravanKrA

Thanks for the help! I really appreciate it!


I know it's not always the iOS update's fault, but the problem started right after I updated iOS. I can also see it in the battery usage over the past 10 days. The "No Cell Coverage" issue appeared on Monday, and I updated iOS the Sunday before that. I mean, if it sounds like a duck and looks like a duck, it’s probably a duck.


It’s not jailbroken.


Restarting the device didn’t help.


I’m not using a VPN, and I’ve never used one before.


It’s not a corporate iPhone, and it has never been one in the past.


I’ve reset the network settings, but unfortunately that didn’t help either.


I think I’ll visit the Apple Store next week. Let’s hope they’ve seen this issue before.

Sep 14, 2025 05:36 AM in response to SravanKrA

Thing is i disagree, my iPad is 18 months old, my wife’s phone is 14 months old and my work phone has just turned 2 years old and they are all having problems but iPad battery has just lost 3% in 4 mins!!! Whilst logging on to type this message, load of people i know who have different iPhones are having the same issue the only ones that aren’t are those like me that have an iPhone 16. Apple are up to their old tricks again, been fined already and still making software updates drain batteries. Have had Apple devices for 20 years and never had this before ever!

Battery drain after updating to iOS 18.6.2 – "No Cell Coverage" using 51%

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