Your bundle is active, mobile data is on, but nothing loads. It happens to everyone. The good news is that most causes are simple. Work through these fixes in order and test after each one.

1. Check you actually have data

It sounds obvious, but it is the most common cause. MTN’s own troubleshooting starts here. Check your balance (MTN: *124# or the MyMTN app; Telecel: *124# or *126#; AT: *504#). If your bundle is finished, buy another. Also check whether your bundle only works at certain hours, like a night bundle.

2. Make sure mobile data is really on

Swipe down from the top of the screen and check the mobile data toggle. Then look for 4G, LTE, 3G or H+ next to the signal bars. If Wi-Fi is on, the indicator may be hidden, so turn Wi-Fi off and look again.

3. Toggle airplane mode

Turn on airplane mode, wait about 10 seconds, and turn it off. This forces your phone to reconnect to the network. Google recommends this as one of the first steps.

4. Restart your phone

A restart clears many temporary glitches. Google’s help pages put it at the top of the list.

5. Is it one app, or everything?

Open a browser and search for something. If the browser works but one app does not, the problem is that app, not your data. Check that the app is not blocked from using mobile data: Settings → Apps → [the app] → Mobile data, and make sure background data is allowed if you need it.

6. Check Data Saver, data limits and VPNs

  • Data Saver can stop apps using data in the background. Check Settings → Network & internet → Data Saver.
  • A data limit you set earlier can cut off mobile data once reached. Check Settings → Network & internet → Data usage.
  • A VPN can block your connection. Turn it off and test.

7. Check your APN (internet settings)

If nothing loads at all, your phone may have the wrong access point name (APN). MTN’s APN is internet; Telecel’s is browse. Full steps in how to configure internet settings on Android. MTN customers can also request automatic settings by dialling *156# and choosing option 2 (not available on every phone).

8. Check your network mode

Go to Settings → Connections (or Network & internet) → Mobile networks → Network mode, and choose an option that includes 4G or LTE, such as “LTE/WCDMA/GSM auto” or “4G/3G/2G auto”. A phone stuck on 2G is very slow.

9. Reseat the SIM and check registration

  • Turn the phone off, take out the SIM, check it is clean and undamaged, and put it back.
  • Make sure your SIM is registered with your Ghana Card. MTN has said unregistered SIMs can be barred from data services. See SIM registration and your Ghana Card.
  • If your number has not been used for a long time, it may have expired. Contact your network.

10. Reset network settings (last resort)

Settings → System → Reset options → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth (wording varies by brand). This puts all network settings back to default. Google warns it deletes saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth pairings, so only do it when nothing else works.

Still not working? It may be the network

MTN’s advice: if you have tried everything and people around you have the same problem, it is probably a network issue in your area. Check your network’s social media for outage notices, wait a while, and contact customer care if it continues. If a network problem drags on, you can complain to the National Communications Authority. See why is my MTN internet slow.

This guide was checked in October 2026. Menus and services change, so if something looks different on your phone, check with your provider.

Common questions

Why is my data on but not working?

The most common reasons are no bundle left, a wrong APN, a phone stuck on 2G, a blocked app, or a network problem in your area. Work through the fixes in order.

Will resetting network settings delete my photos?

No. It removes saved Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth pairings and network settings, not your photos or apps.

Why does WhatsApp work but not my browser?

Check whether the browser is blocked from using mobile data, or whether a VPN or Data Saver is interfering.

How do I know if it is a network problem?

If people near you on the same network have the same problem at the same time, it is probably the network. Wait, check the network’s social media, and contact customer care.

Sources