Full bars but nothing loads: signal without data

Signal bars show that a line is registered on a network, not that data is flowing. When calls work, or Wi-Fi works, and mobile data doesn't, it is nearly always one of four settings, and the first two take a minute to check.

Check first

Give your phone a minute to connect once you land. Still nothing? Switch on Airplane Mode for 30 seconds, then switch it off again.

The four settings

The bars belong to your home SIM

Your home SIM can be registered with full bars while its data roaming is off, which is exactly how it should be abroad. Data has to be pointed at the KnowRoaming line. Set Cellular Data (iPhone), Mobile data SIM (Samsung), or Mobile data (Android) to the KnowRoaming line. See Use your KnowRoaming plan for data instead of your home SIM.

Data roaming is off for the KnowRoaming line

Registering on a network and passing data are two different permissions. Data Roaming has to be on for the KnowRoaming line itself, not your home SIM. The taps are in Turn on data roaming for your plan on iPhone, Turn on data roaming for your plan on Samsung, and Turn on data roaming for your plan on Android.

Your destination needs an APN

This is the classic full-bars, no-data cause in the destinations that need one. Most destinations need no APN. If yours is on this list, add it before you connect:

Destination

APN

Global, Israel, Kuwait, Morocco, Mauritius, Middle East, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa

knowroaming

Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico

tn1

Bahamas, Caribbean

altanwifi

Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan

kroly

Europe, United States

No APN needed

Enter the value in lowercase with no spaces. The APN screen for your phone is in the platform article linked above, under Setting your APN. After you save it, switch on Airplane Mode for 30 seconds, then switch it off again.

Low Data Mode or Data Saver is on

Both settings hold back apps on mobile data, so everything works on Wi-Fi and the KnowRoaming line looks dead. Turn them off for the KnowRoaming line while you travel.

If it still isn't a setting

Your data has run out

A fixed plan stops at zero while the bars stay full. Open My plans in the app and check the balance; top up from the same screen if you need to. An unlimited plan slows down after its daily full-speed allowance but doesn't stop.

The reverse case: data works, calls don't

If data runs fine but calls to your home number fail, your home line is switched off or out of coverage. Turn the home line on in your SIM settings; its data roaming can stay off. Your plan is data only, with no phone number, calls, or SMS. Calls and texts keep using your home number.

Still not working?

Still not working? Message us on WhatsApp at +1-888-357-7347 and include four things: your ICCID, your order number, your phone model and OS version, and what you've already tried.

Frequently Asked Questions

Send a message. We'll get you sorted.

Have questions about coverage, installing, or a plan you've already bought? Whatever it is, message us and a few quick questions will get you to the right person. Email works too, if you'd rather.

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