4G cellular service is a common network these days but only launched when the Samsung Galaxy S3 was released. For this reason, some S3 devices may have difficulty connecting to a 4G network. To be able to connect to an LTE network, you must have a SIM card and a data plan that supports 4G services. In the settings of the S3 device, sometimes 4G is not enabled.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Checking Services
Step 1. Make sure you are in an area that can be reached by 4G
The 4G area coverage continues to grow, but is still not available in all areas. If your S3 device should be able to connect to a 4G network but you're still not connecting, you may not be getting a 4G signal.
- In most cases, S3 devices will automatically switch to a 4G signal if the service is available.
- The 4G signal often weakens if you are inside a building.
Step 2. Check your S3 device model and carrier
Not all S3 devices can connect to the 4G network. Early generation S3 models from T-Mobile (SGH-T999) issued before 4G LTE was launched by T-Mobile will not be able to connect to the 4G LTE network. All other S3 devices should be able to connect to modern LTE networks.
Step 3. Check your cellular service plan
You will not be able to access the 4G network if you do not pay an additional fee for a 4G connection. Maybe your S3 device also needs a different SIM card if you recently switched to a 4G plan.
- You cannot use a SIM card from a carrier that is not the same as your S3 device model unless it is already unlocked. For example, an AT&T SIM card cannot be used on a Verizon S3 device unless the phone has been unlocked to allow it to accept other networks.
- If it's your first time setting up an S3 device with a new SIM, you may need to activate your 4G LTE service first with your carrier. Contact the customer service department provided by your carrier to do this.
Part 2 of 2: Checking Device Settings
Step 1. Run the Settings app
When within range, your device will automatically connect to the 4G network, but to be sure, check your device settings.
Note: In America, this method does not work on Verizon S3 phones. Your device will automatically connect when it is within range of Verizon's 4G LTE network, and the device settings will not be able to be adjusted. If you know that the device should be able to connect, but you still can't connect to the Verizon 4G network, contact Verizon customer service
Step 2. Tap on “More networks” or “More“
This option is in the " Network connections " section of the Settings app.
Step 3. Tap on “Mobile network“
Your mobile network settings will be displayed.
Step 4. Tap on “Network mode“
Other networks that can be used to connect your S3 device will be displayed.
Step 5. Select "LTE/CDMA", "LTE/CDMA/EVDO", or "LTE auto"
Whichever option you choose you can use to connect to the LTE network from your service provider.
If none of the three options is displayed (for example only has GSM option), it means that your S3 device cannot connect to the 4G network
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