11 ways to fix iPhone 12 mini antenna issues

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5G: The 5G status-bar icon.  

Try these tips to fix iPhone 12 mini antenna problems

Poor reception on an iPhone can be the result of any number of software and hardware-related malfunctioning. In order to physically troubleshoot the iPhone 12 mini antenna issues, you need to open your device. Doing so voids any existing warranty on the device. Before attempting to physically diagnose your iPhone 12 mini antenna problems, ensure you first rule out all other potential defects of your device.

How to Fix iPhone 12 mini Antenna Problems

If you have an iPhone 12 mini and experience a lot of dropped calls, there are a few options available to you. Try any one of these solutions to fix your iPhone 12 mini antenna problems.

Fix #1: Enable / Disable Airplane Mode

This is the quickest fix that you can apply when you are experiencing antenna issues on your iPhone 12 mini. Disabling AirPlane Mode on iPhone will force your terminal to reconnect to the closest cellular cell available and thus restore connectivity. Please follow these steps:
Swipe-down from the top-right corner of the screen, to launch the Control Center. Tap the AirPlane Mode icon to enable it. Wait a couple of seconds. Tap the same toggle again to exit AirPlane mode. Check the status bar and notice if the signal bars are back on.

Fix #2: Reboot your iPhone

Our next solution in the list is to force restart your iPhone. This will not only force your device to reconnect to the carrier when booting back up, but could also eliminate any minor software glitches that might cause your iPhone 12 mini antenna issues. Please follow these steps:
Press and release the Volume Up, followed by the Volume Down and press & hold the Side Button until the Apple logo shows up on the screen.

Fix #3: Check SIM Card

The iPhone 12 mini connects to your carrier’s network with the help of a SIM card. If you’re using the SIM card from your old iPhone, it might malfunction. Please follow these steps:
Turn off your iPhone, eject the SIM card using the SIM ejector tool. Dust-proof it gently and insert it back in the tray. Turn the iPhone back ON and check if your issue was fixed.

Fix #4: Replace SIM Card

iPhone 12 mini uses a SIM card to help communicate with service provider cell towers. The most common cause of poor or no reception on an iPhone 12 mini is a defective SIM card. Visit your local service provider and request a new SIM card. A SIM card replacement is provided at no charge when you visit an official corporate retailer, while some non-corporate authorized retailers may charge for the service.

Fix #5: Disable 5G

The iPhone 12 mini antenna issue could be caused by the new 5G functionality. You can attempt to turn of 5G and see if this helps. Please follow these steps:
Open the Settings app and tap on Cellular. Tap on Cellular Data Options. Open Voice & Data and select LTE instead of the ‘5G Auto’ default.

5G+: A higher-frequency 5G status-bar icon.  

setting.

Fix #6: Disable Data Roaming

Turning off Data Roaming can fix iPhone 12 mini antenna problems. Please follow these steps:
Launch the Settings app and go to Cellular > Cellular Data Options. Use the toggle next to Data Roaming to disable it.

Fix #7: Check For Software Update

Make sure that your iPhone has the latest version of iOS. Please follow these steps:
Go to settings > general > Software Update.

Fix #8: Manual Network Selection

If you’re still facing iPhone 12 mini antenna issues, switch for manual network selection and disable 5G Auto. Please follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to Settings > Cellular > Network Selection > Automatic (disable it!) > Manually select your carrier from the list!.

Step 2: Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data > Select 5G On instead of 5G Auto

5G U/W: A higher-frequency 5G status-bar icon.  

Fix #9: Reset Network Settings

Many issues with service and connectivity are linked to software malfunctions. A simple reset of your iPhone 12 mini network settings can rectify most of these glitches. Please follow these steps:
Open the Settings app and go to “General,” select “Reset” and then tap “Reset Network Settings.”

Fix #10: Factory Data Reset

Factory resetting your device will resolve any issues you are experiencing with your iPhone 12 mini antenna that are not directly related to physically defective components of the phone. Before doing this, make sure you back up your iPhone through iTunes or iCloud. Please follow these steps:
Open the Settings app, go to “General” and then “Reset.” Choose “Erase all Content and Settings.” You can also factory reset the device by plugging it into iTunes and choosing the “Restore” option.

Fix #11: Physical Troubleshooting

It is highly advisable that any physical troubleshooting on your iPhone be done by an authorized Apple technician. Remember, since your iPhone 12 mini is less than one year old, you may be entitled to a free repair or replacement through Apple if you don’t void the warranty first.

If you choose to do physical work on your iPhone yourself, you will need to purchase a special toolkit — available on most online retailers (links in Resources) — and remove the backing from your iPhone. With the iPhone open, locate the antenna wrapped around the top and sides of the device and inspect it for any cracks or corrosion. You can purchase a replacement antenna and install it to replace the defective unit.

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GeeksModo Staff is a team of iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch experts led by Moses Johnson. We're passionate about all things Apple!
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