PDP Authentication Failure – What Is It and How to Fix It?

If you are an Apple iPhone user, you should be on your toes when it comes to understanding the terminology, iOS features, and notifications. PDP authentication failure is one of the common errors, which means that there is an issue connecting to the cellular network of the device; hence, immediate action is required.

This blog will give you a fair idea about PDP authentication failure. You will get to know –

• What is PDP Authentication Failure?
• Importance of PDP Authentication.
• Causes of PDP authentication failure
• Different ways to fix it!

So, let’s get going…

What Does PDP Authentication Failure Mean?

In simple terms, PDP or Packet Data Protocol is a protocol used to transmit data between the cellular network and mobile devices. Whenever you want to use data, your mobile device sends a request or PDP context to establish a connection with the cellular network provider. When there is an issue in connecting to the web services, you will receive a notification of PDP authentication failure!

Many people face issues connecting to their cellular network while using eSIMs; the error signifies that the configuration to connect automatically to your cellular data has not been done correctly. Hence, immediate action is required.

Fact Check: When PDP authentication failure occurs, you will not be able to use your device’s internet for some time.

The error is standard in iPhones and iPads, etc., and can happen if you travel abroad or use an eSIM. The good news is that eSIM PDP authentication errors can be solved easily by troubleshooting or getting assistance from your service provider.

There are various reasons for PDP authentication failure iPhones, like

• Filling in incorrect login credentials
• Network configuration of the device
• Error in the SIM card, or
• Running out of cellular data

Why Is PDP Authentication Important in Mobile Networking?

If you are trying to connect to the internet using a mobile network connection, it is imperative to have PDP authentication. The process involves sending a PDP context to the network provider from the device; when everything is smooth, the device receives PDP authentication, and you are connected to the cellular network.

Fact Check: A pop-up message will notify you about the PDP authentication failure so that you can act immediately and get an internet connection on your phone.

In case you are notified about PDP authentication failure, you need to find out the root cause of the issue and resolve it immediately so that you can establish an internet connection and go ahead with your work.

What are the Common Causes of PDP Authentication Failure?

There are several factors that contribute to PDP authentication failure. To find a solution, it is essential to understand the causes in detail. So here we go:

SIM Card Issues

A faulty or improperly inserted SIM card can cause PDP authentication failure. Remember that the SIM card contains the necessary information to verify the identity of the device and help connect you to the desired network operator. If the SIM card is not inserted correctly or is faulty, there is a high chance that you’ll encounter this error.

Wrong Login Credentials Used

If the user is using the wrong login credentials, he is likely to encounter this error. Usually, this sort of issue arises because the network operators term fake login credentials as suspicious activity and block any network-related activity for an account. It is advisable to only use the correct login credentials to experience smooth networking.

When you use a wrong login ID or password, you may get an error as the device wouldn’t get connected to the mobile network. Therefore, the first thing to check after getting a PDP authentication failure iPhone is to confirm your login ID and password.

Network Congestion

If you are out of the coverage area or have a poor network connection to your router, you are bound to get a PDP authentication error. The remedy is to check if you are in the network area and opt for a cellular network provider that promises the most comprehensive network coverage. Talk Home is one of the leading names in the UK telecom market, as it promises the best coverage with superfast data. With more than 200 million+ satisfied customers across the globe, the company has successfully made 220 million connections every year across 200 countries!

Check Talk Home Monthly Plans and Pay As You Go plans.

Problem with the Mobile Device

Due to a glitch on the phone or hardware issues, you can experience PDP authentication failure. For this, you must get in touch with professionals who have technical expertise and help you resolve this issue.  Whether there is a problem matching the frequency band or any issues with the hardware, once the problem is solved, you’ll be able to use the cellular services anytime, anywhere.

Infrastructure/Network Issues

While some network providers are limited to specific locations, Talk Home is spread across the country, promising the widest network coverage. If you are facing PDP authentication issues, find out if your carrier is available in your location, what are the network issues, and are the other customers satisfied.

Fact Check: PDP authentication can also happen if there is an issue with eSIM.

If you feel that you are facing authentication issues too frequently, it’s time to change your cellular network.

Talk Home 5G plans promise seamless data with unlimited calls and messages; with their Monthly and Pay As you Go plans, you can get away with the hassle of call drops and interrupted calling and enjoy a smooth calling experience even while roaming!

How to Fix PDP Authentication Failure on iPhone?

Now that you know there are various causes of PDP authentication failure, it is also understood that you have to take action immediately! For this, follow these simple steps-

• Toggle your iPhone to ‘Airplane Mode’.
• Wait for five to ten seconds and turn off the ‘Airplane Mode’.
• Turn off and reboot the iPhone.
• Go to the ‘Settings’.
• Select ‘General’, choose ‘Reset’, and tap on ‘Reset Network Settings’.
• Here you can check your network settings and change them if you want.

You can also check and verify if the login credentials and passwords are correct. Also, in some cases, eSIMs don’t work properly and cause authentication issues. You need to check all this and contact your network provider immediately.

How to Fix PDP Authentication Failure on iPad?

Just like an iPhone, your iPad can also receive a PDP authentication error. However, the procedure to fix it remains the same. Here are the steps you need to follow –

• Put your iPad in ‘Airplane mode’.
• Wait for a few seconds, restart your iPad, and go to ‘Settings’.
• Choose ‘General’, now go to ‘Reset’, and tap on ‘Reset Network Settings

Here you can change/reset your network settings and check if the problem persists. If it does, it is time to contact your network provider.

How to Fix PDP Authentication Failure on an Android?

Check the SIM Card

In the case of a smartphone, you need to check whether the eSIM is working properly or not as a broken SIM or the one not installed properly can cause the authentication error. For this, verify if the SIM has been installed properly. After this, complete the activation process and go ahead.

Reboot Wi-Fi Router

Apart from this, you can reboot your Wi-Fi router. For this, unplug the router, wait for a few minutes, and plug it in again. By doing this, you can easily connect to the cellular network and check the connection once again to see if it starts working or not.

Switch Network from DHCP to Static

Choose a static network connection rather than allowing your device to connect to the readily available network. You can do this by following these simple steps-

• Go to ‘Settings’ and open ‘Wi-Fi’.
• Tap and hold the ‘Network’ and select ‘Modify this Network’/ ‘Advanced’.
• Select ‘DHCP’.
• Open ‘DHCP’ and choose ‘Static’.
• Now ‘Save’ the changes.

Reset Network Settings

This is one of the most effective options to counteract PDP authentication failure. You can reset your network settings and sort out this issue. For this –

• Go to ‘Settings’.
• Go to ‘Reset’.
• Choose ‘Reset Network Settings’.
• Tap ‘Reset Network’.

It is recommended to try all the above-mentioned quick fixes beforehand before getting in touch with your mobile network providers.

Conclusion

PDP authentication failure is a common problem among iPhone and Android users. The leading cause of this issue is that the device is unable to connect to the cellular network. To make the most of your phone, a seamless, superfast internet connection is a must! Hence, it is imperative to solve this error as soon as you get to know about it. However, before going ahead, you should know about the main reason that causes PDP authentication failure on iPhone and Android phones.

The main reasons include wrong login credentials, errors in the SIM card, issues with the mobile device, network congestion, infrastructure issues, or if you run out of cellular data. Due to all these reasons, you may face eSIM PDP authentication failure. However, you can fix all these issues easily in some simple steps. Whether you have an iPad, iPhone, or a smartphone, fixing this error is a cakewalk once you’ve understood the different reasons for the error.

In the case of an iPhone, you can switch off the airplane mode and reboot the iPhone. Go to the settings and reset the network settings as per your choice. You can also fix this error on an iPad in a similar way. However, if you are an Android user, you can keep in mind certain factors like checking the SIM card, rebooting the Wi-Fi router, switching network from DHCP to static, and resetting network settings.

All these options are a great way to counteract the PDP authentication issue. In case you tried and tested everything and nothing works, it is time to contact your service provider and get it done!