[TribeLeader]

We recently updated my wife's iPad 2 to iOS 8.1.1 (from 7.1.2) (via connection to iTunes). Since then, she's had no cell service (Verizon). Upper left corner just says, "Searching..." Apparently, this is fairly common with iOS 8, though my iPad 2 updated with no problems.

I've searched extensively and have tried all of the typical troubleshooting tips from Apple and elsewhere (short of a complete restoration via iTunes). Is this something we can expect (hope!) to be fixed in an upcoming update?

Any advice?

Thanks!

[ibook_steve]

Ouch. Maybe you can detail what you've tried so far so we don't repeat what you've already tried, i.e. power cycling, force rebooting, settings toggles, etc.

Steve

[TribeLeader]

Ah yes, the Apple Support page I referred to is here. So far, I've tried ...

Toggle airplane mode
Restart iPad
Check for a Carrier Settings Update
Reset network settings

Thanks!

[ghporter]

Have you spoken with Verizon about this? I wonder if it's really a network (or SIM card/configuration) problem instead of an iPad problem.

[TribeLeader]

I haven't, but I suppose it's worth a try. It just seemed fairly common based on reports at Apple Discussions. However, with the other problem she's having, which I posted here, something is clearly going on that's not right.

[TribeLeader]

Okay, I finally did some checking with Verizon and they suggest restoring the device through iTunes.

I've read Apple's instructions, but it sends you to another page with info about restoring from backup. I want to make sure I do everything properly not lose anything. Anything I need to be aware of?

Thanks!

[ghporter]

Just do a full backup before you do anything else. Is Verizon talking about a "full restore" (i.e. to factory condition), or just restoring a recent backup? Were they clear on this?

[TribeLeader]

They pointed me to the Apple Support page, Use iTunes to restore your iOS device to factory settings but said to be sure to do a backup beforehand so as not to lose any info.

Thanks!

[ghporter]

That's what I thought they meant. Don't be impatient with this...it could take a while, first to restore to factory, then to restore your backup.

[TribeLeader]

THANKS for all of the help!

I finally got around to working on this and after restoring as new, then restoring the backup, cellular service has returned. And, very early on, battery usage seems to be pretty normal, so far.

I did encounter a couple of error messages along the way (couldn't sync photos when I connected iPad before backing up) and when I clicked "Restore iPad" it couldn't connect to the server). But I was able to find solutions via Google, and eventually got it all done in around 2-3 hoursI believe. All in all, it wasn't too bad, though.

Thanks again!