Updated on November 8, 2026.
Leave mobile network selection on Automatic for everyday use. Your phone can then register with your carrier or a roaming network your SIM is allowed to use. Choose a network manually when your carrier asks you to try a specific roaming partner, or when you need to troubleshoot which network the phone is using.
When to use automatic or manual selection
| Situation | What to try | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Using your phone as usual | Automatic | The phone can look for an allowed network when you move or lose coverage. |
| Roaming and the current network won’t work | Manually select a partner your carrier names | You can test that specific network if your plan allows it. |
| Near a border and the phone keeps roaming | Manually select your home carrier if it still has coverage | The phone will try the chosen operator until you change the setting or return to Automatic. |
Automatic selection follows your SIM and carrier’s network rules. The strongest signal you can see may belong to a network your SIM cannot use. Manual selection can leave you without service when you move out of the chosen network’s coverage.
Choose a network manually on iPhone
- Open Settings > Cellular or Mobile Service. If you have more than one line, select the line you want to change when prompted.
- Open Network Selection and turn off Automatic.
- Wait for the list, tap the operator you want, and check whether your phone connects.
Turn Automatic back on when you finish. The menu may depend on your carrier and line. See AT&T’s iPhone network selection steps.
Choose a network manually on Android
- Samsung Galaxy. Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network operators. Turn off Select automatically and pick an operator from the list. See Samsung’s network troubleshooting steps.
- Google Pixel. Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs and choose the SIM. Turn off Automatically select network if the option appears. See AT&T’s Pixel menu example.
On other Android phones, search Settings for Network operators or Automatically select network. If the option is missing or the operator rejects the connection, check the supported roaming partners with your carrier.
Network selection, data roaming, and 5G are separate
Network selection chooses the operator. A setting such as 5G Auto or Preferred network type chooses which connection technologies the phone may use. Data Roaming controls whether the line can use mobile data on a roaming network. Choosing a carrier manually does not change your plan or roaming rates.
If you’re traveling and want directions before you sort out your connection, see how to save an area in Google Maps for offline use.
Frequently asked questions
What does automatic network selection mean?
Your phone chooses an available operator your SIM is allowed to use, following the carrier’s rules. It can switch when coverage or availability changes.
Why can I see a network but can’t connect to it?
A scan can show networks your SIM cannot register with. Check your carrier’s supported partners and turn Automatic back on if the chosen network fails.
Will manual selection give me faster data?
It can help you test an allowed operator. Speed still depends on coverage, congestion, your phone, and your plan.
Can I avoid roaming charges by choosing a network manually?
Manual selection may help you stay on your home network while it is available. Check the network name and your plan. Your carrier sets the charges, and Data Roaming is a separate setting.