
When it's off, the cellular radio is turned off, and you can't connect to a cellular network. If you select the Network icon in the taskbar and the Cellular quick setting is turned off, select it to turn it on. If necessary, check the info that might have come with your Windows device, SIM card, or cellular device for more info about what settings to use.

If prompted, type your user name, password, and the access point name (APN). If Let Windows keep me connected is turned on, you'll get connected to cellular data automatically when you're not connected to another type of network, such as Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Often, you’ll see the name of your mobile operator under the Cellular quick setting.

Select the Network icon on the lower right corner of the taskbar, and then select Manage Cellular connections ( >) for the Cellular quick setting. For more info, see Use an eSIM to get a cellular data connection on your Windows PC.

Insert your SIM card into your PC or make sure you already have an eSIM profile installed. Connect to a cellular data network for the first time Either way, you must have a data plan from a mobile operator to connect. If your Windows 11 device doesn’t have a SIM card or eSIM, you can still connect to a cellular network by plugging in an external cellular device (also called a cellular modem or mobile broadband device).
