Why can’t I access Google on mobile internet, even though it works fine on WiFi?
I’m having an issue where I can’t access Google.com and Google services when using mobile internet. However, when I switch to WiFi, everything works correctly.
What I’ve already tried:
- Resetting network settings
- Replacing the SIM card
- Contacting my mobile provider’s technical support (t2) - they confirmed there are no restrictions
- Resetting Google Services and Play Services
- Checking all phone settings
The problem persists only when using mobile internet. Interestingly, when I enable a VPN on mobile internet, everything starts working normally.
Has anyone had a similar issue and how did you resolve it? I’d appreciate any ideas and suggestions. My friends don’t experience this problem.
Mobile Internet Access Issues with Google Services
Access to Google and Google services on mobile internet may be unavailable due to DNS issues, mobile operator network settings, or domain-level restrictions. VPN solves this problem because it bypasses network restrictions and changes traffic routing, allowing connection to Google servers through other networks.
Table of Contents
- Main Reasons for the Problem
- DNS Solutions
- VPN Settings as a Temporary Solution
- Additional Troubleshooting Methods
- Checking Carrier Settings
- System Resets
Main Reasons for the Problem
The issue with accessing Google only on mobile internet can occur for several reasons:
-
DNS Issues: Your mobile operator uses DNS servers that block or slowly resolve Google domains. On Wi-Fi, you use the router’s DNS or Google Public DNS.
-
Network Restrictions: Mobile operators may apply special filters or restrictions for Google traffic on mobile networks, but not on Wi-Fi.
-
Private DNS Issues: The enabled Private DNS mode in Android may conflict with Google services.
-
APN Configuration: Incorrect Access Point Name (APN) settings may block access to certain domains.
It’s interesting that you discovered that VPN solves the problem. This confirms that the issue is specifically with your mobile operator’s network restrictions or routing.
DNS Solutions
Manual DNS Change
The most effective way to solve the problem is to change DNS servers to Google Public DNS:
- Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi (select your network) → Advanced
- Find the IP settings section
- Change from DHCP to Static
- Enter:
- DNS 1:
8.8.8.8 - DNS 2:
8.8.4.4
- DNS 1:
- Save settings
Note: This method works for Wi-Fi. For mobile internet, you’ll need an app to change DNS.
Using Private DNS
Modern versions of Android have a built-in Private DNS feature:
- Settings → Network & Internet → Advanced → Private DNS
- Select Private DNS provider hostname
- Enter:
dns.google - Tap Save
This feature encrypts DNS requests and can solve the issue with blocked Google services.
VPN Settings as a Temporary Solution
You’ve already discovered that VPN solves the problem. This is because:
- VPN bypasses network restrictions: Traffic is redirected through VPN servers, bypassing mobile operator restrictions
- Changes routing: VPN creates a tunnel through which traffic goes directly to Google servers
- Changes IP address: VPN assigns you an IP address from another network where there are no restrictions
VPN Solution Options:
- Google One VPN (if you have a subscription)
- Free VPN apps (for example, ProtonVPN, Windscribe)
- Manual VPN setup via WireGuard or OpenVPN
Important: Free VPNs may have speed and data usage limitations. For permanent use, it’s better to choose a paid service.
Additional Troubleshooting Methods
Checking Firewall Apps
Make sure you don’t have firewall apps installed that block Google access:
- Check for apps like NetGuard, AFWall+ or other firewalls
- If found, add exceptions for Google services
- Or temporarily disable the firewall for testing
Clearing Cache and Data for Google Services
You’ve already tried resetting Google services, but you can do it more thoroughly:
-
Settings → Apps → Google Play Store
- Storage → Clear cache
- Storage → Delete data
-
Settings → Apps → Google Play Services
- Storage → Clear cache
- Storage → Delete data
-
Settings → Apps → Google Settings
- Storage → Clear cache
- Storage → Delete data
Checking Date and Time
Incorrect date and time can cause issues with Google SSL certificates:
- Settings → System → Date & time
- Make sure Automatic date & time is enabled
- Check Automatic time zone
Checking Carrier Settings
Since you’ve already contacted t2 technical support but the issue persists, try a more thorough check:
Checking APN Settings
- Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile network → Access Point Names
- Check settings for your t2 operator
- Try creating a new APN with these settings:
- Name:
t2-internet - APN:
internet.t2.ru - Proxy: Not specified
- Port: Not specified
- Username: Not specified
- Password: Not specified
- Server: Not specified
- MMSC: Not specified
- MMS proxy: Not specified
- MMS port: Not specified
- MCC:
250 - MNC:
01 - Authentication type:
PAP - APN type:
default,supl,mms - APN protocol:
IPv4 - APN roaming protocol:
IPv4
- Name:
Updating Firmware
Make sure you have the latest firmware version installed on your device:
- Settings → About phone → System updates
- Check for available updates
- Install all available updates
System Resets
You’ve already tried resetting settings, but you can try a more targeted approach:
Network Settings Reset Without Data Deletion
- Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settings
- Confirm the action
- Restart your device
- Set up Wi-Fi and mobile network again
Resetting Phone App Settings
Sometimes the issue may be in the network management app itself:
- Settings → Apps → All apps
- Find the Phone app
- Storage → Clear cache
- Storage → Delete data
- Restart your device
Conclusion
The issue with accessing Google only on mobile internet is quite common and usually caused by your mobile operator’s network restrictions or DNS problems.
Main Conclusions:
- VPN solves the problem because it bypasses operator network restrictions
- Setting up Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8) is the most effective solution
- The issue may be related to APN settings or specific t2 network restrictions
- In most cases, the problem is solved by changing DNS or using VPN
Recommended Actions:
- First try changing DNS to Google Public DNS for mobile internet
- If that doesn’t help, use VPN as a permanent solution
- Contact t2 technical support with information that Google services don’t work on the mobile network but work on Wi-Fi and through VPN
This is not a problem with your device, but rather a characteristic of how the mobile operator’s network works with Google services.
Sources
- How to fix internet connection issues on Android devices - Google Play Help
- Can’t sign in to Google accounts via mobile internet, only works through wi-fi - Google Play Forum
- Why Google Play (Android) doesn’t see internet via Wi-Fi but sees it via GSM data transfer? — Habr Q&A
- No internet connection in Google Play: why and what to do
- YouTube and Google Play not working on Android via Wi-Fi. No internet connection, or check network connection
- How to use Google DNS and OpenDNS on Android and iPhone
- How to Change DNS Server on Android
- How to Change DNS Server on Android | Gadgets 360
- Change DNS for mobile data without using an app - Android Enthusiasts Stack Exchange
- Google VPN causing issues | Android Central Forum