A method for resetting a non-responsive mobile unit then-currently occupying a cellular traffic channel of a wireless network is disclosed herein. The method involves recognizing, at an external entity, that the mobile unit is in a non-responsive state that is occupying a voice channel of the cellular traffic channel, and establishing a wireless data connection between the mobile unit and an external entity over the cellular traffic channel. A data message is transmitted to the mobile unit from the external entity, where the data message includes at least a command to reset the mobile unit. In response to receiving the data message, the method further involves resetting the mobile unit via a protocol initiated by a processor associated with the mobile unit.