A method for synchronizing evolved packet system (EPS) bearer context status between a user equipment (UE) and a network can include locally deactivating an EPS bearer context of a packet data network (PDN) connection at the UE while the UE operates in S1 mode without notifying the network serving the UE, wherein interworking to a fifth generation system (5GS) is supported for the deactivated EPS bearer context, and upon inter-system change from S1 mode to N1 mode, including an EPS bearer context status information element (IE) in a registration request message indicating which EPS bearer contexts are active in the UE before the inter-system change.