Wi-Fi’s invisible nature often makes it a mysterious and unpredictable companion: strong and steady one minute, elusive the next. If you’re dealing with Wi-Fi not working on your iPhone, we have you covered. This article breaks down why this happens and how to fix it so that you can get back online without the headache. Let’s tackle those Wi-Fi woes together!
Common Signs of Wi-Fi Not Working Correctly
Recognizing the telltale signs of Wi-Fi not working correctly on your iPhone is the first step to fixing this annoying problem. Here’s what to look for:
- Unstable connection: if your Wi-Fi keeps dropping, or you’re experiencing a rollercoaster of speed – blazing fast one moment and snail-paced the next – chances are your Wi-Fi connection is unstable.
- Inability to connect: you try to connect, but your iPhone just won’t latch onto the Wi-Fi network. Or, maybe it connects but with a weak signal, despite being close to the router.
- Wi-Fi icon is nowhere to be found: when your iPhone is connected to a Wi-Fi network, there should be a Wi-Fi icon in the top-right corner. If you can’t see it, then something isn’t right.
- Slow Internet speed: Even when connected, your Internet speed may crawl at a painfully slow pace. This lag can disrupt streaming, browsing, and even simple tasks, like sending an email.
- You’re asked to enter your password over and over again: frequent prompts to re-enter your Wi-Fi password are a sign of a network issue that prevents your iPhone from being authenticated correctly.
Regardless of how exactly your Wi-Fi issues manifest, their causes are almost always the same. Next, we’ll take a look at how to address them.
How to Fix Wi-Fi Not Working on iPhone
Now that we’ve pinpointed the common signs of a Wi-Fi hiccup on your iPhone, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and take a look at the fixes. We recommend you start from the top, and work your way down – often, the simplest fix does the trick!
Tip: make sure your iPhone has all the latest updates installed. Software updates often include fixes for known bugs, including Wi-Fi issues. To check for updates, go to Settings -> General -> Software Update. After updating, give your iPhone a fresh start by restarting it.
1. Turn Off Airplane Mode
Sometimes, the solution to Wi-Fi troubles on your iPhone is as simple as ensuring Airplane Mode is turned off. When Airplane Mode is activated, it disables all wireless connections, including Wi-Fi. To check whether it’s on, open the Settings app and look for the Airplane Mode option near the top.
Make sure the toggle is in the off position. If it isn’t, then tap on it, and wait a short while for your iPhone’s network connectivity to spring back to life.
2. Turn On Wi-Fi Connectivity
The next step is to check whether your iPhone’s Wi-Fi is actually turned on. It may sound obvious, but sometimes the simplest solutions can be overlooked. There are times when Wi-Fi may be accidentally switched off, either through a previous setting change or a software glitch.
To turn on Wi-Fi, head to the Settings app on your iPhone. Look for the Wi-Fi section, and tap on it. You’ll see a toggle next to Wi-Fi; make sure it’s in the on position.
Once you’ve turned the toggle on, your iPhone will start searching for available networks, and you can reconnect to your preferred Wi-Fi network.
3. Reconnect to Your Network
If your Wi-Fi is active but still not functioning as it should, the next step is to try reconnecting to your network. This can help refresh the connection and resolve any minor glitches that may be causing the issue.
To reconnect, go to the Settings app, and select Wi-Fi to see a list of available networks. Tap on your network. If your iPhone is already connected to it, tap Forget This Network to remove it from your device’s memory.
Don’t worry, you can reconnect right away. Once you’ve forgotten the network, find it again in the list, and tap on it to reconnect. You’ll be prompted to enter the network’s password.
4. Remove Your iPhone Case
Believe it or not, your iPhone case could be responsible for Wi-Fi not working well on your device. Why? Because all cases block radio frequency (RF) signals, which include Wi-Fi signals, to some extent.
Metal cases are especially notorious for this. They can significantly weaken the Wi-Fi signal by creating a sort of shield around your iPhone, which hinders the wireless signal’s ability to penetrate. This shielding effect can lead to slower Internet speeds, poor connectivity, and in some cases, prevent your iPhone from connecting to a Wi-Fi network altogether.
The fix is simple: remove your iPhone from its metal case and try connecting to the Wi-Fi network again. If you still want to protect your device, we recommend using a case made of plastic, silicone, or some other non-metallic material.
5. Reset Your Network Settings
If the above steps haven’t solved the issue, it’s time to consider resetting your network settings. This will erase all previously saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth connections, and other network preferences. If there are any configuration problems, they will be cleared out.
To reset your network settings, navigate to the Settings app on your iPhone. Scroll down and tap on General. From there, select Transfer or Reset iPhone, then Reset. A pop-up menu will appear, and you’ll see an option labeled Reset Network Settings – this is the one you want.
Tap on it, and you may be asked to enter your passcode. Once confirmed, your iPhone will take a moment to reset all network settings.
6. Restart Your Wi-Fi Router
The issue with Wi-Fi not working on your iPhone may not be the phone; it could be the Wi-Fi router. Just like our smartphones, routers can get overwhelmed and need a reboot.
First, turn the power button or switch off on your router, then unplug it from the power source. (If there’s no power switch, you can just unplug it.) Wait for about a minute. This pause allows the router to shut down and reset completely. After the minute has passed, plug the router back in and turn it on. It may take a short while for the router to boot up and start broadcasting the Wi-Fi signal again.
Once your router is back up and running, give your iPhone a moment to reconnect to the network. If it doesn’t automatically reconnect, go back to your iPhone’s Wi-Fi settings, and select your network to connect manually.
7. Improve Wi-Fi Signal Strength
Even after trying all these fixes, if your iPhone’s Wi-Fi is still patchy, it may be time to look at the strength of your Wi-Fi signal. A weak signal can lead to many of the issues we’ve covered.
Checking your Wi-Fi signal strength on an iPhone is straightforward. Simply look at the Wi-Fi icon in the top-right corner of your screen. The more filled-in bars you see, the stronger your signal. However, for a more detailed analysis, consider using an app like NetSpot. Available on the App Store, NetSpot is a Wi-Fi heat mapping tool that visualizes your Wi-Fi coverage on a map, helping you pinpoint areas with weak signals.
To actually boost your weak Wi-Fi signal, you can do the following:
- Place your router in a central location in your home, away from walls and obstructions.
- Keep your router away from devices that can cause interference, like microwaves and cordless phones.
- Check the manufacturer’s website for firmware updates to ensure your router is running at its best.
- If your home has areas where the Wi-Fi signal is consistently weak, purchase and install a Wi-Fi extender.
- Change the channel on your router to reduce interference from other nearby networks.
By following these tips, you should see a noticeable improvement in your Wi-Fi signal strength, leading to a more reliable and faster connection on your iPhone.
Wi-Fi Works on Other Devices, But Not on Your iPhone
If you’ve noticed that Wi-Fi works fine on other devices but not on your iPhone, then you may be dealing with a hardware issue, such as a problem with your iPhone’s Wi-Fi antenna or other internal components related to wireless connectivity. These components can be affected by physical damage, such as a drop or liquid exposure, or they can malfunction due to manufacturing defects.
In such cases, the best course of action is to seek professional assistance. Take your iPhone to a local Apple Store or an authorized Apple service provider. They have the necessary tools and expertise to diagnose hardware issues accurately. It’s also a good idea to check whether your device is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+. This could potentially save you from incurring high repair costs.
In conclusion, dealing with Wi-Fi not working on your iPhone can be daunting, but with these troubleshooting steps, you’re well-equipped to tackle this problem. If you’re considering upgrading your home network for even better performance, exploring the best Wi-Fi 6 Routers could be your next step. Wi-Fi 6 offers faster speeds, increased capacity, and better performance when it’s handling many connected devices.
Image credit: DALL·E 3. All screenshots by David Morelo.
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