Show Getting the most out of your iPhone or other iOS device means being able to connect to Wi-Fi easily. While your device can usually hop onto trusted Wi-Fi networks automatically, sometimes your connection breaks. Troubleshooting connection problems can seem daunting at first, but our guide will walk you through how to diagnose and fix problems with connecting to a wireless network on your iPhone or iPad.
The most common reasons why your iPad or iPhone won’t connect to Wi-Fi include a poor connection signal, an incorrect Wi-Fi password, your Wi-Fi or mobile data settings, restricted network settings, or even a bulky phone case. A weak Wi-Fi connection can also mean you need to increase your internet speed. Here are some of the most common reasons you might be unable to connect to Wi-Fi:
Below we’ll discuss how to solve your Wi-Fi connection issues on iPhone or iPad. Many of these tips can help you fix a poor Wi-Fi connection on Android, too. How to fix an iPhone or iPad that's not connecting to Wi-FiIf your iPhone or iPad can’t connect to Wi-Fi, there are several ways to fix it — from simply restarting your iOS device or router to resetting your iPhone completely. Here are the best ways to fix Wi-Fi connection problems with an iPhone or iPad: Restart your iPhone/iPadThe quickest and easiest fix for a Wi-Fi connection issue is usually to restart your iPhone or iPad. Restarting your iOS device reboots apps and helps clean up your iPhone and fix issues that might be disrupting your internet connection like corrupt network data. Here’s how to restart your iPhone:
These steps apply to phones with Face ID (iPhone X, 11, 12, or 13). Check out this Apple Support page for more detailed instructions about rebooting other iPhone models. Here’s how to restart your iPad:
These steps apply to phones with no Home button. To restart an iPad with a Home button, check out this Apple Support page. Check to see if your Wi-Fi is turned onWhen troubleshooting Wi-Fi connection issues on your iPhone or iPad, check that your Wi-Fi is switched on:
Check for network connection issuesIf your phone detects a problem when you try to connect to a network, the issue will often show up under the Wi-Fi network's name with the alert No Internet Connection. For detailed information about the issue, tap the Wi-Fi network name. Check your routerAre you having problems with a specific Wi-Fi network or all networks? If you’re having trouble connecting to Wi-Fi at home, your router might be the reason. To check your router’s connection, connect to the Wi-Fi network using a different device. If that other device can't get online, the reason your iPhone or iPad can't connect is likely due to your network connection (your router). Check that all your cables are plugged in and connected, and then restart your router by turning it off for several seconds and turning it back on. If you still can’t get online, you may need to reset your router. Check your iPhone settingsProblems with general Wi-Fi connection or joining a new Wi-Fi network are commonly caused by an issue with your device settings. Here are some common settings to check when trying to connect to Wi-Fi. Turn off Airplane ModeAirplane Mode automatically disables all your network connections — including your Wi-Fi — which prevents you from connecting to any Wi-Fi network. If you recently traveled, went to a movie, or otherwise needed to quiet your phone, Airplane mode might still be turned on. Here’s how to check Airplane Mode settings on your iPhone or iPad:
Even if Airplane Mode is already disabled, turning it on and switching it back off again may fix your Wi-Fi connection issue. Sometimes, it can even help speed up your iOS internet connection. Forget your Wi-Fi networkAnother way to fix connectivity issues is forgetting the Wi-Fi network you're trying to connect to. When you join a network for the first time, your iPhone or iPad remembers information about it, including specific connection information. If something changes — such as password protection — that could keep you from getting online. Here’s how to forget a Wi-Fi network on your iPhone or iPad:
Limit parental controlsSettings for content, privacy, and screen time can also affect internet browsing. These settings are often used as parental controls on an iPhone to help restrict specific apps and features on a child's device. If you previously tested these controls or inherited an old device with these settings turned on, they might be blocking apps or websites. Here’s how to check Content & Privacy Restrictions on your iPhone or iPad:
Reset your iPhone’s default settingsTo fix your Wi-Fi connection issues, you may have to reset your iPhone or iPad back to its default factory settings. Reset Location Services on iOSWhile useful, Wi-Fi networking location settings might also be the reason your iPad or iPhone isn’t connecting to Wi-Fi. Turning Location Services off can help resolve connection issues. Here’s how to turn off Wi-Fi networking Location Services on your iOS device:
Your iPhone or iPad uses Location Services to let apps and websites know where you are, which helps if you need directions or want local information. Learn more about how Google uses your data. Reset Network Settings on iOSHere’s how to reset network settings on your iPhone or iPad:
Note that resetting your device’s network settings clears all configured Wi-Fi networks, passwords, cellular settings, and VPN and APN settings. But it helps eliminate corrupted Wi-Fi settings or network configurations and can get your broken W-Fi working again. Reset your iOS device to factory settingsAs a last resort to fix your Wi-Fi, you may need to perform a factory reset. This involves deleting everything from your iOS device, including contacts, photos, personal information, and customized settings, and returning your iPhone or iPad to its original factory settings. Before proceeding, back up your data. Since you don’t have access to Wi-Fi, you’ll need to use iTunes to back up your files on your computer. Here’s how to reset your iPhone or iPad back to its factory settings:
Once your device is reset, you can set it up as a new device or restore it using your backup. Restoring is generally more convenient, because you get back all your settings, apps, contacts, and so on. But, it may also restore the same issue that stopped you from connecting to Wi-Fi to begin with. Check for iOS updatesWhile iOS updates may not resolve Wi-Fi connection issues completely, Apple provides regular updates for problems that might stop your iOS device from connecting to Wi-Fi. Plus, system updates include critical security patches that help prevent malware and increase your device’s cybersecurity protection. And if you have antivirus software, you’ll avoid cybersecurity threats in the first place, which is far easier than removing ransomware or getting rid of iPhone malware. To turn on automatic updates in iOS, go to Settings > General > Software Updates. Then tap Automatic Updates to adjust your settings. Contact Apple for further supportIf none of the solutions above have helped fix your Wi-Fi on your iOS device, you may have hardware failure. In that case, contact Apple Support to help diagnose and resolve the problem. Protect your Wi-Fi with AvastWhether you’re connecting to a public Wi-Fi network or browsing at home, a comprehensive security and privacy app will ensure your connection stays private and your data protected. Avast One features a built-in VPN to encrypt your entire internet connection and make sure you browse securely. Avast One protects your wireless connection, whether you’re on your home network or using public Wi-Fi at a cafe. It’ll block hackers, make sure the websites you visit are safe, and troubleshoot performance issues with your device. Don’t let security problems disrupt your Wi-Fi connection — get Avast One today. |