iPhone Keeps Disconnecting from Wi-Fi? Here’s What You Can Do
If your iPhone keeps disconnecting from a Wi-Fi network, the issue might lie in the software or the backend. Perhaps there’s a problem with your router configuration, or you might be out of the signal range. The issue can also be rooted more deeply if the hardware components are faulty and eventually need replacement.
Note: The procedures outlined in this article may not apply universally across all iPhone models and iOS versions. Due to variations in hardware and software interfaces, the location and naming of certain settings may differ slightly. Please refer to your specific device’s user guide for additional assistance.
1) Make Sure You’re Within Network Range
Ensure you’re within network range when connected to the Wi-Fi network. Check the signal strength indicator on your iPhone. If you’re out of range, the connection will frequently drop out.
To verify you’re within network range, move closer to the Wi-Fi router and use the device for some time. If it stays connected without disconnections, there’s a good chance that your current setting has a weak signal, leading to consistent dropouts.
2) Check if Airplane Mode is Enabled
If Airplane Mode is enabled on your device, your iPhone will block all connections. This means you won’t be able to connect to any wireless or cellular networks. Any app or service requiring an active internet connection will not function properly.
To check if Airplane mode is enabled on your iPhone:
- Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open the Control Center.
- Look for the Airplane Mode icon. It looks like an airplane.
- If the icon is blue, Airplane Mode is enabled. If the icon is gray, it’s disabled.
3) Verify If You’re Connected to the Correct Wi-Fi Network
Sometimes, you may have saved passwords from previously connected networks, which may automatically connect your phone to a different Wi-Fi network than intended. There’s a possibility that the network you connected to doesn’t have an active internet response.
To check if you’re connected to the correct network, go to your phone’s Wi-Fi settings and verify if the network name listed is the one you intended to connect to.
4) Disable Wi-Fi Assist
On iOS, Wi-Fi Assist allows you to stay connected to the internet by switching to cellular when the Wi-Fi connection is poor. While this can be beneficial for your workflow, it may lead to increased bills and costs from your data provider.
If you’re having issues staying connected to a single network, you can disable Wi-Fi Assist to see if it helps fix the issue. To disable Wi-Fi Assist:
- Go to your iPhone’s Settings.
- Tap on Cellular or Settings > Mobile Data.
- Scroll down and toggle Wi-Fi Assist off.
5) Restart Your iPhone
A recent update or app installation might have caused technical issues with your device’s network settings. To eliminate this, try restarting your phone. A simple restart can fix issues that are otherwise hard to explain.
To restart your iPhone manually:
- Press and hold the Power button and either of the volume buttons.
- Once the slider appears, drag it to power off your device.
- Wait for about 30 seconds for your device to power off.
- Hold the power button to restart your iPhone.
6) Disable All VPN Connections
If you’re using a VPN on a slow internet connection, there is a high chance that your network speed will be severely affected. This is because a VPN encrypts your internet traffic, which can lead to network congestion and an unstable internet response.
Most VPNs can slow down your network speed. Using this configuration on weak connections may limit your browsing speed. Additionally, some firewalls can misinterpret VPN traffic as malicious and block it. To the user, this may appear as a simple disconnection on your device.
7) Reset Your Network Settings
After completing all checks, you have the option to reset your network settings as a last resort. This action will clear out all your saved Wi-Fi networks, passwords, cellular, VPN, and APN settings.
To reset your network settings:
- Open your iPhone’s Settings.
- Go to General > Reset.
- Select “Reset Network Settings“.
8) Reset Your iPhone
Before moving on to irreversible measures, ensure that the same connection doesn’t cause any issues on other devices. You can do this by connecting to the same network from a different device and checking if the connection disconnects.
From the user end, your last choice may be to reset your iPhone. Resetting it will clear out any bugs or software glitches that may be causing the issue. This will give you a brand-new iPhone and resolve any network issues you may have been facing. Make sure to back up all your data before proceeding.
9) Contact Your ISP
If all else fails, your only option is to contact your ISP for support. Before doing so, ensure that your iPhone is receiving a network signal and that it is indeed connecting to it. If the issue is “dropping” connection and all the causes above are ruled out, the problem most likely lies with the router or the back-end through your internet service provider.
