WiFi is Not Working on iPhone 14/13/12/11 After iOS 16 Update

It is not uncommon to come across the WiFi not working problem on your iPhone. The importance and use of WiFi cannot be overemphasized. WiFi is typically an integrated feature of phones that employs wireless technology to enable connections between one or more devices and is primarily used for internet access. It is impossible to overstate the significance of this feature.

It can be challenging to get your iPhone's WiFi to function well most of the time. This article examines the possible reasons for this and looks at potential fixes to the problem of WiFi not working on iPhones.

Why Won't My iPhone or iPad Connect to the WiFi?

After an update to iOS 16, several iPhone users claim they became aware of the issue. Another user reported that when they attempt to connect to a WiFi network with a poor network, it either doesn't connect or, even if it does, the intended goal of connecting is defeated.

The most prevalent reasons for this problem are presented below.

• Poor network signal on your router: A WiFi network enables an internet connection between an internet router and your iPhone. When the distance between these devices is great, the network signal gets weak, and your iPhone cannot connect.
• Connection breaks by Virtual private network (VPN) service providers: A virtual private network or VPN is a service that enables connection to the internet to be more private and secure. You are bound to experience connection breaks when you use VPN, as some VPN service providers are responsible for this.
• iOS updates: iOS updates are released and made available periodically. This may be responsible since there's a possibility that the software won't work properly or might be incompatible with older devices.
• Domain Name System (DNS) failure: The Domain Name System enables users to have access to websites on servers with a record of IP addresses and corresponding domain names. DNS failure occurs when users cannot access an IP address through a domain name. This can occur due to a problem with the WiFi network source, such as a router.

It can be frustrating to experience this problem, but take a deep breath and keep reading as we cover several potential solutions.

How to Fix the WiFi Not Working on iPhone Issue?

We've examined some of the reasons why WiFi is not working on iPhones. Here, we propose possible solutions to the problem.

1. Fix 1. Reboot your iPhone or iPad
2. Fix 2. Check the router
3. Fix 3. Turn on and turn off Airplane mode
4. Fix 4. Disable WiFi and enable it again
5. Fix 5. Forget and rejoin the WiFi network
6. Fix 6. Reset your network settings
7. Fix 7. Limit parental controls
8. Fix 8. Check for iOS updates
9. Fix 9. Use custom DNS
10. Fix 10. Reset your device to factory settings

Fix 1. Reboot your iPhone or iPad

Rebooting your device can help with this problem because it causes all programs to restart and clears the RAM. This offers all planned operations a new beginning. Follow these instructions to accomplish this:

Step 1. Press and hold down any volume and side buttons.

Step 2. Wait for the power-off slider to appear, then turn it off.

Step 3. Turn it on again.

Fix 2. Check the router

Ensure the router is situated in an area with a good signal and visibility for the network. Be sure to turn off the router before turning it back on.

Fix 3. Turn on and turn off Airplane mode

The "Airplane Mode" setting, also known as "flight mode," prevents the phone from connecting to Bluetooth, WiFi, or cellular networks. Here is how to activate and deactivate airplane mode.

Step 1. From the Home screen on your iPhone, click on settings.

Step 2. Click "Airplane Mode" to turn it on and off.

Fix 4. Disable WiFi and enable it again

It works perfectly to switch the WiFi on and off. This is how to achieve it.

Step 1. Click on "Settings" and click on the WiFi.

Step 2. Turn off the WiFi button.

Step 3. Turn it on after a while.

Step 4. Then allow your iPhone to join an available recognized network.

Fix 5. Forget and rejoin the WiFi network

Follow these steps to do this.

Step 1. Click "Settings" and click on the WiFi.

Step 2. Click on the "I" symbol beside the network you are connected to.

Step 3. Then, to forget, press the network to forget button.

Step 4. Proceed to settings and click on "WiFi." Click on the network, enter the password then reconnect.

Fix 6. Reset your network settings

Resetting the network returns everything to its default state, but you usually lose all previously saved network configurations and saved wireless networks when you do this. The procedure is as follows:

Step 1. Select Settings and click on "General."

Step 2. Scroll down and click on "Reset."

Step 3. Click on "Reset Network Settings."

Step 4. Enter your iPhone password and confirm to complete the process.

Fix 7. Limit parental controls

On an iPhone, a parental control feature allows you to limit which apps your child can download. Check your iPhone's content and privacy restrictions by following the below steps.

Step 1. Open Settings, then click on "Screen Time" and "Content & Privacy Restrictions."

Step 2. Turn off the restriction if it is on.

Fix 8. Check for iOS updates

Updates are typically upgrades to previously existing features and may include add-ons. It also fixes errors in the older versions, ensuring that the device runs without issues. Don't disregard compatibility, though, as newer iOS versions might not work with older iPhones.

Fix 9. Use custom DNS

If any DNS settings have been changed, the changes might have been responsible for the WiFi not working issue on the iPhone. You can try using the custom DNS settings, which might solve the problem.

Fix 10. Reset your device to factory settings

A factory reset might help solve why WiFi is not working on the iPhone, as this would correct all the problems that have developed due to changes made to the device. It restores everything to default, and this can be done by following the steps below.

Step 1. Click "Settings" and select "General."

Step 2. Click on "Transfer or Reset Phone."

Step 3. Click "Erase All Content and Settings."

Step 4. Click "Continue."

Step 5. Input your passcode.

Step 6. Your iPhone will now attempt to back up to iCloud. You will be able to proceed regardless if the backup is successful or not.

Ensure that your iPhone is restored to factory settings. The iOS setup assistant comes up when the phone comes on. If your backup was successful, you would restore all files you have backed up.

Concluding Thoughts

Now you understand how a poor network could be the culprit or how the use of VPN services due to the deliberate connection breaks by the VPN service providers could be why the WiFi is not working on iPhone. If this happens to you often, you can look up any solutions to fix it. iPhone users should also check their iPhone storage regularly to ensure their phones' effective performance.

FAQs

Here are some of the questions that are commonly asked.

1. Why does my iPhone keep dropping my WiFi signal?

The signal strength of the network connection provided could be poor, which could be responsible for the signal dropping.

2. Are Wi-Fi-related problems based on the new update on an iPhone?

Yes, if an iOS update is not compatible with the device, which might be older, or if there is an issue with the update.

3. The WiFi calling option is missing on my iPhone. How do I fix it?

Upgrade to the most recent iOS version or perform a factory reset.