Daily TipsiPadiPhone

What to do if your iOS or iPadOS device won’t connect to Wi-Fi

Are you having troubles connecting an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to a Wi-Fi network? Let’s look at options for resolving the situation.

First, make sure that your router is on and that you’re within range. If you’re too far from your Wi-Fi router, you can’t get a signal, so make sure that you’re within range. 

Now make sure that Wi-Fi is on and that your Apple device can find the network. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi and make sure that Wi-Fi is on. Tap the name of your Wi-Fi network to join. A blue checkmark beside a network name means that you’re connected. 

If you see Auto Join Disabled under your Wi-Fi network name, tap it turn on Auto-Join. Enter your password if asked.

If iOS or iPadOS detects an issue with your Wi-Fi connection, you might see a Wi-Fi recommendation under the name of the Wi-Fi network that you’re connected to. For example, you might see the alert “No Internet Connection.” To get more information, tap the Wi-Fi network.

If you still can’t connect to your network or get online, make sure that your router is connected to the modem and turned on.

Try restarting your iOS or iPadOS device. Here’s how to restart your iPhoneiPad, or iPod touch.

Then restart your router, and cable or DSL modem. To restart your router or modem, unplug it, then plug it back in. 

After you restart each device, see if the issues is fixed.

If not, Reset your Network Settings. If you’re using iOS or iPadOS 15 or later, tap Settings > General > Transfer or Reset [Device] > Reset > Reset Network Settings. If you’re using iOS or iPadOS 14 or earlier, tap Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This also resets Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN and APN settings that you’ve used before.

Still not working? Try one of these options:

° Try to use your Wi-Fi network on other devices. If you can’t get online using your other devices, there might be a service outage. Call your cable company or internet provider for help.

° Try connecting to a Wi-Fi network in a different location. If your device can connect, you need to get help with your Wi-Fi network. If your device can’t connect to any Wi-Fi networks, contact Apple.

° Update your Wi-Fi router with the latest firmware and make sure that the router supports your Apple product. For more information, contact the router’s manufacturer.

(This how-to is based on my experiences and info on Apple’s support pages.)

Dennis Sellers
the authorDennis Sellers
Dennis Sellers is the editor/publisher of Apple World Today. He’s been an “Apple journalist” since 1995 (starting with the first big Apple news site, MacCentral). He loves to read, run, play sports, and watch movies.