Does your iPhone or iPod Touch lose its Wi-Fi connection or don't automatically connect to your preferred Wi-Fi connection? IPhone and iPod users have dealt with sporadic wireless technology issues since the release of iOS 8 and 9. Because Wi-Fi issues vary depending on different network settings, different solutions work for different users. The following methods have been proven to fix Wi-Fi problems on iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices.
Steps
Method 1 of 6: Update iOS
Step 1. Find out if there is a new version of iOS
The best way to start troubleshooting is to make sure your device is up to date. Apple has released updates that claim to fix bad Wi-Fi connection issues. A system update may resolve the issues and provide you with additional features. Open the settings menu and select "General", then "Program update". If you see any programs listed (for example, "iOS 9.1"), that means you can install an update.
Step 2. Connect the iPhone or iPod to a power source
Updates can take a while, so you'll need to make sure your battery doesn't drain.
Step 3. Connect to a Wi-Fi network if possible
If there is a Wi-Fi network that gives you fewer problems than others, connect to it. Program updates can be large files, so you may not want to use your cell phone data to download an update.
Step 4. Click on "Download and install"
You may see a message about the need for iOS to remove apps to save space. If you choose "Continue", the applications will be reinstalled once the update is complete.
Step 5. Click on "Install"
Once the installation is complete, reconnect to the wireless network.
Method 2 of 6: Disable Location Services for Wi-Fi networks
Step 1. Understand Location Services
The settings that you are about to modify affect certain characteristics of the GPS while connected to a Wi-Fi network. This modification will not affect the use of GPS when using mobile data.
Step 2. Review Location Services
Click on the settings menu and select "Privacy". Choose "Location Services" from the menu.
Step 3. Disable the Wi-Fi network
Select "System Services" to bring up a list of options. Slide the switch next to "Wi-Fi Networks" to the off position.
Step 4. Reboot the device
Reconnect to the wireless network after the device has rebooted. If the problem is not resolved, return to the location services menu and re-enable the Wi-Fi network to resume the previous functionality.
Method 3 of 6: Turn Wi-Fi Assist On or Off
Step 1. Understand how Wi-Fi assist works
Wi-Fi assist was introduced with iOS 9 to help make the shift from wireless to cellular data (and vice versa) smoother. Basically, it tells your device to remove Wi-Fi connections with networks that it interprets as too weak. Depending on the networks in your area, you may get better results with Wi-Fi assistance on or off.
Step 2. Find the data settings of your cell phone or mobile
Open the Settings menu and select "Cellular" or "Mobile Data" (you will see one or the other, depending on your region).
Step 3. Activate Wi-Fi assist
Scroll down until you see Wi-Fi assist and move the switch to the on position (green) if it is off (gray). If it's already on, try turning it off to find out if Wi-Fi assistance is hampering your ability to stay connected to your preferred network.
Method 4 of 6: "Forget" a Wi-Fi network
Step 1. Make sure you have the name and password of the wireless network written down or memorized
This method instructs the iPhone or iPod to erase all the settings associated with a single wireless network. After completing this method, you will need to log in again and provide a password if necessary.
Step 2. Open the Wi-Fi settings menu
Tap the gear icon and select Wi-Fi.
Step 3. Select your connection
Tap on the connection you are trying to use from the list of Wi-Fi connections.
Step 4. Click on "Forget this network"
This will cause the device to erase all the settings associated with that Wi-Fi connection, including the password required to connect.
Step 5. Turn off the Wi-Fi and turn it on again
This will cause the device to once again search for available networks.
Step 6. Connect to the wireless network
Select the network from the list and enter the password if the system asks for it. You will now have a new connection to the wireless network.
Method 5 of 6: Reconfigure the device's network settings
Step 1. Make a backup of your information
Resetting the network settings of an iOS device has shown some success in resolving wireless connectivity issues. This method will erase all saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, so make sure you have your networks and passwords written down somewhere before continuing. It is also a good idea to back up your iPhone before making significant changes to the settings.
Step 2. Go to the settings of the iPhone or iPod Touch
Tap the Settings icon to see the options.
Step 3. Click on "General" and scroll down to Restart
Step 4. Select Reset network settings
Once you complete this step, you will need to re-enter the passwords for all of your secure wireless networks.
Step 5. Reconnect to the wireless network
Go to your device's Wi-Fi Settings and reconnect to the wireless network.
Method 6 of 6: Broadcast the router's SSID at home
Step 1. Find the IP address of the router
If the Wi-Fi problem only occurs on your home network, which does not broadcast its SSID (wireless access point name), then try to make the SSID visible.
- The router's IP address is a set of numbers that you can use to access the router's settings. Typically this information is printed on a label underneath the router and is usually something like 192.168.0.1.
- On the iOS device, tap Settings, then Wi-Fi, and then select the name of the wireless network. The router's IP address will be found next to "Router" on the resulting page.
Step 2. Type the IP address of the router in the address bar of the browser exactly as it is shown and press Enter
You can do it from a computer or an iPhone or iPod connected to the network from which you have lost Wi-Fi access.
Step 3. Log in with your router's username and password. If you don't know the username and password, and it's not on the router's label next to the IP address, visit http://portforward.com/default_username_password to see a list of default username and password. There are many different manufacturers and models of routers, so consult the menus until you find the wireless settings. They may also be in a section called "Advanced Settings." Once you find the wireless settings, look for a setting related to broadcasting SSIDs. Enable SSID broadcast. Remember to save or apply the settings and close the browser when you are done. The wireless network will now be visible when searching for nearby networks on a wireless device.
Step 4. Find a section or tab for the wireless or WLAN settings on the router's setup page
Step 5. Find "SSID Broadcast"
Step 6. Check "Enabled"
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