iPhone not automatically connecting to wifi? Here’s how to fix it

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Michael Collins

Is your iPhone not connecting to WiFi automatically? Worry not, you’re not alone. This is a common issue many iPhone users face. But before you start pulling your hair out, let me assure you that it’s usually a pretty easy fix. The steps I’m about to share with you should have your iPhone hopping onto your home network without you having to lift a finger.

Step by Step Tutorial: iPhone Not Automatically Connecting to WiFi

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, the steps below will help your iPhone remember your WiFi network and connect to it automatically whenever it’s in range. This means you won’t have to manually select your network and enter the password every time.

Step 1: Forget the Network

Go to your iPhone’s WiFi settings and forget the network you’re trying to connect to.

Forgetting the network is like giving your iPhone a clean slate. It’ll no longer remember any issues it had connecting to this network in the past. To forget the network, simply tap on the info icon next to the network’s name and select ‘Forget This Network’.

Step 2: Restart Your iPhone

Turn your iPhone off and then back on.

Sometimes, the oldest trick in the book is the one that works. Restarting your iPhone can clear out any minor software glitches that might be preventing it from connecting automatically to WiFi.

Step 3: Reconnect to the Network

Rejoin the network by selecting it from the list of available networks and entering the password.

After your iPhone restarts, head back to WiFi settings, find your network, and join it. Make sure you enter the password correctly. If all goes well, your iPhone should remember the network going forward.

Step 4: Check for Auto-Join

Ensure that the Auto-Join feature is enabled for your network.

Auto-Join is a handy feature that does exactly what it sounds like—it allows your iPhone to join known networks automatically. You can check if it’s enabled by tapping on the info icon next to your network’s name and making sure the Auto-Join toggle is turned on.

Step 5: Update iOS

Make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS.

Occasionally, WiFi issues are due to bugs that are fixed in newer versions of iOS. To update, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If there’s an update available, download and install it.

Once you’ve completed these steps, your iPhone should automatically connect to your WiFi network whenever it’s in range. If it doesn’t, you might need to dive a bit deeper into troubleshooting, but for most people, these steps are the ticket to hassle-free WiFi connections.

Tips: iPhone Not Automatically Connecting to WiFi

  • Make sure your router is working properly and that other devices can connect to the WiFi.
  • If you’ve recently changed your WiFi password, you’ll need to forget and rejoin the network with the new password.
  • Sometimes, custom DNS settings can interfere with your iPhone’s ability to connect to WiFi. Reset these to your ISP’s default in your WiFi settings.
  • If you have a VPN enabled, try disabling it to see if that’s causing the connection issue.
  • Consider resetting your network settings by going to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Keep in mind this will erase all saved WiFi passwords.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won’t my iPhone remember my WiFi network?

Your iPhone might not remember your WiFi network if there’s an issue with the network settings or if the Auto-Join feature is turned off. It could also be due to a bug in the iOS software.

Can a VPN prevent my iPhone from connecting to WiFi?

Yes, sometimes VPN settings can interfere with your phone’s ability to connect to the internet. Try disabling your VPN to see if that solves the problem.

What should I do if my iPhone connects to WiFi but there’s no internet?

First, make sure the problem isn’t with your internet service provider. If other devices can connect to the internet, try forgetting the network on your iPhone and reconnecting.

How can I tell if my iPhone is connected to WiFi?

You’ll see a WiFi icon in the top right corner of your iPhone’s screen. You can also check in Settings under WiFi.

What does ‘Reset Network Settings’ do on my iPhone?

This will erase all your current network settings, including saved WiFi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN settings. It’s like starting fresh with your network connections.

Summary

  1. Forget the Network
  2. Restart Your iPhone
  3. Reconnect to the Network
  4. Check for Auto-Join
  5. Update iOS

Conclusion

So there you have it, a straightforward guide to get your iPhone to play nice with your WiFi network. It’s frustrating when technology doesn’t work the way we expect it to, but often the solution is simpler than we think. By following the steps above, you should have your iPhone automatically connecting to WiFi in no time. If you’re still experiencing issues, it might be time to consult with an expert or visit an Apple Store. Remember, keeping your iOS updated is crucial, not just for WiFi connectivity, but for the overall health and security of your device. So next time your iPhone doesn’t automatically connect to WiFi, don’t panic—just work through these steps, and you should be back online before you know it.