10 ways to fix an iPhone that keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi (2024)

• Your iPhone may keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi due to issues with either the router or phone.
• If the router is your problem, try power cycling, updating firmware, or switching frequency.
• If it’s the iPhone, try restarting it or resetting the network settings.

There are few things more annoying than when you're trying to watch a video on your iPhone, and it keeps freezing because your phone doesn't have a stable connection.

Unfortunately, Wi-Fi issues are incredibly common, no matter what phone or setup you have. Luckily, though, there's a good number of ways to fix a Wi-Fi signal that won't stop disconnecting.

Why your iPhone keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi

There are many reasons why your iPhone may be disconnecting from the Wi-Fi, but it typically boils down to problems with the phone or the router.

You just need to figure out which is which by connecting another device to the router, such as a laptop, game console, or different iPhone, and see if it stays connected. If they also keep disconnecting, then you can focus your efforts on troubleshooting the router. But if they stay connected, then the problem is most likely the iPhone.

Another way to figure out if it's the phone or router is to connect the iPhone to a different network. This could be a friend's network or the one you use at home or school. If it disconnects there as well, then it's the phone. On the other hand, if it stays connected, then it's the router.

What to do if your Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting on your iPhone

Before anything, rule out the simplest fixes:

• Make sure you haven't accidentally put your iPhone into Airplane Mode.
• Make sure that Wi-Fi is turned on.
• Make sure you're not out of the router's network range – try moving closer to it just in case.
• Check that you're connecting to the right Wi-Fi network, and have the right password.
• If there's an update available for iOS, install it.

If any of the above solutions don't work, it's time to get into some real troubleshooting. You don't have to try them all – just focus on where you've determined the problem is coming from —either the iPhone or the router.

1. Make sure your router is working properly

Open the router's manual —or your router's app —and check if the LED lights you see on the device are normal. If not, the manual or app should contain the steps to troubleshoot it, and if it doesn't, contact the router's manufacturer for assistance.

2. Power cycle the router

Don't be intimidated by the name – power cycling your router is super easy and can potentially resolve the problem you're experiencing. Just unplug the router from the power outlet and wait at least 15 seconds (this will give it enough time to truly power down) before plugging it back in and switching it on again.

3. Update the router's firmware

If you're sure that your router updates itself automatically, then there's nothing you need to do. But if it doesn't and it's been a while since you last updated it, you should update it by going to the router's control panel on a browser or using its companion mobile app (if it has one).

When you can't see any available updates, it could be that your router's too old and has stopped receiving updates from the manufacturer. In that case, you won't be able to rule out that the issue is an outdated router. You should consider buying a new one.

4. Turn off devices that cause signal interference

Some devices and appliances in your home can interfere with your Wi-Fi connection if they use the same 2.4 GHz frequency that your router uses. These include Bluetooth devices, garage door openers, separate wireless networks, baby monitors, and microwave ovens, and they can overcrowd the frequency band, leaving no room for your iPhone.

Turn them off if you can. But if you can't, switch to the 5 GHz frequency, which is less crowded and can potentially give your internet speed a boost.

5. Restart your iPhone

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the easiest: turn the iPhone off and back on again.

If your iPhone isn't connecting to Wi-Fi properly, there's a good chance that restarting your phone and your router will solve the issue, at least for a little while.

6. Forget and reconnect to the Wi-Fi network

If your phone is trying to connect to the right Wi-Fi network but it's not doing so properly, try forgetting the network and then rejoining it.

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Tap on Wi-Fi.

3. Tap the "i" icon next to the name of the WiFi network your iPhone is connected to.

4. Tap Forget This Network.

5. In the pop-pop that shows, tap Forget. You'll be taken back to the Wi-Fi settings screen.

6. Tap the name of the same Wi-Fi network you forgot and select Join on the pop-up that shows.

7. Enter the password and then tap on Join on the top-right corner. Once you rejoin, see if the network is stronger.

7. Reset your iPhone's network settings

No luck? Next, you can reset your iPhone's network settings for a fresh start.

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Tap on General.

3. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.

4. At the bottom, tap Reset.

5. On the pop-up that shows, tap Reset Network Settings and enter your iPhone's passcode to confirm the reset.

Your phone will restart, but you won't lose any data or apps.

8. Turn off VPN

If you're connecting to the Wi-Fi network through a VPN, it could be the reason your iPhone keeps disconnecting. If the VPN is an app, just turn it off from within, but if it's in the Settings app, follow the steps below:

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Tap on General.

3. Scroll down and tap VPN & Device Management.

4. Turn off the toggle next to Status at the top, changing it from Connected to Not Connected.

9. Reset your iPhone

If you've tried all the software tricks you can think of, and your iPhone keeps disconnecting, it's time for the nuclear option – resetting the iPhone back to its factory settings.

Resetting it will give you a brand new iPhone, as far as software is concerned, and may just get rid of the disconnecting from Wi-Fi problem.

10. Contact your ISP or Apple for support

If you've done all this and your iPhone still can't keep a stable connection, it might be time to contact either your Internet Service Provider (ISP), or Apple support for a solution.