Connect your iPhone to the internet by using an available Wi-Fi or cellular network. iPhone connects to your carrier’s cellular data network when Wi-Fi isn’t available.
iPhone connects in this order: the most recently used Wi-Fi network, then a Wi-Fi network you choose from the list, then your carrier’s cellular data network. It automatically joins known networks, and you can also join a hidden network by entering its name.
Here’s how to connect iPhone to the internet.
Connect to a Wi-Fi network
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
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Tap Wi-Fi and turn on Wi-Fi.
iPhone automatically joins known networks.
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To join a new network, do one of the following:
- Join an available network: Tap the name of the network. If asked, enter the password.
- Join a hidden network: Tap Other. Then enter the name of the network, security type, and password.
Once iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi, you’ll see a blue checkmark next to the network name, along with the Wi-Fi icon.
Use Connectivity Assist on iPhone
With Connectivity Assist on, iPhone keeps your internet connection reliable by using cellular data along with Wi-Fi when Wi-Fi is weak or busy or isn’t connected to the internet. Turn it off, and iPhone uses only Wi-Fi when it’s connected to a Wi-Fi network, even if that connection is weak or busy.
Note: If you had Wi-Fi Assist turned on, Connectivity Assist is on too.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap Wi-Fi.
- Turn Connectivity Assist on or off.
iPhone shows the amount of cellular data Connectivity Assist has used. To start a new count, tap Reset Data Usage.
Note: Connectivity Assist only uses cellular data when it’s needed to keep your connection reliable. It also stays off while you’re roaming internationally with iPhone, when cellular Low Data Mode is on, or with some apps that stream audio and video. To check your overall cellular data usage, go to the Settings app , then tap Cellular.
Join a Personal Hotspot
You can use the cellular connection of an iPhone or iPad with cellular service if it’s sharing a Personal Hotspot.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap Wi-Fi. Choose the name of the device sharing the Personal Hotspot.
- If asked, enter the password. To see the password on the device sharing the Personal Hotspot, open the Settings app and tap Cellular Data. Then tap Personal Hotspot.
Connect to a cellular network if Wi-Fi isn’t available
Your iPhone automatically connects to your carrier’s cellular data network if a Wi-Fi network isn’t available. If iPhone doesn’t connect, check the following:
- Verify that your SIM is activated and unlocked.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone and then tap Cellular.
- Verify that Cellular Data is turned on. If you’re using Dual SIM, tap Cellular Data, then verify the selected line. (You can choose only one line for cellular data.)
