A couple of iPhone and iPad users have reported that Wi-Fi won’t turn on when they try to enable it. More precisely, it appears that users are unable to connect to a Wi-Fi network because the Wi-Fi switch does not seem to work. Simply, tapping the Wi-Fi slider does not function. In this article, I’ll explain exactly how you can troubleshoot when iPhone Wi-Fi won’t turn on.
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It’s important to try the troubleshooting steps below in order. Test your iPhone or iPad after each step to see if you can turn on Wi-Fi.
1. Airplane Mode
On your iPhone or iPad, turn on Airplane Mode, wait a few seconds and turn off Airplane Mode. Here is how:
- Launch the Control Center and then tap the Airplane icon.
- You can also head over to Settings > Airplane Mode.
2. Restart your iPhone or iPad
If Wi-Fi won’t turn on on iPhone, Restarting your device may fix your issue. Simply follow these steps to restart your device.
- To restart iPhone X, 11 or newer and iPad with Face ID models: Press and hold the power (side or top) and volume up (or down) buttons together until you see the power off slider. Then drag the slider. Wait a few seconds for your device to completely shut down. Now, turn on your device by pressing and holding the power button until you see the Apple logo.
- To restart other iPhone or iPad models: Press and hold down the power button (side or top) until the power off slider appears. Then drag the slider. Wait until your device completely turns off. Now, power on your device by pressing and holding the power button until the Apple logo appears.
3. Force restart your device
If restarting does not solve your iPhone Wi-Fi issues, then please force restart your device. Please follow these steps:
- To force restart iPad with Face ID models and iPhone 8 or later: Quickly press and release the volume up button and then quickly press and release the volume down button and press and hold the power button (side or top) until the Apple logo appears.
- To force restart iPhone 7 models: Press and hold both the power (side or top) and volume down buttons together until you see the Apple logo on the screen.
- To force restart other iPhone and iPad models: Press and hold the Home and power (side or top) buttons simultaneously until you see the Apple logo on the screen.
4. Update your device
Try updating your iOS or iPadOS software. Since you are unable to use Wi-Fi, it’s impossible to update your device over Wi-Fi wirelessly. However, you can still update your iPhone or iPad using your computer. Simply follow these steps:
- Build a connection between your iPhone/iPad and computer via a USB cable.
- On your computer:
- Launch Finder, if you are running macOS Catalina or later on your Mac.
- Launch iTunes, if your Mac is running an older version of macOS or if you are using a PC.
- Select your device in Finder or iTunes.
- Now, click Check for Update and then follow the onscreen prompts to continue.
5. Reset network settings
Resetting network settings may fix iPhone Wi-Fi problem. It’s worth noting that this kind of reset does not delete any personal data (photos, contacts, etc.) however, your network settings (Bluetooth settings, saved Wi-Fi passwords, and much more ) will be wiped. Here is how:
- Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Now, tap General.
- Next, tap Reset.
- Finally, tap Reset Network Settings.
6. Backup and restore
You should do this as a last resort. This will wipe everything. Before you start, back up your iPhone or iPad to avoid any data loss. You can use iCloud to back up but since you have no Wi-Fi connection, this option would not work. However, you may have a recent backup. Head over to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backup.
If you want to back up your iPhone or iPad, connect your device to your computer. Launch Finder or iTunes. Choose your device and then click Back Up Now.
After backing up, now restore your device to its factory settings. Again this will wipe everything. Back up your iPhone or iPad. Here is how:
- Connect your iPhone/iPad to your computer via an USB cable.
- Now, launch iTunes or Finder.
- In iTunes or Finder, choose your device.
- Next, click Restore iPhone or Restore iPad.
- Finally, follow the onscreen prompts.
Once the process is complete, set up your device as new. And check to see if Wi-Fi is working. If it is not working, restore your iPhone/iPad from your backup. Simply follow these steps:
- Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer via a USB cable.
- Now, launch iTunes or Finder.
- Next, choose your device in iTunes or Finder.
- Finally, select Restore Backup and follow the onscreen prompts.
So you have tried all the above fixes and you are still experiencing iPhone Wi-Fi issues. Then there is a possibility that you are having a hardware problem. It is time to
contact Apple.