There are times when your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch just refuses to connect to your wireless network (Wi-Fi). Here are some troubleshooting tips that could prove helpful.
Make Sure Wi-Fi Is On and Ensure You’re Connected
Well, of course your wi-fi is on! Right? Hmm. Better check.
- Tap the Settings app.
- Next to Wi-Fi, check to see if the wireless network’s name is there. If it is, then you’re connected. If not, continue to the next step.
- Tap Wi-Fi.
Ensure Wi-Fi is on. When it’s on, the toggle will be slid to the right and the background behind the toggle will be green. To turn it on, simply tap the toggle slider.
Sometimes, just turning the Wi-Fi off and back on will get your device back online.
When Wi-Fi is on, the iOS device will check for wireless networks in range. After a moment or two, network names should appear. When the device connects to a network, a checkmark will appear next to its name.
To connect to a network, tap the name. If asked for a security password, enter it and tap Join. I can’t help you if you don’t know the password.
Renew Lease
No, not the lease on your condo. Renewing the lease means resetting the network connection.
- Tap the Settings app.
- Tap Wi-Fi.
- Locate the network to which you’re connected (see the one with the checkmark to the left of the name).
- Tap the Information icon (the “i” within a circle).
- Swipe to the bottom and tap Renew Lease.
- Tap Renew Lease? to confirm the action.
You’re done.
If you don’t see the Renew Lease item, tap Wi-Fi at the top left, then tap the network name again to re-enter it. Sooner or later it will show up. Yes, I know this is dumb, but you are dealing with a computer even if it’s a mobile device.
Forget the Network
You can try having your iOS device forget the network and then reconnect to it. This is a more drastic action, but it has a high chance of success.
- Tap the Settings app.
- Tap Wi-Fi.
- Tap the network to which you’re connected (see the one with the checkmark to the left of the name).
- Tap Forget this Network.
- Tap Forget to confirm the action.
- Tap the name of the network you just forgot.
- Enter the password and tap Join.
See if you have a connection.
Reboot the Device
This is kinda like the nuclear option.
Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button at the top right edge of the device along with the Home button at the bottom of the front face of the device.
Keep holding both of these buttons. You might see a Slide to Power Off prompt, but ignore it. Just keep holding the buttons. The screen will go blank, then you’ll see the Apple logo appear. Now you can release the buttons.
You’ll be pressing these buttons for about 20 seconds or so which might feel longer than you think.
If you’re anxious about pressing two buttons simultaneously, don’t be. Just be sure to press them both at about the same time. The iOS device will give you about a second to press them which is longer than you think.
Did It Work?
If these tips don’t work, then try making an appointment at your local Genius Bar. Sorry.