iPhones are usually reliable with Wi-Fi, which makes it more annoying when yours suddenly won’t connect. Maybe it says “Incorrect password” when you know it’s right, maybe it shows “No Internet Connection” under the network name, or maybe it just keeps trying.
Here are the fixes, in the order most likely to help.
1. Check Wi-Fi Is Really On
Open Control Centre and make sure Wi-Fi is on and Airplane mode is off. Note that turning Wi-Fi off in Control Centre only disconnects until the next day; turn it on fully in Settings > Wi-Fi.
2. Restart the iPhone and Router
Restart the iPhone (press and hold the side button and a volume button, then slide to power off). Also restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. Many connection problems end here.
3. Check Other Devices
If other devices also can’t get online, the problem is the router or provider. If they work fine, the issue is the iPhone or its saved settings. Keep going.
4. Forget the Network and Rejoin
Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the (i) next to the network, choose Forget This Network, then rejoin and type the password carefully. Passwords are case-sensitive, and it’s easy to mix up similar characters like 0 and O.
5. Turn Off Private Wi-Fi Address for Home
iPhones use a private (rotating) Wi-Fi address by default. Some routers with device filtering, parental controls or strict security don’t handle it well.
Go to Settings > Wi-Fi > (i) next to your network and turn Private Wi-Fi Address off (or set it to “Fixed” on newer iOS versions), then rejoin.
6. Turn Off VPN and Limit IP Address Tracking
- Disconnect any VPN in Settings > VPN or the VPN app.
- In the network’s (i) settings, try turning off Limit IP Address Tracking while testing.
- If you use iCloud Private Relay, test with it turned off under Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Private Relay.
7. Check “Low Data Mode”
Low Data Mode (in the network’s (i) settings) can pause background activity and make some apps look offline. Turn it off to test.
8. Update iOS
Install the latest update in Settings > General > Software Update. Wi-Fi bugs are often fixed in updates. If the iPhone can’t connect to Wi-Fi, use mobile data or connect to another network.
9. Reset Network Settings
This clears all saved Wi-Fi networks, passwords, VPN and mobile network settings, but not your photos, apps or data.
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings, then rejoin your Wi-Fi.
10. Check the Router
If the iPhone connects to other Wi-Fi networks but not yours:
- Set the router’s security to WPA2/WPA3 (not WEP or an unusual mode).
- Make sure the router isn’t blocking new devices with MAC filtering or a device limit.
- Update the router firmware.
- Try connecting to the 2.4 GHz network if you have separate bands.
When It Might Be Hardware
If the Wi-Fi switch is greyed out, or the iPhone can’t connect to any network anywhere after a network reset and update, there may be a hardware fault, sometimes after a drop or water damage. Contact Apple Support or an authorised service provider.
For problems that affect every device at home, see our guide on how to fix internet connection problems.
iPhone Wi-Fi Tips for Public Networks
Hotel, airport and café networks cause their own problems:
- Look for the login page. Many public networks need you to accept terms or enter a room number. If the page doesn’t appear, open Safari and try a simple website, or forget the network and rejoin.
- Turn off Auto-Join for public networks you don’t trust, so your iPhone doesn’t connect to them automatically later.
- Use mobile data for banking or other sensitive tasks if the network seems suspicious, or use a trusted VPN.
- Watch for copycat networks with names like “Airport_Free_WiFi”. Ask staff for the official network name.
If your iPhone connects everywhere except one public network, the problem is almost certainly that network, not your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my iPhone say incorrect password when it’s correct?
Often the saved network details are outdated, or the router’s security settings conflict with the iPhone. Forget the network, rejoin, and check the router uses WPA2 or WPA3.
Why does my iPhone connect to Wi-Fi but have no internet?
The router may have lost its internet connection, or a VPN, private address or DNS setting is interfering. Check other devices first.
Will resetting network settings delete anything important?
It deletes saved Wi-Fi passwords, VPN settings and Bluetooth pairings, but not photos, apps, messages or other data.
Why is Wi-Fi greyed out on my iPhone?
Try a restart and software update first. If it stays greyed out, it may be a hardware problem that needs repair.