11 Ways to Fix Wi-Fi not working on iPhone after iOS 26 Update

🗓️ September 8, 2025, By ✍️ Karly Wood

“Are you experiencing WiFi problems after updating your iPhone and iPad, respectively? Does Wi-Fi get disconnected when the screen is locked, or does Wi-Fi drop the network automatically? Recently, my iPad dropped the network randomly after updating to the final iOS. The iPhone’s Wi-Fi occasionally stops working while you’re using it.

Luckily, after trying some tricks, I repeatedly solved the Wi-Fi not working on my iPhone and iPad when watching movies, browsing, or gaming. Let’s learn how to fix all kinds of WiFi issues all the time.

Troubleshooting for Wi-Fi not working on iPhone and iPad

WiFi issues frequently cause errors on our iPhone and iPad screens when using apps such as the Mail app, Messages, social media apps, chat applications, and online games.

Fix 1: Quick Fix iPhone WiFi automatically disconnected

  • 1: Open “Settings” and tap “Wi-Fi.”
  • 2: Tap on the small information (i) icon, which is near the connected “Wi-Fi Network.”
Get Connected WiFi network information on iPhone settings
  • 3: Tap on “Forget This Network” and confirm it.
3 Forget This Network on iPhone
  • 4: Now, disable “Wi-Fi.”
  • 5: Restart iPhone/iPad.

Again, turn on Wi-Fi under the iPhone settings app. Open the Settings app on iPhone > Wi-Fi > Select the Wi-Fi name and enter the correct Wi-Fi password to join successfully.

I hope it will resolve the issue. But still not working? Then harden the solution to find on your device if the VPN is the problem. VPN leverages the device’s security, which is against Apple’s policy.

Fix 2: Disable VPN or Delete VPN profile

If you are using a VPN, there are chances that it might be affecting the Wi-Fi network. Disable VPN and connect to the Wi-Fi network.

Turn off VPN and try.

  1. Open “Settings.” Tap “General.”
  2. Scroll down, tap on “VPN & Device Management” or “VPN,” and disconnect it.
Turn off VPN on iPhone settings
Turn off VPN on iPhone settings

Delete VPN and Try

  1. Open the Settings app on the iPhone.
  2. Next, tap on General.
  3. Scroll to VPN & Device Management > Tap on the (i) button to find the Delete profile option.
Remove VPN or Delete VPN Profile on iPhone
Remove VPN or Delete VPN Profile on iPhone

Force Restart your iPhone.

  1. Press and release the Volume Up button.
  2. Press and release the Volume Down button.
  3. Press and hold the side button and release it when you see the Apple logo. After a wait for 30 seconds, turn on the back using the side or power button only.
Hard Reboot iPhone Step by Step
Hard Reboot iPhone Step by Step
  • Tip to Force restart iPhone [Home Button—iPhone SE]

Press and hold the Volume Down button and Power button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

  • Tip for other iPhones/iPads

Press and hold the Home button and Side button together and release when the Apple logo comes on the screen.


Fix 3: Disable/Enable Ask to Join Networks

At your home or office, different WiFi connections automatically switch as per WiFi connectivity. Keep this toggle off and allow the device to connect with the best WiFi network (nearby) automatically.

  • Step 1: Open “Settings” and tap “Wi-Fi.”
  • Step 2: Disable “Ask to Join Networks.”
4 Turn off Ask to join Networks on iPhone

Now restart the iPhone and again enable “Ask to Join Networks.”


Fix 4: Turn Off/On Wi-Fi Assist

Disabling and enabling the Wi-Fi assist has sometimes worked for me. Also, your WiFi and mobile data connection switch automatically while you are out of range. You decided to work only on WiFi, then turn off mobile data. And also, follow the steps below.

  • Step 1: Go to “Settings” on the iPhone.
  • Step 2: Open “Mobile Data” or “Cellular.”
  • Step 3: Scroll down to the last of the screen, find, and disable “Wi-Fi Assist.”
Scroll Down and Disable Wi-Fi Assist on iPhone

Fix 5: Reset Network Settings

iOS 26 Cannot connect to WiFi on iPhone or iPad. Every network-oriented problem can be resolved by a small reset, which is Reset Network Settings.

Step #1: Open up “Settings.”
Step #2: Open “General” and then tap “Transfer or Reset iPhone.”

transfer-or-reset-iphone-from-iphone-settings

Step #3: Lastly, tap “Reset” > “Reset Network Settings” > Enter your iPhone lock passcode and try after rebooting once.

reset-network-settings-in-ios-and-ipados

Try to connect to your WiFi. Also, check your WiFi router password.


Fix 6: Check your Wi-Fi Router

power-off-on-your-wifi-router
power-off-on-your-wifi-router

If the Wi-Fi router is causing any issues, it is better to remove the power source and plug it back in again.

On Mac, use the command prompt to flush or Reset DNS Cache on your Mac & Windows. (Open command prompt (“Windows + R key” > type “CMD”) and run this command: ipconfig/flushdns)


Fix 7: Set Custom DNS! Speed Up Slow WiFi with a Faster DNS Server

You can also try this solution. It works occasionally. The open/public DNS networks are Google DNS. Follow the steps below to switch your current DNS to Google DNS. It will work (recommended for fast internet speed).

Change or update the DNS IP address with custom details: Open the Settings app > “WiFi” > “Tap on (i).

Open WiFi settings on iPhone
Open WiFi settings on iPhone

WiFi information > “Configure DNS” > Select “Manual” and enter “(8.8.8.8)” by selecting Manual. That’s it

Configure DNS on iPhone WiFi Settings
Configure DNS on iPhone WiFi Settings

Or Fix 7.1: If you already set custom DNS, then set it to manually: No Internet Connection in iOS

In the recent iOS update, several users found no Internet connection in the WiFi settings if it was already connected. Tried rebooting the iPhone and restarting the router, and another device is working fine on the same WiFi connection. The problem is with the custom DNS set in your WiFi settings. Change and set to automatic.

Step 1: Go to the WiFi settings on your iPhone (Settings > WiFi).

Step 2: Tap on (i) the button next to the WiFi name and see the DNS section “Configure DNS.” From manual to automatic > save.

change-dns-settings-to-automatically-on-iphone-if-no-internet-connection
change-dns-settings-to-automatically-on-iPhone-if-no-internet-connection

Step 3: Now, your WiFi works normally. Still shows no internet connection, then check after restarting your device.

no-internet-connection-fixed-the-issue-on-iphone-wifi-not-working
no-internet-connection-fixed-the-issue-on-iphone-wifi-not-working

Fix 8: Disable Wi-Fi Networking Services

When you disable Wi-Fi networking services, it will not disable Wi-Fi if you directly turn off the location services for Wi-Fi networking.

  • Step 1: Launch the “Settings” app.
  • Step 2: Tap “Privacy & Security” and open “Location Services.”
  • Step 3: Scroll down to the bottom and tap “System Services.”
6 Turn off WiFI networking in System Services on iPhone

Step 4: Toggle off the “Wi-Fi Networking.”


Fix 9: Update iPhone/iPad

Is your iPhone/iPad updated to iOS 26? If you haven’t updated yet, quickly update the iPhone to the latest version.

  • 1: Go to “Settings” and open “General.”
  • 2: Tap “Software Update” and search for updates.
  • Download and install the latest firmware version.
how to check for software update on iphone

Fix 10: Restore the iPhone to its factory settings

Our last option is to resolve Wi-Fi not working on iPhone/iPad. So have faith and do it. Back up the device before restoring it to prevent data loss.

Backup iPhone, if Data is essential for you.

  • Step 1: Go to “Settings” and open “General.”
  • Step 2: Tap “Reset” and then tap on “Erase All Contents and Settings.”

After resetting or erasing your iPhone, Restore Data on iPhone like new.


Are you looking for Fix: Laptop or Mac not connecting to iPhone’s Personal Hotspot


Hardware issue

Still, the issue is not fixed; you should diagnose the hardware issue with the help of Apple support. If your iPhone is under warranty, check iPhone warranty status online, find an Apple service center near you, or talk with Apple support via phone call, chat, or email and book an appointment at apple genius bar.

Wrap up!

WiFi dropping or disconnecting is the most common problem in all devices. Unfortunately, not only are you on the list, but others are as well. So, don’t miss sharing the important fixes on iOS WiFi issues with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch.

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Karly Wood
Karly Wood

Karly Wood is a journalist based in Ohio who specializes in covering Apple and technology trends. With a varied experience in reporting on public safety, government, and education, her insights bridge multiple disciplines, providing readers with a well-rounded perspective on today's technological advancements. If you need to contact me, you can reach me at karlywood.ohio@gmail.com or through (Facebook)

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