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If you can’t connect to WiFi on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, follow the steps in this article. This guide also covers how to speed up your AirPort Extreme or other WiFi router by tuning channel frequencies.
WiFi is an essential utility for modern computing. Consumers often use WiFi to offset the costs of their mobile data plan. Even if you have an unlimited mobile data plan, your device might get throttled. For most people, a home Internet connection is faster than a cellular network. You can also get more battery life out of your mobile devices using WiFi. When WiFi doesn’t work, it can almost be devastating. Let’s take a look at how to fix WiFi on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.
iPhone WiFi Grayed Out?
The iPhone is a durable and well-made device, however, it’s not perfect. A small minority of iPhone users cannot connect to WiFi at all. Their WiFi settings are grayed out, indicating that the feature is disabled.
If your iPhone’s WiFi settings (Settings > Wi-Fi) are grayed out, you might be able to fix it. Unfortunately, for most people, their iPhone’s WiFi module is physically damaged. For more information on this issue, pleased read “Fix Grayed Out iPhone WiFi“.
Check Your Router
If your iPhone’s WiFi is not working, check your router first. Take a look at your WiFi router. Most have diagnostic lights indicating the status. For example, if you have an AirPort Extreme, make sure that the front light is green.
If your WiFi router is working, your iPhone might not be connecting to it. Look at the top left corner of your iPhone’s screen to check WiFi signal strength. You should see at least one WiFi bar. If not, you may be too far away from your router. Try moving your iPhone closer to your router. If you see more WiFi bars, the problem is with range.
You can extend your WiFi router’s range by purchasing a range extender or a better WiFi router. I strongly recommend Apple’s Airport Extreme router. After going through many WiFi routers, I finally bought an AirPort Extreme. It has, by far, the best range of any WiFi router. It is also very easy to setup and offers advanced configuration options for power users.
If you don’t see any WiFi bars on your iPhone, try using another device, such as a notebook computer, to test the WiFi connection. If WiFi works with your notebook computer, then your router is working. The problem could be with the WiFi configuration on your iPhone.
Your router is definitely the problem if your iPhone can connect to another WiFi network. You can solve most router problems by turning the router off, waiting a few seconds, and then turning it back on. You may also need to update the firmware. Consult your manufacturer’s instructions or website for details on how to update the firmware.
Is Your iPhone’s WiFi Turned On?
While this may seem obvious, it is a good idea to check if WiFi is turned on. Simply swipe your finger up from the bottom of any screen to reveal Control Center.
Make sure that the WiFi icon is white and not gray. If it appears gray, tap it and it should connect to your default WiFi network. (continue…)