iPhone Wi-Fi Keeps Disconnecting? How to Fix It
Short answer: check that Auto-Join is on for the network, then Forget This Network and rejoin, and restart the router. If it drops only in one room, the signal is the problem. If it drops everywhere on one network, look at the router's settings.
First, work out the pattern
Where and when it drops tells you what to fix:
- Only in one room or far from the router: weak signal.
- Only on this network, on every device: the router or internet service.
- Only your iPhone, on every network: an iPhone setting or software problem.
- At the same time every day: busy-hour congestion, or a device on your network using lots of bandwidth.
If your iPhone cannot connect at all, see how to fix “Unable to Join the Network”. If it connects but nothing loads, see the no IP address guide.
Fixes on your iPhone
1. Check Auto-Join
Go to Settings > Wi-Fi > (i) and make sure Auto-Join is on, so your iPhone reconnects by itself after a drop.
2. Toggle Wi-Fi and Airplane Mode
Turn Wi-Fi off and on, then Airplane Mode on for ten seconds and off again.
3. Look at Wi-Fi Assist
In Settings > Cellular, scroll down to Wi-Fi Assist. When it is on, your iPhone quietly switches to cellular if Wi-Fi is weak. That can look like Wi-Fi dropping out, and it uses cellular data. Turn it off to see whether the Wi-Fi itself is stable.
4. Check Low Data Mode and Low Power Mode
These can reduce background network activity. See what Low Data Mode does. Try turning off Low Power Mode too, to see if the drops stop.
5. Forget the network and rejoin
In Settings > Wi-Fi > (i), tap Forget This Network, then rejoin. Have the password ready. If you are not sure of it, see how to see your saved Wi-Fi password before you forget it.
6. Turn off any VPN
A VPN that disconnects and reconnects can make the connection seem unstable. Turn it off to test.
7. Update iOS
Open Settings > General > Software Update. Updates often include Wi-Fi fixes.
8. Reset Network Settings (last resort)
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This erases saved Wi-Fi passwords, VPN settings and cellular settings.
Fixes on the router
Open the router's admin page. See how to find your router's IP address.
- Restart the router and modem. Unplug both for about 30 seconds.
- Change the Wi-Fi channel. If neighbours' networks crowd your channel, a different one can help. Try a fixed channel instead of automatic, and a different 5 GHz channel if drops continue.
- Use the 5 GHz band if your iPhone is near the router. It is faster and less crowded, but covers less distance. Use 2.4 GHz for longer range.
- Move the router. Place it higher and more central, away from metal, thick walls and the microwave oven, which interferes with 2.4 GHz.
- Update the firmware. Check the manufacturer's site or app.
- Add a mesh node or extender if one part of the home has weak signal.
Measure it
Run an iPhone speed test in the spot where it drops. Very low speed or high ping means a weak or crowded connection. Check your IP address to confirm you are on the network you expect.
When it is your internet provider
If every device drops at the same time and the modem's lights change or blink, the fault is likely on the provider's side. Check their outage page or contact them.
Common questions
Why does Wi-Fi disconnect when my iPhone is locked?
Low Power Mode, Low Data Mode and router power-saving settings can all reduce what the connection does while the screen is off. Turn them off one at a time to find out.
Is it my iPhone or my router?
Try another device on the same network, and your iPhone on a different network. The first test that still fails points to the culprit.