Resetting network settings is one of the best ways to fix WiFi, cellular connection or other network related issues on your iPhone. While it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of connection issues, this method generally fixes the most common issues. Many users are wondering when to reset network settings on iPhone, how to do it and what happens when they reset their iPhone network settings. In this handy guide, we have mentioned everything you need to know about resetting network settings on an iPhone. So, let’s go!
Note: The above steps work for all iPhone models running iOS 15 or iOS 16.
Steps to reset network settings on iPhone
1. Open Settings -> General on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and select “Transfer iPhone” or “Reset iPhone”.
3. On the next page, select the “Reset” option.
4. Now tap on Reset network settings.
5. Enter your iPhone’s passcode.
6. If prompted, also enter your Screen Time passcode.
7. Finally, tap Reset network settings again to confirm your decision.
Once you do this, your iPhone will restart automatically. It will take about a minute. After that, enter your iPhone’s passcode and open Settings -> Wi-Fi to join a preferred network. If your iPad (or another iPhone) is connected to the same Wi-Fi network, you can share Wi-Fi password from your iPad or iPhone.
When do you need to reset network settings on your iPhone?
If the following problems are common, you can reset network settings on an iPhone 13 or other model:
WiFi does not work or does not connect automatically. You’re getting a “No Service” error message on your iOS device. Bluetooth isn’t working on your iPhone. You cannot make/receive calls. You cannot use 5G networks. Random call drops FaceTime won’t connect or work. VPN not working as expected. What happens when you reset network settings on iPhone?
When you reset the network settings on your iPhone, the following changes occur:
All internet and network-related information will be erased, including already paired Bluetooth devices, previously connected Wi-Fi networks and their passwords, cellular network settings, and VPN configuration. The name of your device under Settings -> General -> About will be changed to iPhone. It is a misconception that resetting your iPhone’s network settings will erase the eSIM. Your eSIM will work normally even after resetting the network settings.
Note that resetting iPhone network settings will not erase any of your personal data. Your photos and videos, downloaded apps, configured email addresses and other data will remain intact. So there is no need to back up your iPhone.
Alternative ways to fix network issues on iPhone
If you want to troubleshoot network-related issues on your iPhone, there are a few alternatives to resetting your iPhone’s network settings that you should try. Not only are these steps easy and quick, they also help you fix network issues on iPhone without deleting anything. So be sure to try these out.
1. Switch Airplane mode
If Wi-Fi or FaceTime aren’t working on your iPhone, you can toggle Airplane mode to rule out network issues. It’s one of the fastest ways to fix a variety of network issues on any smartphone. We recommend trying it out.
Here are two methods to toggle Airplane mode on iPhone.
1. Open Control Center and tap the Airplane mode icon. Then wait about 5 seconds and tap the Airplane mode icon again.
2. Alternatively, go to Settings -> Airplane mode and enable it. After 4-5 seconds, toggle OFF to disable Airplane mode.
2. Reboot the iPhone
If Airplane mode didn’t fix the network issues, try restarting your iPhone. It fixes minor glitches and clears internal storage to give your device a fresh start.
1. How to start iPhone
2. To restart iPhone 8, 7, 6 & SE (2nd/3rd generation): Press and hold the power button until you see the power off slider.
3. To restart iPhone SE (1st gen), 5 or earlier models: Press and hold the top button until the power off slider appears.
Drag the slider to the right and wait at least 30 seconds. Then press and hold the power button (side or top) to restart your iPhone.
3. Reconnect to the Wi-Fi network
If you keep having WiFi connection issues or your iPhone throws an error about incorrect WiFi password, it’s time to forget it and reconnect to the network. Before you do that, you should know the password or make a note of it. You must enter it again to reconnect to that network. You can also view WiFi password on your Windows 11 laptop when connected to the same network.
1. In the Settings app, select WiFi. You will see the list of available WiFi networks.
2. Find the name of the wireless network you are currently using.
3. Tap the i (information) icon next to the Wi-Fi network name.
4. Select “Forget this network” (the first option).
5. Tap Forget to confirm your decision.
6. Finally, select the name of the WiFi network you want to join and enter the password.
frequently asked Questions
1. How to reset network settings on iOS 15?
On your iPhone, go to Settings -> General -> Transfer or Reset iPhone -> Reset and select Reset Network Settings. Then enter your iPhone’s passcode, followed by the Screen Time passcode, and finally click “Reset Network Settings” to confirm.
2. Will resetting network settings delete anything?
If you reset the network settings, all internet and connectivity information will be deleted. So you will lose the list of paired Bluetooth devices, Wi-Fi networks and VPN information on your iPhone. However, no personal data and files on your iPhone will be erased.
3. What is the difference between “Reset Network Settings” and “Reset iPhone”?
Network Settings Reset option only erases network-related data, while iPhone reset erases all content and settings on your device. This means that resetting your iPhone will erase your photos and videos, files, documents, third-party apps, email configuration, and more. In short: Your iPhone’s settings will be reset to factory defaults.
4. Should I reset network settings on my iPhone?
If you can’t fix Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, no service, or other network issues, you can reset network settings on your iPhone. Although you would need to reconfigure your Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth connections, this is a tried and tested solution for fixing common network issues on an iPhone.
