Apple's guide for Wi-Fi trouble starts with a very simple order: make sure Wi-Fi is on and Airplane Mode is off, see whether other devices can use the same network, and restart the router. If other devices work, the router is fine and the problem is on the iPhone side, so forget the network and join it again, which discards a bad saved profile. The XS Max supports 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks with 802.11ac, and a router that merges both under one name can leave the phone on the weaker band, so give the bands separate names if drops continue.
A warning under the network name, such as Weak Security or Privacy Warning, may point to router settings. Resetting network settings removes saved networks and the bad state with them. Updating iOS also fixes some connection bugs. If the iPhone connects to the router but pages do not load, open Settings, Wi-Fi, tap the network's info icon and check the DNS and the Private Wi-Fi Address setting, since a router that filters by device address can reject a phone that uses a changing private address. Turning Private Wi-Fi Address off for that one network is a quick test, and Apple provides the option for exactly this case.
Differential
Likely causes of “Apple iPhone XS Max will not connect to Wi-Fi or keeps disconnecting”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A weak signal
What separates it One or two bars and slow pages
How to confirm Move closer to the router or add coverage
- 2
A stale saved network
What separates it It says connected but pages do not load
How to confirm Forget the network and rejoin
- 3
Merged 2.4 and 5 GHz names
What separates it The phone drops at distance
How to confirm Join the 2.4 GHz band by its own name
- 4
A router that needs a restart
What separates it Other devices also struggle
How to confirm Unplug the router and modem for thirty seconds
- 5
A software fault
What separates it Wi-Fi is grayed out or turns off by itself
How to confirm Update iOS and Reset Network Settings
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether other devices connect
- The warning under the network name
- The router model and band
- Whether it began after an update
Try in this order
0 of 8 completedCheck the basics
ReversibleSettings, Wi-Fi on, Airplane Mode off, and confirm another device can use the network.
Restart the router
ReversibleUnplug the modem and router for thirty seconds and plug them back in.
Forget the network
ReversibleTap the network's info icon, Forget This Network, then rejoin it.
Try the other band
ReversibleJoin the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz network by its own name.
Update iOS
ReversibleSettings, General, Software Update.
Reset network settings
ReversibleSettings, General, Transfer or Reset iPhone, Reset, Reset Network Settings.
Test Private Wi-Fi Address
ReversibleIn the network's info screen, switch off Private Wi-Fi Address for that network only and rejoin it to see whether a router address filter was blocking the phone.
Compare with a second network
ReversibleJoin a mobile hotspot or a friend's Wi-Fi; if the phone works there, the first router is the cause and the phone is fine.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Other devices first
- If other devices fail too, the router is the cause.
- The warning text
- A line under the network name explains many failures.
- A router that is years old
- Routers older than about six years can struggle with newer phones, and a firmware update or a replacement often ends intermittent drops.
- Public networks
- Hotel and café networks may need a login page that appears only in Safari, so open it after joining.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If Wi-Fi is grayed out after a network reset and a restart, book Apple service
- !If only one network fails, ask its maker
- !A phone that never finds networks needs a repair
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Why does my iPhone connect to Wi-Fi but have no internet?+
A router or DNS problem; restart the router.
What does Weak Security mean?+
The router uses an older security type.
Does the XS Max use 5 GHz?+
Yes, 2.4 and 5 GHz.
Will forgetting a network lose my password?+
Yes, so know it first.
Why does Wi-Fi work for other phones but not mine?+
A stale profile or a Private Wi-Fi Address filter; forget the network and rejoin.
Does Wi-Fi Assist matter?+
It uses mobile data when Wi-Fi is weak, so turn it off if you want to stay on Wi-Fi only.