Test another device on the same network first. If both fail, check the router and internet service. If only the phone fails, restart it and rejoin the network. Save a network-settings reset for last because it removes saved connection details.
Differential
Likely causes of “Apple iPhone with Lightning Wi-Fi will not connect or keeps disconnecting”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The router or provider
What separates it Every device is affected
How to confirm Restart the modem and router
- 2
A stale saved network
What separates it Only the iPhone fails
How to confirm Forget and rejoin
- 3
A router mode the phone does not support
What separates it The iPhone cannot join a new or WPA3-only network
How to confirm Use WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode and a standard channel
- 4
Privacy or data settings
What separates it Joined but no internet
How to confirm Check Private Wi-Fi Address and Low Data Mode for the network
- 5
A hardware fault
What separates it Wi-Fi is grayed out or finds nothing after resets
How to confirm Contact Apple
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether other devices work and the router's mode
- iOS version
- Which XS-era model it is
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedTest another device
ReversibleCheck a second device on the same Wi-Fi.
Toggle and restart
ReversibleTurn Wi-Fi off and on and restart the iPhone.
Forget and rejoin
ReversibleForget the network and add it again.
Check the router mode
ReversibleUse WPA2 or mixed WPA2/WPA3 on a standard channel.
Check network privacy settings
ReversibleLook at Private Wi-Fi Address and Low Data Mode.
Reset Network Settings
ReversibleUse it as a last step.
Check the router's firmware
ReversibleUpdate the router if the problem began with a router change.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Apple iPhone XS family will not connect to Wi-Fi or keeps disconnecting
- Wi-Fi trouble on an iPhone XS, XS Max, XR or X is usually the router or a saved network rather than the phone. Test another device on the same Wi-Fi, then turn Wi-Fi off and on, restart and forget the network in Settings, Wi-Fi before rejoining it. These phones support Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) on 2.4 and 5 GHz, so a router set to a Wi-Fi 7-only mode or to a very high security level may not suit them; try a mixed mode with WPA2. Check Private Wi-Fi Address and Low Data Mode for that network, update iOS to the latest your phone supports and use Reset Network Settings as the last software step.
- Wi-Fi
- The iPhone XS family supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.0.
- Software
- Check Settings, General, Software Update for the latest version your phone supports.
- Router
- A router in Wi-Fi 6 or mixed mode with WPA2 suits older iPhones best.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the iPhone X, iPhone XR.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If Wi-Fi is grayed out after an update and a network reset, contact Apple
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Settings, VPN, router, network reset and ISP steps.
iPhone X battery, OLED display, A11 chip, IP67, Qi charging and iOS versions.
iPhone XS and XS Max batteries, A12 chip, IP68, Wi-Fi and iOS support.
iPhone XR battery, LCD display, IP67 and iOS support.
Exact questions
Common questions
Does the iPhone XS support 5 GHz Wi-Fi?+
Yes, it supports 802.11ac Wi-Fi 5 on 2.4 and 5 GHz.
Why will my iPhone XS not join a Wi-Fi 7 router?+
It can join, but not use Wi-Fi 7. Set the router to a mixed mode that includes older standards.
Why does my iPhone XS say Weak Security?+
The network uses an old security type. Move the router to WPA2 or WPA3.
Will an iOS update fix Wi-Fi?+
Often, if the problem followed a bug. Install the latest update your phone supports.
When should I replace an old iPhone for Wi-Fi problems?+
If the Wi-Fi chip fails after resets, a repair can cost more than the phone is worth.
Why does my iPhone XS say no internet on Wi-Fi?+
The router may have lost its upstream link, or DNS or a VPN may be blocking traffic. Test another device and restart the router.
How do I find my iPhone's Wi-Fi address?+
Open Settings, Wi-Fi, tap the network's info button and read the Wi-Fi Address.
Should I use a custom DNS on the iPhone?+
Only if you know why. Use the router's default for troubleshooting first.
Does Wi-Fi Assist change the connection?+
It can move traffic to cellular when Wi-Fi is weak. Turn it off in Settings, Cellular if you want to stay on Wi-Fi.
How do I forget a network on an iPhone?+
Open Settings, Wi-Fi, tap the info button beside the network and choose Forget This Network.
wifi: model differences
Also covered: Apple iPhone 13 family.