Does your iPhone keep disconnecting from your Wi-Fi network after iOS 17 update? Follow the troubleshooting steps below to fix the issue.
You rebooted your iPhone, turned off Airplane Mode, and restarted your router, yet you still have spotty Wi-Fi. Should you bring your iPhone in for repairs? Not yet.
Consider going through a few more troubleshooting tips. Here are some quick, simple fixes for iPhones that keep connecting and disconnecting from Wi-Fi networks after iOS 17 update.
1. Forget the Malfunctioning Network
if your iPhone keeps dropping Wi-Fi after iOS 17 update, try removing the malfunctioning network from your phone. Otherwise, it’ll keep joining the Wi-Fi connection. This fix will likely work if you recently changed your Wi-Fi password, your internet has been spotty, or you set up a new router.
So, follow the steps below:
- Launch Settings and tap on Wi-Fi.
- Look for the malfunctioning network, then tap the (i) button on the right side of its name. It will open the Information page.
- Select Forget This Network, then confirm the action by tapping Forget in the dialogue box.
- Go back to the Wi-Fi menu and rejoin the network manually. Double-check your password–someone might have changed it without you knowing.
2. Check Your iPhone’s VPN Settings
There are a ton of free VPNs for iPhones and iPads. They’ll help you bypass geo-restrictions, access confidential information, or use insecure networks safely.
Just don’t leave them running. VPN apps occasionally cause internet connectivity problems, especially when switching between networks. Disable them if your iPhone keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi after iOS 17 update.
You can turn off your VPN within the respective apps. But if your VPN merges with your iPhone’s built-in VPN client, follow these steps in the Settings app:
- Head over to Settings > General.
- Tap on VPN & Device Management–you’ll find it near the bottom of the page.
- Select VPN and remove any active VPN configurations.
3. Turn Off the Wi-Fi Assist Feature
The iPhone’s Wi-Fi Assist feature switches to cellular data whenever Wi-Fi gets spotty. Let’s say a page has been loading for over 30 seconds. Instead of stubbornly running the same network, your iPhone automatically uses your cellular data.
Although helpful, this feature can cause issues. The iPhone will keep dropping your Wi-Fi network until it improves–you can’t switch to Wi-Fi manually.
We suggest turning off Wi-Fi Assist to prevent your iPhone from dropping Wi-Fi connection . Just use your data as needed. Otherwise, you’ll drain your cellular data plan if you’re often stuck with weak Wi-Fi.
- Head over to Settings > Cellular.
- Scroll down to the Wi-Fi Assist option at the bottom of the page.
- Toggle off the switch. Turn on your cellular data first if Wi-Fi Assist is grayed out.
4. Reset Your Network Settings
Reset the network settings if your iPhone keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi even after following the troubleshooting steps above. Doing this can fix several hidden network issues on your iPhone. Just note that your device loses all saved network passwords, Wi-Fi names, and Bluetooth pairings.
- Go to Settings > General.
- Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone, located at the bottom of the page.
- Now, tap Reset > Reset Network Settings, then enter your passcode for confirmation.
5. Update (Or Downgrade) Your iOS
If your iPhone still disconnects from Wi-Fi after resetting the network settings, check your iOS version. Update to the latest iOS firmware available. Apple might have fixed the glitch that’s making your device intermittently drop Wi-Fi connections. Here’s what you need to do:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Check if an update is available.
Alternatively, if you’ve been facing connectivity issues after updating, you have the option to downgrade iOS to the previous version. Although the process requires technical know-how, it should only take a few minutes.
6. Check with your provider
It is possible that the problem is more widespread, are other people in your area also experiencing issues? Is your landline phone down too? Try Downdetector to see if other people are having the same problem.
If the problem is at the provider’s end, there’s not much you can do about it beyond complaining–and you should absolutely do that. Hopefully they will be able to rectify the issue quickly.
Even if other parts of their network aren’t down, it might still be the provider’s problem or it could be a problem with your phone line. For example, if your broadband relies on cables then there could be a problem with the cabling to your house; if your web connection often cuts out during bad weather it may be because water is interfering with the cables.
7. Find out if something is blocking the signal from your router
There are lots of reasons why the signal strength can be weaker in certain locations and not others. For example, thick walls in old houses can make getting a signal in one corner of the house impossible.
If there is a lot of metal in the building that can also cause issues with your Wi-Fi, so it might be worth checking what materials were used in the construction of your property.
You can use an app to analyze the Wi-Fi signal in your building. Move your iPhone around and chart the signal strength in various locations to get an idea of where the signal is stronger and where’s it’s weak.
Alternatively the problem may be other electrical devices, such as fans, motors, microwaves and wireless phones. Does your Wi-Fi drop at the same time as you use the microwave? Because they’re both using radio waves you can get interference when you turn your microwave on.
Try to position your router far away from these devices and don’t use the microwave at the same time as an important conference call.
Keep Your iPhone Connected to Wi-Fi
Try the above fixes if your iPhone keeps dropping Wi-Fi after iOS 17 update. You should regain internet access shortly. Connectivity problems often stem from minor bugs–they rarely indicate serious hardware or software issues, so don’t panic.
But if none of your devices can connect to Wi-Fi, check the internet connection. Your router or ISP might be to blame. Follow standard troubleshooting steps, like switching to a wired connection, checking your network card, and restarting your router.
