How to Fix Grayed-Out Wi-Fi on an iPhone (2025)

This article explains all the things you should check out and fix if you're experiencing grayed-out Wi-Fi on your iPhone.

By Dave Johnson - Senior Staff Writer
3 Min Read

Wi-Fi is grayed out on your iPhone and you don’t know why. No matter what you do, you can’t turn on Wi-Fi on your iPhone because it’s grayed out. In this article, I’ll explain why Wi-Fi is grayed out on your iPhone and what to do to fix the issue.

Some users have experienced the problem of not being able to turn on Wi-Fi on their iPhones because the setting was grayed out. Because of this, users were unable to connect to the Internet over Wi-Fi. You can access this Wi-Fi setting by going to Settings > Wi-Fi. What we mean by grayed out is that the Wi-Fi switch is not highlighted, but rather, it is dimmed, and it does not function. When it is tapped to toggle it on, nothing happens.

You can also turn on Wi-Fi by going to Control Center. However, if your iPhone is having this issue, it won’t be possible to enable Wi-Fi using Control Center either. When Control Center is open, you will see that the Wi-Fi icon is disabled with a slash through it.

Why Is The Wi-Fi Grayed Out On My iPhone?

In my experience, a grayed-out Wi-Fi button usually indicates a hardware problem with the Wi-Fi antenna on your iPhone. However, we cannot rule out software problem completely.

How to Fix Grayed-Out Wi-Fi on iPhone

1. Restart your iPhone

Restarting your iPhone is a quick fix for a minor software glitch that could be the reason why Wi-Fi is grayed out. Restarting means turning off your iPhone and then turning it on again. Here is how you can do this:

  • iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16: Press and hold the side and volume up (or down) buttons together until the power off slider appears. Then slide the slider. Wait a few seconds for your iPhone to completely turn off. Then press and hold the power button until the Apple logo appears.
  • iPhone 8 and earlier models: Press and hold the power button (side or top) until you see the power off slider. Then drag the slider. Wait until your iPhone completely shuts off. Then press and hold the power button again to turn on your iPhone until you see the Apple logo.

After restarting your iPhone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi. Can you enable Wi-Fi now?

2. Update your iPhone

You may be having this Wi-Fi problem because of a software bug. Thankfully, iOS updates introduce new features and sometimes fix minor or major software problems. Updating your iPhone is very simple. Go to Settings > General > Software Update. Your iPhone will check for an update. If your device says, iOS is up to date, move to the next step. If there is an update, follow the onscreen instructions to update your iPhone.

3. Reset network settings

If this issue continues, the next step is to reset your network settings. This option will erase all of your network settings. For example, your known Wi-Fi connections and Wi-Fi passwords will be deleted from your iPhone. On your device, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings and then follow the onscreen instructions.

4. Reset all settings

The last step is to reset all settings. As the name indicates, this will erase all of your settings, including:

  • Network settings
  • Privacy settings
  • Location settings

These settings will be reset to factory defaults. Do not worry; your data will not be deleted, but you will need to re-enter some settings and preferences. Your photos and other files will remain on your iPhone. To reset all of your settings, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings. Then follow the onscreen instructions.

What If You are Unable to Fix Your iPhone’s Wi-Fi Grayed Out Problem?

You’ll probably have to take your iPhone into your nearest Apple Store if Wi-Fi is still grayed out. There could be a hardware problem with the iPhone’s Wi-Fi Antenna. Make sure to book an appointment if you plan on taking your iPhone into the Genius Bar. Apple also has phone and live chat support if you don’t live near a retail location.

Successfully Fixed The Grayed-Out Wi-Fi On iPhone

You’ve fixed the problem and Wi-Fi is working again, or you’re ready to get your iPhone repaired. Make sure to share this article on social media to teach your friends and family what to do when Wi-Fi is grayed out on their iPhones. Leave a comment down below if you have any other questions about your iPhone.

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Dave Johnson is a staff writer for GeeksChalk based in New Jersey. He covers news, how-tos, and user guides for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch.
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