How to fix the “No network connection” issue on iPhone

Why does my iPhone say “No network connection”?

If your iPhone says “no network connection,” the reasons can range from simple fixes to more complex issues that might need help from your internet service provider (ISP). If you have no internet connection or limited internet access, it could be due to:

• Network settings errors. Wrong network settings can cause your iPhone to lose internet connection.
• Software glitches. Bugs in iOS updates or the operating system can sometimes disrupt network connectivity.
• SIM card problems. A faulty or improperly placed SIM card can stop your iPhone from connecting to a cellular network.
• Carrier-related issues. Network outages or account problems with your mobile carrier can lead to connection issues.
• Hardware issues. Physical damage or defects in the phone’s hardware, like the antenna, can affect network connectivity.
• Interference or poor signal. Physical obstructions, interference from other devices, or being in an area with weak signal reception can also cause connection problems.

How to resolve connectivity issues on an iPhone

Before changing your ISP or buying a new device, try simpler solutions that take less time and effort. We’ll start with the easiest fixes for your iPhone’s connectivity issues and move on to more difficult ones. Try the simplest solutions first, and if those don’t work, proceed to the next steps.

Make sure Wi-Fi or cellular data is turned on

Look in the upper right-hand corner of your iPhone’s screen for the Wi-Fi or “5G” symbol.

If you don’t see it, you might need to connect to Wi-Fi or turn on cellular data.

Note: If your iPhone is already connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data, but you’re still experiencing connectivity issues, try turning them off and then on again.

To turn Wi-Fi or mobile data on using the Control Center:

1. Swipe down from the top-right corner (or swipe up from the bottom on older models).
2. Tap the Wi-Fi icon to turn on Wi-Fi, or tap the mobile data icon to turn on mobile data. The Wi-Fi icon will turn blue, and the mobile data icon will turn green.

To connect to Wi-Fi via the Settings app:

1. Open “Settings” > “Wi-Fi.”
2. Toggle the “Wi-Fi” button on.
3. Select a network from the list. If the network is locked, enter the password when prompted.

To turn on cellular data:

1. Open “Settings” > “Cellular.”
2. Toggle the “Cellular data” (or “Mobile data”) button on.

Forget and reconnect to the Wi-Fi network

If you’re having connectivity issues, try forgetting the Wi-Fi network and reconnecting.

To forget the network:

1. Go to “Settings” > “Wi-Fi.”
2. Tap the “i” icon next to your Wi-Fi network.
3. Tap “Forget this network.” Note: Make sure you remember or have the Wi-Fi password before forgetting the network.
4. Confirm by tapping “Forget.”

To reconnect:

1. Find the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to and tap on it.
2. Enter the password if needed, then tap “Join.”

Turn airplane mode on and off

Even if airplane mode is already off, toggling it on and off might fix internet connection issues. Turning on airplane mode disables wireless connections, including cellular and Wi-Fi, while turning it off reconnects them. This forces your iPhone to disconnect from all networks and then reconnect, which can resolve temporary connection issues.

To turn airplane mode on and off using the control center:

1. Swipe down from the top-right corner (or swipe up from the bottom on older models).
2. Tap the airplane mode icon (a plane symbol). It will turn orange, indicating it’s on.
3. Wait a few seconds, then tap it again to turn it off.

To turn airplane mode on and then off using “Settings.”

1. Open “Settings.”
2. Toggle the airplane mode switch on and wait a few seconds.
3. Toggle the switch off again.

Restart your iPhone and Wi-Fi router

Sometimes, a simple restart is all you need. Restarting your iPhone can clear temporary software glitches or background processes that may affect connectivity. Restarting the router can fix issues with routing, signal interference, or device overloads. Restarting both devices can be a simple and effective way to troubleshoot connectivity issues.

How to restart the iPhone X and later models (iPhones with Face ID):

1. Press and hold the side button and either volume button until the power-off slider appears.
2. Drag the slider to turn off the iPhone.
3. Wait 30 seconds.
4. Press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo.

How to restart the iPhone 8 and earlier models (iPhones with a “Home” button):

1. Press and hold the top (or side button on some models) until the power-off slider appears.
2. Drag the slider to turn off the iPhone.
3. Wait 30 seconds.
4. Press and hold the top (or side button) until you see the Apple logo.

How to restart your Wi-Fi router:

1. Unplug the power cable from your router.
2. Wait 30 seconds for the router to fully power down.
3. Plug the power cable back in and wait for the router to restart. The lights will usually return to their normal state when it’s ready.

Check for the latest iOS update

The importance of software updates goes beyond just fixing connectivity issues. In fact, network problems usually aren’t caused by an outdated system. However, updating your system can resolve various bugs, including those affecting network connections. Therefore, it’s worth a try.

To check for the latest iOS version:

1. Open “Settings.”
2. Tap “General.”
3. Tap “Software update.”
4. If a new version is available, tap “Download and install.”
5. Wait for the download to finish.
6. Tap “Install now” to update your iPhone.

Temporarily turn off your VPN

If you’re receiving a “No network” or “No service” error on your iPhone while using a VPN (virtual private network), temporarily turning off your VPN might help resolve the issue. VPNs reroute your internet traffic through remote servers, which can conflict with your local network settings. Turning off the VPN on your iPhone allows your phone to connect directly to the network. If the problem goes away after turning off the VPN, the VPN might be the source of the issue.

Here’s how to turn off VPN on your iPhone:

1. Open “Settings” and tap “General.”
2. Tap “VPN & device management.”
3. Tap “VPN.”
4. Toggle the “VPN status” switch to “Not connected.”

Contact your ISP

Your ISP has tools to identify network issues on its end. It can tell if a service outage or other problems are affecting your internet connection. It can also guide you through steps to fix issues, such as reconfiguring your router. Moreover, your ISP can also check your modem, router, or other equipment for problems. Replacing faulty hardware can improve your connectivity.

Contact your carrier

Carriers can check your account for issues like billing problems or service restrictions that might affect your connection. Fixing these account issues can restore your service if it’s been suspended or limited. If the problem is with your SIM card, carriers can replace it or help troubleshoot any issues with it. A damaged or outdated SIM card can disrupt connectivity, and getting a new one can solve the problem.

Reset your network settings

Resetting network settings can quickly solve connectivity issues by restoring your iPhone’s network configurations to their factory settings. However, use this option as a last resort because it will delete your saved Wi-Fi networks, VPN settings, and Bluetooth connections. This means you will need to set these up again afterward. Consider other troubleshooting steps first, like restarting your device or toggling Airplane mode, to avoid losing these settings.

To reset network settings on your iPhone (iOS 15 or later):

1. Open “Settings” and tap “General.”
2. Tap “Transfer or reset iPhone.”
3. Tap “Reset.”
4. Choose “Reset network settings.”
5. Enter your passcode, if needed, then tap “Reset network settings” again to confirm.

Note: Resetting network settings will also reset your Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular network settings, and any VPN settings you’ve used.

What to do if the iPhone still keeps losing signal

If your iPhone still loses signal after trying multiple solutions, visit the Apple Support website or use the Apple Support app for expert help. Apple’s team can provide diagnostics and solutions that may not be available elsewhere, making the connection process easier.