Reset Network Settings on iPhone to Fix Connection Problems

If your iPhone repeatedly drops Wi-Fi, cannot use cellular data, or will not connect through a personal VPN after basic troubleshooting, Reset Network Settings can clear saved network configurations. On current iOS, open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. It does not erase your photos, messages, apps, or other personal content, but you will need to reconnect and may need to restore some network settings.

Before you reset, check the connection

Try the smaller fixes first. Make sure Airplane Mode is off and Wi-Fi is on. Restart the iPhone if Wi-Fi is dimmed or acting stuck. If other devices also cannot get online, restart the router and modem, check that the router has power and is in range, and contact the internet provider if the outage continues. If only one Wi-Fi network fails, test another network to see whether the issue follows the iPhone.

Apple recommends resetting network settings only after other Wi-Fi solutions fail. Its Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide also covers router checks and what to do when the iPhone says it is connected but has no internet. If your school or workplace manages the iPhone or installs its VPN and network settings, ask the IT administrator before resetting.

If Bluetooth is the only problem, do not assume this reset will repair a pairing. Apple’s reset instructions focus on Wi-Fi, cellular, VPN, and APN settings; for a Bluetooth accessory, use Apple’s pairing and unpairing steps.

What resetting Network Settings changes

This is a targeted settings reset, not a factory reset. Apple says previously used networks and personal VPN settings that were not installed by a configuration profile or mobile device management (MDM) are removed. Apple’s Wi-Fi instructions also say saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN and APN settings are reset. Wi-Fi turns off and back on, so the iPhone disconnects from the current network.

• Wi-Fi: Be ready to choose your network and enter its password again. Wi-Fi and Ask to Join Networks remain enabled.
• Cellular: Cellular preferences are reset, and Data Roaming may be turned off. Check the options that matter for your plan afterward.
• VPN and APN: Personal settings may need to be set up again. Settings delivered by a work or school profile or MDM are handled separately; contact the administrator before changing a managed device.
• Other small changes: Your iPhone’s device name returns to “iPhone,” and manually trusted certificates become untrusted.
• What stays: Apps, photos, messages, files, and eSIMs are not erased by Reset Network Settings. “Delete All eSIMs” is a separate reset choice. Do not select “Erase All Content and Settings” for a network problem.

For the full list of reset options, see Apple’s guide to resetting iPhone settings.

How to reset Network Settings on iPhone

1. Open Settings, then tap General.

   

2. Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.

   

3. Tap Reset. This opens reset choices; it does not erase the phone.

   

4. Select Reset Network Settings.

   

5. Read the on-screen prompt. Enter your iPhone passcode if requested, then confirm the network reset.

   

The iPhone will disconnect from Wi-Fi as its network settings are reset. It may take a short time for connectivity to return. You do not need to erase the device or remove an eSIM to complete this step.

Reconnect and check each connection

Join Wi-Fi again

Open Settings > Wi-Fi, turn Wi-Fi on if needed, tap your network name, enter the password, and tap Join. If you do not know the password, get it from the network owner or router administrator. Hotels, campuses, and public networks may also require you to complete a sign-in page after joining.

Check cellular service and roaming

If cellular data is still unavailable, open Settings > Cellular and confirm the line and Cellular Data are on. If you travel, check Data Roaming: Apple notes that a network reset may turn it off. A reset cannot fix a carrier outage, an inactive plan, weak coverage, or a damaged SIM. If the status bar shows SOS, No Service, or Searching, follow Apple’s cellular service troubleshooting steps and contact your carrier if the line still cannot connect.

Set up a personal VPN again

Open the VPN provider’s app, sign in if needed, and follow its current setup instructions. Some apps ask permission to add a VPN configuration. If your VPN came from work or school, contact the administrator instead of removing or recreating a managed profile.

If the connection still fails

Test Wi-Fi on another device and try the iPhone on a different network. If multiple devices fail on the same router, contact the internet provider or router maker. If the iPhone cannot join any Wi-Fi network, or cellular service remains unavailable after checking the plan and coverage, contact Apple Support or your carrier, depending on which connection is affected. A network reset is useful for clearing configuration problems, but it cannot correct an outage or account issue outside the iPhone.