How to Reset Network Settings on Your iPhone

Does your iPhone appear to be connected to the internet, but data doesn't flow? Network settings control how your iPhone connects to Wi-Fi and cellular networks. You may need to reset the iPhone's network settings, but simpler actions may help too.

What Happens When You Reset Network Settings

When you reset the network settings, the configurations for Wi-Fi and cellular networks return to the default settings. A reset also clears virtual private network (VPN) configurations. After a reset, your iPhone reconnects to your carrier, and you'll need to reconfigure the Wi-Fi and VPN settings manually.

Before you reset your network settings, try the following tips when you experience a network connection problem with your iPhone. They are quicker than going through resetting your network, and they often solve the problem.

Tip: Toggle Airplane Mode

Put your phone in Airplane Mode for a minute or so.

1. Tap Settings on your iPhone. Move the slider next to Airplane Mode to the right, so you can see green, indicating Airplane Mode is on and Wi-Fi is off.

2. Wait a minute and then move the slider next to Airplane Mode to the left to turn Airplane Mode off and Wi-Fi on again.

3. Check to see if your connections work.

Tip: Power Off and Power On

If toggling Airplane Mode doesn't work, turn your iPhone off and back on.

1. Hold down the Power button on the iPhone for a few seconds. On some phones, you hold down the Power button and a volume button to turn off the iPhone.

2. Move the Slide to power off slider to the right to power off the phone.

3. Wait for the phone to power down and then hold down the power button for a few seconds until the Apple logo appears to turn your phone back on. You need to enter your passcode to sign in when your device starts.

4. Check to see if your connections work.

Tip: Forget and Reconnect to Your Wi-Fi Network

If you still can't connect, remove and then reconnect your Wi-Fi network.

1. Open Settings and tap Wi-Fi to open the Wi-Fi settings screen. The name of the network your device is connected to displays beneath Wi-Fi and the on/off slider near the top of the screen.

2. Tap the i within the circle to the right of the current network name.

3. Tap Forget This Network and confirm by tapping Forget.

   Forgetting a network forces your iPhone to disconnect from the network and returns you to the screen that shows the available wireless networks.

4. Tap the name of the network you want to join. Enter the network password and tap Join.

5. Check to see if your connections work.

How to Reset Network Settings on iPhone

If network connection problems persist, complete the following steps to reset the network settings on your iPhone.

1. On your iPhone, open the Settings app.

2. Tap General.

3. Scroll to the bottom of the screen and tap Reset.

4. Tap Reset Network Settings.

5. If prompted, enter your passcode.

6. Tap Reset Network Settings.

Your iPhone resets its network settings and then restarts, which takes a minute or so. When you can use your phone again, enter your passcode. Your phone should automatically reconnect to your cellular provider. If your iPhone doesn't auto-connect to your mobile network, contact your carrier or Apple for support.

You also need to rejoin Wi-Fi networks. Tap Settings > Wi-Fi and then tap the name of the network you want to join. If prompted, enter the network password and then tap Join.