You may be trying to connect to a Wi-Fi network, and you see the error message “incorrect Wi-Fi password privacy” on your iPhone or iPad.
The incorrect Wi-Fi password error message appears on your iPhone when you attempt to connect to a Wi-Fi network.
This means that your iPhone cannot connect to the Wi-Fi network even if the password is correct.
In this article, you’ll learn why you keep on seeing “incorrect Wi-Fi password” even when the password is correct. You’ll know how to fix it.
Why Does My iPhone Keep Saying My Wi-Fi Password Is Incorrect?
Wrong Password
The first and obvious reason why your iPhone rejects a Wi-Fi password is that the password you are entering is wrong.
Wi-Fi passwords are a combination of different symbols, numbers, and letters in both upper and lower case to make them more secure. You may likely miss a character when inputting the password.
Wrong Wireless Security
Another reason your iPhone keeps displaying an incorrect password whenever you are trying to connect to a Wi-Fi network is that you are accessing the wrong wireless security.
There are different types of wireless security. These are WEP, WPA, WPA2, and WPA3 among many others.
Entering the right password on the wrong wireless security will bring about complications.
iPhone Problem
Also, the reason your iPhone is rejecting your Wi-Fi password might be that it is affected by technical glitches or bugs.
These are malfunctions in the software version of your iOS that cause minor errors in the operating processes of your phone. Although they are not significant, these bugs are annoying.
How To Fix “iPhone Wi-Fi Incorrect Password” Even if It Is Correct
Here is what you should do when you see the error message “incorrect password” when you are trying to connect to a Wi-Fi network on your iPhone.
Fix 1: Update Your iPhone
Updating your iPhone to the latest iOS version can help ensure your device uses the most up-to-date security protocols.
This would also ensure that your device has the fixes to the technical glitches and bugs that disrupt system activities.
Open the Settings app on your iPhone > Select General > Choose the second option: Software Update > Wait while the device checks if there are any new updates available > Select the latest one and wait while it downloads and installs
Fix 2: Restart Your iPhone
Another fix for solving the problem of your iPhone not being able to connect to a Wi-Fi network is to restart it.
To restart your iPhone means to manually turn it off and manually turn it on again. To restart your iPhone.
Hold down the power button (for models below the iPhone X) or hold down the power button and the volume down buttons (for iPhone X models and later) for a few seconds > The shut-down menu will appear on the screen > Slide the power icon to turn the phone off > After the phone shuts down, press and hold down the power button to turn it back on.
Fix 3: Reset Network Settings
It is recommended to reset all network Settings, which include Wi-Fi settings too.
This may fix the error of your iPhone displaying “incorrect password” whenever you try to connect to a Wi-Fi network.
Since resetting your network settings means restoring every network configuration to its default Settings after the reset enter the password again to connect to the Wifi network.
Open the Settings app and tap General > Select the Transfer or Reset iPhone option which is last but one > Choose Reset > On the pop-up menu that appears, select Reset Network Settings.
You’ll be asked to enter your iPhone passcode, then confirm your decision by tapping Reset Network Settings. Once the reset is complete, your iPhone will restart.
After resetting your Network Settings, you will need to enter the password to connect to the Wi-Fi networks you have previously connected to.
Fix 4: Forget Wi-Fi Network
Although resetting network settings is extreme, it fixes the problem of your iPhone not being able to successfully connect to a Wi-Fi network, but if you do not want to do that, you can simply ‘Forget’ the Wi-Fi network and rejoin it again.
This is in hopes that you are missing a character in the password, or the password has been changed.
iPhones keep track of all Wi-Fi networks you connect to and ‘forgetting’ a Wi-Fi network means erasing its data from your phone.
Open the Settings app on your iPhone > Select the Wi-Fi option > Press the “i” button next to your desired Wi-Fi network > Select the “Forget This Network” option > On the Wi-Fi menu, reselect the Wi-Fi network and enter the correct password.
Fix 5: Restart Wi-Fi Router Or Modem
Your Wi-Fi router malfunctioning may be the reason why your iPhone can’t connect to the Wi-Fi network.
It is recommended that you try restarting the modem or router by turning off your router and turning it on again.
After a successful reboot, connect your iPhone to the Wi-Fi network.
Fix 6: Customer Care
If any of the above solutions are not working, then your last resort is to contact Apple Support staff or their technical team to find a solution to your problem since it is a software one. This can be done in person, via mail, or online.
Conclusion
This article talks more about the reasons why your iPhone displays the error message “incorrect password” when you try to connect to a Wi-Fi network and details all the things you can do to fix it.
Following the fixes above will ensure that your iPhone can connect to any Wi-Fi network once you have the right password.
FAQs On How To Fix “iPhone Incorrect Wi-Fi Password”
How do I fix my iPhone's incorrect Wi-Fi password?
Try resetting your phone’s network setting. Resetting your network settings mean that all your iPhone’s Cellular, Wi-Fi, APN, and Virtual Private Network settings will be restored to factory defaults.
Tap Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Why is my Wi-Fi saying incorrect password when it's correct?
Restart Your Wi-Fi Router. This is because the error message being displayed may be a result of your router malfunctioning. Turn off the router by either pressing the power button on the device or unplugging it from the electrical source. Wait for a few minutes and then turn it on again
Further Reading
- How To Fix “Random Photos Appearing On My Phone”
- How To Fix “Black Spot On Phone Screen” [The Right Way]
- How To Fix Face ID Not Working On iPhone 14 Pro
- How To Fix AutoFill Password Not Working On iPhone
- How To Force Close All Apps At The Same Time On iPhone