Have you ever tried connecting to a Wi-Fi network with your iPhone, and for some inexplicable reason it doesn’t connect?
An internet connection is necessary for your iPhone to be able to perform many tasks, like the update, and surfing the internet.
However, problems arise when you try to join a Wi-Fi network internet connection, and an error message that says “unable to join network” is displayed.
In this article, you’ll learn why your iPhone is unable to join a Wi-Fi network and how you can fix it.
Why Am I Seeing “Unable To Join Network” When Connecting To A Wi-Fi Network
There are several reasons why you may be seeing unable to join the network when connecting to a Wi-Fi Network
Network Problems
If your iPhone is unable to join a Wi-Fi Network, you first need to check if other devices can connect to that network.
Also, check if your iPhone can connect to other networks. If yes, then the problem is from your network and not your iPhone, and vice versa.
Wrong Password
The reason you are unable to connect to a Wi-Fi network is that you keep inputting the wrong password when prompted.
Since a Wi-Fi password is made up of a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols, omitting one character will make the password incorrect and you would not be able to join the network.
Technical Glitches and Bugs
Your iOS version which is operating on your mobile device might be the reason why you are unable to join any network.
If your software is not up-to-date, it may develop minor technical glitches and bugs, which cause system processes like joining a Wifi network to malfunction.
Faulty Antenna
Wi-Fi networks, like FM radios, use electromagnetic waves to transmit signals, and to do this, it requires an antenna.
The antenna converts the signals into data that your iPhone can process. A faulty antenna will not be able to function properly and this may cause you to not join networks.
How To Fix “Unable To Join Network” on iPhone
Here are some ways to fix unable to join the network when connecting to a network on your iPhone.
Fix 1: Update your iPhone
Apple periodically rolls out new updates for iOS devices. These new software updates contain fixes to the technical glitches and bugs in the previous version.
Downloading and installing the latest iOS software version on your iPhone will ensure that the technical glitches and bugs, which make your device unable to join any network, are resolved.
Open the Settings app on your iPhone > Select General > Choose Software Update > Wait for a few minutes as the device needs to check for any new available updates > Select the latest version to download and install it.
Fix 2: Restart your iPhone
To solve the problem of your iPhone being unable to connect to a network is to restart it.
Turning off your iPhone and turning it on again is the only way to restart your device.
Press and hold 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 shutdown menu will appear on the screen > Slide the power icon to turn the phone off > After the phone shuts down, press and hold and the power button to turn it back on.
Fix 3: Reset Network Settings
Once you are unable to join a network, then the problem may stem from network settings.
The only option at this point would be to reset them. Resetting your network will bring back every network (Wi-Fi, mobile data, VPN, and APN) to its default setting.
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.
Fix 4: Update VPN
Using a VPN may also cause your iPhone to be unable to join any network. The VPN may be out of date which is why it is lagging.
Check your App Store if there are any updates available for the VPN and install them.
If the problem continues to persist, disabling the VPN or uninstalling it will prevent it from blocking traffic to the web.
Fix 5: Restart Wi-Fi Router or Modem
When you try connecting to the network with other devices and it does not work, then the network may be the problem and not your iPhone.
In this situation, restarting your router or modem will solve your problem of your iPhone not being able to connect to a network.
Restart the modem or router by turning it off your router and turning it on again. After a successful reboot, connect your iPhone to the Wifi network.
Conclusion
Your iPhone being unable to join a network is a problem that many iPhone users face. It is very counterproductive as an internet connection is needed these days to do everything.
Without a network connection, your iPhone becomes more or less a piece of brick.
In this article, the reasons why your phone is unable to join a network have been exposed, now, you have the solutions that can be taken to remedy your situation.
FAQs on How To Fix “iPhone Unable To Join Network”
Why is my phone unable to connect to a network?
Restart your device if you are unable to connect to the network on your phone. Before doing that, switch between Wi-fi and mobile data. If you’re still facing the same challenge turn the phone off and turn it on again.
What do you do when it says unable to join a network?
Check if the router is plugged in or if there is power being received by the router. Restart the router and try connecting to the network again.
How do I reset my network settings on my iPhone?
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset [Device] > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will reset all network settings including Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN and APN settings.
Further Reading
- How To Fix “Can’t Erase iPhone”
- How To Fix “iPhone Storage Not Loading”
- How To Recover Sound From “Screen Recording Your iPhone”
- How To Fix “iPhone Playing Music By Itself”
- How To Fix “iPhone Hanging Up Calls”