If your iPhone refuses to connect with Wi-Fi, you can’t make or receive calls, or Bluetooth is not working, consider resetting the network settings.
This will reset all your network settings to the default state, meaning you will lose all saved network information stored on the device.
Before you begin with the reset, I recommend you go through these basic network troubleshooting steps.
- Toggle on/off the airplane mode
- Restart your iPhone
- Reboot router
- Check router lights for errors. If present, contact your ISP.
- Confirm with the network provider if it’s a cellular network issue.
If there’s still an issue, it’s time to reset the network settings on your iPhone.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to Reset your Network settings on older and newer versions of iOS.
On iOS 15 and later
- Go to the Settings option.
- Tap on General.
- Scroll down and tap on Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Now, tap on Reset.
- Tap on Reset Network Settings.
- Enter your Passcode if prompted.
- Then, enter your Screen Time passcode.
- Now tap on Reset Network Settings.
On iOS 14 and below
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on General.
- Choose the Reset option.
- Then, tap on Reset Network Settings.
Can’t Reset Network Settings?
If you’re not able to reset your network settings on your iPhone, try out these troubleshooting steps:
- Make sure to check if your device has any screen time restrictions. If it has, do turn that off.
- Consider updating your iPhone to the latest version.
- If all else fails, perform a Factory Reset.
What Happens After You Reset the Network Settings on an iPhone?
When you reset the network settings on an iPhone, it basically clears out all of your previous networks, including Wi-Fi, VPN, cellular data, and paired Bluetooth devices.
- Cellular Network Settings: The device will switch back to its default mode, which means the Data plus data roaming will be off. It will also wipe out previous data usage statistics and reset your device’s APN settings.
- Wi-Fi networks and passwords: All of your Wi-Fi passwords and network SSID will be removed.
- Bluetooth: Paired Bluetooth connections will no longer be available on the device’s list. In order to get them back, you have to pair those devices again.
- VPN: Information such as VPN’s server name and passwords will get erased.
Although this process removes all of your network information, it won’t affect any of your personal data, including files, folders, apps, or media contents stored on your device.
So it is safe to network reset on an iPhone.