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iPhone 11 won't connect to wifi

My iPhone 11, iOS 14.6 won't connect to wifi.

I've done all the troubleshooting steps - updated iOS, restarted phone and router, deleted (forgot) and then re-added network, reset network settings - no change.

My iPad and old iPhone 5S are connected to the wifi network so that is not the problem.

What is unusual is that when I open the Wifi settings, it appears to be connected to the network - there is a tick to the left of network name and the lock and wifi icons to the right - but no wifi icon appears at the top right of screen.

When I disconnect the wifi and then reconnect, the wifi icon appears for about a second at the top right hand corner of screen but then goes off.

iPhone 11

Posted on May 26, 2021 2:16 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 28, 2021 1:17 PM

Turns out the problem was with the VPN configuration.


I did a full reset (erased all content and settings). This seemed to do the trick but during the restore process the wifi suddenly dropped out again and wouldn't reconnect. At that point I noticed that the VPN was repeatedly trying to connect, so I removed the VPN settings and that resolved the problem.


I was subsequently able to reconnect the VPN (ExpressVPN) without any problem, so I can only assume that the previous settings somehow changed or were corrupted ...

4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 28, 2021 1:17 PM in response to SravanKrA

Turns out the problem was with the VPN configuration.


I did a full reset (erased all content and settings). This seemed to do the trick but during the restore process the wifi suddenly dropped out again and wouldn't reconnect. At that point I noticed that the VPN was repeatedly trying to connect, so I removed the VPN settings and that resolved the problem.


I was subsequently able to reconnect the VPN (ExpressVPN) without any problem, so I can only assume that the previous settings somehow changed or were corrupted ...

May 26, 2021 2:24 AM in response to b77a

Check your WiFi Router / Modem for --> Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points ...


Connecting to Wifi is the first part and then getting connected to the Internet is the second

  1. If you connect to Wifi, doesn't necessarily mean you are connected to the internet. If you are not connected to wifi could be a problem with iPhone settings or Router/Modem Settings
  2. If you are not connected to the internet is the sole issue of Router / Modem Settings. Contact your ISP immediately


For your Internet connection.

  • Over Cellular: contact your Carrier (Cellular Service Provider). The agency who issued the SIM to you
  • Over WiFI: Contact your ISP (Internet Service Provider), the agency who provided the Internet Service on your Modem/Router to you


However --> Connect iPhone to the Internet - Apple Support


May 28, 2021 1:21 PM in response to b77a

b77a wrote:

Thanks for the reply, but as mentioned the wifi network is not the problem as I have 3 other Apple devices connected to it (iPad, iPhone 5S and Mac) and it is connected to the internet and functioning normally.

Even if 50 devices connect to a Wi-Fi network that doesn’t mean the problem isn’t the network. If you would like a long explanation of why, ask and I will post a note about DHCP failures in routers.


I’m glad you found it was the VPN, but VPNs can create more problems than they solve. You probably shouldn’t be using one unless you live in a country with a repressive government. Here’s why→Don't use VPN services. · GitHub

iPhone 11 won't connect to wifi

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