Wi-Fi and cellular data not working on my iPhone 12 after iOS 18.5 update

I updated my iPhone 12 (locked/T-mobile) to iOS 18.5 yesterday. Ever since, I have two issues:

  1. Wi-Fi will no longer 'fully' connect: When I go into settings, I can see my normal wifi network, see the full signal strength and the green checkmark showing that I am connected. When I look at the top right of my screen, it still shows that I using cellular network, not the wifi.
  2. My data is not working for 'most' of my apps. Whether my WiFi is on or off on my phone, I cannot access any data through my apps (app store, mail, reddit, youtube, maps, waze, etc). This is even when I have good 5G cell signal.


What I have tried:

  • I have restarted my phone several times.
  • I tried connecting to a friend's wifi at a different location, and the result is the same: green check mark in wifi settings, but no connection symbol nor any data connectivity.
  • I have reset my network settings.
  • I have tried to use data with wifi turned off.
  • I have turned my cellular data roaming on and off.


What still works:

  • I can still make phone calls and send/receive text messages.
  • My Tesla app works.


I made a Genius Bar appointment for later today. When I got a confirmation text and a suggestion to run diagnostics ahead of time, my phone cannot connect to Apple support to run the diagnostics.


When I go into my phone's software update to see if an update to the update is available, my phone will not connect "because you are not connected to the internet".


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 16, iOS 18

Posted on May 18, 2025 07:58 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 18, 2025 10:20 AM

I spoke to the Genius Bar. Lawrence was on the right track. While I had McAfee VPN installed, I ensured that it was "off" in the McAfee menu. Of course, "off" did not really mean "off". If i go into Settings->VPN and then click on the "i" information circle for the VPN that I thought was 'off', there is a setting called "Connect On Demand". I needed to turn that off for the VPN to really be off and not affect my wifi and data connections. **** you, McAfee!


Thanks, again, Lawrence!

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18 replies

Jun 4, 2025 02:55 AM in response to SashaRed

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary software glitches. Turn off your iPhone, wait for a few seconds, and then turn it back on.

  1. Restart the device. That's it.
  2. Still not solved --> Force restart iPhone - Apple Support



Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings: Only network settings are removed.


  • When you reset network settings, previously used networks and VPN settings that weren’t installed by a configuration profile or mobile device management (MDM) are removed. Wi-Fi is turned off and then back on, disconnecting you from any network you’re on. The Wi-Fi and Ask to Join Networks settings remain turned on.
  • To remove VPN settings installed by a configuration profile, go to Settings > General > Profiles & Device Management, select the configuration profile, then tap Remove Profile. This also removes other settings and accounts provided by the profile. See Install or remove configuration profiles on iPhone in this guide.
  • To remove network settings installed by MDM, go to Settings > General > Profiles & Device Management, select the management, then tap Remove Management. This also removes other settings and certificates provided by MDM. See “Mobile device management (MDM)” in the iOS Deployment Reference.
  • Reset your Network Settings. Tap Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This also resets Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN and APN settings that you've used before.

If the above fails...



Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings: All settings—including network settings, the keyboard dictionary, the Home screen layout, location settings, privacy settings, and Apple Pay cards—are removed or reset to their defaults. No data or media are deleted.


  1. Reset All Settings: Return iPhone settings to their defaults - Apple Support:- Return iPhone settings to their defaults
  2. You can return settings to their defaults without erasing your content.
  3. If you want to save your settings, back up your iPhone before returning them to their defaults. For example, if you’re trying to solve a problem but returning settings to their defaults doesn’t help, you might want to restore your previous settings from a backup.



Make sure you have the latest updates installed.

  1. Update Over-the-Air (OTA) —> Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support (IN)
  2. Update using iTunes/Finder —> Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support (IN)



If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it is recommended to reach out to Apple Support or visit an authorized service center for further assistance. They can provide specific guidance based on your device model and iOS version.



If nothing above works probably it could be your iPhone may have a WiFi radio or antenna problem. In that case, take your device to an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider, or contact Apple Support and get the hardware tested and if needed repaired/replaced.


Find Locations - Location Selector - Apple

Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support 

Get a Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Contact Genius Bar. Manage Reservations - My Reservations - Apple



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Wi-Fi and cellular data not working on my iPhone 12 after iOS 18.5 update

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