How to solve Wi-Fi connection issues on iPhone 16?

Question

Level 1

10 points

How to solve Wi-Fi connection issues on iPhone 16?

I don’t have WiFi at home and use AT&T 5G for internet access. When I need to download an update or other large file I go to the local library. This worked fine until one day my iPhone 13 would connect to the WiFi but it didn’t put me on the internet. It shows as connected but there isn’t a WiFi symbol at the top of display. I then upgraded to a iPhone 16 but I still have the same problem. I assume that since the problem transferred from my iPhone 13 to my iPhone 16 that it is some setting that I have wrong but I can’t find it. What could it be?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 16, iOS 18

Posted on May 1, 2025 05:21 PM

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Answer 1

May 1, 2025 07:00 PM in response to hankrand

You didn't say whether you use a VPN on your iPhone. VPN's are completely NOT needed and often cause Wifi connectivity issues. If you aren't required to have a VPN by your employer or school, delete the VPN app, and profile in Settings > General > VPN and Device Management.

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Answer 2

May 1, 2025 07:36 PM in response to hankrand

hankrand wrote:

Thanks for the advice. I turned it off but I can’t check it out until I can get to a place with WiFi that I can try.

Don't just turn it off. Remove the VPN Profile completely. They are so not needed and often just the presence of the profile can still cause issues.

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Answer 3

Kurtosis12

Level 9

74,602 points

May 1, 2025 05:29 PM in response to hankrand

If you are connecting to the library's WiFi but not connected to the Internet, that is most likely an issue with the libraries WiFi.

1. Try a different WiFi network such as one at McDonalds, Starbucks, etc. and see if you can get to the Internet from those WiFi connections.

2. If you are using a VPN, delete the VPN program and the profile it may leave behind.

If neither of those suggestions help, make an appointment at the Genius Bar to have it diagnosed.

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

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Answer 4

Kurtosis12

Level 9

74,602 points

May 1, 2025 06:53 PM in response to hankrand

You're welcome. At this point I would suggest taking it in and having it looked at.

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Answer 5

May 7, 2025 01:10 PM in response to hankrand

You may find this interesting reading→VPN: What you need to know - Apple Community

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Answer 6

hankrand Author

Level 1

10 points

May 1, 2025 06:44 PM in response to Kurtosis12

Thanks for the reply. I tried different WiFi installations and they were all the same, no connection even though in settings WiFi shows as connected. My iPad works fine on the WiFi systems.

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