WiFi Disconnecting iOS 16 And iPadOS 16.1 Issue? (Fixed!)
Last updated on December 2nd, 2022 at 02:06 pm
Posted in Errors and Issues, Bug Fixes by Patricia on October 27, 2022
WiFi not working iOS 16.1
WiFi keeps disconnecting on iPhone and iPad after iOS 16.1 and iPadOS 16.1 update? Issue is very annoying because it’s occurring frequently and renders the device almost unusable, if there’s no carrier data connection available as a backup?
WiFi Not Working Properly In iOS 16.1?
This problem has been reported by several readers including:
- Gaedupe (iPhone 13 Pro Max):
“WiFi keeps on disconnecting after iOS 16.1 update.”
- Saad (iPhone XS MAx):
“I’m having the same problem after updating to ios 16.1 on the Xs max
Wifi keep disconnecting and reconnecting constantly” - Sheebu (iPhone 13 Pro Max):
“…having the same problem and updating the 16.1. its seriously affecting the phone. i cant use internet.”
- Keith (iPhone 13 Pro Max):
“Wifi keeps disconnecting. In settings it shows it’s connected (green checkmark) to a network. Exit to main screen, no wifi icon, apps say I’m offline and I should connect to the internet.”
Similar issues have been reported for iPads running iPadOS 16.1 too:
Craig:
“M1 Pro iPad won’t hold Wi-Fi signal following IPadOS 16.1 update, continual disconnects every 30-40 seconds.”
Conclusion: The WiFi connectivity issues seem to affect a wide range of iPhone and iPad models. In fact, similar problems have been reported since the initial release of iOS 16 and even the early beta testing stages!
How To Fix WiFi Disconnecting In iOS 16
This is definitely a software glitch that has to be fixed by Apple in an upcoming Software Update. Until then, you can use the following workaround:
- 1. Open Settings and scroll for Privacy & Security.
- 2. Tap on Location Services (they should be turned ON).
- 3. Scroll all the way down to System Services.
- 4. Turn OFF Networking & Wireless.
Credits: Thanks Tony for sharing this fix in the comments and Carlo for confirming it!
Workaround for WiFi Disconnecting iOS 16
Norman informs that WiFi disconnects intermittently from 2.4 GHz band but never from the 5 GHz one! Are you experiencing the same?
Tip: Disable the 2.4 Ghz network from your router to force your iPhone to connect to the higher one!
How to: Download your routers app and search for Settings (Wireless Settings -> Network Settings). Disable Radio, or turn Off network, whatever is available!
iOS 16 WiFi Disconnecting Video
We’ve detailed the above fix in the following YouTube video:
Does the fix work for you? Please confirm it in the comments. Also mention your iPhone model. We’re using this thread to report the bug to Apple and it will help them to find a fix faster.
Have you managed to fix WiFi not working, disconnecting in iOS 16.1 and iPadOS 16.1? Do you have a better solution or other problems to report? Share your feedback in the comments!
Related: For more iOS 16.1 issues and their available fixes please check our extended review available here.
My mobile is iphone 13 and i have the same problem the wifi keeps disconnecting while using the phone and it’s annoying me .. hope apple wil fix this issue as soons as possible ..
Thanks for the feedback. Does the fix provided in the article work for you?
Fix didn’t work on my iPad 5th Gen.
Sorry to hear this. Someone else mentioned that resetting network settings helped. You can try it out. Just make sure that you know your Wifi password before trying.
Tried all workarounds on iPhone XS Max and Wi-Fi still dropping every few seconds, haven’t got much carrier data to back it up, getting really annoyed with this now
Have you tried to clean install the current iOS version, as shown here:
https://www.iphonetricks.org/reinstall-ios-16-on-iphone-ipad-how-to/
David to 16.1.1 as you see my microphone, no matter what browser I use I tried texting I have to type because it doesn’t understand common words and uses their own, which makes no sense also, that’s a first it usually will put awesome instead but I now have many problems with connectivity to Bluetooth Wi-Fi and The microphone my settings I have checked they are OK. Mini apps open and then freeze all since I updated so 16.1 didn’t help at all that includes my iPhone 8.vi
I used a iPhone 11 Pro and have been having the same problem with Wifi disconnecting. After I went through the options it’s sorted itself, thanks so much!!
You’re welcome. Glad we could help!
it just didn’t seems to work on 12 mini as well… tried everything, gonna down grade if it wasn’t fixed by tomorrow
Thanks for reporting. iOS 16.1.1 is out with bug fixes but the Wifi bug isn’t fixed.
If you plan to downgrade to iOS 15 here is a step-by-step guide:
https://www.iphonetricks.org/downgrade-ios-16-1-to-15-7-1-how-to-guide/
I have an iPad Pro 12.9 and I’m having the WiFi issue, just this morning I witnessed the WiFi disconnect several times, even in the middle of a speed test.
The fix does limit how often the WiFi disconnects. It doesn’t help that Safari has issues with loading webpages and it took some time to learn I was dealing with two separate issues.
Turning off “Limit IP Address Tracking and “Hide IP” address has only helped.
Thanks for your contribution Doug. We will share your feedback in the main article to see if it helps others.
In the meantime iPadOS 16.1.1 has been released with bug fixes, but the WiFi bug doesn’t seem to be addressed.
iPhone 13 mini. ios: 16.1.1 Your instructions were clear, but unfortunately they did not fix the problem. The phone stays connected to the wireless network about 7 min. or so. Just upgraded on Wednesday. Thanks for posting the work-around – just didn’t work for me.
Sorry to hear thins
ios 16.1.1 did not fix the Wi-Fi bug and your fix did not work.
Thanks for reporting. iOS 16.1.2 has been released with bug fixes. Does it help?
https://www.iphonetricks.org/ios-16-1-2-issues-bugs-fixed-problems-review/
No again today i had a disconnect from wifi. Probably it will be fixed by the 16.2. (Iphone 13 pro)
Thanks for the feedback. Too bad. Fingers crossed for 16.2!
Just replied that your fix didn’t hold for my iPhone. However, as I was connecting the wi-fi again I clicked on the network and got to the screen with the “auto-join” option and it was turned off! Now what’s that all about? Did the newest upgrade turn that off? I won’t know until I go to another location that normally connects automatically. So far it has remained connected for 25 min.
Thanks for the follow up. That’s an interesting find. Keep us updated please and let us know if the problem reoccurs, or the Auto-Join toggle fixed it?
My phone found the wi-fi signal at my mom’s nursing home automatically and when I returned home it automatically connected. So I am happy.
Thank you for the forum and the information you provide.
Thanks for the follow up. Glad that you managed to fix it.
no. the fix doesn’t work for me, on my iPhone 13, iOS 16.1.1. i’m still getting wifi disconnects and serious lag times waiting for browser response, check for new mail processing, and the like.
Thanks for sharing mat. I recommend you to clean install iOS 16 next. Here is how to:
https://www.iphonetricks.org/reinstall-ios-16-on-iphone-ipad-how-to/
I used your trick 3 weeks back and it worked perfectly. But it’s now back again I don’t know why. Phone model IPhone X
Has your iPhone updated to iOS 16.1.1 in the meantime? Can you apply the fix again? Turn Networking & Wireless back On, restart your device and then switch it Off again?
to me i have done every solution you say but still wifi and bluetooth on my phone doesnt work.i have iso 16.1 updates on my iphone x
Sorry to hear this. Have you tried to clean install iOS 16.1.1 using a computer?
https://www.iphonetricks.org/reinstall-ios-16-on-iphone-ipad-how-to/
this is unacceptable!! My new iPhone 14 Pro is updated with ios 16.4.1 (a) and it has been dropping wifi for a month!! How do I stop it. I need my phone for business. It even drops it in the middle of a purchase transaction at Starbucks. FIX IT please!! I’m about to throw this thing out the window.
Sorry to hear this. iOS 16.5 has just been released. Let us know if it makes a difference?
It’s working! iPhone 13pro👌🏻
Excellent! Thanks for confirming.
I have an IPhone 8 Plus it was perfectly working, but After my upgrade to IOS 16.1 , i have the Same Problem with my Wifi and even some time with my data. Thanks a lot for this help …… hopefully works for me! …..will be back if I find another problem. I suggest to inform apple ASAP about all this issues, it is impossible to works. With the phone that way!
Thanks
Al Gomez
Thanks for the feedback. Yes, we’ve reported the issue.
After updates to my 13 pro max the wifi keeps disconnecting
Thanks for reporting. Does the fix mentioned in the article help?
P.S.: iOS 16.1.1 has been released with bug fixes. Does it help?
Wow thanks it works. iPhone XR
Bingo! You’re welcome!
Thanks so much it works…iPhone XS
That’s great! You’re welcome.
Wow after one day doing all the other posted 7 step WiFi Troubleshooting (except total ruinous Reset), I stumbled on your Tip for Your Privacy -Location Services “turned off” work-around ….it worked immediately…most excellent tip ! Great 👍 job…you are now in my Favorite Bookmark. iPhone 11 Max Pro
Always happy to help Bill. Thanks for confirming and thanks for following us.
I have an iPhone 11 I contacted Apple support that same day. I noticed the issue they ran analytics on my phone and nothing they saw no issue.
Thanks for the feedback. Does the workaround mentioned in the article help?
Da error la wifi en iphone 12
Thanks for confirming. Does the fix help?
iPhone 12 Pro Max
The fix works! Thank you very much!
I wish I had found it earlier before I reset my network settings.
You’re welcome. Bookmark us as we cover most iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods, Apple TV and HomePod related bugs. ;)
Sadly the workaround didnt work on my iphone 13
Sorry to hear this. Not sure what else to suggest.
P.S.: You do also have the option to try iOS 16.2 public beta which was recently released.
However, you might stumble upon other bugs. However, if you’re WiFi dependent you could check it out. Backup your device and you can always downgrade to iOS 16.1 if you’re not happy with it.
The issue is generally the same for iPhones Users..
Apple have to fix in the upcoming Software Update very shortly. Until then Many thanks BY PATRICIA
Yes, I they should issue iOS 16.1.1 for it. Bookmark us for the news.
I have the same issue and it started after upgrading to ios 16.1 I own an 11pro but thanks to the tip it’s much better still hope the fix this soon
You’re welcome. Yes, this should be fixed soon as there are plenty users affected.
Didn’t work on my Xs Max
Sorry to hear this. Not sure what else to suggest at the moment excepting iOS 16.2 public beta which has been recently released.
However, you might encounter some other bugs, as it’s a fresh beta cycle.
If you do decide to try it let us know if it helps. You can always downgrade back to iOS 16.1. Just make sure that you have backup available.
Thanks so much
iPhone 13 Pro Max. The turn around has worked for me. Browsing for the past 10 minutes without any break
Glad it did. Thanks for confirming.
This problem is frustrating. The solution presented above works well for my iPhone XR. Thanks! Meanwhile, for my iPad 6th gen the opposite happened. The Networking & Wireless was already turned off. I leaved it that way, the problem persists. Therefore I turned it ON. It works like a charm. Maybe the solution is to do the opposite: turned it off when it was on, and vice versa. :-)
That’s interesting. Thanks for the contribution. Glad you managed to fix this in the end. We will add your observation to the feedback.
Did not work for me. 14 Pro Max
Sorry to hear this. We’ll update the article if we find another fix.
It don’t helps for me. iPhone 12
Strange how this fix only works randomly. We will update this article if we find a better solution. Don’t hesitate to get back to us if you have a breakthrough.
Thanks.
It is work.
Ipad Pro 2021
You’re welcome. Glad it does.
Worked like charm…thank you.
iPhone SE; iPad (9th generation)
Awesome! Glad it did.
It works iPhone 12 mini , thanks
Good news. Thanks for confirming.
It worked on a iPhone XS. Thank you so much!!!!
Glad it did. Thanks for confirming!
Thx a lot!11
You’re welcome. Happy it helped.
It seems like working for me on IPhone 12
Thanks for confirming.
It works, thanks a bunch to the author.
I finally can use my iPhone without making me nervous
You’re welcome. Glad it does.
It worked… was soo frustrated… Iphone 12 pro max..
Thank you
You’re welcome. Glad it did.
Wow, it’s really working Thanks again ❤️❤️❤️
Happy to help!
it is working iphone 12
Perfect!
This didn’t work for my iPhone 11. I’m Caribbean for school and only use wifi, I’m getting disconnected multiple times a minute and sometimes staying disconnected for long periods of time. :/ I have never had issues with the wifi before today when I updated my phone.
Is there anyway to undo an update? Like redownload 15. something?
Sorry to hear this. Apple has stopped signing iOS 16.0.3. You might still be able to downgrade to iOS 15.7. We’ve got successful confirmations 2 days ago:
https://www.iphonetricks.org/downgrade-ios-16-0-3-to-15-7-without-data-loss/
My iPhone 11 Pro Max was constantly disconnecting WI-FI. Resetting network settings didn’t work.
This thread helped me fix the problem
Great! Thanks for confirming.
This worked for me,! Thank you!
Great!
iPad Pro 11inch second gen. Works now!
Thanks for confirming.
Try resetting the network setting, this worked for my ipad air gen4
Thanks for the tip. Anyone else having success with this?
Did not work for my iphone xs max, thank you
Sorry to hear this. Someone else suggested Reset Network Settings, but make sure that you know the WiFi password before resetting?
I have an iPhone SE and the workaround solved the problem. Thanks for offering this solution. I work longterm abroad and use al services via WiFi to avoid huge roaming coats. Well, for a week my phone was rendered completely useless. Found this solution using somebody else’s device.
You’re welcome. Glad the we managed to help you out and get you back on the payroll. ;)
Did not work for my iPhone 13
The next step would be to Reset All Settings. But make sure that you know your WiFi password before you do that.
Thanks, it worked on my iPhone X.
Glad it did!
It worked like a charm for me XR
Happy to hear this!
Wi-Fi Signal Drop issue on iPad Pro 11 M2 on iOS 16.1. The fix you mentioned made it slightly stable but not better. Anytime I try to download multiple things and put load on Wi-Fi, it disconnects.
Update: I’ve updated to iOS 16.1.1 and wifi bug still not fixed.
Thanks for the feedback. That’s unfortunate. They must have added a small bug fix for the ad network and sacrificed all the other fixes for the next update.
This didn’t work for my iPhone 12Pro unfortunately. My problem is slightly different however in that my phone doesn’t auto join my home network – I have to keep putting in the password to connect. As well, my HomePods, which seemed to have updated to iOS 16 or iOS 16.1 are also not connecting to wifi (4 of them). Not sure if anyone else is having that problem.
Thanks for pointing this out. Haven’t heard about this issue before. Try to disable Private Wi-Fi Address in Settings -> Wi-Fi, tap the ‘i’ icon next to the [wifi address name].
Also make sure that Auto-Join is enabled. Does this help?
Yes Auto-join is on and I have tried Turing off the Private wifi a few times. It seems to be happening to our Apple TV as well. super frustrating
Have to be Router problem, then IMO. Try to go thru its settings and set it right/fresh.
I did a full factory reset of my router and it made no difference – will try to keep looking at that.
Just to note – when I reset my network settings, reconnect to my home wifi and then toggle wifi on/off, it auto-joins ONCE. It won’t auto join a second time. I tried this a few times and its the same every time I reset network settings.
Thanks for the detailed feedback. We’re looking into this in more details and will get back to you.
iPhone 11, I updated my phone to ios16.1.1 today. Didn’t check the issue. I changed the settings as suggested and now the wifi looks to be very stable.
Thanks for the work around.
You’re welcome! Happy to help!
Didn’t work
Sorry to hear this Bob. Someone else suggested to “Reset Network Settings” but that doesn’t work for everyone either.
I have an iPhone 11, no issues until I downloaded 16.1.1 update (I never had the 16.1 update) Wi-Fi has been completely unusable – it will say it is connected to Wi-Fi for less than a second before disconnecting (it disappears). I brought it to the Apple Store and they did a hard reset, wiped out everything (including my pictures). They downloaded the update from the computer, still same issue. Genius claimed that it had to be a hardware issue so I had to buy a new phone. I have a hard time believing this since there wasn’t even a hint of an issue prior to this update.
Do you still have the device? You can downgrade it to 15 and see if the problem persists. Here is how to:
https://www.iphonetricks.org/downgrade-ios-16-1-to-15-7-1-how-to-guide/
Is there a way to do this if I already upgraded my phone? I haven’t sent the old one back yet for trade.
Yes, just follow the steps in the link above and you will be able to downgrade. Let us know if you manage and if the issue is fixed by the older OS.
I had the same Wi-Fi issue plus Bluetooth unavailable after the upgrade. Did all the resets and nothing helped. Went to Apple, and was told that both Bluetooth and WiFi antennas failed and need to be replaced.
I reset my iPhone to factory settings and DID NOT restore it from the iCloud backups. Everything is working properly now.
Don’t trust Apple Genius Bar, they couldn’t even properly perform diagnostics.
Thanks for sharing. That must be annoying indeed. Yes, Apple staff seems not to be aware about some of the most common iOS 16 bugs.
Fix didn’t work on my phone iPhoneX WiFi icon isn’t showing and WiFi not connecting
iOS 16.1.2 has been released a few hours ago. Does it help?
https://www.iphonetricks.org/ios-16-1-2-issues-bugs-fixed-problems-review/
The fix about location reporting did not work on my iPhone X running IOS 16.1.1
Note that my phone drops internet band 2.4 ghz intermittently since upgrading to iOS 16.1 but never drops band 5 ghz. So for now I am using the higher speed band on my router.
That’s very useful thanks for reporting. Any change after iOS 16.1.2 update?
https://www.iphonetricks.org/ios-16-2-beta-4-issues-features-bugs-fixed/
The iPhone X internet problem continued with 16.1.2 on 2.4 ghz.
Note that Verizon recently updated my SIM card and network settings to try to fix this problem.
I do not have an intermittent internet problem at 2.4 GHz with my iPad Pro with iOS 15.6.1.
Thanks for the update. We’ve reported this again to Apple.
This fix worked immediately thank you
You’re welcome. Glad it did.
This did not work for me and my internet still cuts out every two minutes, will be switching back to android soon for sure i need internet on my phone for work and this is an issue that has been ongoing for months totally unacceptable.
Sorry to hear this. Not sure what else to suggest at the moment. Anyone else has a better fix?