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iPhone isn’t complete without Internet Connection, and when the Wi-Fi starts showing “Unable to Join the Network” error in iOS 16, We know how frustrating it can be when our loved ones want to FaceTime or urgently need to reply to the client’s mail from the iPhone. Unfortunately, there is no specific reason or root cause for why the iPhone’s Wi-Fi shows a “unable to join the network” message.
Resetting Network Settings has helped many people who were getting this error message get rid of it as soon as possible. Even though you don’t have to re-enter saved Wi-Fi passwords, you shouldn’t go straight to resetting the network settings. Instead, try the basics. If you don’t have Wi-Fi or mobile data, your smartphone is about as useful as a simple phone or a paperweight. We’ve seen iPhones that couldn’t connect to a Wi-Fi network.
Sometimes it connects to Wi-Fi but doesn’t use the internet. For your iPhone or other iOS device to work well, it needs to be easy to connect to Wi-Fi. Most of the time, your device will automatically connect to trusted Wi-Fi networks, but sometimes your connection will break. Troubleshooting connection problems can be hard at first, but our guide will show you how to “Unable to join network” Error on your iPhone or iPad.
Ways to Fix “Unable to join network” Error on iPhone and iPad
Reboot the Wi-Fi Router
If the Wi-Fi router is giving you trouble, you can fix it by turning it off and on again. This method has helped many iPhone users fix this problem. Let’s try this, too, and see if it helps.
- First, turn off the Wi-Fi router by cutting power to it.
- Then try unplugging the network cable from the router to see if that helps.
- Wait a little while, and then plug the network cable back into the router.
- After that, switch the power on to the Wi-Fi router.
Turn Off the Wi-Fi option and Turn it on again
Some iPhone users have tried to fix this problem by turning off and then back on their Wi-Fi. We think you should try this method and see if it helps.
- Go to the Settings page after you’ve unlocked your iPhone.
- Tap the Wi-Fi button on the Settings page.
- Tap the Wi-Fi toggle switch to turn it Off on the Wi-Fi page.
- Then wait a little while and tap the Wi-Fi button again to turn it back on.
Forget the Wi-Fi network and Rejoin it
When this kind of error message shows up on an iPhone, it’s likely because the Wi-Fi password or other Wi-Fi settings have been changed. So, you can fix this problem by removing the Wi-Fi network from your iPhone and then adding it back. Here are the steps you need to take.
- Start by going to your iPhone’s Settings page.
- Tap once on the Wi-Fi icon to choose it.
- When the list of saved or connected Wi-Fi networks on your iPhone comes up, tap on the one you want to forget.
- Later, tap the “Forget This Network” button at the top of the Wi-Fi Network page.
Reset Network Settings on your iPhone
If any of the iPhone’s settings are changed, this problem might happen. When it’s impossible to figure out which setting is causing the problem, the only way to fix it is to reset all of them. Here is what you need to do.
- First, go to the Settings page and tap on General.
- Then, at the bottom of the General page, click the Transfer or Reset iPhone button.
Now, click the Reset button. - Then, tap once on Reset Network Settings from the list that appears.
- You need to confirm it by tapping Reset Network Settings again.
- After it’s done resetting all of your iPhone’s settings, check to see if the fix worked.
Restart the iPhone
- Go to the Settings page and tap on General to restart your iPhone.
- Then, at the bottom, choose Shut Down and follow the instructions on the screen to turn off the iPhone.
- Then, to turn on your iPhone, press and hold the volume up and power buttons at the same time until you see the Apple logo on your screen.
Connect the Wi-Fi Network to a PC
If you can’t get a mobile device to connect to a Wi-Fi network, you can try connecting it to a desktop computer or MacBook and using it from there. Once it works perfectly with the computer, you can try connecting your iPhone to the Wi-Fi network.
This should actually work, and your iPhone should no longer give you the “Unable to join the network” error. If you’ve tried all of these solutions and you’re still having the same problem in your iPhone, you should go to their official Apple support website for more information.
FAQ
Why does my iPhone connect to Wi-Fi but there’s no internet access?
If you can connect to your Wi-Fi network but can’t get online, the modem might be broken. Make sure it’s connected to the router, and if you’re still having trouble, try to fix your modem.
How do I share Wi-Fi from my Mac to my iPhone?
To share a Wi-Fi password from your Mac to your iPhone, add your Apple ID to contacts on both devices. Then, bring the devices close together and tap “Share” on your iPhone to join the network.
How do I view my Wi-Fi password on my iPhone?
If you can connect to your Wi-Fi network but can’t get online, the modem might be broken. Make sure it’s connected to the router, and if you’re still having trouble, try to fix your modem.
Why won’t my iPhone connect to my car?
If your iPhone won’t connect to Apple Carplay, it could be because of problems with an iOS update, problems with how apps work together, or problems with how your iPhone and car work together. If your iPhone’s Bluetooth can’t connect to any devices, you might need to fix it.