How To Fix “iPhone Unable To Join Network” [The Why & Fixes]

This post will explain the reasons your iPhone cannot connect to a WiFi network and provide solutions. 

Have you ever attempted to use your iPhone to connect to a WiFi network, but it keeps failing for no apparent reason? 

 Your iPhone can only do a lot of things with an internet connection, including updating and web browsing.

But when you attempt to connect to the internet via a WiFi network, an error notice stating that you are “unable to join network” appears. 

 This post will explain the reasons your iPhone cannot connect to a WiFi network and provide solutions.

Why Am I Seeing “Unable To Join Network” When Connecting To A WiFi Network

There are a few possible reasons why you might be unable to connect to a WiFi network. 

Network Problems

If your iPhone is having trouble joining a network, you should initially see if other devices can connect to it. 

 Additionally, see if your iPhone can connect to additional networks. If so, your network—rather than your iPhone—is the source of the issue, and vice versa.

Wrong Password

You are unable to join a WiFi network because, when prompted, you consistently enter the incorrect password. 

 A WiFi password consists of a string of characters, numbers, and symbols; if you leave out one of these characters, the password will become invalid, and you will be unable to access the network.

Technical Glitches and Bugs

You may not be able to join any networks because your mobile device has an iOS version installed. 

 If your program is out of current, it may experience minor technical issues and problems, which can lead to malfunctions in system functions like connecting to a WiFi network.

Faulty Antenna

Similar to FM radios, WiFi networks employ electromagnetic waves to send signals, which requires an antenna. 

 The antenna transforms the signals into data that your iPhone can use. If your antenna isn’t working correctly, you might not be able to connect to networks.

How To Fix “Unable To Join Network” on iPhone

Here are a few solutions to the problem of your iPhone not being able to connect to the network. 

Fix 1: Update your iPhone

Apple releases upgrades for iOS devices on a regular basis. The technical issues and defects in the previous version of the software have been fixed in these new versions. 

 To fix the technical issues and problems preventing your iPhone from connecting to any network, download and install the most recent version of the iOS software. 

 Launch the iPhone’s Settings app > Choose General > Select Software Update. Allow the device to scan for any new updates that may be available for a few minutes. Please choose the most recent version to obtain and set it up.

Fix 2: Restart your iPhone

Restarting your iPhone will fix the issue if it isn’t connecting to a network. 

 The only method to restart your iPhone is to turn it off and back on again. 

 For a short while, hold down the volume and power buttons (for iPhone X models and above) or press and hold the power button (for versions below the iPhone X) > The screen will display the shutdown menu. To turn off the phone, slide the power symbol > To turn the phone back on after it has shut off, press and hold the power button.

Fix 3: Reset Network Settings

If you are unable to connect to a network, network settings can be the cause of the issue. 

 Resetting them would be the only choice available at this time. Resetting your network will return all of your networks, including VPN, APN, mobile data, and WiFi, to their original configurations. 

 Select General > when the Settings app opens. Choose the final but not least option, Transfer or Reset iPhone. Select Reset> Choose Reset Network Settings from the pop-up option that displays. 

 After answering the passcode question on your iPhone, select Reset Network Settings to confirm your selection. Following the Reset, your iPhone will restart.

Fix 4: Update VPN

If you use a VPN, your iPhone might not be able to connect to any network. The reason it is slow could be that the VPN needs to be updated. 

 If there are any VPN updates available, check your App Store and install them. 

 If the issue still arises, you can turn off or remove the VPN to prevent it from obstructing web traffic.

Fix 5: Restart WiFi Router or Modem

If you attempt to connect to the network using other devices and it fails, the issue may lie with the network rather than your iPhone. 

 In this case, your iPhone’s inability to connect to a network can be resolved by rebooting your modem or router. 

 Turning off and back on your router will restart the modem or router. Once the reboot has been completed successfully, link your iPhone to the WiFi network.

Conclusion

Unable to connect to a network is a common issue that many iPhone users deal with. It is highly ineffective because everything these days requires an internet connection. 

 When your iPhone is disconnected from the internet, it essentially turns into a brick. 

 You now know the causes of your phone’s network connectivity issues and the steps you can take to fix them thanks to this article.

FAQs 

Why can’t my phone establish a network connection?

 If your phone isn’t connecting to the network, try restarting it. Make sure you switch between mobile data and WiFi before proceeding. Turn off and then back on the phone if you’re still having problems.

When it says “unable to join a network,” what should you do?

Verify whether the router is powered on or plugged in. Try connecting to the network once more after rebooting the router.

How do I reset my iPhone’s network settings?

Select Reset> Reset Network Settings under Settings > General > Transfer or Reset [Device]. This will clear all network configurations, including those for cellular networks, VPNs, APNs, and WiFi networks and passwords.