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Resetting the iPhone network settings is often the last resort for annoying connection problems – but if you overlook the details, you risk unnecessary frustration. This guide shows you how to properly reset the settings and what to do afterwards.
Reset iPhone network settings: How to do it without losing data
If your iPhone won’t connect to Wi-Fi, mobile service is sluggish, or Bluetooth is down, resetting your iPhone network settings will help. The process deletes all stored network data but does not access photos, apps, or personal settings. Nevertheless, there are pitfalls lurking that you can prepare to avoid.
- Make a note of all access data in advance: After the reset, stored Wi-Fi passwords, VPN configurations and customized APN settings (for mobile communications) are deleted. Write down this information – especially if you use corporate networks. Corporate VPNs often require specific server addresses or certificates that you won’t remember.
Go through the settings step by step: Open the Settings app, tap General, scroll to Transfer or Reset and select Reset. - Go through the settings step by step: Open the Settings app, tap General, scroll to Transfer or Reset and select Reset. Tap Reset Network Settings here. Enter your device password when prompted. The iPhone will restart – the process takes about 30 seconds.
- SIM cards and dual SIM problems: On iPhones with dual SIM, the default SIM for mobile data may be reset after the reset. Check under Settings ☻ Cellular ☻ Cellular Data to see which SIM is active. With eSIM models, you don’t need to reinstall the digital SIM – but the priority of the networks may change.
- Test the connections in a targeted way: don’t just restart all networks at the same time. First connect to Wi-Fi, check the speed, then activate cellular data. This will help you isolate problems more quickly. Use tools like the Speedtest app or the built-in network diagnostics under Settings ☻ Privacy & Security ☻ Diagnostics & Optimization.
When resetting isn’t enough: deep cleaning for stable connections
Sometimes resetting the iPhone network settings isn’t enough – for example, when there are hidden software conflicts or hardware quirks. Then it’s worth manually adjusting.
- Be careful with the iCloud keychain: Stored Wi-Fi passwords that have been synchronized via iCloud are not automatically restored. Log out of iCloud briefly on another Apple device and then log back in to force the synchronization. Otherwise, the passwords remain stuck in the middle.
- Forgotten Wi-Fi network and re-pair: Tap Settings ☻ Wi-Fi on the “i” icon next to the problem network. Select Forget this Network and rebuild the connection. This bypasses broken IP addresses or DNS settings that the reset has missed.
- Flight mode as a secret weapon: Switch on flight mode via the control center (swipe from the top right) for 45 seconds and then turn it off again. This forces a complete restart of all radio modules – more effective than a simple device reboot.
- Hard Reset for the network hardware: Briefly press the volume up button, then the volume down button, and then press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. This restart forces a complete shutdown and deletes temporary caches that even the network reset does not touch.
- Force carrier update: Go to Settings ☻ General ☻ About. Press and hold your finger on the “Carrier” area – sometimes a hidden update appears. Install it to replace outdated network profiles.
- Manual DNS server to prevent websites from loading slowly: Go to Settings ☻ Wi-Fi ☻ “i” symbol ☻ DNS to configure and replace the automatic DNS with public servers such as 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) or 8.8.4.4 (Google). This will bypass your internet provider’s slow or overloaded servers.
- Last check: hardware defect or interference source: test the iPhone on a different Wi-Fi network or with a different SIM card. Does the connection work there? If so, the problem is with the original router or mobile provider. For dual-SIM models: deactivate one SIM to rule out interference.
