Revive Your iPhone: Resetting Network Settings Explained

your Tech Avatar November 11, 2025 PC Tech Guide | Web Tech Tutorial | How To Guide No comments

Struggling with slow Wi-Fi, dropped calls, or the frustrating “No Service” message on your iPhone? You’re not alone. Network connectivity issues are among the most common problems iPhone users face. The good news is that you often don’t need to visit a repair shop or even contact Apple Support to fix them. One of the most effective solutions is learning how to reset iPhone network settings.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about resetting your iPhone’s network settings—from what exactly this process does to step-by-step instructions and essential tips for what to do afterward.

What Does Resetting Network Settings Actually Do?

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s understand the “what.” When you reset network settings on your iPhone, you’re essentially returning all network-related configurations to their factory defaults . This process specifically targets and clears:

• Saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords

• Bluetooth device pairings

• VPN configurations (unless installed by a configuration profile)

• Cellular network settings

• APN settings (for cellular data)

Importantly, this reset does not delete your personal data, including photos, messages, apps, or documents . It solely focuses on network connectivity components, making it a safe first step in troubleshooting persistent connection issues.

When Should You Reset Your iPhone Network Settings?

Resetting network settings can help resolve various connectivity problems, including:

• Wi-Fi connectivity issues: Can’t connect to Wi-Fi, frequent disconnections, or weak signal despite being close to your router

• Cellular data problems: No internet access despite showing strong signal

• “No Service” or “Searching” messages: When your iPhone struggles to find or maintain a cellular network connection

• Bluetooth pairing failures: When your iPhone won’t connect to headphones, speakers, or car systems

• Slow internet speeds: When your connection is significantly slower than it should be on either Wi-Fi or cellular data

• VPN configuration errors: When incorrect VPN settings block all internet access

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, a network settings reset might be your solution.

What to Do Before Resetting Your Network Settings?

Proper preparation ensures a smooth process and minimizes post-reset inconveniences. Here’s a handy checklist:

Preparation Step	Why It’s Important	How To Do It
Note down Wi-Fi passwords	You’ll need to re-enter them after reset	Check your router or ask your network administrator
Back up important data	Prevents potential data loss	Use iCloud or iTunes backup
Record VPN settings	For work or personal VPNs	Take screenshots of configuration details
Charge your iPhone	Prevents interruption during reset	Ensure at least 30% battery
Update iOS	Rules out software-related bugs	Go to Settings > General > Software Update

Taking these few minutes to prepare will save you significant time and frustration after the reset is complete.

How to Reset Network Settings on iPhone?: Step-by-Step Guide

The exact steps vary slightly depending on your iOS version. Here’s how to do it for both recent and older versions of iOS:

For iOS 15, iOS 16, iOS 17, and Later

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone

2. Tap on General

3. Scroll down and select Transfer or Reset iPhone

4. Tap Reset

5. Choose Reset Network Settings

6. If prompted, enter your passcode

7. Confirm by tapping Reset Network Settings on the pop-up

Your iPhone will automatically restart once the process is complete .

For iOS 14 or Earlier

1. Open the Settings app

2. Navigate to General

3. Scroll to the bottom and tap Reset

4. Select Reset Network Settings

5. Enter your passcode if prompted

6. Confirm your selection

Your device will reboot with default network settings restored.

See it in Action:

You can watch our YouTube video guide for the visual learning.

What to Do After Resetting Network Settings?

Once your iPhone restarts, you’ll need to reconfigure some network connections:

1. Reconnect to Wi-Fi networks: Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, select your network, and enter the password

2. Repair Bluetooth devices: Go to Settings > Bluetooth, put your accessory in pairing mode, and select it from the list

3. Reconfigure VPN settings: Reinstall or reconfigure any VPN apps you use

4. Test your connectivity: Check both Wi-Fi and cellular data by browsing websites, making calls, and using apps that require internet

If you had previously set up a personal hotspot, you may need to reconfigure those settings as well in Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot.

Alternative Solutions to Try First

While resetting network settings is effective, it’s worth trying these simpler troubleshooting steps first, as they might resolve your issue without requiring you to reconfigure all your network connections:

1. Restart your iPhone: A simple reboot can fix many temporary glitches

2. Toggle Airplane mode: Swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center, tap the Airplane icon to enable it, wait 10 seconds, then tap again to disable it

3. Forget and reconnect to Wi-Fi: Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the “i” icon next to your network, and select “Forget This Network,” then reconnect

4. Update your iOS: Go to Settings > General > Software Update to install any available updates

5. Check for carrier updates: Go to Settings > General > About; if an update is available, you’ll see a prompt

6. Remove and reinsert your SIM card: Power off your iPhone, remove the SIM tray, take out the SIM card, reinsert it, and power your phone back on

Troubleshooting Persistent Network Issues

If you’ve reset your network settings and are still experiencing problems, consider these additional steps:

• Reset All Settings: This more comprehensive reset (found in the same Reset menu) returns all system settings to defaults without erasing your data

• Check for configuration profiles: Go to Settings > General > Profiles & Device Management and remove any existing configuration profiles that might be causing conflicts

• Contact your carrier: There might be an outage in your area or an issue with your account

• Contact Apple Support: If none of the above solutions work, you may have a hardware issue that requires professional diagnosis

Conclusion

Knowing how to reset iPhone network settings is a valuable troubleshooting skill that can save you time, money, and frustration. While the process is straightforward, remember the importance of preparation—especially noting down your Wi-Fi passwords—and trying simpler solutions like restarting or toggling Airplane mode first.

Most network connectivity issues can be resolved at home without technical expertise. Whether you’re dealing with Wi-Fi dropouts, cellular connection problems, or Bluetooth pairing issues, a network settings reset offers a fresh start for your iPhone’s connectivity features.

Found this guide helpful? Share it with other iPhone users in your life who might be struggling with connectivity issues, and check out our other tech troubleshooting articles for more handy tips!

Also checkout: Dual WhatsApp on iPhone: The Official Guide

Note: The steps and screenshots may vary slightly depending on your iPhone model and iOS version. This guide was updated in November 2025 to reflect the latest iOS interfaces.