How to fix an Apple iPhone XS that poor WiFi reception, weak or unstable WiFi signal issue [Troubleshooting Guide]

Seldom will you hear of a new smartphone to have early issues except for network-related symptoms. Many factors can trigger network problems to occur in both old and new smartphones, therefore such problems are deemed inevitable. The transpiring symptoms may also vary depending on the underlying cause. Possible triggers would include but not limited to firmware issues on the wireless router or modem, network/server downtimes, bad updates, invalid network settings, and worst, hardware damage on the phone.

To rule out software-related issues from the possible triggers, performing some workarounds can help. Highlighted below are generic solutions and suggested methods to troubleshoot a pertinent issue on the new iPhone XS, particularly on poor Wi-Fi reception. Read further and find out what options to try on whenever you’re getting weak or unstable Wi-Fi signal on your new iOS devices.

If however, you are looking for a solution to a different problem, drop by our troubleshooting guide for we have already addressed the most common issues with this phone. Find problems that are similar with yours and use the solutions we suggested. If they don’t work for you or if you need more help, then feel free to contact us through our iPhone issues questionnaire.

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How to troubleshoot iPhone Xs with poor WiFi reception?

Before troubleshooting, consider checking your distance from your wireless access point. It’s possible that your iPhone XS is getting poor Wi-Fi reception simply because you’re way too far from your wireless router/modem. As a result, your device is getting weak or unstable Wi-Fi signal. If necessary, try moving closer to your wireless router/modem. Doing so will help rule out distance from the causing factors. You may begin troubleshooting, if your device is still showing the same symptom even if it’s already close to the wireless access point.

First solution: Power cycle your wireless router/modem.

As mentioned earlier, firmware issues on the wireless router or modem are usually the main cause of network problems on both early and new smartphones. To rule this out, you can try the simplest yet very effective trick called a “power cycle” on the wireless router or modem in use. It’s like giving your network equipment a fresh start and likewise refreshes Wi-Fi internet connection on the phone and any other devices using the same network. If you can access your wireless router/modem right now, try performing these steps to power cycle your network equipment:

  1. Find and then press the Power button on your router/modem to turn it off.
  2. While it’s turned off, unplug the AC adapter from the power source.
  3. After 30 seconds or 1 minute, plug the it back in to the power source and then press the Power button to turn on again.

Wait until all the light indicators on the router/modem become stable and for your iPhone XS to reconnect to your Wi-Fi network. Then check and see if the Wi-Fi reception gets better as well.

Second solution: Toggle Wi-Fi off and on then reboot your iPhone XS (soft reset).

The previous method should already cleared firmware issues on the network equipment in use. But if the problem continues, you have to move on and further troubleshoot software problems that may be causing unstable Wi-Fi or weak Wi-Fi signal on your iPhone XS. And the next workaround to try would be a Wi-Fi restart. Here’s how it’s done:

  1. Go to Settings-> Wi-Fi menu.
  2. Toggle the Wi-Fi switch to turn the feature off and then tap again to turn it back on.

Reboot/soft reset your iPhone XS to clear out minor software errors that may have destabilized your phone’s Wi-Fi signal. For starters, here’s how a soft reset is done on the iPhone XS:

  1. Press and hold the Side/Power button and either Volume Up or Down buttons simultaneously and then release both buttons when the Slide to Power Off menu appears.
  2. Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone XS completely.
  3. After 30 seconds, press and hold the Side/Power button again until the Apple logo appears.

Minor software issues that are triggered by random bugs and system errors causing Wi-Fi signal issues should be cleared by then. If not, then you need to troubleshoot further.

Third solution: Update phone software to the latest version available.

Installing the latest iOS version available for your iPhone XS can also be considered among the possible solutions especially if the problem you’re dealing with is attributed to random bugs and system errors. New iOS updates not only bring in new features but also embed security patches to get rid of existing problems from random software bugs.

  1. To check for new iOS update on your iPhone XS wirelessly, go to Settings-> General-> Software Update menu. An update notification should pop up if a new iOS version is up for grabs.
  2. Follow the onscreen prompts to Download and Install the latest iOS version on your phone.

If you cannot check for or download iOS update wirelessly, then you can do it manually instead. To do this, you will need to use a computer (Windows or Mac) that runs on a later or latest operating system with the latest version of iTunes software installed. Once you’re all set, you can start by plugging in your iPhone XS to the computer via USB cable or Lightning cable. When your iPhone is connected, open iTunes on the computer then wait until it recognizes your iOS device. Your iPhone XS should appear in iTunes when it’s recognized. By then you can follow the iTunes commands to check for and download the latest iOS version available for your iPhone.

Fourth solution: Reset network settings on your iPhone XS.

Resetting the network settings on your device can also help clear out network-related errors that may have triggered occurrence of poor Wi-Fi reception and relevant symptoms. Any invalid network configurations and server settings will be eliminated in the process. Here’s how it’s done:

  1. Open the Settings app from Home.
  2. Select General.
  3. Scroll to and tap Reset.
  4. Select Reset network settings from the menu options.
  5. When asked, enter your device passcode to continue.
  6. Then tap the option to confirm network settings reset.

Your iPhone will reboot by itself when the reset is finished. After it boots up, set up your Wi-Fi network then retry connecting. See if that fixes the problem.

Fifth solution: Reset and restore factory default settings on your iPhone XS.

If the previous reset doesn’t do any good and your iPhone XS is still getting poor Wi-Fi reception or unstable Wi-Fi signal, resorting to a factory reset is likely needed. This will help rule out major system errors and tough bugs from the possible triggers. Please note though that this reset will also delete all your saved information on the phone memory. For this reason, creating backups is recommended for safekeeping. Then you may begin performing a factory reset through your iPhone XS settings menu. Here’s how:

  1. Navigate to Settings-> General-> Reset menu.
  2. Select the option to Erase all content and settings.
  3. If prompted, enter the correct passcode for your device to continue.
  4. Finally, tap the option to confirm factory reset.

Another way to reset and restore factory default settings on your iPhone XS is through iTunes. Again you will need to use a computer to get this done.

After the reset, you can set up your iPhone as new or restore from a previous backup. Set up your Wi-Fi network then re-attempt to connect. Check and see if your iPhone XS Wi-Fi reception is already better and stable.

Other options

If your iPhone XS is still getting poor Wi-Fi reception and its Wi-Fi signal is still unstable after exhausting all prior methods to rule out software problems, then you can take your device to the nearest Apple service center for hardware assessment. There may be some sort of physical or liquid damage on the phone’s network component that needs to be fixed. In that case, service is needed. If your iPhone is still warranty, then you should avail for service warranty or if possible, new unit replacement.

If all your devices are having the same problem or getting poor Wi-Fi reception, then the problem is most likely attributed to your wireless access point and that’s the wireless router or modem you are using. In that case, you may contact the device manufacturer or your internet service provider for further assistance and recommendations.

Connect with us

If you need more help with the use of certain functions and features of the Apple iPhone XS smartphone, feel free to visit our Tutorial Page. There you can find a list of how-to contents, step-by-step tutorials, as well as answers to FAQs regarding iPhone XS. If you have other concerns or encountered some troubles while using the phone, you can reach us through this form. Just be sure to tell us more details of the problem or device issue(s) you may have and we will be more than happy to assist you further.

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