If your iPhone 5 suddenly can’t connect to the internet — whether you’re getting no signal at all or your Wi-Fi seems to be on but nothing loads — don’t panic. This is a common issue and often easy to resolve. Here are some quick and effective solutions to get your iPhone 5 back online.
1. Power Cycle Your Modem or Router
Sometimes, your internet connection is the problem — not your iPhone.
- Turn off your modem/router.
- Unplug it from the wall for 30 seconds.
- Plug it back in and turn it on.
- Wait for the connection lights to stabilize, then reconnect your iPhone to Wi-Fi.
If the problem was with your internet hardware, this step should fix it.
2. Restart Your iPhone 5
A quick reboot can often clear out any random glitches blocking your connection.
- Press and hold the Power (Sleep/Wake) button until the slider appears.
- Slide to power off.
- Wait a few seconds, then press the Power button again until you see the Apple logo.
3. Toggle Wi-Fi Off and On
Sometimes Wi-Fi just needs a quick refresh.
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
- Toggle Wi-Fi OFF, wait a few seconds, then turn it ON again.
- Reconnect to your Wi-Fi network and test your internet.
4. Try the Airplane Mode Trick
This old-school trick often resolves wireless issues.
- Go to Settings > Airplane Mode.
- Toggle Airplane Mode ON.
- Leave it on for about 10–15 seconds.
- Turn it OFF and reconnect to Wi-Fi.
5. Forget and Reconnect to Wi-Fi
If your saved Wi-Fi profile is corrupted, forgetting and re-adding the network can help.
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
- Tap the “i” next to your connected network.
- Tap Forget This Network.
- Restart your iPhone.
- Go back to Settings > Wi-Fi and reconnect by entering your Wi-Fi password.
6. Reset Network Settings
If incorrect or corrupted settings are the issue, this will reset all your network-related preferences.
- Go to Settings > General > Reset.
- Tap Reset Network Settings.
- Enter your passcode and confirm.
This will erase all Wi-Fi networks, VPNs, and APN settings — so reconnect manually afterward.
7. Factory Reset as a Last Resort
If nothing else has worked, a full reset may be necessary. This will erase everything, so back up your data first.
- Go to Settings > General > Reset.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter your passcode and confirm.
After your phone restarts, set it up as new and reconnect to Wi-Fi.
Still No Internet Connection?
If your iPhone 5 still won’t connect:
- Check if other devices on the same network are affected.
- Contact your Internet Service Provider — there may be an outage.
- If other devices are fine, your router/modem may need repair or replacement.
- If the issue only affects your iPhone 5, it could be a hardware issue — visit an Apple Store or authorized service center for help.