If your iPhone SE 3 (2022) refuses to connect to Wi-Fi—or keeps dropping the connection—you’re not alone. From minor software bugs to network glitches, a lot can cause Wi-Fi problems. This guide walks you through every possible fix to get your iPhone back online.
1. Check If the Problem Is With the Network or Your iPhone
Before diving into iPhone-specific fixes, try connecting another device (like a laptop or another phone) to the same Wi-Fi.
- If other devices also can’t connect, it’s probably a router or ISP issue.
- If only your iPhone SE 3 is having trouble, the issue is likely on your phone.
2. Restart Your iPhone and Router
This is the classic first fix for a reason—it often works.
To restart your router:
- Unplug the router from power.
- Wait at least 30 seconds.
- Plug it back in and wait until all lights stabilize.
To restart your iPhone SE 3:
- Press and hold the Side button until the power slider appears.
- Slide to power off.
- Wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.
Once both are restarted, reconnect your iPhone to Wi-Fi.
3. Toggle Wi-Fi and Airplane Mode
Sometimes all it takes is a quick refresh of your wireless radios.
To toggle Wi-Fi:
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
- Turn Wi-Fi off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.
To use the Airplane Mode trick:
- Swipe down from the top-right to open Control Center.
- Tap the Airplane Mode icon to turn it on.
- Wait 30 seconds, then turn it off.
This forces your iPhone to re-establish all wireless connections.
4. Forget and Reconnect to the Wi-Fi Network
If your iPhone keeps trying to connect to a glitchy network profile, removing it can help.
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
- Tap the (i) icon next to your network.
- Tap Forget This Network, then confirm.
- Restart your iPhone.
- Go back to Settings > Wi-Fi and reconnect by entering the password.
5. Reset Network Settings
If the issue is buried in a messed-up configuration, a network reset can clean things up.
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset > Reset Network Settings.
- Enter your passcode if prompted.
- Confirm the reset.
Your iPhone will reboot. After that, rejoin your Wi-Fi network. You’ll also need to re-pair Bluetooth devices and re-enter VPN or cellular settings.
6. Disable Any VPN You’re Using
VPNs can sometimes block or interfere with Wi-Fi access.
- Go to Settings > VPN.
- If it says “Connected”, toggle the switch to off.
- Try connecting to Wi-Fi again.
7. Install Any Available iOS Updates
If a bug is causing your Wi-Fi issues, Apple might’ve already fixed it in a new update.
Since you don’t have Wi-Fi, connect your iPhone to a computer with iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later):
- Launch iTunes or Finder.
- Connect your iPhone with a Lightning cable.
- Select your iPhone when it appears.
- Click Check for Update and follow the prompts.
8. Reset All Settings
If the problem started after changing settings or updating iOS, this reset might help without deleting your data.
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset > Reset All Settings.
- Enter your passcode and confirm.
This will reset things like Wi-Fi networks, keyboard dictionary, home screen layout, and privacy settings, but won’t erase your photos or apps.
9. Try Connecting to a Different Network
To rule out a router-specific issue, try connecting your iPhone to a different Wi-Fi network (like a hotspot or public network).
If it works elsewhere, your iPhone is fine—your router may need firmware updates or a deeper reset.
10. Restore Your iPhone (Last Resort)
If nothing else works, a full restore might clear out a stubborn software issue.
- Back up your iPhone first (to iCloud or your computer).
- Open iTunes or Finder, connect your iPhone, and select it.
- Choose Restore iPhone.
You can also try Recovery Mode or DFU Mode restores if a standard restore doesn’t work. Just be aware this erases everything—make sure your backup is current.
Still Not Working?
If your iPhone still can’t connect to Wi-Fi after all this, it may be time to:
- Call your internet service provider to check for network or router issues.
- Contact Apple Support—especially if the issue started after an update or you suspect hardware problems.