iPhone SE 3 (2022) Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi? Here’s How to Fix It

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.

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