iPhone SE Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi After iOS 11.3.1 Update? Here’s How to Fix It

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After updating your iPhone SE to iOS 11.3.1, you might find yourself suddenly unable to connect to Wi-Fi. Super frustrating, right? Don’t worry — this guide will walk you through all the ways to fix Wi-Fi issues after a software update so you can get back online fast.

Restart Your Router and Modem

Before diving into your iPhone, make sure your Wi-Fi source isn’t the real problem. Routers and modems can act up after power glitches or firmware hiccups — sometimes totally coincidentally after an iOS update.

Here’s how to power cycle your router/modem:

  1. Turn off your router or modem using its power button.
  2. Unplug it from the wall.
  3. Wait about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  4. Plug it back in and turn it on.
  5. Wait until all the lights stabilize. (If you see a red light, you might need to call your internet provider.)

Once your Wi-Fi’s stable again, try reconnecting your iPhone. If it still won’t connect, move on to the next step.

Soft Reset Your iPhone SE

A simple reboot can clear out minor post-update bugs.

To restart your iPhone SE:

  1. Press and hold the Power button until the Slide to Power Off screen appears.
  2. Drag the slider to shut your iPhone off.
  3. After about 30 seconds, press and hold the Power button again until you see the Apple logo.

No data loss, just a quick refresh.

Toggle Wi-Fi Off and On

Sometimes all your iPhone needs is a little Wi-Fi reset.

Here’s what to do:

  1. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
  2. Toggle the Wi-Fi switch off.
  3. Wait about 30 seconds.
  4. Toggle it back on and reconnect.

If your iPhone connects right away, you’re all set! If not, keep going.

Forget and Reconnect to Your Wi-Fi Network

Your iPhone’s saved Wi-Fi settings might have gotten messed up during the update. Forgetting the network forces a clean reconnect.

Here’s how:

  1. Open Settings > Wi-Fi.
  2. Tap the blue (i) info button next to your network.
  3. Tap Forget This Network.
  4. Confirm when asked.

Then reconnect:

  1. Stay in Settings > Wi-Fi.
  2. Find your network and tap it.
  3. Enter your Wi-Fi password.
  4. Tap Join.

If you connect successfully, test it out by loading a few websites.

Factory Reset Your iPhone SE

If nothing’s worked so far, it might be time for a full reset. This will erase your iPhone and give it a completely clean start — so back up your data first!

To factory reset:

  1. Back up your iPhone via iCloud or iTunes.
  2. Go to Settings > General > Reset.
  3. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
  4. Enter your passcode if asked.
  5. Confirm that you want to erase your device.

After the reset, set up your iPhone like new and reconnect to Wi-Fi.

Restore Your iPhone Using iTunes

Still stuck? A deeper restore through iTunes can reload the entire operating system.

To do a Recovery Mode Restore:

  1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a Lightning cable.
  2. Press and hold the Power and Home buttons at the same time.
  3. Keep holding until you see the Connect to iTunes screen.
  4. On your computer, choose Restore.

If iTunes asks whether to Update or Restore, try Update first to keep your data. If it takes longer than 15 minutes and your iPhone exits recovery mode, start over.

Try a DFU Mode Restore (Advanced)

DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode is the deepest restore option and reloads all your iPhone’s firmware and software.

Here’s how to enter DFU mode:

  1. Connect your iPhone to your computer.
  2. Press and hold the Power and Home buttons for about 8 seconds.
  3. Release the Power button but keep holding the Home button until your computer says it’s detected an iPhone in recovery mode.
  4. Release the Home button.

If your screen stays black, you’re in DFU mode. From there, you can restore your iPhone through iTunes.

If you see the Apple logo instead, it didn’t work — just try again.

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