If a high-end device like your Apple iPhone XS keeps losing WiFi signal, you can almost expect it to be a firmware issue unless there are signs of physical or liquid damage. Network issues, while they’re so annoying as they occur when you badly need to connect to the internet, are not really serious problems. Needless to say, you can fix them on our own without any help from a tech.
And here in this post, I’ve highlighted a set of possible solutions to fix one of the common problems encountered by iPhone owners regarding an unstable WiFi signal on an iPhone XS handset. Read on to learn why your iPhone XS keeps losing signal to WiFi network and how to fix the problem on your end.
Before we move on to our troubleshooting, if you are looking for a solution to a different issue, make sure you drop by our troubleshooting page as we’ve already addressed some of the most common problems reported by our readers. Find issues that are similar with yours and use the solutions we suggested. If you still need our help after that, then feel free to contact us by filling up our iPhone issues questionnaire.
What causes your iPhone XS WiFi to drop or disconnect more often?
The WiFi feature in modern smartphones provides numerous advantages to end-users. With WiFi internet access, you can stay up-to-date with the latest trends and events transpiring worldwide. All you need is your smartphone that has Internet connection. However, using WiFi Internet on your phone doesn’t always give you a flawless Internet experience as wireless signal could drop or disconnect at some point. This is often the case if your iPhone’s WiFi signal strength is very poor or weak.
System outages, router/modem issues, distorted or congested WiFi network, invalid network settings, and malwares are just a few of the probable causes. Distance between the router/modem and your iPhone is also a factor to consider. WiFi networks can only provide strong and stable signal within a certain distance or range. Thus, the farther you are from the modem, the weaker the signal your phone will acquire. This is when WiFi drops occur.
Before you start troubleshooting your phone, checking where the problem lies is quite substantial. If other device/s is able to connect to the WiFi network without losing the signal, then the problem is more likely on your phone. However, if all connected devices are experiencing the same problem, then you will need to contact your internet service provider as the modem/router might be in trouble. Or else, you can try some basic solutions as demonstrated subsequently.
Possible solutions to WiFi drops or intermittent WiFi signal on iPhone XS
A simple WiFi restart can correct the issue right away. So start by heading to your iPhone Settings->WiFi menu then toggle the WiFi switch off and on again. Or, you can also enable and disable the Airplane mode by going to Settings->Airplane Mode and then toggle the switch to turn Airplane Mode ON and then OFF again. This gives a quick restart to your iPhone’s wireless functions and thereby eliminates random WiFi errors.
If none of these basic WiFi tricks is able to correct the problem, then you can proceed and troubleshoot further with these methods.
Solution #1: Power cycle your WiFi modem or router
The modem or router is the bread and butter of your internet connection. Thus, it is rational to troubleshoot first the connection’s main source. This will not only save your time in rectifying the problem, but also avoiding the risk of incurring additional problems on your phone. Here is how you power cycle your WiFi modem:
- Depending of the type of modem you have, you can either push the power button, or press and hold the power button to turn it off.
- Unplug the AC adapter from the power outlet. Wait for at least a minute.
- Then, plug the AC adapter back to the power outlet.
- Then, press the power button again to turn it on. Wait until the internet lights are on.
Once your modem/router has already established a connection, re-connect your phone to the network. Or else, your phone will automatically reconnect when the WiFi on your phone isn’t off and was set to auto-connect on the said network. Open an internet-operated app and see if it has fixed the problem. If your iPhone XS still keeps losing WiFi signal, move on to the next solution.
Solution #2: Restart your iPhone XS
Restarting your iPhone will also help in fixing WiFi connection problem. Doing the process will eliminate minor glitches that affects your WiFi network signal. Thus, saved files on your phone won’t be affected so you may set aside the idea of backing up your phone. Here is how you do a quick restart on your iPhone:
- Press and hold the Side button and either Volume Up/Down buttons simultaneously.
- Release both buttons once the Slide to Power off message appears
- Then, drag the power off slider to the right to turn your phone off. Leave your phone off for at least 30 seconds.
- Then, press and hold the Side/Power button again until the Apple logo appears.
Once the phone has booted up completely, reconnect to your WiFi network. Launch your browser and see if the problem has been fixed. If it still keeps losing WiFi signal, try the next method.
Solution #3: Delete WiFi network and then set up again
Software update could also be a reason in incurring intermittent WiFi signal on your phone. The new software version running on your phone might have corrupted the WiFi network. Hence, it is ideal to set up the WiFi network again. Start the process by deleting the WiFi network from your phone, and then have it set up again. Here is how it’s done:
- From the Home screen, go to Settings.
- Select WiFi. You need to make sure that your WiFi is turned on.
- Tap the “i” icon next to the name of the WiFi network. Note: The “i” icon stands for information.
- Select Forget this Network option to delete the network. Then follow the onscreen message to complete the deletion process.
You can also do this to the rest of the WiFi networks saved on your phone.
Once the deletion process has been completed, reboot your phone. Then re-add the WiFi network by going to Settings-> WiFi menu. You will be prompted with the list available networks. Select the name of your network to reconnect to. Once you are successfully reconnected, try checking the internet connection by opening a browser app and then navigate through different websites. If your iPhone XS still keeps losing WiFi signal, try the next solution.
Solution #4: Reset Network Settings
When an iOS update is installed and it automatically overrides the current network settings, your phone will likely experience adverse symptoms including WiFi drops. Thus, resetting the network settings back to its default is recommended as it restores the default network values on your phone, thus allowing you to configure your network from scratch. Just follow the steps below:
- From the Home screen, go to Settings.
- Then, select General.
- Scroll down to and tap Reset.
- Select the Reset Network Settings option.
- Enter your passcode when prompted, and then follow the onscreen guide to complete the process.
Your phone will then reboot itself. Once it’s back up and running, go back to Settings-> WiFi menu to set up and reconnect to your WiFi network. Afterwards, launch your browser and see if the WiFi signal is already working strong and steady. If the problem persists, try the next possible fix. If for some reason your iPhone is still losing WiFi signal every now and then, then move on to the next solution.
Solution #5: Reset All Settings on your iPhone
Deleting customized settings from your phone and restoring the default options and values will also correct the problem if invalid settings are to blame. If resetting the network doesn’t solve the problem, then here’s what you should try doing next:
- From the Home screen, go to Settings.
- Then, select General.
- Scroll down to and tap Reset.
- Select the Reset all settings option.
- Enter your passcode when prompted, and then follow the onscreen guide to complete the process.
Your phone will restart itself after the process. When the phone is turned back on, you can proceed in enabling any features on your phone including the WiFi.
Solution #6: Restore iPhone to its factory settings.
If neither of the given solutions above corrects the WiFi problem, then you might consider this last option. Thus, backing up your phone either via iCloud or iTunes is necessary as all the saved files on your phone will be deleted including any recent updates made that might have conflicted with the WiFi network.
- From the Home screen, go to Settings.
- Then, select General.
- Scroll down to and tap Reset.
- Select Erase all content and settings option.
- Enter your passcode when prompted, and the follow the onscreen guide to complete the process.
Once the phone is back on after the reset, follow the start-up wizard and set up your iPhone as new. You phone must now gain a stable WiFi connection unless the network base is currently having some technical issues.
What are the options when the WiFi drops persist on your iPhone?
If you already exhausted all the solutions provided yet the WiFi signal is still dropping or unstable, contact your internet service provider. The problem might have something to do with the status of your account, system or network outage, or any other related system issues on your service provider’s end. In that case, there’s not much can be done on your end but to wait until the problem is fixed by your service provider’s technical team.
Alternatively, you can also escalate the issue to Apple Support for further recommendations. This is a must-do if the problem on WiFi drops started after installing an iOS update. In that case, your iPhone XS WiFi signal or network system might have been ruined by an iOS bug and therefore needs a dedicated fix patch.
I hope that we’ve been able to help you fix the problem with your device. We would appreciate it if you helped us spread the word so please share this post if you found it helpful. Thank you so much for reading!