Strange WiFi problem on iPhone 3G after 3.0 update

I feel the same way man... but after countless hours of looking around, the freezer trick did it for me... is the iphone wifi icon greyed for you, or does it just not join any networks?

The freezer method I did on mine fixed the fact that it did not join any networks, no greying out of the wifi or anything.

Also i might note, I turned off wifi, turned off the phone, put it in the freezer (in a bag) for 10 mins, turned the phone back on, put the phone right next to my wifi antenna and then turned on wifi and it joined, it JUST joined and I couldnt believe it.

so after basically going through ptretty much what youve gone through, this POS iphone had only 1 problem: it was the wifi chip and it was overheating... The processor or software is prob coded to diable it after too many thermal warnings.. leading me to believe that if you were to maybe tweak the Thermal.plist via ssh (or whatever the file is called) it might fix future issues.

However I do suggest you try the freezer method 1 more time, or 2x :P also just keep hitting join repeatedly after youre trying to join next to the antenna...
I really hope things get working for you, and again I totally agree Apple developers/manufactures, and R&D is A TOTAL DISAPPOINTMENT.

Folks, it's a mean marketing trick by Apple to sell their next upcoming gadget:

the iFridge

A pocket refrigerator to keep your iPhone at working temperatures. Requirement: OS 3.0

Sorry, but this is ridiculous. I've been there already. It helps for a while and then you're stuck with the same problem again and again and again...

Message was edited by: Dr.DOS

Yes, I must agree - reading all this and on other forums, the most likely scenario is the wi-fi chip overheating. Now all bizzare behavior of my iPhone suddenly makes sense... 😟

The real question is - is the damage permanent or can be solved with a patch...

Me too!

Mine is in freezer for it's diagnostic test... EYEROLL

Here are the things I tested.
From 2 different iphones 3G each having a different carrier.
-Connecting to Cisco 1200 AP with ABG connectivity using WPA2:
2.2.1: working fine
3.0: intermittent connectivity
-Connecting to Dlink AP with BG using WEP:
2.2.1: working fine
3.0: intermittent connectivity
-Connecting to Sitecom AP with BG connectivity using WEP:
2.2.1: working fine
3.0: detects AP, joins network but cannot send or receive data
-Connecting to Sitecom AP (the same one) with BG connectivity no encryption:
2.2.1: working fine
3.0: working fine

On one of the phones, I reverted back to OS 2.2.1 using DFU mode and it now works fine again. So it's not chipset/cable problem, it's really an OS 3.0 problem. The test also seems to suggest that encryption causes the problem.

The big problem is that some apps (ie: shazam) now require 3.0 to work.

I think Apple should let people try beta versions (without support) to get the most bug reports before pushing releases and this kind of problem shouldn't happen.

I confirm my 3G is now having problems with HotSpot WiFi as it goes intermittent and pratically won't connect, wifi works within my own router but i found a little document here http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=20090620193818332 it's about an Overlay Login implemented in 3.0 that loads up a websheet on login connecting to apple.com and returning to access the hotspot captive portal WHICH could actually refuse the request and log you out.I don't know how true this could be, what I know is that It use to work just fine in 2.2 and now it is not, another round of applause to Apple for having distribute such a buggy Os 3.0 literally complicating people life and work, sorry my moaning but we are talking connectivity here, this gadget is a communication device and at this stage is no longer work as it use to, not providing the service, is Apple aware of this? Is there anybody from Apple ever said any word to the community?
Will keep following this thread.

Message was edited by: justixia

oopss

Message was edited by: justixia

Hi,
i have an iphone 3G,with same problem using wi-fi connection and battery consumption.I have updated the firmware from 2.2 from 3.0 because i thought to resolve old problems and to improve phone performance... but i am very disappointed.....

same prob here.. i have two iphones (both 3g) and their wifi connxtn used to function normally. but when i updated the software to 3os, the phones won't connect at all.

I have both an iPhone 3G and an iPhone 3Gs. After upgrading the 3G to 3.0, it keeps asking for Security Key. The right key is being entered, because it does connect and work for a while; but eventually it asks for it again. With the 3GS, the exact same thing is happening. It just doesn't seem to remember the wifi password. On my iPhone 3G with 2.x, this did not happen.

Just adding mine to the chorus of voices complaining about the 3.0 bug in WiFi connectivity.

I can only hope that some team is working feverishly in a war room somewhere to fix this -- and that I'll find out about it somehow.

Sadly, I live in Verizon country and AT&T service misses the mark. My home WiFi was the saving grace.

I hate to say it, but I've been watching the news about Android and Verizon...

Same problem for me. 3G upgraded to 3.0. Always ask for WEP password of my router... and always forget it and wifi connection do not work. So now, with 3.0, my "iPhone" is switched into a "Phone".

P.S. I notice the interference problem both with my 3G and my old first-gen iPhone that my wife uses.

I am adding a comment from Switzerland. Strange WIFI behaviour since I upgraded to 3.0: WIFI connection to the airport express is taking more time than it used to when using the previous OS. The connection sensitivity is also weaker than before. In my home I have difficulties finding the network in some rooms, before there was no problem at all...

I am not coming with any solutions to this problem, but at least I hope my message will make the signal message to Apple a bit stronger. Strong enough to make it heard and addressed.

I experienced very similar problems with my new 3GS when I 'upgraded' from 3G - i.e. wifi connecting briefly and then disconnecting (couldn't renew IP address). My 3G had worked perfectly with wifi under 3.0 since upgrading to 3.0 until I restored it completely during switching over to 3GS.
'Forgetting' the network settings and re-entering it, complete restart of the phones etc. didn't help at all.

Strangely enough the problems on both phones vanished completely after I rebooted my router (Airport Base Station, dual band). I haven't had any issues since (for the past two days).

I'm wondering whether transferring data (by restoring) from the old 3G to the 3GS and having both connect at the same time caused the problem.