Strange WiFi problem on iPhone 3G after 3.0 update

Wow, that's so weird, I had that exact problem before I updated to 3.0, but when I updated it, it fixed it!!

OK, I'm assuming you have tried reseting network connections, restarting the iphone, and doing a complete restore. If you have tried all the software fixes and it still cannot see any wifi network, you may have a hardware problem. Have you taken the iphone to the apple store, and what have they said/done?

Yes, I've done all of the above and it still does not work.

Yes, I took it up to the ATT store and showed it to an Apple "genius" LOL, more like idiot. He showed me his and he was having the same problem after 3.0 and said "Wait for 3.1 to see if that fixes it." I really wanted to punch him in the face, I mean REALLY wanted to punch him in the face. I'm sick of being put off by Apple, I didn't screw this phone up, they did.

Thing is, it happened as SOON as I upgraded to 2.2.?, so you're saying that Apple's software is so buggy it has the ability to destroy the components of my phone?

I know I coming off as a real jerk, but I've been dealing with this for over 4 months and I'm getting sick of Apple running me around. It's so bad, I have to come here and yell at other apple users in frustration because Apples customer service is non existent and basicaly boils down to them saying....

"its something you or your hardware is doing idiot, because our products are perfect"


That's OK, I wont be buying anything else from them ever.

I've got the same issues. Nothing has changed on the home network. The problem started two days ago, but I upgraded to 3.0 the day it came out...

Symptoms: After entering login code the WiFi signal is full - within a minute (or upon launch of an app that uses network) the WiFi signal drops to one bar and throughput drops to nothing. That's followed by a complete drop of the network and reversion to 3G.

It doesn't matter how close the phone is to any wireless router.

I've done all the standard small stuff plus the following and nothing fixes it:

*iPhone -*

*Reset Network*
*Reset All*
*Restore w/ backup*
*Restore as new*

*Network -*

Reboot
*Change Channels (twice, both different from original)*
*Raised/Lowered multicast rate*

After my last run-in with the 'genius' bar I seriously doubt I'll ever be allowed back in again (phone bricked on its own in the middle of a call, the 1st thing the genius did was stick the ear probe in the headphone jack and declared that the "immersion" sensor was red - even though the phone had never been so much as sneezed on) - so I'm wondering what success people have had getting this WiFi issue resolved and what steps are needed to do it!

Thanks in advance

identical problem here

OK, just trying to help. I have two iphones and an ipod touch running 3.0 with no wifi problems, maybe you should try another apple store or call customer service if you want to get it resolved. Otherwise, you can just buy a different device that works for you.

After reading all the replies, following are done to fix :
1. Upgrade firmware on the wrt54g, i think it is 1.2.0...
2. Use WPA2 Personal setting on the router for wireless security.
This worked for me for past 2 days with no problem.

Yeah. I bought a brand new iPhone 3G 2 days before the 3GS came out to take on a trip. All was fine. All I could do was use wi-fi for the trip, so that is why I needed it. All was fine, then I upgraded to 3.0, and while using Skype 3 days after the upgrade, my wi-fi just died. I can't see networks or nothing.

I did the fridge thing and it did come back on for a few. Considering that I can't take this hunk of crap back to the apple store for about 3 more months, I am very ticked off.

I am still waiting for my third replacement iPhone to come and this time, for sure, I will NOT upgrade to 3.0 or even 3.1 for a looong time. 2.x worked for me without a glitch (I had other problems, like dead mic but my wireless was perfect).

On our Mac forum in Croatia there are more and more users with dead wi-fi or wi-fi problems described here. All of them tried the usual troubleshooting procedures, resets, restores etc... not a one solved case so far. Most of them are returing the phones and waiting for a replacement - and that is a slow process here in Europe.

I am very sad because I have recommended iPhone to so many friends and now this... 😟

I have had the same issues since I got the iPhone 3G S last week. Always have the wifi connectivity symbol and correct information in settings...but couldn't connect. Took a ride this morning to the local coffee shop - instant connect and data download. Unsecure wifi.

My home wifi changes I made this morning that seem to working so far.

D-Link router settings changed to g only mode with security disabled. Not sure if I will keep my network unsecure - but this did clear up the wifi dropping and inability to stay connected. Full connectivity after phone sleeps or is shut off without having to go into settings or anything. Maybe an OS 3.0 problem with encryption on wifi networks?

Yup, similar issue happened here... Mine refused to connect to WiFi and the times it did, it only lasted a few minutes and was super slow!

So, I take it into the Genius store down the road... They have me jump on their unsecured network... No issues... I use it for a while on their network, not once did it drop and it was super fast. They said if it keeps up, bring it back. I get home, it refuses to connect to my home network.

So, I go through some settings on the Extreme and the iPhone, works for a bit, then quits. Now my printer is having an issue finding the Extreme... Apple nightmare! I refuse to run an unsecured network.

So, all said and done... Sounds like the security settings are really messing with the iPhone... The iPhone just doesn't know how to handle and stay connected to a secured network.

iPhone OS 3.1... Where are you?!

How disappointing, AGAIN I did all I could like resetting my networks and restoring my iPhone but nothing,nada,nux,niente,null.. I can no longer Log to Free HotSpot Wifi around, just today I was in a HotSpot wifi in need of consulting Safari and Updating my Meteo but NOTHING! it only connects my Home Wifi Network but NO free ones? It use to work fine previous to 3.0 and I confirm this to be be a seriuos bug, it is UNACCEPTABLE from a device like this build to let people communicate and keep updated through the use of Internet. Come on Apple sort it out, very annoying......

Guys, in my case, the problem is either software 3.0 or my 3g iphone hardware. So I just made a trip to Apple Store this morning (07/05/09). I've explained what's wrong with it (wifi trouble, dust building up under screen) He took a look for a moment, and try to connect to wifi, as it was happening at home, it was connected for a few minutes, then the wifi signal would drop down to tiny one dot, and disconnect. He still not believing what's up with that, and took out his own iphone connected to wifi then reconnected mine, put it side by side, connect to the internet, his wifi signal stay full all the time, mine again drop and disconnect. Now he told me something's wrong with it, then swap me a refurbish one, but looks new (better than mine, no complain about that.) So far I'm happy with it my wifi worked as it should, at least I know there's nothing wrong with my router (wrt54g, wrt160 v1, wrt160 v2.) and my home networking. Now the thing that I'm worry about is upgrading to 3.0 (it has 2.2.1 as of now), the genius offer to upgrade it at store, but I was hersitate, telling him I'll do myself. Now I have to put every back (sofware, music, picture, apps..etc) At the mean time I go grab a beer probably com back in one hour or so.

Why is everyone trying all these weird and wonderful "tips" like fridges an so on? And worse, thinking they're actually doing something?

Are you kidding me?

Presumably you've all had 2.2.1 or earlier and never had any problems with the wifi and now you've upgraded to 3.0 and all of a sudden it's not working. I'm no einstein but if the "hardware" hasn't changed but the software has then it's pretty obvious to me what the issue is.

And yes, i have both a 3.0 which is my phone and my partner has a 2.2.1 and hers works flawlessly. Mine is a heap of useless junk at the moment. Again, it's not the router or any other magical mystery new occurence as the 2.2.1 iphone still works fine.

It's a simple case of Apple wanting to have something fancy to talk about at WWDC along with 3GS but it being nowhere near ready for the masses. Case closed.

I'd like for anyone with issues to try this out. I have played with this configuration for the last two hours and it hasn't ran batter since 2.2.1. If your router is set on B/G mode (which is the norm) set it to either G only or B only. For some reason my wi-fi has stayed connected fully so far over the last hour. I had issues with youtube stopping about a 1/3 of the way, staggering on itune downloads, speedtest ranging between 10410kbps to 428kbps, and it took forever to open the app store update section.

Im not sure if it will work for everyone but my issues seems to align with about 95% of the board with wi-fi problems so far. I tried 4 different routers locations all of which had B/G enabled (which is the typical protocol)
and once I set it to B only or G only it stopped the gittering on my downloading and stay consistent downloading. I would try both modes and post on here to inform others if it happens to work for you.