Wi-Fi won't connect after iOS 16.6 update

Sometimes the iPhone forces to be use a private Wi-Fi address. If the router is configured by using a MAC filter list, this can also be a reason to lose the Wi-Fi connection. Furthermore any try to login with the correct password results in "Unable to join network" error.

Settings->WiFi->YourNetwork->Info Button->Set Private Wi-Fi Address

Deactivate the option.

Below the original Wifi address that matches to your MAC filter settings should reappear.

That solves the problem for me.

It's mysterious why the iOS sometimes resets the Wifi setting to private.

A temporary workaround i found was to go to the wifi in settings klick on the top right on edit and delete the wifi network that the device cannot connect to.

Then connect to the wifi network and enter the password.

For me it will connect no problem like all other devices including iOS devices that have not been updated.

This will work for a while, and then you have to redo these steps.

Not nice but beats resetting everything in the hopes it might fix the problem!

The only solution I have seen is reset network settings and if they doesn’t work a full reset of the phone. Only keeping the esim option and nothing from backup.

Long story short, I had the same issue, but it has sort of fixed itself. I booked an appointment in an Apple Store today and whilst walking through multiple public Wi-Fi hotspots to the store the Wi-FI was connecting and I was able to access the net. An Apple 'Genius'advisor suggested restoring the phone as a clean brand new device, but crucially, not to restore any backup, pc/mac, iCloud or otherwise, as it's likely a software issue (obviously!).

I decided to do this back home because they wanted to take my phone without offering a replacement through their Express Replacement service in store, I had to do this from home. Here's the spooky part, I get home and my Wi-Fi is connected and can access the net fine! I tested it by disconnecting my Wi-Fi, turning my phone off/on, and even resetting my iPhone network settings completely - the Wi-Fi is holding and works across 2.4/5Ghz channels.

My solution is to connect to another network, except your home network, and try again.

P.s, the original solution comment from the Apple Recommended user, was neither helpful nor practical and frankly, short-sighted to suggest and basically pass the blame to the user without doing any investigatory work beforehand.

I had to go into my router settings and delete every mac and ip addresses created for all my cellular connected devices since somehow multiples were created by my router possibly due to the private wi-fi address option. Sorry this kind of thing is above my pay grade since I am not very knowledgeable about router capabilities but after I was able to delete those addresses all the conflict messages I was getting because of the router issuing the same ip address for multiple MAC addresses was gone and I was able to reconnect my Wi-Fi again. Resets of my cellular devices did not fix the problem, only deleting those ip addresses my router created for my cellular devices fixed the problem.

Connecting to Wi-Fi is the initial step, followed by establishing an internet connection.

However, it's important to note that connecting to Wi-Fi does not automatically guarantee an internet connection. In the event that you are unable to connect to Wi-Fi, the issue may stem from settings on your iPhone or the router/modem.

On the other hand, if you are unable to establish an internet connection despite being connected to Wi-Fi, the problem is likely related to the settings on your router/modem. In such cases, it is advisable to promptly contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for assistance.

Check your WiFi Router / Modem for --> Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points ...

For your Internet connection.

• Over Cellular: contact your Carrier (Cellular Service Provider). The agency that issued the SIM to you
• Over WiFI: Contact your ISP (Internet Service Provider), the agency that provided the Internet Service on your Modem/Router to you

However --> Connect iPhone to the Internet - Apple Support

same thing happened.after trying all suggested fixes, it was bitdefender VPN setting that seemed to be the issue. I finally see that happy little WI-FI symbol smiling back at me

Same problem here, iPhone 13 mini with ios 16.6 issue with wifi (seems to be only with 5 Ghz wifi), hotspot doesn't work and never seen 5G signal.

I'm really angry for this, tried everything: network settings restore, full system restore without backup, itunes restore... NO results...

Hope to see a fix with updates...

I have updated 3 phones today to the iPhone 16.6 and now all 3 phones wifi has stopped working. This is ridiculous. Wifi worked no problem before update.

Same problem...iPhone and iPad does not recognize password and will not connect to network. Computers and TV do connect. Apple please fix! This is not our probem on our end!

Same problem with 16.6 on iphone 13. Deleting the wifi or reset network options do not work. Apple should fix this ASAP

I can’t update my software and the phone can’t see wifi

Suddenly 3 devices do not connect to Wifi anymore. Dash cam, safety cam etc