An active internet connection is required for 2FA verification, authentication, and accessing your Apple ID account.
Connecting to Wi-Fi doesn't necessarily mean you're connected to the internet. --> Internet not available, WiFi and Cellular … - Apple Community
On iOS devices, you may sometimes see that you're connected to a Wi-Fi network, yet experience no actual internet access. This can be confusing, especially when both Wi-Fi and cellular signals are showing, but nothing loads.
Here’s what’s happening:
- Wi-Fi without internet: Your iPhone or iPad may connect to a Wi-Fi network (like a router or hotspot), but if that network doesn’t have a working internet connection — due to ISP issues, router problems, or restricted access — you won’t be able to browse or use online services.
- "No Internet Connection" warning: iOS tries to detect this. If it finds that the Wi-Fi you're connected to has no access to the internet, you'll see a message like “No Internet Connection” under the Wi-Fi name in Settings.
- Why iOS doesn't always switch to cellular: If you’re also on a mobile data plan, your iPhone should switch to cellular if the Wi-Fi is unresponsive. However, iOS doesn’t always do this automatically. There are two features that affect this:
- Wi-Fi Assist (Settings > Cellular > Wi-Fi Assist): This allows cellular data to take over when Wi-Fi is weak, but it may not trigger if the Wi-Fi is technically “connected” but just not working.
- Low Data Mode or VPNs can prevent automatic switching.
- Troubleshooting tip: If you’re connected to Wi-Fi and suspect a lack of internet, try:
- Opening Safari and visiting a reliable website (e.g., apple.com).
- Turning Wi-Fi off and back on.
- Forgetting the network and reconnecting.
- Switching to cellular manually if it’s available and working.