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Sudden Weak WiFi signal on 3Gs

Over the last month or so I've experienced a big drop-off in my 3Gs's ability to latch-on to my local home WiFi signal. I've not recently upgraded, or changed settings on the phone. An example; my BT Home Hub router sits in my office and casts a strong signal throughout my timber-frame house, (and I know the signal's still fine because my 3-yr-old Macbook, which I use anywhere and everywhere, and spanking new iMac display full WiFi bars and the speed is excellent.) I normally access the web via my iPhone from my living-room, which is no more than 20 Yards from the router, and up until a month or so ago, enjoyed a full reception on the iPhone also, but now nothing. Zilch. (There is one small corner where I can sometimes pick up one bar.)
I'm composing this message on the iMac, which displays the full WiFi signal, with my iPhone propped up next to it and displaying zero WiFi reception. We are about eight yards away from the router.
(I realise this topic is closely linked to others already posted, but it's something that Apple should really be responding to; they obviously have people who keep an eye on forums like these to monitor feedback about their products, and connectivity issues seem to be a bit of a hot potato at the moment.)
My hunch is that the iPhone's capability to receive a WiFi signal has somehow become compromised, being as all other devices - and Apple devices at that - work fine.
Can somebody help.
Thx.

iMac 27" 8 Gig, 2 TB, Mac OS X (10.6.6)

Posted on Jan 18, 2011 2:21 AM

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97 replies

Sep 22, 2011 1:40 PM in response to and12

I agree with the post that these are the symptoms of a loose or detached Flex Cable # 6 at the top of the Logic Board. I have been having the same problems described on this thread i.e. sudden loss of WIFI sensitivity on a 2 year old 3G until I saw the post you described. I opend the phone and it seems the flex cable # 6 was loose. After pushing it back, the signal strength is now restored. Guess it does nt take much to make it loose considering how it sits. After several months/years of shaking even due to normal motion e.g. walking or may be even a soft drop it is possible that it (cable # 6) will get loose. May be the firmware update is just a coincidence but looks like most of the pnones are more than a year old. Enough ime to loosen the cable!

Sep 27, 2011 11:08 AM in response to Andrew Teilo

Ok. I have 3 iPhone 3GS. All of which have different firmware. One runs 4.3.5, another runs 4.3.3, another 4.2.1. All 3 have the same problem within a week. Weak wi-fi, weak bluetooth, weak GPS. A restore on 2 of them proved unsuccessful. Wi-fi works within 3ft of router. Tried all 3 phone on home WAP, work WAP, and friends WAP, same result. All of my other wi-fi devices work fine and my bluetooth headset works great on my laptop and iPad.


This is not even just a firmware issue, since all 3 phones with different firmware have the same problem. This has been a continous issue for the iOS since at lease 4.2..so Apple should be aware of the problem. I have friends who are running ipod touch 4.3.3 and and iphone4, 4.2.10 and neither one have problems.


I am thinking it is some kind of "driver" issue, or Apple and/or ATT sent a "bullet" to the 3GS's. Apple says its a hardware problem to force an upgrade to iphone4/5.


Thoughts???

Sep 28, 2011 4:35 PM in response to Rocky Pope

Hi everyone,

Update to my first post


Went to the GuniusBar and they swapped my phone (wich was out of warenty) for a brand new one for 89$ CAD.

They said it was a battery problem. I don't think it really was a battery problem but oh well..I have a new phone now. It was delivered with version 4.3.3 and i didn't take the chance to update it. Somebody here said that restoring his backup has bring back the problem to his new phone but i worked well for me.


Good luck in finding a solution guys and excuse me if my english is akward.

Oct 20, 2011 4:05 AM in response to Billy78GR

Hey Billy,


My name is Christos from Cyprus.

I bought my Iphone 3GS from Greece as well, 2 years ago.

I am experiensing the same issues with the wifi and the GPS.


I was thinking of opening the device to clean it, screw (tight) some screws but as i can see you opened it without any results.


Did you find any other solutions?

is it the firmware? Sure it is not the IOS, because i have already restored it to 4.3.3 couple of time, with no results.


Thanks

Oct 22, 2011 1:37 PM in response to chris1978

Hi Christo,


Yes i did as you can see from my previous posts but with no results. I don't know what the **** it is.

In my previous posts i mentioned that my father's iphone it is not updated and it's still on 4.0.2 version with no problem at all.


Anyway, i have purchased a new antenna from ebay for 10,90 euro from an Austrian seller (including antenna, some instalation tools and shipping cost). I don't know if it's the original apple antenna but i will test it. I have nothing to lose.


I will inform you guys for any news

Oct 25, 2011 7:57 AM in response to Billy78GR

GREAT UPDATE GUYS


the new antenna bring back my wifi signal and the GPS became accurate. Just closed my iphone "surgery".

Around my home the wifi and gps is working great. I will test it the next days outside and i will inform you if something is wrong.


I am very happy. It seems that finally it is a hardware problem.


🙂😁😎

Sudden Weak WiFi signal on 3Gs

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