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iOS 6 WiFi option is GREYED OUT (unrelated to iOS 6 WiFi connectivity issues)

As reported in an earlier thread, since upgrading iPhone 4S from 5.1.1 to 6, the WiFi option is turned OFF and is greyed out/disabled. Have tried all combinations of hard/soft reboots, router resets, network settings reset, cleared cookies, etc. Nothing. The WiFi option is completely disabled.


WiFi worked fine prior to iOS 6. Now I can't turn it on. My wife's WiFi is fine, she can toggle on/off and hasn't had any other connectivity issues as reported by others.

iPhone 4S, iOS 6

Posted on Sep 19, 2012 6:02 PM

Reply
794 replies

Mar 13, 2013 9:04 AM in response to Trapdoresoth

I've already posted into another thread, but to those who pretend it's a hardware problem when 'typical' methods won't work (restore, freezer, etc...), just go back playing with your shovels and your buckets !!


I've more years of electronics and embedded software development experience than you can count with your hands and your feet, when a WiFi chip works at time t0, there's nothing in the world that can explain why thousands of users would see it fail at t0+5 minutes, i.e. after an iOS 6.1.2 upgrade... unless the software contained code that destroyed the WiFi IC (if assuming it is possible)... in which case one would expect Apple to assume the consequences !


But whatever the outcome will be, Apple's current silence is just insulting to the customers facing this issue...


The least we can expect is a "OK, problem registered, we're investigating", anything else is disdainful !


Mar 13, 2013 4:17 PM in response to wtx84

I recently had my old iphone4s replaced as it was loosing connection and dropping calls.

I wished I'd never bothered as the new one now has wifi greyed out, no blue tooth and the personal hot spot has gone missing! .

It's driving me nuts because I don't have my internet coverage in the house and need the wifi... Furious isn't the word.

However, I've just tried the hair dryer method and it worked but I'm still heading up to the Apple Store tomorrow to speak to them about it. I've only had the handset for 2 days!!

I run my own business and this could potentially loose me business leaving me without internet. So for now I'm having to use the lap top, which isn't convenient.

If I get any joy tomorrow I'll come back and post.

It's disgusting that Apple aren't bothered. Next phone for me ANDROID, bring it on! Apple too restricting and too many faults now!

Mar 13, 2013 4:27 PM in response to Trapdoresoth

Wow. Never thought linking to my blog should result in a removal of post. Anyways, regarding why I changed my MAC. After I changed it to the same as my Bluetooth MAC, my Wi-Fi works fine. Lets say I change back to the original one. In 6-12 hours, my Wi-Fi loses strength and simply can't detect any networks, even putting on top of my router doesn't work. I restart my iPhone now, the greyed out Wi-Fi comes back. If I kept my changed address, 1 week later still happily using Wi-Fi. Instead of removing my post, Apple should take a more serious look into this issue as a few pages back, someone posted something about iPhone's Wi-Fi and Bluetooth MAC being different on iOS6 when compared to iOS 5.1.1. I believe the update itself (iOS 5-6.X) changed the MAC, therefore disabling the Wi-Fi. The major issue in this statement is that heating/freezing restores the Wi-Fi for a few hours. It simply shouldn't.

Mar 13, 2013 5:27 PM in response to wtx84

This issue apparently is not the first time.

See this issue, back then when upgrading iPhone to iOS3.

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2044754?answerId=10336129022#10336129022&messageID=10336129#10336129?messa geID=10336129

Some reported multiple Wifi MAC address reported by sysinfoplus (look at the bottom post). Anyone got the same issue (multiple MAC Address) seen by sysinifoplus?


If you're out of warranty, IMO, it's better to disable OTA update. That can't be discussed here. You'll easily google it out.

At this point, I would suggest the best thing to deal with new firmware upgrade is that when your iPhone works just fine, think twice to upgrade it. Unless it's still under warranty and you're willing to spend time and gas (when apple store far far away) to claim it back --even multiple times until you get the rock solid iPhone-- in case the firmware upgrade didn't go well

Mar 13, 2013 8:29 PM in response to fromsouth

I don't seem to get what you're saying. We all know that each device has its own unique Wi-Fi and Bluetooth MAC address, should it change from one iOS version to another, in this case 5-6? I don't think so. I believe MAC addresses should be excactly the same throughout. Since someone reported that their MAC changed from iOS 5-6, I believe that is the reason why a lot of us are having this problem right now.

Mar 13, 2013 11:13 PM in response to Trapdoresoth

Hello again and again.. nothing seems t work for me any more.. wifi last night lost signal and restart its greyed out again. I tried the sim trick 4 times this morning but nothing. Im on my way to the freezer!

I want to ask every jenious in here to keep in mind all the possible fixes that we've tried so we can come to a conclusion.. In other word what is the thing tha causes signal break down, overheating and battery drain, that is software and looks like hardware, and that since now only has temporaty fixes??? Since now i found no answer and frankly i ve changed my MAC 10 times and nothing happened so.. Lokk elsewhere!!!

Mar 14, 2013 12:18 AM in response to Trapdoresoth

Last night I gave apple support a ring and was told it is in fact a hardware fault. The reason it happens with the update is because it stretches the fault beyoned it's capabilities, the fault has always been there and if you are still within your warrenty you will have your phone replaced.

My wifes phone is fine after updating hers, and I am lucky to still be within my warranty (by less than a month!!!) so I am getting it replaced.

Mar 14, 2013 4:52 AM in response to Trapdoresoth

This is totally their fault. Mine was 30 days out of warranty probably failed about 20 days out before I realised. The genius says hardware fault and because 30 days out they can't do anything for free - Try the reseller. I pull out the info from ACCC - Australian consumer commission that says warranties extend beyond what they offer to what is reasonable, eg given is that you don't expect an expensive TV to fail 13 months after purchase. He says ok, I say please read it, he says I don't need to and I'll talk to a manager. He then offers 'parts replacement' I think he called it. Normally $229. New phone that may have some old parts. I'm happy with that. Phone now works. The fact that they don't immediately do this for each issue when they are clearly at fault is outrageous. We have so many mac products but I am seriously feeling they are treating me with contempt. You need to do better by loyal customers apple. To others in the same boat - don't take the standard read off the sheet answer from the young genius. Go hard!

iOS 6 WiFi option is GREYED OUT (unrelated to iOS 6 WiFi connectivity issues)

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