Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

iphone 5 wont stay connected to wifi

My iPhone 5 keeps dropping wifi connection after about 30 seconds of being connected. It's not my router or internet because we bought 2 phones and the other phone works and stays connected just fine. It's only my phone. It tries to connect to a website, youtube, email, whatever and then just times out. If I attempt to renew the lease it renews with some strange IP address that isn't tied to my router and leaves the Router and DNS fields blank. I have reformatted, reset network settings, reinstalled the OS, forgotten the access point and re-entered, changed the wifi channel for troubleshooting steps so far. Any further ideas other than a bad antenna?

iPhone, iOS 6

Posted on Sep 21, 2012 2:53 PM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Sep 21, 2012 10:38 PM

Very similar and very frustrating problem. My regular wifi connections (which are up to date and very fast) will onl work if I'm literally no more than 5 feet away from the router. If I'm farther than that it disconnects and won't even find it! My iPhone 4S still works and connects perfectly from anywhere in the house.

229 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Sep 21, 2012 10:38 PM in response to Nilotec

Very similar and very frustrating problem. My regular wifi connections (which are up to date and very fast) will onl work if I'm literally no more than 5 feet away from the router. If I'm farther than that it disconnects and won't even find it! My iPhone 4S still works and connects perfectly from anywhere in the house.

Sep 21, 2012 11:45 PM in response to Aduran86

I agree after iOS 6 potentially being part of the problem. I have had a terrible time staying connected to my wifi. Upon closer examination using my mini Mac to check my signal and noticed it was dropping to almost nothing every 30 seconds or so. I think iOS 6 does not tolerate that very well.


If you have good connection on an another iPhone and bad with the other one it has to be the phone.

They made a lot of phones and some are bound to be bad.

Sep 22, 2012 5:50 AM in response to Nilotec

I've got this, too. I connect to a wi-fi network which works with all my other devices, and it's fine for a bit. I leave the 'phone somewhere, then come back a bit later, and it doesn't work - but the wi-fi symbol is still in my status bar. I have had to enter the wi-fi password a couple of times - but not every time.


The only solution I have been able to come up with so far is to cycle airplane mode on and off. This is obviously not ideal.


Any thoughts?


CP

Sep 22, 2012 12:08 PM in response to Nilotec

We are an Apple Developer. I noticed with a beta of iOS6 that I had to be next to my Time Capsule (same room) or I wouldn't see it. The Time Capsule never worked well in my back yard because of neighbor's access points are closer and cause interference. I had been planning on upgrading to somethng with more range and tried a top of the line Pepwave AP One access point and my problems went away. Not sure if this was related to my Time Capsule OR the iOS6. After switching, I was able to get WiFi in my backyard (and even a block away from my house). All is well, my iPhone 5 arrives Monday - so I can do more testing.

Sep 22, 2012 12:22 PM in response to Nilotec

Same here...... we have just loaded up 2 new iphone 5's. Mine drops out straight away and doesn't even pick up the router unless it's right next to it. My husbands is working but not all the time.


Previously had 2 iphone 4's which were on IOS 6 and no issues with wifi also have an ipad which is working fine on iSO 6


Spent nearly 2 hours going through my router to work out why mine doesn't work......!! Not impressed Apple better get it sorted URGENTLY

Sep 23, 2012 7:14 AM in response to Nilotec

MIght be a bad antenna. I had the same problem and tried the same remedies you listed. I went back to the Apple store and they gave me a new iPhone. Problem solved, now it stays on the network continously.


Initially the Apple care representative said it was due to security settings in my router but this seemed unlikely since the other 13 Apple wifi devices (4 of which are running IO6) in my household never have issues with my wifi. After reseting the iphone and playing with network settings it seems it was the phone that was at fault.


Also, FYI even though Apple stores are sold out of iPhone 5's they do have brand new replacement units for warranty issues

iphone 5 wont stay connected to wifi

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.