Issue: Iphone 5 would not hold a connection for Wifi until within 15 feet of router. If wifi drops it can not find the router again to connect unless the network has been "forgot" and the phone has been shut off and on.
This is my story. Daughter #1 got an Iphone 5 first. Had issues staying connected to wifi anywhere unless she was sitting right on top of the router. Took it back to the store and they replaced it. Had some problems at first but then they cleared up. Didn't have time to take it back right away. This was back in July.
Me and my 2nd Daughter upgraded this past weekend to Iphone5's. Hers works fine, mine is having the same issue Daughter #1 was having in July. Returned my phone for Phone #2. Worked at first then had the same issue. Took it back Sunday and the store reluctantly swapped it out again even though they could not duplicate the issue. Got home and still the same issue. Made an appointment with the Apple Bar.
So frustrated and got on this discussion board and a comment that I had not seen before rang a BIG BELL.
In July my Daughter #1 bought a cheap case for her much anticipated phone she was to receive. She had the case first. A few days after swapping out her first phone she got a new more expensive case. When she switched cases, the problem was resolved. Did not realize it at the time.
When I got my phone...Daughter #1 brings me her first cheapo case and said I could use it until my new case arrived. Everytime the phone WAS working, this case had been removed. Everytime it was NOT working the case was on. I am dumbfounded that it was something so simple.
The case was a plastic thin case that was painted metallic to look like a mirror. I am assuming that the "paint" was causing a barrier with the antenna and giving poor connection.
After going through 3 phones for me and 2 for my daughter....I have trashed that case. My phone works fine and I have cancelled my Apple Bar appointment.
If you are having the same problem....remove your case to see if it could be the issue. The case was plastic so I never made the connection. I am so glad it was so simple.