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wifi greyed out iphone 4s

ok so i got my new iphone 4s for christmas and i updated it to ios 6.0.1 and the wifi is greyed out but bluetooth still works i need help?

iPhone 4S, iOS 6.0.1

Posted on Dec 27, 2012 2:31 PM

Reply
517 replies

Jan 25, 2014 3:04 AM in response to Nola Bill

I agree with you 100%. He is just moron and troll together. He has no problem but he gives us advice what we should do and what is correct. I don't know if Apple pays him for this. We all should just ignore him and he will stop trolling. We should really focus to find a soultion how to fix it once for all. I love 4s but this issue really makes me sad. I could buy a new phone for another $800, but I don't want because I don't want a bigger screen for mobile. I don't want to have a brick in my pocket. That's the reason why I have also iPad. And there are rumours that 6s will be with 4.8" display, maybe bigger because users want it. I don't want it, thanks. Steve Jobs knew why the perfect size for mobile is 3.5" and 9.7" for iPad. He would never agree with this change. Apple is not what it used to be, unfortunatelly. Candy iOS design, big displays... OMG, why ? iPhone was unique in a way that it doesn't copy other brands. But now, big screens are trendy so we also need to do it... Ok, no problem, but give us the phone in "mini" edition and I will continue to buy it...

Jan 25, 2014 3:10 AM in response to Misiak

I believed so too that if wifi is not working, then it's just a pieace of crap...

The only reason i have this on the first place is because it was given to me by my girlfriend...

There is no appstore here either, only resellers and the networks offering iphone plans and any of them are not willing to help... I have nothing to lose so i disassembled the phone with the tools that i bought... I didn't have a heat gun so i covered the other parts and used the hairdryer to heat the wifi chip... I also did this because heating with the back cover doesn't anymore last, not even a day...

Jan 25, 2014 5:37 AM in response to Misiak

Nola Bill wrote:


hey TJB, are you an Apple shill or just a moron? Your response to my post is laughable. Your punch bowl analogy makes me think you have the logic of a third grader. Do you really think that somehow a few people getting sick after drinking out of a single punch bowl,is somehow analogous to a stereotyped problem experienced by thousands of iPhone 4S customers after and OS update is valid? Do you really believe that millions (33.8 million iPhones produced in September quarter 2013) of iPhones were all produced with the same "batch" of wifi chips or components in the same factory by the same vendors using the exact same machinery and that there is no way that thousands of them couldn't have a real defect that only became apparent after a specific software update triggered a malfunction? Of course you don't because you are too busy trolling forums like this making worthless comments masquerading them as "advice". I almost fell out of my chair after reading your warning about me forfeiting my " apple related services options" by a "non-authorized service attempt.". Oh man was that funny. I am so worried that Apple won't fix my phone now if they somehow finally own up and take responsibility for this issue (I'm wont be holding my breath trust me) or that I would, for some insane urge to throw away money, pay them $200 more for a refurbished piece of crap 5 weeks before our cellular contract expires and a brand new iPhone 5 (or alternate phone) will be available for about the same price. Now the sad part is that while this is true for us this is sadly not true for many others who have already shelled outthe $200 or simple are stuck burning through their data plans on 3G because they can't get wifi. Apple should be ashamed, they posted QUARTERLY revenue of $37.5 BILLION - you read that right $37.5 BILLION! If this issue doesnt trigger a class action lawsuit I would be surprised. Read this commentary below:



http://iphone4s-wifi-victims.blogspot.com/


Nola Bill, when I'm dealing with someone that does not understand basic logic, I attempt to 'simplify' the explanation so that a child could understand it. Apparently, that did not work in your case.


If the software is the cause of the problem, then explain to me why every iPhone running the exact same software does NOT have the exact same problem? There are millions of iPhone 4S units that are running iOS 7 that have no wi-fi problems whatsoever. Please tell me how you explain that.


The softwware is NOT the issue. It's defective hardware in a very small percentage of iPhone 4S units. Software can't 'create' a hardware defect. It can only 'reveal' it in some situations. However, in this situation, it's not the software that is directly causing the fault. It's the HEAT generated during the software update. That same heat can be generated by other source. Some 4S users have reported this wi-fi failure after a large batch of app updates, which cause the processor to work harder than it normally does, thereby generating heat, which reveals the defective wi-fi chip. There are even reports of an iPhone getting too hot from an external source, such as being outside on a hot day, and then the wi-fi failing.


No, I don't work for Apple. I'm also not a moron. I understand the technology and I also understand basic, logical troubleshooting. I have a few decades of experience in that field.


I've even provided a script to read when you contact Apple, that focuses on the hardware being defective, and presents a rational argument for why Apple should replace an out-of-warranty device, for free. I've posted that script twice now in this thread. Is it a guarantee that Apple will grant the exception? No. But that is the best possible advice to get a resolution from Apple.


Step outside of your little box for a moment, and use your brain. Think logically. Set aside your emotionalism. Look at the facts. Think it through.


Feel free to tell me exactly how the same software can negatively impact iPhone A, but not affect iPhone B.

There are three components here:

  1. The Hardware.
  2. The iOS Software.
  3. The unique User Data.


If you restore the device as new properly, then the iOS Software is reinstalled again, removing a faulty install as a possible problem. And, the unique User Data is also removed when restored as new. This leaves only the Hardware. This is part of logical troubleshooting. If the only component left as a possible cause is the hardware... then, WOW, it just might be the hardware.


Just because you fail to understand deductive reasoning and a logical thought process doesn't change the truth of the matter.



Misiak wrote:


I agree with you 100%. He is just moron and troll together. He has no problem but he gives us advice what we should do and what is correct. I don't know if Apple pays him for this. We all should just ignore him and he will stop trolling. We should really focus to find a soultion how to fix it once for all. I love 4s but this issue really makes me sad. I could buy a new phone for another $800, but I don't want because I don't want a bigger screen for mobile. I don't want to have a brick in my pocket. That's the reason why I have also iPad. And there are rumours that 6s will be with 4.8" display, maybe bigger because users want it. I don't want it, thanks. Steve Jobs knew why the perfect size for mobile is 3.5" and 9.7" for iPad. He would never agree with this change. Apple is not what it used to be, unfortunatelly. Candy iOS design, big displays... OMG, why ? iPhone was unique in a way that it doesn't copy other brands. But now, big screens are trendy so we also need to do it... Ok, no problem, but give us the phone in "mini" edition and I will continue to buy it...


Now you're specualting about 'rumors'? So, instead of focusing on the actual, current situation, you're looking forward to find problems in products that haven't even been announced?


That's funny.


Again, I'm neither a 'shill' nor a 'moron'. I'm sorry that your device is having problems. That doesn't make me happy. Unlike some people here, I haven't wished this problem on anyone.


And yes, my advice is correct.

  1. Troubleshoot the device, as explained ad nauseum. Including restoring it as new.
  2. Contact Apple for your options. If out-of-warranty, request an exception, as I've suggested, focusing on the hardware being the cause, and avoiding blaming the software. Because you, as the user, have no control over the hardware. But you did have control of the software, by choosing to install it. By focusing on the hardware, you are putting the full burden back on Apple. If you keep blaming the software, that's Apple 'excuse' to refuse free service. The terms of the iOS update, which you agreed to, make that clear. It's like signing a contract, then changing your mind. That's tough to back out of on your part. By blaming the software, you're giving all the negotiating power back to Apple.
  3. If the exception request fails, either:
  • Pay for the out-of-warranty option.
  • Seek a third party repair option (being aware that doing so cuts off all Apple support, whether related to the hardware fault or not)
  • Live with the wi-fi greyed out.
  • Replace the device with something else.
  • Go get a lawyer and sue Apple

  • That's it. Don't like it? Oh, well. That's what's on the table.


    I've provided every possible option, and even given you a SCRIPT to try to sway Apple to grant an exception. I've even stated that I do not personally agree with Apple's warranty policies, which is why I purchased the AppleCare. Since I can replace my iPhone every two years with my carrier at a huge discount (or even free), and the AppleCare covers me for two years, I'll NEVER be in this situation. So, you're right. I don't have this problem. Because I planned ahead. I made intelligent, logical and conscious decisions to protect my iPhone. I'm sorry that you did not. But that's your mistake. Hopefully, you've learned from it. Hopefully, the next time you make a purchase that is so critical to your personal life, you'll think it through more clearly.


    Should I have to buy the AppleCare to get two years of hardware coverage? I don't think I should have to, and have expressed feedback to Apple regarding that. I've even expressed such feedback to my representatives. I personally would like to see better consumer protection laws in this country.


    But until that changes, I have a choice; either buy the product and also obtain some additional protection that suits my needs and wants, or do not buy the product. My options are no different than yours. The difference? You chose NOT to obtain any additional protection, and now you need it. In other words, you gambled and lost.


    No matter what happens to my iPhone (hardware failure, physical damage, lost or stolen), I have an option in place. I chose to protect myself. You did not. Whether that was due to ignorance, apathy, or a conscious decision on your part, it doesn't matter in the end.


    I can only offer advice on how to fix the technical problem. I don't have any advice to fix your personal problem, other than recommend that you learn from your mistake.


    And don't worry. I'm not going anywhere.

    Jan 25, 2014 6:18 AM in response to dj rover 25

    Since a recent post concerning this issue mentioned an Apple representative's statement concerning the Apple iOS warranty, I looked up the entire iOS warranty, the iOS 6 can be found here - https://www.apple.com/legal/sla/docs/ios6.pdf

    and the iOS7 can be found here - http://images.apple.com/legal/sla/docs/iOS7.pdf



    I have only pasted one part below. My only purpose for this is so that those who are having this problem can see exactly what the warranty says.


    7. Disclaimer of Warranties.

    7.1 If you are a customer who is a consumer (someone who uses the iOS Software outside of your trade, business or profession), you may have legal rights in your country of residence which would prohibit the following limitations from applying to you, and where prohibited they will not apply to you. To find out more about rights, you should contact a local consumer advice organization.

    7.2 YOU EXPRESSLY ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, USE OF THE iOS SOFTWARE AND ANY SERVICES PERFORMED BY OR ACCESSED THROUGH THE iOS SOFTWARE IS AT YOUR SOLE RISK AND THAT THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO SATISFACTORY QUALITY, PERFORMANCE, ACCURACY AND EFFORT IS WITH YOU.

    7.3 TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE iOS SOFTWARE AND SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE", WITH ALL FAULTS AND WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, AND APPLE AND APPLE'S LICENSORS (COLLECTIVELY REFERRED TO AS "APPLE" FOR THE PURPOSES OF SECTIONS 7 AND 8) HEREBY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE iOS SOFTWARE AND SERVICES, EITHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES AND/OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY, SATISFACTORY QUALITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ACCURACY, QUIET ENJOYMENT, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS.

    7.4 APPLE DOES NOT WARRANT AGAINST INTERFERENCE WITH YOUR ENJOYMENT OF THE iOS SOFTWARE AND SERVICES, THAT THE FUNCTIONS CONTAINED IN, OR SERVICES PERFORMED OR PROVIDED BY, THE iOS SOFTWARE WILL MEET YOUR REQUIREMENTS, THAT THE OPERATION OF THE iOS SOFTWARE AND SERVICES WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE, THAT ANY SERVICE WILL CONTINUE TO BE MADE AVAILABLE, THAT DEFECTS IN THE iOS SOFTWARE OR SERVICES WILL BE CORRECTED, OR THAT THE iOS SOFTWARE WILL BE COMPATIBLE OR WORK WITH ANY THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE, APPLICATIONS OR THIRD PARTY SERVICES. INSTALLATION OF THIS SOFTWARE MAY AFFECT THE USABILITY OF THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE, APPLICATIONS OR THIRD PARTY SERVICES.

    7.5 YOU FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE iOS SOFTWARE AND SERVICES ARE NOT INTENDED OR SUITABLE FOR USE IN SITUATIONS OR ENVIRONMENTS WHERE THE FAILURE OR TIME DELAYS OF, OR ERRORS OR INACCURACIES IN, THE CONTENT, DATA OR INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE iOS SOFTWARE OR SERVICES COULD LEAD TO DEATH, PERSONAL INJURY, OR SEVERE PHYSICAL OR ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE OPERATION OF NUCLEAR FACILITIES, AIRCRAFT NAVIGATION OR COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL, LIFE SUPPORT OR WEAPONS SYSTEMS.

    7.6 NO ORAL OR WRITTEN INFORMATION OR ADVICE GIVEN BY APPLE OR AN APPLE AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE SHALL CREATE A WARRANTY. SHOULD THE iOS SOFTWARE OR SERVICES PROVE DEFECTIVE, YOU ASSUME THE ENTIRE COST OF ALL NECESSARY SERVICING, REPAIR OR CORRECTION. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR LIMITATIONS ON APPLICABLE STATUTORY RIGHTS OF A CONSUMER, SO THE ABOVE EXCLUSION AND LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.




    Message was edited by: Jake Lance

    Jan 25, 2014 6:27 AM in response to Jake Lance

    Jake Lance wrote:


    Since a recent post concerning this issue mentioned an Apple representative's statement concerning the Apple iOS warranty, I looked up the entire iOS warranty, which can be found here - https://www.apple.com/legal/sla/docs/ios6.pdf


    I have only pasted one part below. My only purpose for this is so that those who are having this problem can see exactly what the warranty says.


    7. Disclaimer of Warranties.

    7.6 NO ORAL OR WRITTEN INFORMATION OR ADVICE GIVEN BY APPLE OR AN APPLE AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE SHALL CREATE A WARRANTY. SHOULD THE iOS SOFTWARE OR SERVICES PROVE DEFECTIVE, YOU ASSUME THE ENTIRE COST OF ALL NECESSARY SERVICING, REPAIR OR CORRECTION. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR LIMITATIONS ON APPLICABLE STATUTORY RIGHTS OF A CONSUMER, SO THE ABOVE EXCLUSION AND LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.




    Thank you, Jake. The part I bolded is the part that I've been referring to, all this time.

    If it's a 'software' problem as some people insist, then the iOS terms & conditions make it clear that repairing such a defect is the user's responsibility, not Apple's. So, chasing that car will get you nowhere.


    Focus on the HARDWARE being the issue.

    Jan 25, 2014 7:03 AM in response to TJBUSMC1973

    Ok apple leave this one up it's just me trying to interpret the prior posts for the other users -and if u remove this then you should remove the others. the policy means - If Apple screws up and creates a problem with a phone by means of their software - then too bad we are not responsible, and yes by updating your phone and accepting the update you hold us harmless - so go buy a new phone.

    Nice.

    Jan 25, 2014 9:24 AM in response to Nola Bill

    Nola Bill wrote:


    Ha funny how Apple keeps removing my reply to your comment. Saying its not technical or related to a solution but leaves up your post about warranty . So helpful.


    Because my post is related to a technical solution. Heck, they let your 'moron' comment slide. Be thankful.


    While your last comment is base and crude, it's fairly accurate, albiet from a negatively-biased point of view.


    Are you upset because I'm not sharing in your 'Apple-hatefest'? Let me explain. Being hateful or emotional doesn't help to fix the issue. So why waste time and energy that way? I think that's your problem. While I'm agreeing, in general, that Apple needs to do more, until that happens, it's pointless to complain about Apple's policies.


    If you want Apple to fix the issue, you have to work within Apple's policies. You have to work within the system, or get the system changed.


    So, until the system changes, I"m telling you how to work within the system as effectively as possible. Do I like the system? Nope. But until it changes, I'm using the system to my advantage.


    Either work within the system, change the system, go outside of the system or come up with a fourth alternative.

    Jan 25, 2014 9:24 AM in response to Nola Bill

    TJB, we all know this is hardware issue but all this happened because of a software update. And I don't care if it a software or harware, I just want have my wifi back. See, thousands of users have to face this right after iOS7 update. Do you really think this is a coincidence ? And those are users who complains... Other thousands just ignore it and live without wifi. I'm sure more than 100K devices are affected, have no idea how many is made in one serie, but I'm sure all of them suffers from this issue sooner or later. I had a brand new 3 moths old phone and this happened to me. And pay $200 for refurbish which will be affected by this in a few months again? No thank you... There are lots of testimonies of users who have their phone replaced and the problem occured again... So this is not really an option for us.


    And rumors ? I would thank god if these are only rumors but I've read lot of articles about this and the likelihood they are true is very high...


    Nola, I agree with you. It is sad that apple use these practices to get rid of any responsiblity for they faults. Did you buy our phone and gave the money to us ? Thanks and now get lost, we are not interested anymore with you until you buy a new phone. The bigest problem is that Apple don't give us a change to get back! I ask why ? If they do know they screwed something why they don't give us a chance to get back and spare our phones.. I'd love to go back to iOS 6 because it had much better battery life and wifi worked perfectly. Besides, it looked much better. The new candy homescreen is not very good. But I will tell you why, they don't confess its their fault in first place.


    It would not be a problem to get back to iOS6. It would be enough to open a siging window (just for affected users) and that's it. But they will not do it because it would be a precedence.


    So the only way for us is to help ourselves.


    Btw, that disclamer does not say anything about a software which shoud damage our phone's hardware. I'm pretty sure that they mean software bugs and this is pretty logic and I can agree with that because every piece of software has bugs. But this is not a software bug, they just used too high rpm and our hardware did not stand it....

    Jan 25, 2014 9:32 AM in response to Misiak

    Going back to iOS 6 wouldn't fix this issue. Look around the internet for the 'alternative options' related to that, and you'll see what I mean. Heat may cause or temporarily fix this issue, but not the software directly.


    There's nothing in the iOS code that would have this affect. Turning the wi-fi switch on or off is a simple (relatively simple) function. Connecting to a wi-fi network is the complicated part.


    It's like a light switch on your wall that's connected to a power outlet that that supplies power to your tv, dvd & stereo. If the light switch won't flip, the rest won't work.


    As far as that language of the warranty? You would have to prove that the software directly had an impact on the hardware. No one has done that yet.


    Again, I want Apple to help people out in these situations, depending on the circumstances. Which is why I gave the advice I've given, and included a script for when you talk to Apple Support or an Apple Store. Short of me taking oyur phone and walking into the store myself, that's as far as I can possibly go.


    I've done everything short of doing it FOR you.

    Jan 25, 2014 10:49 AM in response to TJBUSMC1973

    You talk as if you're so sure that going back to an older version of ios won't solve the problem while apple themselves woudn't allow us to revert to an older version of ios... Why is that?

    People came here to discuss and hopefully find a solution... What are you tyring to prove?

    App store are not available worldwide and most people here probably contacted apple and didn't get any response, like the way i didn't get any...

    Jan 25, 2014 11:17 AM in response to jamted

    jamted wrote:


    You talk as if you're so sure that going back to an older version of ios won't solve the problem while apple themselves woudn't allow us to revert to an older version of ios... Why is that?

    People came here to discuss and hopefully find a solution... What are you tyring to prove?

    App store are not available worldwide and most people here probably contacted apple and didn't get any response, like the way i didn't get any...


    Because other websites that have forums where downgrading the iOS is an allowed topic of discussion have not reported any instances of success using that process. And the reason for that is because it's not the iOS. The rare instances of that process having any effect is probably because of the heat generated in the iOS 'update' process. Additionally, downgrading your iOS can cause other technical issues, such as being unable to restore your data backups, or your apps to no longer work properly with the 'wrong' appdata.


    That's why Apple doesn't support iOS downgrading. It doesn't solve any technical issues (all it would 'solve' is if someone doesn't like the 'look' of iOS 7), and it can introduce far more critical problems. Even if it did work, it would be like burning down the village to save it.


    How, exactly, did you contact Apple? Did you call? Did you go online to getsupport.apple.com? Did you request an exception? Did you follow any of the steps I recommended?

    Jan 25, 2014 2:41 PM in response to TJBUSMC1973

    TJBUSMC1973, you can't be serious with what you just said. This last post convinced me that you have no idea about iOS at all. Please point me to that forum where people are downgrading their 4s phones 🙂


    If you would read more about upgrading process you would know that there is absolutelly no way to downgrade from iOS7 to an iOS6, even you can't downgrade from 7.0.4 ---> 7.0.3. And this is only because Apple wants to prevent jailbreaking of their devices. Security is just PR ********... 90% of users have no idea what downgrade is...


    So please stop giving us your pointless advices and let's back to the topic... Not everybody lives in US and in a country where appstores are available... And therefore for us the only way is DIY so if you have a better idea besides the only one and proven, though not very long lasting heating solution, we'll all be gratefull ;-)

    Jan 25, 2014 4:24 PM in response to Misiak

    Misiak wrote:


    TJBUSMC1973, you can't be serious with what you just said. This last post convinced me that you have no idea about iOS at all. Please point me to that forum where people are downgrading their 4s phones 🙂


    If you would read more about upgrading process you would know that there is absolutelly no way to downgrade from iOS7 to an iOS6, even you can't downgrade from 7.0.4 ---> 7.0.3. And this is only because Apple wants to prevent jailbreaking of their devices. Security is just PR ********... 90% of users have no idea what downgrade is...


    So please stop giving us your pointless advices and let's back to the topic... Not everybody lives in US and in a country where appstores are available... And therefore for us the only way is DIY so if you have a better idea besides the only one and proven, though not very long lasting heating solution, we'll all be gratefull ;-)


    Correction: there is no APPLE approved method of downgrading your iOS. Therefore, we don't discuss it on this forum. Apple also doesn't approve the method of opening up your iPhone on your own... but Nola Bill did it.


    The only reason I even touched on the downgrading topic was in response to jamted's question about why I was so sure it wouldn't solve the problem.


    Let's just say this isn't the only Apple-related forum I visit. And no, I'm not going to point you to such a forum. That's not allowed under this forum's rules, and I'm not going to promote any non-Apple approved procedures on this forum.


    Just because Apple doesn't approve of something, doesn't mean it's not possible. Apple doesn't approve jailbreaking. But people still do it. Only the wireless carrier is supposed to be able to unlock an iPhone... but people still 'break the rules' and do it on their own.


    And service via Apple is available in every country in which the iPhone is sold. What country are you in?

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