Wi fi and bluetooth not working on iPhone 4s

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Level 1

5 points

Wi fi and bluetooth not working on iPhone 4s

Wi fi and bluetooth not working on iPhone 4s. Was working and just stopped in middle of playing a song over bluetooth to the car.

Cannot even turn Wi-Fi on, as it is grayed out. Bluetooth just searches and searches, never finding anything....

Did a restore to factory defaults and also turned iPhone off and on via the wake/sleep button, and did software resets on phone and networking. Nothing helped.

Any other ideas? Could it be the antenna or something physically internal on the device?

Lisa

iPhone 4S, iOS 6.1.3

Posted on Apr 26, 2013 7:39 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Allan Sampson

Level 10

123,677 points

Apr 26, 2013 7:42 AM in response to lmadden

http://support.apple.com/kb/ts1559

Resolution

Follow these steps to resolve the issue:

Verify that airplane mode is off by tapping Settings > Airplane Mode.
Reset the network settings by tapping Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Note: This will reset all network settings, including Bluetooth pairing records, Wi-Fi passwords, VPN, and APN settings
Ensure that your device is using the latest software. To do so, connect your device to your computer and check for updates in iTunes.
If your issue is still unresolved, perform a software restore in iTunes.

Additional Information

If you are still unable to turn Wi-Fi on, please contact Apple for support and service options.

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Answer 2

lmadden Author

Level 1

5 points

Apr 26, 2013 11:03 AM in response to Allan Sampson

Thanks but no joy.

Already did everything listed above, some several times.

Called Apple Support, and was told they'll replace the phone. Must be a known issue as they did not even hesitate!!

Taking it to Apple Store on Sunday to swap it out.

Lisa

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Answer 3

Apr 26, 2013 11:15 AM in response to lmadden

You're welcome.

If no change after restoring the iPhone with iTunes as a new iPhone or not from the backup, the iPhone has a hardware problem.

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Answer 4

sam a1

Level 1

0 points

Aug 19, 2013 8:18 AM in response to Allan Sampson

I have this problem with my iphone 4s I believe its a Hardware problem what do you suggest i try first is it possible that the wifi antennae is out??

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Answer 5

lmadden Author

Level 1

5 points

Aug 19, 2013 8:22 AM in response to sam a1

Hi,

I took my 4s to an Apple Store. Evidently this is a known issue, and since I had AppleCare on the phone, they gave me a new phone FREE of charge. No questions asked.

I think if you do not have AppleCare, the cost is about $200, but don't quote me on that one.

they did not tell me WHY this happened, but I got a new phone, so am happy with that.

Lisa

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Answer 6

Aug 28, 2013 11:14 AM in response to lmadden

I just discovered this thread this morning as my wifi and BT functionality appear to be DOA. No idea what caused this - I went to connect BT headphones this morning as I do each and every day, but the 'switch' to enable BT is now a spinning wheel. The wifi on/off is greyed out. Are these the indications you're seeing?

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Answer 7

lmadden Author

Level 1

5 points

Aug 28, 2013 11:18 AM in response to mr_levitan

Exactly what happened to me. Apple replaced the phone. If you have Applecare, they'll replace free of charge. If not, there may be a charge to fix/replace. Don't know.

Bluetooth died mid song in the car.

Lisa

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Answer 8

Aug 28, 2013 11:22 AM in response to lmadden

Thankfully, I have AppleCare. In fact this very handset was just replaced three weeks ago due to a dead power button. Second time that has happened to my 4S model. Off to reserve a spot at the Genius Bar!
Thanks Lisa.

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Answer 9

lmadden Author

Level 1

5 points

Aug 28, 2013 11:25 AM in response to mr_levitan

Oh boy. Good luck. I did not have headphones, just playing BT thru the car speakers and died!

If possible, do a backup of your phone. they'll take out the SIM card and put in new phone for you, but you may need to do a restore from your backup when you get home.

Lisa

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Answer 10

sam a1

Level 1

0 points

Aug 28, 2013 8:28 PM in response to mr_levitan

Went on eBay grey out fix 75.00 luckyforstars fixed it for me quick!! Very happy!!

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Answer 11

Goldsab

Level 1

5 points

Jan 31, 2014 10:36 AM in response to lmadden

Its almost as though the phones are programmed to stop working so you need to pay for a replacement or upgrade.. This problem is all over the internet, most time there is no reason for it, phone isn't hot or even warm. In most cases the phone is literally not even being held.

Ive seen this all to often to be just a technical fluke. I've worked for Bell mobility, Telus mobility and ive seen this probelm atleast once every 2 weeks, some weeks ive seen it up 4 -7 times. And it always seems to be between 1.5 - 3 years of the person owning the device.

I can accept that it could be a faulty transmitter and reciever but it happens accross all iphones and not just the older models... Why do people have to pay for a replacement when its clearly a manufacturer defect? This is unacceptable to me. Just another cash cow, weather it was intended or not.

I currently work at sasktel in canada (cell carrier) and i was helping a lady with her personal hotspot and the BT and WIFI stopped working right in the middle our session.

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