iPhone 5 connects to Airport Extreme, but it doesn't connect to the wifi network

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iPhone 5 connects to Airport Extreme, but it doesn't connect to the wifi network

I just switched cable and internet services. I bought a new modem (Motorola) and a new Airport Extreme. I connected Airport Extreme to the modem. It took a minute to set up the wifi network and hook up to it from the computer. Instant internet on the computer. However, iPhone 5 is able to login to network, but it doesn't connect to it, though. I did my research, updated the iOS, created a new DNS (8.8.8.8), reset the wifi network services, rebooted the phone several times, rebooted airport extreme. For the life of me, The iPhone cannot connect to the wifi network. What else can I do?

Posted on May 22, 2015 6:53 PM

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Answer 1

May 22, 2015 7:14 PM in response to marmarita

What model number of modem? Motorola in general requires a much longer than normal power down period to allow the device to reset correctly......especially if you first connected your computer directly to the modem to get service going with the new ISP.

We often see issues about this with the SB6141, SB6121, and SB6183 modems.

What operating system are you running on your computer....or.....did you use the iPhone to set up the AirPort Extreme?

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Answer 2

marmarita Author

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May 22, 2015 7:16 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Thanks. I use SB6141. The OS is Yosemite 10.10.3. The computer used to set up Airport Extreme and activate the network using Airport Utility is Mac Pro. Ididn't

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Answer 3

May 22, 2015 7:38 PM in response to marmarita

Thanks. It appears that part of your post was lost, but I think we have what we need to get started.

Power off the modem by pulling the power cord from the back of the modem, or from the wall AC jack, and disconnect the co-ax and Ethernet cables.

Leave the modem powered off for at least 30 minutes. Longer will not hurt.

While the modem is powered down, with the AirPort Extreme powered on, hold in the reset button on the back (next to the AC power jack) of the device for 7-8 seconds and then release. Allow a full minute for the AirPort Extreme to restart to a slow, blinking amber light status.

Power off the AirPort Extreme by pulling the power cord from the back of the device or from the wall AC jack.

After the modem has been powered off for at least 30 minutes, connect the co-ax cable to the modem and connect the Ethernet cable from the modem to the WAN "O" port on the AirPort Extreme.

Power up the modem, and let it run for 15 minutes all alone.

After the 15 minutes, power up the AirPort Extreme and let it run for 5 minutes

Now, go through the setup of the AirPort Extreme, setup a different, simple name for the wireless network.....no apostrophes or special characters. Use 10 characters or less and use only normal letters and or numbers. Then check to see if multiple devices can connect, and post back on your results.

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Answer 4

marmarita Author

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May 22, 2015 8:54 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Thanks Bob. It worked from the first attempt. Now I have the iPhone 5 set up, and I'll be setting up other devices shortly. I really appreciate it. Nobody in Cyberspace explained the procedure the way you did. I didn't realize that increasing the time after powering off the device is so critical.

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Answer 5

May 22, 2015 9:09 PM in response to marmarita

Looks like the full modem reset did the trick.

This often confuses users......In your case, the iPhone originally would not connect, so it is only logical to think that the issue must be with the iPhone....or maybe with the AirPort Extreme. Easy mistake to make.

We call this trying to treat the symptoms....and not the cause.

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