iPhone XS Max Weak 5GHz WIFI Reception

Same here on my XS (not Max). My X connected to 5ghz all the time, but even right next to my access point, the phone is kicking over to 2.4ghz. I suspect I'm going to have a tough time when I go to the office tomorrow and we have a 5ghz only network.

Thanks but I'm familiar enough with networking to troubleshoot beyond that. I've tried all sorts of router options, but it's pretty clear there's some issue with the Xs because in the exact same conditions using the exact same router settings, the iPhone8 gets on average double the speed no matter where I'm at. It sounds like I'm not alone.

Doing some more testing, I found that I can actually force a speed drop of 2x to 3x in the Xs if I put my hand behind the phone. I had my phone propped up in one place and soon as I put my hand behind it the speed dropped about 2x. Take my hand away away, it goes back up. I was able to do this repeatedly and consistently. So it's more evidence that this is some sort of antenna/interference issue with the Xs. Antenna-gate repeat?

Also, fyi, that page has a section about enabling 802.11 n/ac on 2.4ghz and as far as I know, ac is only 5ghz...

Wow i'm having the exact same problem. I hope they will fix this soon. I can't even browse on my phone because I have low wifi signal and low patience. I have an ipad and ipod and macbook right next to me and I am sitting right next to my router, yet my iphone xs max does not have full wifi strength and is super slow. Usually, I have all 4 service bars in my house and now i have 1-2. I still haven't seen three bars since I've had the phone. This is frustrating and this phone cost way too much to have these issues.

I'm not sure if you're able, but if your router can broadcast separate SSIDs for 2.4ghz/5ghz you can connect to the 2.4ghz one and it should be fine. A workaround, for sure, but it will work for now.

Same here, I have had an iPhone X before upgrading the Xs Max this past week and I have had significant degradation in both WiFi and Data speeds over T-Mobile. I can't figure out if its hardware related or the fact that there may be iOS software issues that hopefully Apple can fix.

I have dropped reception/signal now in places where I had no issues on the iPhone X.

I have the same problem with the Xs non-max version. The wifi is half the speed of my iPhone 8 wherever and whatever I do. It also appears to drop and spike a lot more as well.

Same thing here. iPhone Xs. I have 2-3 bars in my bedroom with all other Apple units. iPhone Xs drops connection.

For more empirical Wifi Data you can download the Airport Utility app (no need to actually have an Apple Airport), and follow the following instructions from https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT203068 to run the scanner utility from your XS and other iOS devices at the same location to get comparative data.
The Wi-Fi scanner in AirPort Utility
Apple’s AirPort Utility includes a Wi-Fi scanner that logs the client’s view of the network. Administrators can use it to validate the client’s view of the network at a specific location.
For accurate results, use the Wi-Fi scanner on a dedicated device that’s the same model as the iOS client.
On your iOS device, go to Settings > AirPort Utility to turn on the Wi-Fi scanner.

Next, open Airport Utility and tap Wi-Fi Scan.

By default, Wi-Fi Scanner runs continuously. Use the slider to set a scan duration of up to 60 seconds.

To start the scan, tap Scan. AirPort Utility lists all the SSIDs that it finds. This includes hidden networks, which appear as "Network name unavailable."

The AirPort Utility scans all available bands at four-second intervals. Enterprise networks that have multiple access points are grouped by BSSID. The scanner shows information about:

• SSID
• BSSID
• Last RSSI
• Channel
• Last Time Found

To view a trace log of the scan results for an SSID and BSSID, tap the SSID:

The trace log shows the date and time of the scan, along with the channel and RSSI.
After the scan completes, you can share the results. Just tap the share icon (), then choose one of these options:

• AirDrop
• Message
• Mail
• Copy

AirPort Utility sends the results as a comma-separated list:
SSID, BSS, RSSI, Channel, time
"ACES", "18:64:723:E9:40", "-57", "11", "12:02:03 PM"
"Cuba", "F8:1EF:F9:56:BC", "-53", "149", "12:02:03 PM"
"ACES", "18:64:723:E9:50", "-63", "149", "12:02:03 PM"
"Cuba", "F8:1EF:F9:56:BB", "-69", "11", "12:02:03 PM"
"ACES", "18:64:723:E9:40", "-67", "11", "12:02:07 PM"
The first line is a column header that shows the SSID, BSS, RSSI, Channel, and date fields. To analyze or chart the results, import the list into a spreadsheet or other tool.

Having the same issues myself. Used to have full bars for wifi throughout my whole house with my X and now my XS Max is struggling to keep 2 bars. It's uper frustrating. Having the same issues at work 2. I still have my X and tempted to return this and pay TMobile the restocking fee.

I'm in the same boat, in places where my iPhone 7 Plus and iPad (2017) are able to connect to the 5ghz network just fine, the XS has trouble. It only shows two bars and doesn't maintain the connection that well. Really disappointing, for now I've switched to the 2.4ghz network on the XS. I hope Apple can fix this with a software update.

Thank goodness it's not just me! I actually have NO SERVICE in my house now! Granted, with my X, I was only 1 or 2 bars, but there are literally rooms in my house now where I go to "No Service." It's tremendously frustrating.

Just adding my iPhone XS Max to the list. iPhone X in the same room getting much faster speeds on Wi-Fi and both on AT&T. On the XS Max, some web pages in Safari don’t even START to load for maybe 10-15+ seconds, and then once the page does start to load, it still takes longer than it should.

I was thinking it was an issue with some leftover junk in the backup from the X to the XS Max, but I’m not seeing any change after restoring and setting up as new. I even made sure to “forget” the XS Max in my router’s admin settings and in the xfinity iOS app. So it’d be truly like a new phone connecting for the 1st time when setting up as new. This is either a software issue that a 12.0.1 release could hopefully fix, or a hardware issue (yikes).

This is very disappointing to see that all of us have the exact same problem. My xs max has week wireless and cellular performance.I have to disconnect and connect to wifi to fix this all the time. Apple has been known for exceptional quality, but it looks like it is changing now. iPhones do not fit for purposes since they cannot even do their main function-call with good reception and be connected to the internet without problems.Extremely disappointed to pay $2400 for the phone and has to deal with that....

Looks like this is starting to hit the news. Hope this can be fixed via software.

https://www.theverge.com/2018/9/24/17895772/apple-iphone-xs-max-wifi-bad-signal

https://www.wiwavelength.com/2018/09/iphone-xs-and-xs-max-mostly-fail-to.html

https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/iphone-xs-iphone-xs-max-162913036.html

Hey everyone,

I’m having the same problem!! I upgraded and it’s making me think this is the worst iPhone (iPhone XS MAX 512gb) apple have ever made!! It’s meant to be the fastest phone on the market!! I got almost full 4G with my iPhone X and now I can’t even get 3 bars of 3G on the new phone! What the? I use my phone to make video calls to adoptees around the world and help connect adoptees world wide, as I am adopted as well, I came on the same plane as Saroo Brieley who made the movie “Lion” so my work is important with helping support other adoptees and I used your iPhones because they were the best to do it on!! I used my hot spot to my iMac to also video call but NOW I can’t do that because I have hardly any reception at all to do ANYTHING!! This NEW iPhone is the worst!!! Please please fix this problem quickly!!

Also please add an option to the phone where you can turn the SWOOSH sound OFF when you send a TXT message!! so annoying having to put your phone on silent every time I want to send a txt message without anyone else knowing!!! ADD AN OFF OPTION

(Other than that love you apple!) lol