If your iPhone is having trouble connecting to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile data, or a personal hotspot, resetting the network settings can sometimes solve the problem. How to reset network settings on iPhone is a simple process, but it is important to understand what will be removed before you start.
A network reset does not erase your photos, videos, apps, messages, contacts, or other personal files. Instead, it removes saved network-related settings and returns them to their default state. Apple recommends trying simpler troubleshooting steps first, such as restarting your iPhone and checking the Wi-Fi connection.
What Does Reset Network Settings Do on iPhone?
When you reset network settings, your iPhone removes saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, mobile network settings, VPN settings, and APN settings. Your Wi-Fi is also turned off and back on during the process, so you will be disconnected from the network you are currently using.
This option is useful when your iPhone has unexplained connection problems. For example, you may be unable to join a Wi-Fi network, mobile data may not work correctly, or a hotspot connection may fail.
What Gets Reset?
| Setting | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi networks | Saved networks are removed |
| Wi-Fi passwords | Saved passwords are removed |
| Mobile settings | Network-related settings are reset |
| VPN settings | Applicable VPN settings are removed |
| APN settings | Network access settings are reset |
| Bluetooth | Network-related connections may need to be re-established |
| Photos and videos | Not deleted |
| Apps | Not deleted |
| Messages | Not deleted |
| Contacts | Not deleted |
How to Reset Network Settings on iPhone
The process is similar on recent versions of iOS.
Step 1: Open Settings
First, unlock your iPhone and open the Settings app. This is where you can access the reset options.
Step 2: Tap General
Scroll down the Settings menu and tap General. You will see different options for managing your iPhone.
Step 3: Choose Transfer or Reset iPhone
Scroll toward the bottom of the General settings page. Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
Do not select the option to erase all content and settings. That is a completely different process and can remove your personal data.
Step 4: Tap Reset
On the next screen, tap Reset. iPhone will display several different reset choices.
Step 5: Select Reset Network Settings
Tap Reset Network Settings. Your iPhone may ask you to enter your device passcode before continuing.
Confirm the reset when prompted. The iPhone will restart or briefly reset its network configuration. Apple lists the path as Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
What Happens After a Network Reset?
After you reset the network settings, your iPhone will no longer remember previously saved Wi-Fi networks and their passwords. You will need to connect to your Wi-Fi network again and enter the password.
If you use Bluetooth accessories or other network connections, you may also need to reconnect them.
VPN and APN settings can also be affected. If your iPhone is managed by a school, business, or organization, it is better to check with the administrator before resetting network settings because managed configurations can behave differently.
When Should You Reset Network Settings?
A network reset can be considered when normal troubleshooting has not fixed a connection problem.
For example, it may be useful when your iPhone repeatedly disconnects from Wi-Fi, cannot connect to a particular network, has problems with mobile connectivity, or when Personal Hotspot is not working correctly.
Apple specifically lists resetting network settings as a troubleshooting step for certain Wi-Fi and Personal Hotspot problems.
However, you should not reset network settings every time your internet becomes slow. First, check whether other devices have the same problem. If other devices also cannot connect, the issue may be with the router or internet service rather than your iPhone.
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What Should You Do Before Resetting?
Before learning how to reset network settings on iPhone, make sure you know the passwords for the Wi-Fi networks you regularly use. Once the reset is complete, those saved passwords will need to be entered again.
If you use a VPN, hotspot, custom APN configuration, or another special network setup, you may also need to configure it again afterward.
It is also worth restarting your iPhone before performing the reset. A simple restart can sometimes fix temporary network problems without changing any saved settings.
Does Resetting Network Settings Delete Everything?
No. Resetting network settings is not the same as factory resetting an iPhone.
Your personal content, including photos, videos, applications, messages, contacts, music, and documents, is not deleted by a network reset. Apple distinguishes this option from Erase All Content and Settings, which is used when you want to completely erase an iPhone.
The main effect is on network-related configurations.
What If Wi-Fi Still Does Not Work?
If Wi-Fi still does not work after resetting network settings, try connecting to another Wi-Fi network. This can help determine whether the problem is with your iPhone or a particular router.
You can also restart your router and check whether other devices can access the internet. Apple recommends checking the router and trying another network when troubleshooting Wi-Fi problems.
For mobile network problems, you can also check for a carrier settings update by going to Settings > General > About. If an update is available, iPhone may display a prompt to install it.
Final Thought
Knowing how to reset network settings on iPhone can be useful when normal troubleshooting does not solve Wi-Fi, mobile data, hotspot, or other connectivity problems. The process is simple and does not erase your personal data, but you will need to reconnect to saved networks afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does resetting network settings delete photos on iPhone?
No. A network reset does not delete photos, videos, apps, messages, contacts, or other personal content.
Will I lose my Wi-Fi passwords?
Yes. Saved Wi-Fi networks and their passwords are removed, so you will need to enter the passwords again when reconnecting.
Does resetting network settings fix Wi-Fi problems?
It can help with certain Wi-Fi connection problems, especially when incorrect or problematic network settings are involved. Apple recommends it as a troubleshooting step when other solutions have not worked.
How do I reset network settings on iPhone without losing data?
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This resets network configurations without deleting your personal data.
Will resetting network settings remove my eSIM?
Reset Network Settings is different from Delete All eSIMs. Do not select the eSIM deletion option if you only want to reset network settings.
Do I need to back up my iPhone first?
A network reset does not erase personal data, but keeping a current backup is generally a sensible precaution before making major changes to your device settings.