iOS: Wi-Fi won’t turn on, settings grayed out, fix

Several users have reported an issue in which the setting to turn on/off Wi-Fi on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch appears grayed out and this makes it impossible for users to turn Wi-Fi on.

Related articles

• How to Share Your WiFi Credentials or Connection From Your iPhone
• Safari Not Working on Airport, Hotel, or Public WiFi? How-To Fix
• WiFi Dropping Out or Not Available After iOS Update, How-To Fix
• These iOS 13 changes make Bluetooth and Wi-Fi much easier and more private
• Wi-Fi Password not working on iPhone or iPad? Check these settings
• How to Fix Wi-Fi, LTE Connectivity Problems on iPhone XS and XS Max

How to fix the Wi-Fi issue:

• Make sure that Airplane mode is off (Settings > Airplane Mode)
• Reset the network settings  (Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings)
• Make sure that your device is using the latest iOS software (Settings > General > Software Update)
• Turn off Cellular Data (Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data), reboot the phone. try to turn on Wi-Fi

If you are still having this Wi-Fi problem, you may try the following tips. Note that these tips may look strange, but, these tips have worked for some users. So you may want to try these:

• Put your iOS device in a ziplock bag with the air squeezed out, then place it in a freezer for about 15 minutes. If this does not work, try the opposite, heat it with a hairdryer for a couple of minutes.

Note that If  your iOS device is still under Apple’s Apple Care+ warranty, you may just want to take it to an Apple store–it’s best to set-up an appointment in advance, though you can walk-in (which often results in a long wait!)

SK( Managing Editor )

Obsessed with tech since the early arrival of A/UX on Apple, Sudz (SK) is responsible for the editorial direction of AppleToolBox. He is based out of Los Angeles, CA.

Sudz specializes in covering all things macOS, having reviewed dozens of OS X and macOS developments over the years.

In a former life, Sudz worked helping Fortune 100 companies with their technology and business transformation aspirations.