If your iPhone is consistently getting disconnected from Wi-Fi when locked, it won’t be able to perform background activities, which can result in delayed notifications and delay in functions requiring an internet connection.
While the most common reason for iPhone disconnecting from Wi-Fi is to conserve power (in Low Data Mode), this issue can also occur due to Wi-Fi Assist being enabled, corrupted network settings and iPhone not being set to automatically join Wi-Fi Networks.
iPhone Disconnects from Wi-Fi When Locked
While iPhone automatically getting disconnected from Wi-Fi after about 30 minutes of inactivity can save battery life, this setting can lead to delayed Messages, Notifications, Downloads and prevent apps from refreshing their data.
If you are noticing any of these issues, you should be able to prevent your iPhone from getting disconnected from Wi-Fi when it is locked, using the following steps.
1. Disable Low Power Mode
It is possible that your device has switched to Low Power Mode and is switching off Wi-Fi to save Battery Life.
1. Open Settings > scroll down a bit and tap on Battery.
2. On the next screen, disable Low Power Mode by moving the slider to OFF position.
Note: Disabling Low Power Mode can lead to faster loss of Battery life. Hence, make sure that you connect your device for charging as early as possible.
2. Turn OFF Wi-Fi Assist
The next common reason for iPhone getting disconnected from Wi-Fi is due to the default tendency of the Wi-Fi Assist feature to keep switching to a stronger network (Wi-Fi to Cellular and back).
1. Go to Settings > Cellular.
2. On the next screen, scroll down and disable Wi-Fi Assist by moving the Slider to OFF position.
3. Set iPhone to Automatically Join Network
The chances of iPhone disconnecting from Wi-Fi are greater, if your device is not set to automatically join or connect to your Wi-Fi network.
1. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi > select your Wi-Fi Network.
2. On the next screen, make sure the Auto-Join option is enabled.
This will allow iPhone to automatically join your Wi-Fi network.
4. Disable Wi-Fi Networking Service
Some users have reported fixing this issue by disabling Wi-Fi Networking service.
1. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > tap on Location Services.
2. On the next screen, scroll down to bottom and tap on System Services.
3. On the System Services screen, move the toggle next to Networking & Wireless entry to OFF position.
5. Forget Wi-Fi Network and Rejoin
Forgetting Wi-Fi network and re-joining it is known to help in fixing Wi-Fi connectivity issues.
1. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi > select your Wi-Fi network.
2. On the next screen, tap on Forget This Network option.
3. On the confirmation pop-up, tap on the Forget option to confirm.
4. Wait for 30 seconds > select your Wi-Fi Network > join Wi-Fi Network by entering your Wi-Fi network password.
6. Reset Network Settings
If above methods did not help, you can go for a Network Settings Reset and see if this helps in fixing the problem.
1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
2. On the pop-up, select Reset Network Settings option.
3. Enter your Lock Screen Password (if prompted) > On the confirmation pop-up, select the Reset option to confirm.
4. Wait for the Reset process to be completed.
After the Reset process is completed, you will be asked to rejoin Wi-Fi network by entering your Wi-Fi network password.