One of the most frustrating errors on iPhone and iPad is “Unable to Join Network” error message that pops up just when it is important for you to connect to a WiFi network. Here are some solutions that you can try to fix this error before going to the final solution of resetting network connections on your device.
Unable to Join Network Error on iPhone and iPad
As you will agree an error message saying “Unable to Join Network” is quite useless. It does not really help, as the message does not convey, hint or indicate as to what is wrong with your device or the network.
Since iOS is not providing any clues about the source of this problem, the best solution that works in most cases is to reset all network settings on your iPhone and iPad.
However, let us first go by user experiences and see if the fixes that other users have tried successfully, also work in your case, if not we can always resort to resetting network settings.
1. Make Sure WiFi is Set to ON
It is quite possible that you may have accidentally or intentionally set the WiFi to OFF position for some reason and forgotten about it.
1. Tap on Settings
2. Next, tap on WiFi and make sure that it is set to ON position.
2. Power Cycle Your Router
One of the simplest solutions that can fix most common network connection errors is to simply switch off the power supply to your Router and switch it back on again.
All that you need to do is Unplug the Router from its power supply for about 10 seconds and plug it back again.
Shutting off and resuming power supply to a Router is known as power cycling, this simple procedure is known to help the Router recover from minor glitches that can cause dropped connections and other network connectivity issues.
3. Restart Your iPhone or iPad
The simple act of restarting your iPhone can often surprise you by fixing minor glitches on your iPhone, including WiFi connectivity issues.
1. Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button until Slide to Power Off option appears on the screen
2. Now, drag the slider to the right with your finger to completely turn OFF your device.
3. After the device is completely OFF, press and hold the Sleep/Wake button again until you see the Apple logo appearing on your screen.
4. Forget WiFi Network and Rejoin
In case you are able to see the WiFi network on your iPhone, you can use this troubleshooting method of making your iPhone forget the WiFi network and make it rejoin the network again.
1. Tap on Settings > WiFi
2. Next, tap on the WiFi network name that you are unable to connect to
3. Next, tap on Forget This Network.
4. You will see a popup asking you to confirm that you really do want to forget the WiFi Network (Name), tap on Forget.
After this, rejoin the network by following these steps.
1. Tap on Settings > Tap on WiFi
2. Now, tap on your WiFi Network Name
3. Enter the Password for your WiFi network to join the network
Use a Computer to Join WiFi Network
This is not a fix but a workaround that might help you gain access to your home WiFi network on your iPhone or iPad.
The simple workaround involves using your Laptop or Desktop Computer to see if you can connect to your home WiFi network. Once you are able to connect to the internet on your computer, try accessing the internet on your iPhone or iPad.
Magically, your iPhone or iPad should immediately connect to the WiFi network and you will no longer see “Cannot Connect to network” error message on your iPhone.
Once you are connected to the internet, note down the WiFi password for your WiFi network. You can refer to our article How to View WiFi Password in Windows 10.
5. Reset Network Settings
In case none of the above methods work, you can resolve the problem for sure by Resetting Network Settings on your device.
Resetting Network Settings clears the memory Caches, DHCP settings and resets the network settings to factory recommended settings.
1. Tap on Settings > General
2. Scroll down and tap on Reset
3. Next, tap on Reset Network Settings.
4. You will see a popup message informing you that all your network settings will be restored to factory default settings, tap on Reset Network Settings to confirm.
Now wait for your device to reboot, it will turn ON with factory default network settings. Follow the steps below to rejoin your WiFi Network.
1. Tap on Settings > Tap on WiFi
2. Next, tap on the Network Name that you want to connect to.
3. Enter the Password for your WiFi network to rejoin the network
This time, you should be able to connect to your home WiFi network without coming across “Unable to Join Network” error message on your device.