The Unable to join network error is common among iOS users. This means you will most likely experience it when using an iPhone, iPad, or iPod. The devices simply won’t connect to the Wifi network and instead the screen will display the notorious error message.
The truth is we need an internet connection for a lot of things. It could be browsing, streaming, or even downloading something.
We need it to perform all these tasks and more, so you can’t have a device that simply doesn’t work when we need it most. Since you can’t tell whether the root problem is your device or the Wifi network, we have created a guide with thoughtful troubleshooting tips to help you fix the Unable to join network error once and for all.
The guide will offer solutions to all devices, whether you have an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Even if the error message appears on older devices such as the iPhone 5 or iPad 4, follow the tips below and you should be able to fix it eventually.
Table of Contents
How to fix the Unable to join network error?
1. Ensure your router is within range
Firstly, you need to check how far your router is from the device. We recommend you place the router somewhere within 3-5 feet of the device that is having problems connecting because this will ensure it gets enough signal strength.
The reason why you should place the router near the device that is experiencing the error is there could be a problem with the signal and this ensures optimal connection when your devices are nearby.
2. Reconnect to the wifi network
Perhaps there is a temporary glitch that’s preventing you from connecting. To deal with this, you should try and reconnect to the wifi network.
Take your device and head over to the settings section. The next thing to do is to tap on the Wifi option and then toggle it to OFF. Toggle it back to ON after at least 20 seconds. Doing this simple step might fix the connectivity issue.
3. Restart your device
Usually, most issues are resolved by restarting the device. Whether it’s an iOS or Android, if you restart the device, it should either fix or improve the connectivity issue that you are having. In this case, go to Settings on your device and tap on General. Scroll downwards and select Shut Down. Let the device power off completely and then restart it in the next 30 seconds.
The reason why this works is that there could be a glitch in your device’s software. In that case, shutting it down and then turning it back on again can solve the problem.
4. Forget the Wifi network and Rejoin
Sometimes the particular Wifi network you’re using is simply causing you some problems. Maybe it’s because it’s broadcasting a signal that causes interference, or maybe it just doesn’t have the bandwidth available to handle your devices.
In this case, try and forget the Wifi network you are currently using. You can either tap off or unpair it and then rejoin it. Make sure you’ve noted down the Wifi username and password for use later when connecting back to the network.
5. Update the device’s software
Perhaps you need a software update for your device. If you’ve just purchased it or bought it second-hand, there’s always a chance it might need an update. You can check for the new updates by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
If there are any available updates, tap on Download and Install and wait for the process to finish. This should resolve any connectivity issues you are experiencing with your device and the Wifi network.
6. Power cycle your router and modem
It’s also a good idea to power cycle the equipment you are using to connect your devices to the internet. The router and modem are both important as they provide the signal for your devices to connect.
Unplug both your router and modem from the wall and wait 20 seconds before plugging them back in again. You should then try connecting to the internet through the Wifi network in your home or office again.
7. Use a different Wifi frequency
If you’re using a router and modem, then there could be something wrong with the frequencies that it’s using to broadcast its service. For example, your router and modem may be broadcasting at the same frequencies and you might want to try a different one.
By default, most routers broadcast at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz respectively. You can switch back and forth between channels if your devices still aren’t connecting properly. For instance, switch to 5 GHz for some time.
8. Disable Low data mode
The low data mode is supposed to save you from exceeding your monthly data limit but it can also cause problems when connecting to the internet on your iOS device. As such, you should disable it so that it doesn’t interfere with connecting to the wifi network.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, most of these solutions are pretty simple. If you haven’t been able to connect your device to the Wifi network, there still might be a cause for it. For instance, there could be some software glitch that’s causing you grief, or a problem with the connectivity itself.
As such, connecting to the internet on your iOS device can be quite challenging at times but don’t forget that a lot of issues happen due to rogue apps as well. Luckily, one of the solutions we’ve listed is bound to work and resolve the problem.
FAQs
How do I rejoin Wifi on my iPhone?
The easy thing to do is to first of all access the settings and select Forget Wifi network. From there, you can rejoin the network once again using the right username and password.
Why does it say Unable to connect to the network?
There are many reasons why this error is on your screen. It might be a router issue or a glitch on your device. That said, use our guide to find some effective and highly efficient troubleshooting tips.
