How to Reset Network Settings on iPhone

To reset your iPhone network settings, open Settings, then choose General, Transfer or Reset iPhone, Reset, and Reset Network Settings. Confirm with your device passcode, then confirm the reset; your iPhone will restart without deleting your photos, apps, or other personal data.

What does resetting network settings on an iPhone do?

An iPhone network settings reset clears connection information and returns network-related settings to their defaults. It can help when Wi-Fi, cellular data, or Bluetooth is not working correctly, but it does not guarantee that the connection problem will be fixed.

Resetting iPhone network settings removes or resets:

• Saved Wi-Fi networks and their passwords.
• Bluetooth pairings with headphones, cars, speakers, and other accessories.
• Cellular network preferences.
• Custom APN settings. An APN, or Access Point Name, tells the iPhone how to connect to a carrier's cellular data network.
• VPN settings that were entered manually. A VPN, or virtual private network, creates a protected connection to a work, school, or private network.

The reset does not delete photos, messages, contacts, apps, documents, or other personal content. It also does not perform a factory reset or sign you out of your Apple Account.

Settings installed through a work or school management profile may behave differently. If the iPhone is managed by an organization, ask its administrator before changing or removing managed network settings.

What should you do before resetting iPhone network settings?

Before you reset iPhone network settings, collect the information needed to reconnect. The iPhone will forget saved network details, so do not rely on it to fill them in afterward.

• Write down or securely retrieve the passwords for Wi-Fi networks you use regularly.
• Record any custom VPN server names, account details, or configuration choices that were entered manually.
• Save any custom APN values supplied by your carrier or organization.
• Make sure you know the iPhone's device passcode. This is the code used to unlock the phone, not the password for your Apple Account.
• If you use Bluetooth medical, accessibility, vehicle, or security equipment, check its instructions so you can pair it again.

If the iPhone uses managed work or school settings, contact the administrator if you are unsure whether those settings will return automatically.

How do you reset iPhone network settings step by step?

Use the following menu path on current versions of iOS. Menu wording may differ on an older iPhone that has not been updated.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Select General.
3. Scroll down and select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
4. Select Reset. Do not choose the option that erases all content and settings.
5. Select Reset Network Settings.
6. Enter the iPhone's device passcode when asked.
7. Read the final confirmation prompt, then select Reset Network Settings again to confirm.

The iPhone network settings reset begins after the final confirmation. Keep the device available and allow it to complete the restart.

What happens after an iPhone network settings reset?

After the reset, the iPhone restarts and network settings return to their default state. The device may take a short time to reconnect to the cellular network.

You will need to set up previous connections again:

• Open Wi-Fi settings, select each needed network, and enter its password again.
• Pair Bluetooth headphones, vehicles, speakers, watches, and other accessories again.
• Re-enter any required custom VPN or APN configuration that does not return automatically.
• Review cellular options such as data roaming before traveling or using a connection that depends on a specific setting.

Carrier-provided settings may return automatically once the iPhone reconnects to the cellular network. If cellular service does not return, restart the iPhone and contact the carrier using a verified support method.

What should you do if resetting network settings does not fix the connection?

If the iPhone network settings reset does not solve the problem, identify whether it affects Wi-Fi, cellular service, Bluetooth, or every type of connection. A problem limited to one network or accessory may not be caused by the iPhone.

1. Restart the iPhone if it has not restarted normally since the reset.
2. Test a different Wi-Fi network, Bluetooth accessory, or physical location when one is safely available.
3. Open Settings, select General, and then select Software Update to check for an iOS update.
4. To check for a carrier settings update, connect to Wi-Fi, open Settings, select General, and then select About. Install an update if a carrier prompt appears.
5. Check whether other devices can use the same Wi-Fi network or whether other phones on the same carrier have service nearby.

If only one Wi-Fi network fails on several devices, the router or internet service may be responsible. If cellular service is unavailable on multiple phones in the same area, the carrier may have an outage or account-side issue.

Repeated disconnections on every network, failure to detect any Bluetooth devices, physical damage, or connection trouble that began after liquid exposure can point to a hardware problem. Use a verified Apple or carrier support channel for diagnosis.

Does resetting iPhone network settings delete photos, apps, or an eSIM?

No. Resetting network settings does not delete photos, apps, messages, contacts, or other personal files. It is separate from the option that erases all content and settings.

An eSIM is a digital SIM that lets an iPhone use cellular service without a removable SIM card. A network settings reset normally does not erase an installed eSIM or require carrier reactivation, although cellular preferences return to their defaults. If the phone shows no service afterward, restart it, check for a carrier settings update, and contact the carrier if service does not return.

The reset itself usually takes only a few minutes, including the restart. Rejoining Wi-Fi networks, restoring custom settings, and pairing Bluetooth accessories may take longer depending on how many connections you use.