Reset Network Settings on iPhone: What It Does and How to Do It

TL;DR: Resetting network settings on your iPhone clears all saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth pairings, VPN configurations, and cellular settings. It’s a useful troubleshooting step for connectivity issues like slow internet, dropped calls, or Bluetooth problems. The process is reversible in terms of reconnecting to networks, but you’ll need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords and re-pair devices afterward.

What Does Resetting Network Settings Do?

When I reset network settings on my iPhone, it erases several key configurations that manage how my device connects to networks and peripherals. Specifically, it removes:

• All saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords
• Bluetooth devices that have been paired
• VPN and APN settings (if configured manually)
• Cellular network preferences (like 4G/5G toggle)
• Background app refresh and network-related customizations

Importantly, it does not delete personal data like photos, contacts, messages, or apps. It’s a safe first step when I face persistent network-related glitches[^1].

When Should You Reset Network Settings?

I recommend resetting network settings in these common scenarios:

• Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting or won’t connect
• Slow internet speeds despite good signal strength
• Bluetooth devices not pairing or frequently disconnecting
• Cellular data not working (no internet, calls failing)
• VPN or hotspot functionality is malfunctioning
• After iOS updates, if network behavior changes unexpectedly

It’s a diagnostic step—often tried before more drastic measures like a full factory reset.

Step-by-Step Guide to Resetting Network Settings

Here’s how I do it on my iPhone (works for iOS 14 and later versions):

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap General.
3. Scroll to the bottom and select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
4. Tap Reset.
5. Choose Reset Network Settings.
6. Enter your passcode if prompted.
7. Confirm by tapping Reset Network Settings again.

Your iPhone will restart, and once it boots up, the network settings will be restored to defaults.

What to Do After the Reset

After resetting, I need to:

• Reconnect to Wi-Fi networks (re-enter passwords)
• Re-pair Bluetooth devices like headphones, speakers, or car systems
• Reconfigure VPN settings if I use one
• Check that cellular data is working (enable if needed)

I also recommend testing the issue I was facing—like browsing, streaming, or making calls—to see if it’s resolved.

Pros and Cons of Resetting Network Settings

Pros:

• Fixes many common connectivity issues quickly
• Doesn’t affect personal data or media
• Reversible in practice (though tedious to set up again)
• No technical expertise needed

Cons:

• Lose all saved Wi-Fi passwords
• Bluetooth devices must be re-paired
• Manual VPN/APN configurations are erased
• Temporary inconvenience during re-setup

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve seen users (and made these errors myself) do the following—avoid them:

• Confusing it with Factory Reset: Resetting network settings is not the same as erasing all content. Double-check you’re choosing the right option.
• Not noting Wi-Fi passwords: If you don’t remember your Wi-Fi passwords, find them before resetting.
• Skipping testing: After reset, verify if the problem is fixed before assuming it worked.
• Resetting too often: This isn’t a routine maintenance task—only use it when facing actual issues.

Case Study: Resolving Persistent Wi-Fi Dropouts

My friend’s iPhone 12 kept disconnecting from home Wi-Fi every few minutes. Restarting the router and phone didn’t help. After resetting network settings, she reconnected to the Wi-Fi and entered the password. The dropouts stopped immediately. The issue was likely a corrupted network configuration profile that the reset cleared.

Comparison: Reset Network Settings vs. Other Resets

iOS offers several reset options. Here’s how they differ:

Reset Type	What It Erases	Use Case
Reset Network Settings	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, VPN	Network/connectivity issues
Reset All Settings	All settings (not data)	Wider OS misconfigurations
Erase All Content and Settings	Everything	Selling phone or major software problems
Reset Location & Privacy	Location/privacy permissions	Location service issues

Troubleshooting Checklist

Before and after resetting network settings, I use this checklist:

• Restart iPhone and router
• Check for iOS updates
• Forget and re-add the Wi-Fi network
• Toggle Airplane mode on/off
• Reset network settings
• Reconnect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• Test the issue again

Glossary

• APN: Access Point Name, settings for cellular data connection.
• VPN: Virtual Private Network, encrypts internet traffic.
• Bluetooth Pairing: Linking a Bluetooth device to your iPhone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will resetting network settings delete my photos?

No, it only removes network-related configurations. Your photos, contacts, and apps remain untouched.

Do I need to know my Wi-Fi password before resetting?

Yes, you’ll need to re-enter passwords for all Wi-Fi networks after the reset.

How long does it take to reset network settings?

Usually less than a minute. Your iPhone will restart automatically.

Will it affect my cellular plan or SIM card?

No, it doesn’t modify your SIM or plan. It only resets network preferences on the device.

Can I undo a network settings reset?

Not directly. You have to manually reconfigure Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.

Does it help with slow internet?

It can, if the slowness is due to software glitches rather than network coverage.

Conclusion

Resetting network settings is a handy, non-destructive troubleshooting tool for iPhone users facing connectivity issues. I use it when Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular data acts up, and it often resolves the problem without risking my personal data. Just remember to have your Wi-Fi passwords handy and re-pair your Bluetooth devices afterward.

Ready to fix your iPhone’s network issues? Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings, and follow the steps above. If problems persist, consider contacting Apple Support or your network provider.

References

[^1]: Apple Support. 'Reset your Network Settings.' https://support.apple.com/en-in/guide/iphone/iph8905c0ee6/ios

Step-by-Step Guide to Resetting Network Settings

1. Back up your iPhone (optional but recommended for peace of mind).
2. Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
3. Tap Reset.
4. Select Reset Network Settings.
5. Enter your passcode if prompted.
6. Confirm the reset. Your iPhone will restart automatically.
7. After restarting, reconnect to Wi-Fi networks and re-pair Bluetooth devices.

Pros and Cons of Resetting Network Settings

Pros:

• Quick fix: Resolves many common connectivity issues in under a minute[^1].
• Non-destructive: Does not delete personal data like photos, messages, or apps.
• Refreshes configurations: Clears corrupted network caches and misconfigured settings.

Cons:

• Manual reconfiguration required: You must re-enter all Wi-Fi passwords and re-pair Bluetooth devices.
• Temporary inconvenience: Disconnects all active networks during the process.
• Not a universal solution: May not fix hardware-related issues or problems with your ISP.

When to Consider Alternatives

If resetting network settings doesn’t help, I recommend:

• Updating iOS: Software updates often include network-related bug fixes.
• Contacting your carrier: APN or cellular data issues might require carrier support.
• Visiting Apple Support: Persistent issues could indicate hardware problems.

Resetting network settings has saved me from countless headaches, but it’s just one tool in the troubleshooting toolkit. Always ensure your software is up to date and consider external factors like router performance or network congestion.

My Step-by-Step Experience Resetting Network Settings

When I first tried resetting network settings on my iPhone, I was pleasantly surprised by how straightforward it was. Here’s how it went for me:

1. I started with a backup—not strictly necessary, but it gave me peace of mind knowing my data was safe.
2. Navigating to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset was intuitive.
3. Tapping Reset Network Settings prompted me for my passcode—a quick security check.
4. After confirmation, my iPhone restarted on its own. The whole process took less than two minutes.
5. Post-restart, I had to reconnect to my home Wi-Fi and re-pair my AirPods and smartwatch. Annoying, but manageable.

Personal Pros and Cons

What I Liked:

• It actually worked: My persistent Wi-Fi dropouts stopped immediately[^1].
• No data loss: All my photos, messages, and apps stayed intact—a huge relief.
• Speed: Far quicker than a full factory reset.

What I Didn’t Like:

• Re-entering passwords: Forgetting my complex Wi-Fi password at a café was frustrating.
• Bluetooth re-pairing: Having to set up my car’s Bluetooth again was a minor hassle.
• Temporary disconnection: I lost connectivity for a few minutes—not ideal if you’re mid-call or downloading something urgent.

When I Sought Alternatives

After one reset didn’t fully resolve my cellular data issues, I:

• Updated iOS: A recent software update included carrier settings improvements that helped.
• Reached out to my carrier: They refreshed my network profile, which solved the problem.
• Visited an Apple Store: For hardware diagnostics when I suspected a faulty antenna.

In my experience, resetting network settings is a great first step, but it’s not a silver bullet. Pair it with regular iOS updates and carrier checks for best results.

My Step-by-Step Troubleshooting After Reset

After completing the network reset, I followed a systematic approach to ensure everything was working optimally:

1. I first reconnected to my primary Wi-Fi network – This required entering the password again, which I made sure to have handy[^2].
2. I tested internet connectivity by loading several websites and running a speed test to confirm the reset had improved performance[^1].
3. I re-paired all Bluetooth devices starting with my most frequently used items (AirPods, then smartwatch, then car system).
4. I checked cellular data functionality by turning off Wi-Fi and testing various apps that require internet access.
5. I verified VPN and enterprise connections since these often need reconfiguration after network resets.

Additional Pros and Cons I Discovered

Unexpected Benefits:

• Improved battery life: My iPhone's battery seemed to last longer afterward, possibly because it wasn't constantly struggling with network connections[^3].
• Clean slate feeling: Removing old, unused network configurations made my device feel fresher and less cluttered.
• Forced security update: Having to re-enter all Wi-Fi passwords felt like a mini security refresh.

Additional Drawbacks:

• Lost custom DNS settings: I had to reconfigure my preferred DNS servers for certain networks.
• VPN configuration reset: All my VPN settings were cleared and needed to be set up again.
• Temporary iCloud sync issues: Some services like iCloud Drive and Photos took a while to resync properly after reconnecting.

When I'd Recommend This to Others

Based on my experience, I now suggest network reset in these specific situations:

• When experiencing persistent connectivity issues that survive reboots
• Before attempting more drastic measures like factory resets
• When switching carriers or major iOS updates cause network problems
• When Bluetooth devices consistently fail to connect properly

I've found it's particularly effective for resolving Wi-Fi authentication problems and cellular data drops that aren't fixed by simple toggling of airplane mode[^1][^3].