If your iPhone shows Wi-Fi connected but websites won’t load, apps stay offline, or you see messages like No Internet, Limited Connection, or Connected but No Access, the cause is usually a small network glitch, DNS problem, VPN/relay conflict, router issue, or corrupted network settings. Follow the methods below in order. Most users get their internet back within minutes.
Toggle Wi-Fi and Airplane Mode
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Open Control Center, turn Wi-Fi Off, wait 10 seconds, turn On.
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Turn Airplane Mode On, wait 10 seconds, turn Off.
Forget the Wi-Fi Network and Rejoin
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Open Settings > Wi-Fi.
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Tap ⓘ next to your network, tap Forget This Network.
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Reconnect to the same Wi-Fi and enter the password again.
Restart iPhone and Power-Cycle Router
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Power Off your iPhone and turn it back On.
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Unplug the Wi-Fi router for 30 seconds, plug it back in, wait until internet lights become stable.
Disable VPN and iCloud Private Relay
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Open Settings > VPN, turn it Off.
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Open Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Private Relay, turn it Off.
Change DNS to Google DNS
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Open Settings > Wi-Fi, tap ⓘ on your connected network.
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Tap Configure DNS > Manual.
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Remove old entries, add 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4, tap Save.
Turn Off Wi-Fi Assist
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Open Settings > Cellular (Mobile Data).
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Scroll down and turn Wi-Fi Assist Off.
Keep “Networking & Wireless” ON in System Services
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Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services.
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Make sure Networking & Wireless is On for proper connectivity checks.
Reset Network Settings (Most Effective Fix)
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Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
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Tap Reset Network Settings.
Note: This removes saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth pairings but does not delete personal data.
Check if the Internet from ISP Is Down
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Test the same Wi-Fi on another phone or laptop.
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If no device gets internet, contact your broadband provider.
Conclusion
In most cases, iPhone Wi-Fi “connected but no internet” errors are caused by DNS issues, VPN/Private Relay conflicts, router glitches, or corrupted network profiles. Going through these steps in order resolves the issue without needing repair or service.
FAQ
Why is Wi-Fi connected but Safari or App Store not loading?
Usually due to DNS, VPN, or router problems. Changing DNS and restarting the router often fixes it.
Will Reset Network Settings delete my data?
No. It only clears network preferences like saved Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Should I turn off Networking & Wireless in System Services?
No. Keep it On to help iOS detect internet availability correctly.
Does this work on all iPhones and iOS versions?
Yes. These steps apply to both older and newer iPhones across iOS versions.
What if only one Wi-Fi network fails on my iPhone?
Forget that network, reconnect, or restart the router for that specific network.
