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User profile for user: semidivine___
semidivine___ Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Strange issue! I recently hardwired my TV with an ethernet cable and since then my iPhone can't access the wifi

Hey all, I'm reaching out because I am flummoxed.


I recently hardwired my TV with an ethernet cable (it had been on wifi before that) and immediately after that my iPhone can't access the wifi. Here's the thing, the wifi is working, both 2.4 and 5, and all other devices in the house can access it (pretty much exclusively apple devices, except for the ecobee and the TV). Also strange is my iphone can see the two networks and pretends to access them (there is a checkmark next to the network) but then there is no bandwidth coming through. I've tested this by putting the phone on airplane mode with wifi and I am cut off.


Here's what I have done so far to troubleshoot:

  1. I have restarted the iphone (several times.)
  2. I've updated the phone software to the latest version.
  3. I have restarted the ONT and router.
  4. I unplugged the ethernet cable from the router.
  5. I have toggled wifi on and off.
  6. I have toggled bluetooth on and off (a suggestion from some website.)
  7. I have tried accessing both networks (2.4 and 5) on the phone.
  8. I have "forgotten" both networks and relogged back in.
  9. I have toggled Wifi Calling on and off (another suggestion.)
  10. I have logged into the admin tools for the modem to see if any of the settings have changed... they haven't.


Now I do understand that the hardwiring my TV my not have been the cause and just coincidental, but I wanted to mention it because it happened right after that. I really need to figure this out because my T-Mobile signal is terrible in my house, and like most of us I am isolating at home. Any help would be appreciated!

iPhone 7, 12

Posted on Apr 1, 2020 12:38 PM

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6 replies
User profile for user: Axel Foley
Axel Foley
User level: Level 10
149,370 points

Apr 1, 2020 1:18 PM in response to semidivine___

A very well written and detailed post by you. Thanks.

You have performed all the basic tasks that can be performed under the circumstances.

There are few things that you can examine right on your WiFi Router Settings as well by following instructions from your WiFi Router's manual.

I would like to add three things to your list and confirm whether you have performed them as well-

  1. ➔ Force ReStart Your iPhone (I know you mentioned that you have restarted your iPhone however am not sure whether you Force ReStarted it.
  2. Did you reset network settings on your iPhone? Settings ➔ General ➔ Reset ➔ Reset Network Settings.
  3. What happens if you disconnect the TV from your network. Remove the Wired connection and either leave it disconnected or put it back to WiFI.

A. Does the TV connect to WiFi normally when disconnected from the wired state?

B. When the TV is disconnected completely (No Wired and No Wireless) does the iPhone function then?


Axel F.


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User profile for user: semidivine___
semidivine___ Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Apr 1, 2020 4:06 PM in response to Axel Foley

I figured it out! Yes, nothing to do with the TV. I had installed a VPN configuration for a service that gave me their pro level for a week (which worked great) and which auto-downgraded to the free plan yesterday, I just found out. For some reason their free plan (but not their pro plan) messed with my wifi. It hadn't even been connecting properly so I didn't consider it as a factor, but I decided to try deleting the profile and boom, wifi came back up.


I'm going to contact their support about this but at least my phone is functioning now. Before trying a full wipe and re-install thank goodness.


Thanks again Axel and stay safe!

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User profile for user: semidivine___
semidivine___ Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Apr 1, 2020 2:03 PM in response to Axel Foley

Hey Axel thanks for your reply and the suggestions.

  • I did the network reset after I posted, I realized I'd forgotten that one. And no change.
  • Force restart: no change.
  • I disconnected the ethernet cable then started up the TV. The TV said I wasn't connected to the internet and prompted me to set up the Wifi. It asked if I wanted to reconnect to my previous network and I said yes and it connected successfully. I restarted my phone after all this (TV still in its original state connected to Wifi) and no change.


The wifi router settings looked perfect when I checked them. And the fact is all other devices in the house are connecting fine. I'm starting to believe more and more that this has nothing to do with the TV/ethernet event and maybe just an unfortunately timed phone failure. Unless you have any other thoughts?



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User profile for user: Axel Foley
Axel Foley
User level: Level 10
149,370 points

Apr 1, 2020 2:15 PM in response to semidivine___

You have been thorough and I am beginning to lean toward your thoughts as well. How about a couple of more things just to quench our thirst for information-

  1. Does your iPhone successfully connect to other WiFi network(s) outside your home? This may be hard to test based on current events.
  2. What happens If you make sure home WiFi less secure by using WEP security instead of WPA2 ? OR how about testing it even with an open network? Does the iPhone then connect successfully and data interchange begins? (Don't forget to reset the security to the way you had it (Possibly WPA2).
  3. Lastly if none of the above works then we may not stand a chance with the current configuration on the iPhone. How about creating a backup on your computer and then Restoring your iPhone to factory settings, checking WiFI operation and then Restoring it again from the backup created earlier? This one will eat up your time however may be a step that you will need to take at some point if the iPhone keeps on performing as it is today.


Axel F.


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Strange issue! I recently hardwired my TV with an ethernet cable and since then my iPhone can't access the wifi

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