iPhone 17 Pro Max connectivity issues with iOS 26.0

bertfromlondon wrote:

I have a 17 pro. I had Keep Solid VPN installed and it kept getting in the way with connectivity. When I turned it off - voila!

Wifi and mobile connectivity were restored.

.

I would uninstall it completely unless you need to access state controlled websites. There is little security protection, in fact there is a data risk

Sounds like a weird bug, especially if calls work fine but data doesn’t. Since you’ve already tried all the basics, I’d suggest backing up your iPhone and doing a full restore through iTunes/Finder — that often clears out setup-related issues. If it still happens after a clean install, it’s likely a hardware or modem firmware problem, so taking it to Apple Support would be the next move.

Like others have mentioned, I was having terrible problems with slow connectivity on the Internet and inability to connect to some of my apps. In particular, I was having issues with my Starbucks app. It kept saying there was a network connection problem. I could not even run a Speedtest. I had NordVPN and McAfee loaded on my iPhone 17. After reading the thread, I unloaded NordVPN. That did not fix the issue. I then unloaded McAfee, and voilà. Now my apps are working, I can run a speed test, and Starbucks is working. Thank you for the advice. I really appreciate it. You saved me a trip to the Apple Store.

Had similar issues with iPhone 17, restoring from backup. Could not login to Proton Mail app, could not login to Instagram (connect() failure, yikes). Could not load old messages into WhatsApp after reinstall app. Network issues all over the place. Tried all the steps in OP and more to resolve.

WHAT FIXED IT: deleted Proton VPN app. Even though app was not being used, it was affecting network settings. After removing app, everything works as expected.

I had all the same issues that have been listed here, essentially telling me I'm offline or have no wifi connection when I do! very annoying.

just tracked it down to an old copy of Cloak VPN - that wasn't even active on my iP17. As soon as I deleted that in the VPN settings everything worked perfectly.

I'm 99.99% certain the new IOS doesn't play well with VPNs

Hi,

I was having same issue as you did. Then I saw this post and seems most answers point to a VPN app. Since I setup my phone from backup, it also added NordVPV app. I believe the issue is not having the app, but the app not being setup. So you either delete it or simply finish setting up your VPN app and then the problem goes away.

It was very frustrating 24 hours until I found your post :)

Hope this helps. Thanks everyone for pointing out a VPN setup issue.

I received the iPhone 17 Pro Max the day before and immediately plugged it in to the back of my Apple Studio Display’s rear USB-C outlet and began charging it, while also using my 13 Pro Max to transfer its data (as one does upon receiving a new Apple phone). From the start, the new phone went straight to 5G instead of WiFi, so I thought it’s because it’s still receiving the migration data from the old Apple 13 Pro Max I’d had. I left both phones alone overnight. In the morning, I noticed the iPhone 17 was still in 5G mode and tried switching to my WiFi (which the old 13 Pro Max was still using). After countless hours and attempts to make the new phone access and accept my WiFi, and after talking with Apple and T-Mobile reps (to no avail ), I made the discovery that by simply unplugging the USB-C cable, the iPhone 17 began receiving the WiFi signal and continues working flawlessly. Interesting, yes?

scoots515 wrote:

I had the same issue with the WIFI. I solved it by completely removing my Nord VPN app. Just shutting the app down did not help. It had to be completely erased from my phone.

Come on Apple, we need a fix!

First of all, you're not speaking with anyone from Apple here. This is a user to user only forum. And Apple doesn't even recommend using a VPN on iPhone. All they do is cause issues with connectivity. So you got your fix. You dumped the VPN. Congratulations. There is NO NEED for a VPN on iPhone.

Upgraded from iPhone 13 pro IOS version 26.0.1

To iPhone 17 pro max IOS version 26.1

Had Proton VPN installed on previous and current phone

I was having the same issue as others have stated.

Offline errors or apps loading very slowly.

I saw that many of the fixes where to remove the VPN app from

the phone. I thought to test if connecting the VPN app to one of my usual

connections would also work.

It did work, I was able to log in to apps that where giving

me the offline error like Sofi banking, Spotify and Discord with no issues.

To further test I wanted to see if the network bug would

return if I disconnected from VPN.  I tested

with Brave browser, that was also giving me network issues. When I tried to

sync the browser to my other devices, It did sync with no issues when disconnected

from the VPN. I further tried with the Gmail app and it gave me no further issues as

well.

I have been on and off Proton VPN all day with no further network

issues.

It looks like the network bug might be some configuration issue

with VPN apps.

I would say try to remove the VPN app or sign in, if

possible, and connect to see if the network issue resolves itself.

I had the same issue with the WIFI. I solved it by completely removing my Nord VPN app. Just shutting the app down did not help. It had to be completely erased from my phone.

Come on Apple, we need a fix!

IPhone 17 is brand new and still under warranty. In fact it is less than 14 days old so if it has a fault needing replacement (unlikely) it should be another brand new device rather than reconditioned.

The best advice is Contact Apple Support without delay and get direct support from Apple, rather than taking time to exchange messages here.

I bought the iPhone 17 and had issues with WiFi connectivity and Apple wallet saying that no WiFi connection or turn off airplane mode. This is definitely an issue, as my airplane mode wasn’t on and WiFi was showing all bars. As per another comment, I did totally delete my NORD VPN and voila, everything now works and the WiFi is working.

freedomwirter wrote:

Just FYI, I uninstalled the Bitdefender VPN related apps and reset network settings and my connectivity is back!! Thanks for the hint you brilliant legend you!!

I think lobsterghost1 is truly a legend too.

freedomwirter wrote:

Just FYI, I uninstalled the Bitdefender VPN related apps and reset network settings and my connectivity is back!! Thanks for the hint you brilliant legend you!!

Thank you. You've made my day! VPNs are so problematic on iPhone. They ONLY cause issues and don't provide the security people think they do. I'm very pleased to see you deleted the VPN completely and now you won't have any continuing connectivity issues!

Have a GREAT DAY and enjoy your new 17 Pro. I'm loving mine a LOT!