9 Fixes for iPhone Keep Switching From Wi-Fi to Cellular Data
Having yourWi-Fi connection constantly getting droppedon your iPhone while you’re working or watching movies online can be really frustrating, especially when you’ve used up all of your cellular data. But worry not, we got you covered. In this article, we will share multiple solutions that will stop your iPhone from switching between Wi-Fi and cellular data.
Table of Contents
1. Inspect Your Wi-Fi Router
Before we proceed with some technical or complex steps, you should inspect your Wi-Fi router first. See if there is no object interfering with your wireless signal or if there is no internet outage in your area. You can even tryrestarting your routerto see if it fixes the issue.
2. Turn Off Wi-Fi Assist
Wi-Fi Assist is a super useful feature that maintains the flow of your internet connectivity byautomatically switchingto a mobile network whenever theWi-Fi signal or speed is poor. However, despite its amazing functionality, it is also one of the main reasons why your iPhone frequently switches from Wi-Fi to a 5G or 4G connection.
By default, this feature is enabled on your device and to turn it off, all you need to do is open theSettingsapp, selectMobile Data/Cellular, and turn off the toggle next toWi-Fi Assist.
3. Forget and Reconnect to Your Wi-Fi Network
For many users, the Wi-Fi Assist solution would have resolved this issue. However, if it didn’t work for you, try reconnecting to the same Wi-Fi network. Here’s how:
1.Open theSettingsapp.
2.Go to theWi-Fisettings and hit the‘i’icon next to thesaved Wi-Fi network.
3.Next, select theForget This Networkoption and confirm your selection by tapping on theForgetbutton.
4.After that, select the same wireless network and re-enter the password.
After a few hours of usage, see if the issue still persists. If yes, proceed to the next step.
4. Switch to the Better Wi-Fi Band
Most modern Wi-Fi routers come with dual bands — 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. If your router also supports this, you’re able to try switching to another band. The 2.4 GHz band provides a longer Wi-Fi range, but it comes at the cost of reduced speed. Whereas, the 5 GHz band will provide you with a faster data transfer speed but has a shorter range.
So if your Wi-Fi keeps getting disconnected due to a low signal, switch to the 2.4 GHz band and if it is getting disconnected because of slow internet connectivity, switch to the 5 GHz band.
Routers often include a 5 GHz marking in the network name to differentiate it from the 2.4 GHz band. You can also customize the network name in router settings for easier identification and connection.
5. Disable Low Data Mode (Wi-Fi)
You will find a feature called Low Data Mode within the saved Wi-Fi network properties. This functionality minimizes your data consumption when connected to a particular Wi-Fi network.
On the bright side, this is quite a nifty feature to have, but it can also be the reason why you’re frequently seeing drops in your Wi-Fi connection. After all, this mode can interfere with your internet connectivity and as a result, your iPhone mayswitch to LTE or 5G network.
Follow the below steps to turn off this feature:
So to turn off this feature, navigate toWi-FiSettings, select thecurrent Wi-Fi network, and then toggle off theLow Data Modefeature.
6. Enable Low Data Mode (Cellular)
Unlike the previous method, in this case, you need to turn on the Low Data Mode. Since your iPhone’s Wi-Fi keeps switching to mobile data; by enabling this mode, at least it will not suck up your cellular data as it normally would.
Here’s how to enable this mode:
1.Simply go to theMobile Data/Cellularsettings and chooseMobile Data Options.
2.After that, enable the toggle next toLow Data Mode.
7. Reset Network Settings
There’s also a possibility that there might be some misconfiguration or conflict within your iPhone’s network settings, which could be the reason why you areexperiencing connectivity problems. In such a situation, resetting your network settings can be an effective solution to resolve any issues related to Wi-Fi, cellular connectivity, Bluetooth, and other network-related functions.
Note:It will erase all your saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth pairings, cellular network settings, and VPN Configurations.
Here’s how to reset network settings on your iPhone:
1.Navigate toSettings>General>Transfer or Reset iPhone.
2.After that, hit theResetbutton and chooseReset Network Settings.
3.On the next screen, you will be asked to enter thepasscode. Once done, your iPhone willrestart.
After the reset, the network settings will be restored to their factory defaults and afterward, you need to reconnect to the Wi-Fi network.
8. Update to the Latest iOS Version
There are times when the operating system may be the cause of frequent Wi-Fi disconnections. In such cases, updating to the latest version of iOS might resolve the problem.
To update the iPhone, visitSettings>General>Software Update.
If the update is available, tap theDownload and Installoption.
9. Temporary Turn off Cellular Data
If you’re at home, I’m sure you won’t be using cellular data on your iPhone to access the internet or perform data-intensive tasks. So if none of the above methods fixes your issue, temporarily disable your mobile data unless you’re going outside or have an absolute need for it.
Force Your iPhone to Stay Loyal to Wi-Fi
It can be frustrating when your iPhone keeps switching between Wi-Fi and cellular network. This behavior not only drains your cellular data but alsoimpacts your battery life. Thankfully, the methods mentioned above should help you fix this issue.
If you’re interested, you can also check outhow to share a Wi-Fi password from your iPhoneto Android, Windows, iPhone, and Mac.
Rahul is your go-to guide for fixing Windows, Steam, Android, Samsung TV, and Google Chrome. An engineering college dropout who followed his passion for tech, he brings 3 years of troubleshooting experience and 2+ years of running his own tech blog to the table. When he’s not solving your tech problems, you’ll find him unwinding with the latest anime or K-drama.
