iPhone Wi-Fi/EDGE problems? Reset network settings

by Ben Wilson

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If you're experiencing an issue where the iPhone refuses to access network data (Web pages [Safari reports "Safari can't open the page because it can't find the server."], email, Google Maps data, etc.), the fix may be drop-dead simple:

Tap Settings
Tap General
Tap Reset
Tap Reset Network Settings

This will cause your iPhone to restart, and will delete any stored Wi-Fi passwords as well as DNS settings and more. It may, however, restore your ability to join a stubborn wireless network, let you access stalled Web pages, or eliminate issues with EDGE data access that can occur for various reasons.

Feedback? info@iphoneatlas.com.

Topics:: Troubleshooting

Tags:: iphone,; Troubleshooting

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by October 21, 2007 9:48 AM PDT: Many of these problems are not due to the iPhone, but rather that the phone has entered an open Wireless hotspot that requires the user to open Mobile Safari to a new browser Window and accept the WiFi usage agreement on the portal webpage. Since the iPhone automatically switches to WiFi when an open network is available, it disallows EDGE access when a wireless network is available. However, no network traffic for the Weather Widget or email etc. will work until: 1) The user accepts the usage agreement for the Hotspot or 2) The user disables WifI and simply uses EDGE.; Reply to this comment


by azpropertypros November 6, 2007 11:02 AM PST: Hi lighyear04, I have limited computer experience but I believe the problem you stated above is why I cant connect to the inet from my iPhone. My WiFi is on an open network at home. My iPhone WiFi icon shows a signal, but when I go to a site I get the dreaded "Safari can?t open the page because it can?t find the server.?

You mention a couple things I'd like to try but aren't really sure how. For example, "Many of these problems are not due to the iPhone, but rather that the phone has entered an open Wireless hotspot that requires the user to open Mobile Safari to a new browser Window and accept the WiFi usage agreement on the portal webpage." How do you do this if you can't connect to the internet?

You also offer another solution such as disabling WiFi and using EDGE. How does that work?

Thanks for any and all help you can offer.; Reply to this comment


by cbailey107 November 20, 2007 6:32 AM PST: I have tried this so many times to get my phone to connect to my Wi-Fi network at home I am ready to toss my iPhone. All of the recommendations i have tried on the web have not worked. My wife's iPhone connects to our wireless network each and every time i try, but mine will never connect. I have upgraded to 1.121 and it still does not connect. Does anyone else have this issue? Does anyone have any other info on what might be wrong?; Reply to this comment


by cbailey107 November 28, 2007 8:55 AM PST: Well i went to the Apple store and got a new phone, no questions asked, seems they know this is an issue (they did not say that) and will just give you a new phone. BTW it came with 1.1.1 and it will stay there for awhile.; Reply to this comment


by otter-pops September 20, 2009 1:52 PM PDT: I had the exact probem described here, and this solution worked like a charm. Thank you!

Note that the prior comments are for somewhat unrelated problems.; Reply to this comment


by Kayrok October 29, 2009 2:49 AM PDT: The tip at the top of the page fixed my edge problem. Why did it wig out in the first place?; Reply to this comment

(6 Comments)

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