How to Reset Network Settings on iPhone (Step-by-Step)

Few things are more frustrating than an iPhone that won’t connect to Wi‑Fi or keeps dropping calls. Before you panic about lost data, here’s the good news: resetting your network settings is a safe, Apple‑recommended fix that clears only network‑related configurations—not your photos, apps, or messages. This guide walks you through the exact steps, explains what changes, and helps you decide when to try it.

Devices affected: All iPhone models from iPhone 6s to iPhone 17 ·
Data lost during reset: None (only network settings, saved Wi‑Fi passwords, Bluetooth pairings) ·
Time required: Less than 2 minutes ·
Supported iOS versions: iOS 12 and later ·
Carrier settings affected: Yes (APN/VPN configurations cleared)

Four key takeaways, one pattern: network settings reset is a zero‑data‑loss repair that any iPhone owner can run in under two minutes—yet most users hesitate because of misunderstandings about what gets erased.

What happens if I reset the network settings on my iPhone?

The reset wipes a specific set of network configurations and leaves everything else untouched. Apple’s own documentation states that it removes “all network settings” but does not delete content or media.

Which network settings are cleared?

• Saved Wi‑Fi networks and passwords (YouTube tutorial)
• Bluetooth pairings (EE Device Guides)
• VPN and APN configurations (AT&T Device Support)
• Cellular settings, including carrier‑specific APNs (EE Device Guides)

What data is preserved after reset?

• Photos, contacts, apps, messages, and media stay intact (Apple Support)
• Accounts, iCloud settings, and screen time passcodes are not affected (AT&T Device Support)

The implication: This trade-off is acceptable for the majority of users who value a quick fix over preserving Wi‑Fi passwords.

How can I reset the network on my iPhone?

Apple and major carriers agree on the exact path. The steps are identical across iPhone models running iOS 12 or later, with minor label variations in older versions.

Prerequisites before resetting

• No backup is required—personal data stays put (Apple Support)
• If you use carrier‑specific APN settings (e.g., for tethering), note them down before resetting (EE Device Guides)
• Make sure you know your Wi‑Fi router password for networks you want to rejoin

Step-by-step instructions for iOS 17 and earlier

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap General.
3. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
4. Tap Reset at the bottom of the screen.
5. Tap Reset Network Settings.
6. Enter your passcode if prompted.
7. Confirm the action. The iPhone will restart and apply the reset (YouTube tutorial).

What this means: Speed and simplicity make this a go‑to troubleshooting step before resorting to more drastic measures.

Will I lose anything if I reset network settings?

This is the number‑one fear, and the answer is clear: you will lose saved Wi‑Fi passwords and Bluetooth pairings, but nothing else. Apple distinguishes this from “Erase All Content and Settings,” which wipes everything (Apple Support).

What is lost vs. what is kept

• Lost: Saved Wi‑Fi networks and their passwords, Bluetooth connections, VPN/APN settings, cellular settings (AT&T Device Support)
• Kept: All personal data—photos, contacts, apps, messages, media, iCloud settings, wallpaper, screen time limits (Apple Support)

How to back up Wi‑Fi passwords before reset

iOS does not export saved Wi‑Fi passwords natively. Workarounds include using iCloud Keychain (which syncs passwords across Apple devices) or manually noting them in a password manager. The EE guide notes that after reset you’ll need to “re‑enter the password to connect to the Wi‑Fi network” (EE Device Guides).

The pattern: The primary cost is re‑entering network credentials, which is predictable and manageable for most users.

Is it a good idea to do a network reset?

Yes, in the right circumstances. It’s a safe first‑line troubleshooting step that Apple and carriers recommend before escalating to a full settings reset or factory restore (Apple Support). AT&T’s support page lists it as a standard step for connectivity issues (AT&T Device Support).

When resetting network settings is recommended

• Wi‑Fi won’t connect or keeps dropping
• Bluetooth devices won’t pair or stay paired
• Cellular data stops working after an iOS update (EE Device Guides)
• VPN causes internet issues (YouTube tutorial)
• Calls fail or sound distorted (YouTube tutorial)

Situations where a full reset or other troubleshooting is better

• If the problem is limited to one app, try force‑quitting or reinstalling that app first
• If you suspect a software corruption affecting system settings, consider Reset All Settings (which preserves data but resets all non‑network preferences)
• If you’re selling or giving away the phone, use Erase All Content and Settings (Apple Support)

Is it okay to reset iPhone network settings?

Absolutely. The process is non‑destructive and widely documented as safe. Apple explicitly says it “does not delete your personal data or media” (Apple Support). Verizon and Bell similarly list it as a standard troubleshooting step in their support pages.

Risks and side effects

• No known risks to the device’s hardware or operating system
• The only side effect is the inconvenience of re‑configuring network preferences
• Some users report needing to re‑enter Wi‑Fi passwords even after the reset—this is by design (YouTube tutorial)

Official Apple and carrier stance

Apple’s support page places network reset before “Reset All Settings” and before “Erase All Content and Settings” in order of severity (Apple Support). AT&T’s device support page for the iPhone 17 uses exactly the same path (AT&T Device Support). EE’s guide confirms that resetting “returns network settings to their factory defaults” (EE Device Guides).

The pattern: every major carrier and Apple itself agree—this is a safe, standard fix.

Expert perspectives on network settings reset

“Resetting network settings does not delete your personal data or media.”

— Apple Support (official device documentation)

“This resets your Wi‑Fi networks, cellular settings, and Bluetooth connections to factory defaults.”

— AT&T Device Support (U.S. carrier guide)

Both quotes reinforce the same message: the reset is targeted, safe, and supported by the companies behind your service.

For iPhone owners who frequently travel, switch networks, or update iOS, running a network reset after a major update can pre‑empt connectivity headaches. The trade‑off—a few minutes of re‑entering passwords—is small compared to the hours of frustration that persistent Wi‑Fi or Bluetooth issues can cause. For users on corporate‑managed devices, the implication is clear: coordinate with IT before resetting to avoid losing VPN configurations, or accept the manual re‑configuration as the cost of a clean network slate.

Frequently asked questions