Apple cops to OS 3.0 Wi-Fi, Bluetooth problems
Apple has released a technical service bulletin that details Wi-Fi and Bluetooth problems after updating an iPhone or iPod Touch to OS 3.0.
A rash of Wi-Fi connectivity and signal strength complaints have cropped up after Apple's iPhone OS 3.0 software update. Some users complain that their iPhones and iPod Touches drop from Wi-Fi unexpectedly; others that they can't connect to the Internet at all. Some users have been able to resolve connectivity problems by resetting their network connections (via Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings), but this simple fix hasn't worked for everyone. In some cases, not even a total system restore fixes the problem.
Apple has finally acknowledged the problem in a technical service bulletin titled "Unable to use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth with iPhone or iPod Touch because there's no address listed for the device." According to Apple, the problem happens during initial iPhone or iPod Touch setup while performing an update or a restore with iTunes. The symptoms are:
- The device shows no Wi-Fi address or Bluetooth address (Tap Settings > General > About and scroll down to Wi-Fi Address or Bluetooth).
- iPhone or iPod Touch appears to be connected to a Wi-Fi network but cannot use Wi-Fi for checking e-mail, surfing the Internet, or other data transactions.
- iPhone or iPod Touch showing Wi-Fi or Bluetooth icon on device as grayed out.
- iPhone not able to pair with Bluetooth device or accessory.
- When you tap Settings > Wi-Fi and then tap next to the network, no values or entries for IP Address, Subnet Mask, Router, or DNS appear.
If your iPhone or iPod Touch exhibits any of these symptoms, consult the technical service bulletin and follow the four steps therein. If none of the steps resolve your Wi-Fi or Bluetooth problems, your iPhone or iPod Touch may need to be repaired.
We recommend that before you take your iPhone in for service you read these troubleshooting tips we laid out, and these. Apple also hosts some good troubleshooting articles about Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (here and here).
Have you experienced this problem with your iPhone or iPod Touch after updating to iPhone OS 3.0? Let us know in the comments.