Original iPhone running iPhone 3.0 having trouble maintaining wireless connectivity
It has been reported by several sources that the original iPhone hardware running the latest version of the iPhone OS, 3.0, is having issues maintaining connections to wireless networks.
MacFixIt reader Mark M. reports:
"I've been having persistent problems getting my iPhone to remember Wi-Fi networks after the upgrade to 3.0. I've been following the Apple User Group discussions (iphone, network) and have followed the suggestions there (restore the phone; forget network settings) to no avail. I have a 1st gen iPhone and currently I have to go to settings, general, reset, reset network settings several times a day to maintain a Wi-Fi connection to my home airport. From the User Group discussions it appears this is a fairly common problem."While I would hesitate in calling this a "common problem", the issue does appear to be bigger than single cases. This issue had been reported with many iPhones running iPhone OS 2.2.1 and it seems as though the problems have continued for those users with the 3.0 update.
Apple Support Discussions user "GoHawks" reports:
"Alot of us, myself included, are all of a sudden having this issue. Mine started a few weeks ago as well, when I was running 2.2.1, and continued on into 3.0. Every once in a while it will work, but it's a rare occurrence. Unfortunately all the tips and tricks don't appear to work for me either, things I've tried include:Currently there does not appear to be a permanent fix for this issue. Most users report that a combination of any of the above attempts for a solution will temporarily provide relief and decent wireless performance. Several users have noted that they have reported the issue to Apple. We will be sure to update everyone should Apple release a fix. Other users have reported that they have taken their device to an Apple Store and had it replaced as a hardware issue.1. Reset Network settings
2. Reset All Settings
3. Restore (done about 12 of them over the last couple of weeks)
4. Deleting various apps to see if that makes a difference
5. Reboots
6. Airplane Mode on/off
7. Toggle WiFi
8. Turn of Bluetooth
9. Resetting the phone by holding the top button and home until it rebootsI've done all of this many times and every once in a while one of them will seem to work, but within an hour I've lost it again. Even when I have it I'm constantly having to put in my password information for the networks I connect to with encryption."
If you have had, or currently have, this issue, leave us a comment and let us know what has worked for you, if anything. As always, when attempting any of the fixes above, be sure to have a backup of your iPhone (in iTunes).
Resources
Read this Apple Support Discussions thread about iPhone issues with wireless connectivity.
Read this mactheforum.com discussion thread about iPhone issues with wireless connectivity.
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Resources