When your iPhone keeps dropping Wi-Fi, refusing cellular data, or holding onto old VPN settings, Reset Network Settings can give its connections a clean start. It does not erase your photos, apps, messages, or media, but it does remove saved connection details. Here is what changes, when to use it, and what to try when a profile or work policy is still in control.
Reset Network Settings on iPhone
Use this when you want to refresh iPhone connection settings without deleting your personal content.
- 1.Open Settings.
- 2.Tap General.
- 3.Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- 4.Tap Reset.
- 5.Tap Reset Network Settings.
See What Reset Network Settings Removes
Reset Network Settings removes saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, VPN settings, APN settings, and previously used networks. During the reset, Wi-Fi turns off and then back on.
Your iPhone device name resets to iPhone. Certificates you manually trusted become untrusted again, and cellular data roaming may be turned off.
It does not remove VPN settings installed by a configuration profile or mobile device management. It also does not delete your photos, apps, messages, or media.
Use It for Connection Problems
This fixes connection trouble caused by stored Wi-Fi, cellular, VPN, APN, or manually trusted certificate settings.
Run it when your iPhone repeatedly fails to join Wi-Fi networks you normally use.
Use it when cellular data behaves oddly and standard connection checks have not solved it.
Try it when old VPN or APN settings are interfering with your connection.
After the reset finishes, reconnect to Wi-Fi and enter the password again.
Remove a VPN Profile That Stays
A VPN installed by a configuration profile survives the reset, because Reset Network Settings removes only VPN settings that a configuration profile or mobile device management did not install.
Open Settings, tap General, then tap VPN & Device Management.
Select the configuration profile tied to the VPN.
Tap Remove Profile.
Removing a profile also removes other settings and accounts that came with it.
Some supervised or managed profiles need an administrator or a removal password.
Reset Carrier APN Settings
Open Settings.
Tap Cellular.
Tap Cellular Data Network.
Tap Reset Settings.
Some iPhones show Settings, Mobile Data, Mobile Data Options, then Mobile Data Network.
APN viewing and editing appears only when your carrier allows it.
Delete a VPN or Security App
A third-party VPN or security app can change how the iPhone connects to the internet, so Apple's Wi-Fi troubleshooting says to uninstall that software, restart, and test the connection.
Touch and hold the VPN or security app on the Home Screen or in the App Library.
Tap Remove App, then tap Delete App, and confirm with Delete.
Restart the iPhone.
Test Wi-Fi or cellular before reinstalling anything that changes network traffic.
Screen Time, mobile device management, or app management policies can block app removal.
Handle Work and School iPhones
This applies when your iPhone is managed by an employer, school, or another organization. Managed settings can include profiles, certificates, VPN settings, and network rules that a normal reset may not remove.
Open Settings, tap General, then tap VPN & Device Management.
Select the management entry.
Tap Remove Management when your organization allows removal.
If Remove Management is missing or asks for credentials you do not have, the organization must remove management or change the affected settings.
Save Full Erase Options for Wiping
Erase options reset network settings because they wipe the iPhone. Erase All Content and Settings, a computer restore, Find My remote erase, and failed-passcode erasure are full-device actions, not targeted network fixes.
Use Erase All Content and Settings only when you mean to delete data and reset the device. On iPhones with eSIM, you may be asked whether to keep or delete the eSIM during the erase.
A computer restore starts by turning off Find My in Settings under your name, then uses Finder on Mac or Apple Devices on Windows, then Restore. If a targeted network reset fails, remove the specific VPN profile, APN setting, security app, or device management item that is still controlling the connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Reset Network Settings delete my photos or apps?
No. Reset Network Settings removes saved connection settings such as Wi-Fi passwords, cellular settings, VPN settings, APN settings, and previously used networks. It does not delete your photos, apps, messages, or media.
Will I need to enter Wi-Fi passwords again?
Yes. Saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords are removed, so you need to reconnect and type the password again.
Does Reset Network Settings remove every VPN from my iPhone?
No. It removes VPN settings that were not installed by a configuration profile or mobile device management. Profile-installed or managed VPN settings must be removed from VPN & Device Management when removal is allowed.
Is Reset All Settings the same as Reset Network Settings?
No. Reset All Settings includes network settings, but it also resets the keyboard dictionary, location settings, privacy settings, and Apple Pay cards without deleting data or media.