I Dropped My Phone and Now It Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi

Phone Won’t Connect To Wi-Fi After Being Dropped

Dropping your phone can lead to various issues, including the inability to connect to Wi-Fi. This guide will help you troubleshoot and potentially resolve this problem.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

1. Check for Physical Damage:
   • Inspect your phone for any physical damage. This includes checking the screen, buttons, and overall functionality. If there are no signs of damage, the Wi-Fi issue may not be due to the drop​​.
2. Enable and Disable Airplane Mode:
   • Sometimes toggling airplane mode can reset your phone’s network connections. Enable airplane mode, wait a few moments, then disable it and check if Wi-Fi connectivity is restored​​.
3. Restart Your Phone:
   • A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches. Turn off your phone, then turn it back on and check if the Wi-Fi is working​​.
4. Perform a Hard Reset:
   • If a regular restart doesn’t work, try a hard reset. For iPhones, press the Sleep/Wake and Home buttons simultaneously until the Apple logo appears. This can often fix Wi-Fi issues caused by software problems​​.
5. Router Troubleshooting:
   • Restart your router. Sometimes the issue might be with the router not registering your phone’s Wi-Fi network properly​​.
   • If a router restart doesn’t help, consider resetting your router to its original settings to help it recognize your phone’s MAC address​​.
6. Forget and Reconnect to Wi-Fi Network:
   • On your phone, forget the Wi-Fi network you’re trying to connect to and then reconnect by re-entering the Wi-Fi password. This can help reestablish a fresh connection​​.
7. Delete All Saved Wi-Fi Networks:
   • Delete all saved Wi-Fi networks on your phone. This forces your phone to search for networks again, potentially resolving connectivity issues​​.
8. Use a Diagnostic App:
   • Utilize a diagnostic app like TestM, which is available for free on the Apple Store. This can help you determine if there’s an issue with your phone’s Wi-Fi hardware​​.

If Hardware Damage is Suspected

• If the Wi-Fi issue persists after trying the above software-related solutions, it might indicate hardware damage, potentially to the logic board or the modem, due to the drop. In such cases, professional repair may be necessary. The issue could involve damaged solder pads on the logic board, which are challenging to repair without proper experience and equipment​​.

Conclusion

Following these steps should help in resolving the Wi-Fi connectivity issue caused by dropping your phone. If none of these steps work, it’s advisable to take your phone to a professional repair center, especially if you suspect hardware damage​​.

FAQs

1. What should I do if my phone shows no physical damage but still won’t connect to Wi-Fi?
   • Try toggling airplane mode, restarting your phone, and reconnecting to your Wi-Fi network​​​​​​.
2. Can hardware issues cause Wi-Fi problems after dropping a phone?
   • Yes, dropping a phone can lead to hardware issues like damaged logic boards, which can affect Wi-Fi connectivity​​.
3. What if the software troubleshooting methods don’t work?
   • If software troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s advisable to seek professional repair, especially if you suspect hardware damage​​.

Eric Chan

Hi! I’m Eric and I work on the knowledge base at GadgetMates.com.  You can see some of my writings about technology, cellphone repair, and computer repair here.

When I’m not writing about tech I’m playing with my dog or hanging out with my girlfriend.

Shoot me a message at ericchan@gadgetmates.com if you want to see a topic discussed or have a correction on something I’ve written.