How to fix "Could not scan for wireless networks" error on iPhone 6 after iOS 8.3 update
Many Apple iPhone 6 owners complained about the error message "Could not scan for wireless networks," which happens when their Wi-Fi connection drops and they try to reconnect. Apple didn't acknowledge the problem so it hasn't been confirmed that it came with the iOS 8.3 update.
But the thing is it also happened to some owners after updating their phone to previous versions. It's probably just a problem with some data that became corrupt after an update as it occurs more often after Apple rolled out new iOS updates.
Now, here's one email our reader sent seeking help because his iPhone 6 is having issues connecting to his Wi-Fi network.
Reader's message: Hello guys! I really hope you can help me with my problem. I own an iPhone 6 which has been with me for a couple of months now. Everything was working fine until Apple screwed it up for me by its new update--iOS 8.3. After I downloaded the update, which installed successfully by the way, my Wi-Fi has been disconnecting randomly.
Yesterday, it disconnected more than 10 times--imagine how annoying that is--and when I try to reconnect it would say "Could not scan for wireless networks." Rebooted my iPhone several times to no avail so I had to "Reset Network Settings" to make it work again. I don't want to do that and I know you understand why.
The phone has been working just fine then this update came and mess it up. What am I going to do to fix this problem? By the way, I called Apple support but they all wanted me to restore my phone. If there's something I can do to fix the problem without losing everything I've setup, that would be great. Please help me. Regards, Sylvester.
As I said earlier, Apple didn't acknowledge the problem but many encountered it. The good thing if the problem is common is that many will try to discover workarounds for it. That said, these are the procedures that reportedly worked for other users:
Update to latest available iOS version. I understand the reader just updated to iOS 8.3 but with iOS 8.4 launching next week, it might be practical to wait for it and see if it bring bug fixes. Or, you may try other procedures specified below.
Turn off Wi-Fi Networking. This service is responsible in handling data that relates to your location that is used for Wi-Fi networking. So, there will be no impact on your Wi-Fi usage if it's disabled. However, many users said this procedure fixed the problem for them. Just go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services, and toggle the switch off.
Reset Network Settings. This procedure is for other users who may have experienced this problem but don't know how to temporarily fix it. As our reader pointed out, he doesn't want to do this every time so it's not permanent. However, it can help if you badly need an internet connection and this problem happens to you. Just go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Change DNS servers on your phone. This procedure only applies if the problem is with your internet service provider. Google and OpenDNS provide free DNS services that are more reliable than others. Try changing the ones on your device and see if that helps. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi > tap on the i icon that can be found on the far right of your network > scroll down to the DNS section > tap on the numbers and enter any of the following:
Restore iPhone and set it up again. If all else fails, then restore your iPhone 6 and set it up as a new device. I understand it's a lot of work especially if you have a lot of data in your phone but if this is what it takes to make your phone work smoothly as before, then it's worth it. Or, you can visit an Apple Store and have the tech check the iPhone for you. Your choice.
There you have it! If you have further questions or other concerns, feel free to email us at sebertech@gmail.com and we will do our best to help you.
But the thing is it also happened to some owners after updating their phone to previous versions. It's probably just a problem with some data that became corrupt after an update as it occurs more often after Apple rolled out new iOS updates.
Now, here's one email our reader sent seeking help because his iPhone 6 is having issues connecting to his Wi-Fi network.
Reader's message: Hello guys! I really hope you can help me with my problem. I own an iPhone 6 which has been with me for a couple of months now. Everything was working fine until Apple screwed it up for me by its new update--iOS 8.3. After I downloaded the update, which installed successfully by the way, my Wi-Fi has been disconnecting randomly.
Yesterday, it disconnected more than 10 times--imagine how annoying that is--and when I try to reconnect it would say "Could not scan for wireless networks." Rebooted my iPhone several times to no avail so I had to "Reset Network Settings" to make it work again. I don't want to do that and I know you understand why.
The phone has been working just fine then this update came and mess it up. What am I going to do to fix this problem? By the way, I called Apple support but they all wanted me to restore my phone. If there's something I can do to fix the problem without losing everything I've setup, that would be great. Please help me. Regards, Sylvester.
As I said earlier, Apple didn't acknowledge the problem but many encountered it. The good thing if the problem is common is that many will try to discover workarounds for it. That said, these are the procedures that reportedly worked for other users:
Update to latest available iOS version. I understand the reader just updated to iOS 8.3 but with iOS 8.4 launching next week, it might be practical to wait for it and see if it bring bug fixes. Or, you may try other procedures specified below.
Turn off Wi-Fi Networking. This service is responsible in handling data that relates to your location that is used for Wi-Fi networking. So, there will be no impact on your Wi-Fi usage if it's disabled. However, many users said this procedure fixed the problem for them. Just go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services, and toggle the switch off.
Reset Network Settings. This procedure is for other users who may have experienced this problem but don't know how to temporarily fix it. As our reader pointed out, he doesn't want to do this every time so it's not permanent. However, it can help if you badly need an internet connection and this problem happens to you. Just go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Change DNS servers on your phone. This procedure only applies if the problem is with your internet service provider. Google and OpenDNS provide free DNS services that are more reliable than others. Try changing the ones on your device and see if that helps. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi > tap on the i icon that can be found on the far right of your network > scroll down to the DNS section > tap on the numbers and enter any of the following:
- Google DNS - 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4
- OpenDNS - 208.67.222.222 or 208.67.222.220
Restore iPhone and set it up again. If all else fails, then restore your iPhone 6 and set it up as a new device. I understand it's a lot of work especially if you have a lot of data in your phone but if this is what it takes to make your phone work smoothly as before, then it's worth it. Or, you can visit an Apple Store and have the tech check the iPhone for you. Your choice.
There you have it! If you have further questions or other concerns, feel free to email us at sebertech@gmail.com and we will do our best to help you.
How to fix "Could not scan for wireless networks" error on iPhone 6 after iOS 8.3 update
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