How to fix WiFi disconnection issue when iPhone is locked or in sleep mode

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Ngày cập nhật gần nhất: 15/4/2026

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Fixing WiFi disconnection when iPhone is locked or in sleep mode on iOS 13

The WiFi problem has been lingering on iOS for a long time. Whether it's the impressive iOS 7, error-ridden iOS 11, or feature-packed iOS 12, all versions have had issues with WiFi. And this lingering specter has started haunting iOS 13. Recently, many iOS 13 users have encountered the WiFi disconnection issue when iPhone is locked or in sleep mode. So, is there any way to solve this nagging problem? The answer is yes, and Mytour will share with you some easy-to-implement methods right below.

After updating iPhone to iOS 13, many people reported that WiFi gets disconnected when the iPhone is locked or in sleep mode. This causes inconvenience, especially when they are updating apps or the operating system. The update process will be interrupted. One way to deal with this issue is to disable the auto-sleep feature on the iPhone, but that means the device's battery will drain quickly. Therefore, you need to find more effective and feasible solutions.

How to troubleshoot WiFi disconnection when iPhone is locked or in sleep mode

Article Contents:
1. Basic troubleshooting methods.
2. Disconnect and reconnect WiFi.
3. Adjust network settings.
4. Turn off VPN.
5. Disable Wi-Fi Networking service.
6. Reset network settings.
7. Update Router Firmware.
8. Update operating system.

Fixing WiFi disconnection when iPhone is locked or in sleep mode on iOS 13

1. Basic troubleshooting methods

Rebooting the mobile device manually (hard reboot) has long been a lifesaver for iOS, especially when fixing common issues like crashes, freezes, and even WiFi problems. So, don't overlook this handy tip as it can really save you a lot of time and patience.

- To restart iPhone X or later, iPhone 8, or iPhone 8 Plus, simply press the volume up button once, then the volume down button once. Next, press and hold the power button until the Apple logo appears.
- To restart iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus, press and hold the volume down button and the power button simultaneously.
- To restart iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, iPhone SE, and older devices, press and hold both the Home button and the power button.

After your iPhone has restarted, check if the WiFi disconnection issue has been resolved. If not, don't worry as there are plenty of other troubleshooting methods below to try.

2. Disconnect and reconnect WiFi

When encountering WiFi issues on iOS devices, disconnecting and reconnecting can quickly resolve the problem. So why not give it a try? Go to the Settings > WiFi > and tap on the information button (i) next to the WiFi network. Then, select Forget This Network and confirm. Now, reconnect to the WiFi network.

3. Adjust network settings

If the above method doesn't resolve the issue, you should try adjusting the network settings. When connecting to a WiFi network, you are provided with an IP address, which identifies your device on the network. Go to Settings > WiFi and tap on the (i) icon next to the WiFi network. Then, scroll to the bottom and tap on Renew Lease. This process reassigns the IP address and renews the wireless connection with the network. This method has a fairly high success rate in resolving WiFi disconnection issues when iPhone is locked or in sleep mode.

4. Turn off VPN

Are you using a VPN app on your iPhone? It could be the cause of the WiFi issue. So, try turning off the VPN to see if the problem is resolved by going to Settings > General > VPN and turning off the active VPN.

5. Disable Wi-Fi Networking service

Some users have found that disabling the Wi-Fi Networking service is truly effective when facing this issue. Go to Settings> Privacy > Location Services > System Services. Then, toggle off the switch next to Wi-Fi Networking.

6. Reset network settings

It's said that 'In desperate situations, you need the most decisive actions'. Therefore, if the WiFi disconnection issue persists when iPhone is in sleep or locked mode, then try resetting the network settings. Note that this action will revert network settings to factory defaults. You'll need to re-enter your WiFi password. To do that, go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings and press Confirm.

7. Update Router Firmware

No effective solution yet? Then it's time to look a bit further. Outdated firmware of the WiFi router could be the main cause of the issue. If you haven't updated it in a while, do it immediately as this could successfully fix the problem. The process of updating WiFi router varies depending on the company. So, check the user manual or contact the manufacturer for assistance.

8. Update operating system

Looking back at the significant number of issues occurring on iOS over the past few years, you'll find that updating iOS is the only way to address them. Whether it's system errors, software bugs, or any other issues, Apple releases software updates to fix them. Considering the widespread occurrence of WiFi disconnection issues when iPhone is in sleep or locked mode on iOS 13, Apple may have already started working to find a solution. Therefore, the answer to this problem may lie within a software update.

Go to Settings > General > Software Update. Check if there's any pending software update. If yes, install it immediately.

Hopefully, with the methods shared by Mytour in this article, the WiFi disconnection issue when your iPhone is in sleep or locked mode will be completely resolved. If you own a WiFi modem, it's advisable to change your WiFi password regularly to ensure the security of your network transmission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of WiFi disconnection on iOS devices when locked?

WiFi disconnection on iOS devices can be caused by various factors, including software bugs in iOS versions like 13, active VPNs, outdated router firmware, and network settings. These issues can lead to interruptions, especially when the device is locked or in sleep mode.

How can I troubleshoot WiFi issues on my iPhone running iOS 13?

To troubleshoot WiFi issues on iOS 13, start by rebooting your device. If that doesn’t help, disconnect and reconnect to the WiFi network, adjust network settings by renewing the lease, or disable any active VPNs. If problems persist, consider resetting network settings or updating the router firmware.

Is it necessary to update my iPhone's operating system to fix WiFi problems?

Yes, updating your iPhone's operating system is essential as it addresses software bugs and improves overall functionality. Frequent updates from Apple often contain fixes for common issues, including persistent WiFi disconnections.

What steps should I take to reset network settings on my iPhone?

To reset network settings on your iPhone, go to Settings, select General, then Reset, and choose Reset Network Settings. Confirm your choice. Keep in mind that this will erase all saved WiFi passwords and network configurations.

How can disabling the Wi-Fi Networking service help with connectivity issues?

Disabling the Wi-Fi Networking service can help resolve connectivity issues by preventing your iPhone from using location services for network management. To do this, go to Settings, Privacy, Location Services, System Services, and toggle off Wi-Fi Networking.

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