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| The iPhone 4S Wi-Fi connection allows connecting to the Internet without carrier charges. |
To properly set up Wi-Fi on iPhone 4S you need to have access to the following resources: (1) a wireless network with an active Internet connection; and (2) the network password. iPhone 4S can directly connect to Wi-Fi without a password if the wireless network is an open connection. Otherwise, you will have to input a pre-identified network password during configuration. This article will discuss pre-connection considerations, a step-by-step tutorial on how to successfully set up Wi-Fi on iPhone 4S, and some troubleshooting tips. Let's begin.
Router Considerations
It is important to understand that different wireless routers use different Wi-Fi standards. Some routers operate at 2.4 GHz, and some at both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. You should note what Wi-Fi standard is used by your wireless router in order to get the best Wi-Fi connection. Wi-Fi on iPhone 4S is specified at Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n standards. This means that iPhone 4S is capable of connecting using Wi-Fi protocols 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n (click here for a brief explanation of the different Wi-Fi protocols). Each protocol has a different set of pros and cons - the details of which are beyond the scope of this article. The point is, your wireless router have to be rated at the same Wi-Fi standards as iPhone 4S in order to ensure compatibility, and maximize your Internet connection. Wi-Fi specifications of wireless routers are usually written on the box (see sample below). That is also the case with iPhone 4S.
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| The Linksys E1500 Wi-Fi specifications, like most routers, appear on the box |
Joining a Wireless Network
Step 1. Stay within close range to your wireless network. Even if you have the most expensive router, if you are unreasonably far from it, your iPhone 4S won't be able to establish a Wi-Fi connection, let alone detect the network. Read your router's manual for range ratings and recommendations.
Step 2. Choose your network. On your iPhone 4S go to Settings > Wi-Fi > Choose a Network. This will list all the wireless networks detected by your iPhone 4S. If you see your network's name (accesspoint), select it. If you don't see your network's name, try to restart your phone and keep Step (1) in mind.
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| iPhone 4S Wi-Fi settings include the wireless network name that you want to join and the password if it is required. |
Step 3. Choose the security protocol. After selecting your network, the next field to specify in your iPhone 4S is the Wi-Fi "Security" protocol. This is router-setting dependent. Most routers use WEP, WPA, and WPA2. Open networks usually use WEP. Secured networks usually use WPA/WPA2. You can refer to your router's manual for this, or you can try to select one or the other.
Step 4. Key in the password. Pay attention to cases. After you you have keyed in your password your iPhone 4S will try to connect to your network. If you are successfully connected you will see a check mark right beside your network's name and the Wi-Fi symbol will appear on top of the screen (see snapshot below). That's it! You can start testing your connection.
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| A successful Wi-Fi connection established in iPhone 4S is confirmed by a tick mark beside the wireless network name. |
Troubleshooting tips for unsuccessful iPhone 4S Wi-Fi connection:
1. Reboot your router. Turn your router off for 30 seconds and and turn it back on .
2. Make sure there in an active Internet connection. Is your iPhone 4S the only device that can't establish a Wi-Fi connection? If your other mobile devices cannot as well, then the problem might be with your internet account. Contact your Internet Service Provider.
3. Is your router configured to allow only a specific number of devices? Try to disconnect all your other mobile devices. Also check your router's security settings. Some security features in wireless routers only allow a specific list of IP addresses statically assigned to connecting mobile devices. Make sure your iPhone 4S is recognized (and listed) and not blocked from connecting to Wi-Fi.
4. Make sure you are not signed in as a guest in the network. Guest users can only be connected to the network for a short time (some routers give 15 mins. max to guest connections). Read your router's manual.
4. Make sure your network is not congested when you're trying to set-up your iPhone 4S to connect to Wi-Fi for the first time. If other mobile devices are eating up your bandwidth (ongoing download or transfer of huge files), your iPhone will have a hard time getting through.
5. Restart your iPhone 4S. Sometimes a simple restart does the trick - it refreshes your connection.
6. Reset Network Settings. In your iPhone 4S, go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will delete your previously entered Wi-Fi settings and restart your iPhone. Once your iPhone 4S is back on, repeat the steps for Joining a Wireless Network outlined above.
A lot of the iPhone 4S features are Internet dependent. A successful set up of Wi-Fi is imperative in order to maximize the features of your new iPhone 4S, which includes Siri and the rest of the new features of iOS 5. When there is no cellular data network available, Wi-Fi is the only way the iPhone 4S can connect to the Internet. Good luck!