Why does my iPhone have a short connection range?
ToddNebs
Newbie

A few weeks ago I noticed my iPhone wouldn't connect to wifi so I went into the Apple Store and had them run diagnostics and test (which took about 5 hours in total). At the end of the process, they told me I did, in fact, have a wifi problem (connectivity range), but they couldn't do anything about it because my AppleCare was out by three days. They then encouraged me to go into Verizon and have them assess the problem. After spending about another hour or two at the Verizon store they told me because I had a small chip (less than a centimeter), they were unable to help me unless I wanted to buy out my phone and then buy another one. My Verizon insurance will cover the phone, but after the deductible and fees, it cost roughly around the same price as buying a new one... Does anyone have any ideas on what to try to increase the range of wireless networks my phone can connect to (right now I have to be withing 6-8 feet of a router, after which I lose the whole connection, not just a few bars). Once again Verizon fails to help me... what a surprise.

Labels (1)
0 Likes
1 Solution

Correct answers
Re: My iPhone has a short connection range to wifi.
bd94s10
Specialist - Level 2

A friend of mine had a similiar experience back with his iPhone 4s. The toggle switch simply could not be toggled on/off for Wi-Fi. He was about 30-35 days out of warranty and Apple said there was no fix they could do.

My suggestion is you do the insurance claim and get another device. If you took it to a 3rd party repair location they will probably charge about the same as an insurance deductible to open it up and swap out a part if it can be fixed. I see people that have challenges that don't have insurance and that would be an even tougher place to be in. At least you have that and can get it swapped. I couldn't live without Wi-Fi on my phone.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

View solution in original post

0 Likes
Re: My iPhone has a short connection range to wifi.
bd94s10
Specialist - Level 2

A friend of mine had a similiar experience back with his iPhone 4s. The toggle switch simply could not be toggled on/off for Wi-Fi. He was about 30-35 days out of warranty and Apple said there was no fix they could do.

My suggestion is you do the insurance claim and get another device. If you took it to a 3rd party repair location they will probably charge about the same as an insurance deductible to open it up and swap out a part if it can be fixed. I see people that have challenges that don't have insurance and that would be an even tougher place to be in. At least you have that and can get it swapped. I couldn't live without Wi-Fi on my phone.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

0 Likes
Re: My iPhone has a short connection range to wifi.
convanderburg
Newbie

Can I upgrade to the Samsung S7 edge before my contract is up? It expires Dec 2017. I'm having internment issues with the Samsung S5. Thanks.

0 Likes
Re: My iPhone has a short connection range to wifi.
vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

I'm sorry to hear you are having issues with your Samsung S5 device covanderburg. This is an awesome phone and I know we can help with your issues. What specific problems are you experiencing with the internet? If you're under contract until December 2017, you may not be eligible to upgrade. If you have a Device Payment Plan, you will have to pay the Device Payment plan first before purchasing a new plan.


KinquanaH_VZW
Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport
If my response answered your question please click the �Correct Answer� button under my response. This ensures others can benefit from our conversation. Thanks in advance for your help with this!!

0 Likes
Re: Why does my iPhone have a short connection range?
Swimfan1984
Enthusiast - Level 3

Have faith in yourself, because you’re way more reliable than either company, for one. Then find a broken model of the same type and snatch it’s wifi antenna out, and replace yours. Or better yet, buy one online and swap t or. Your warrenty is over, so that’s not an issue, so have at it! I just replaced the back logo with a glowing/touch sensitive version as the battery needed replcing already and it’d be right there. Took me an hour cuz it’s more involved than yours.

google ifixit videos for the “replacement of wifi antenna...” followed by your device particulars. I also recommend getting the magnetic mess mat that has an image of your phone printed on it, with little holes to keep track of where each mess goes. Trust me...you’ll drop one otherwise.

 

have faith in yourself, as it’s not hard at all. We’re just conditioned to think it is. Total cost? About $40 tops,and 15 minutes for the install only.

0 Likes