How to Connect Your iPhone 16 to the Internet

Key Takeaways

• Learn how to connect your iPhone 16 to the internet using Wi-Fi, a Personal Hotspot, or cellular data.
• Easily share Wi-Fi passwords with nearby Apple devices.
• Manage network settings and switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data based on availability.

---

Whether you’re using Wi-Fi or mobile data, getting your iPhone 16 online is essential for browsing, streaming, and staying connected. This guide walks you through all available methods to connect to the internet and manage your network settings efficiently.

Connect to a Wi-Fi network:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Wi-Fi, then turn the switch on.
3. Tap the name of an available network.
4. Enter the password if prompted.
5. To join a hidden network, tap Other, then enter the network name, security type, and password.

A blue checkmark will appear next to the connected network, and the Wi-Fi icon will show at the top of the screen.

---

Share a Wi-Fi password with nearby Apple devices:

1. Ensure your iPhone is unlocked, connected to Wi-Fi, and signed into your Apple ID.
2. Confirm that the other person is signed into their Apple ID and is saved in your Contacts.
3. Bring their device near your iPhone and have them select the same Wi-Fi network.
4. On your iPhone, tap Share Password when prompted.

---

Connect to a Personal Hotspot:

1. Open Settings and tap Wi-Fi.
2. Select the name of the device sharing the Personal Hotspot.
3. Enter the password if asked (the hotspot password is found under Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot on the other device).

---

Manage Wi-Fi and Hotspot Settings:

1. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
2. Tap the Info (ℹ️) button next to a connected network to change its settings.
3. Tap Ask to Join Networks to control whether your iPhone alerts you to new networks.
4. Tap Auto-Join Hotspot and choose Never, Ask to Join, or Automatic.

---

Use Cellular Data if Wi-Fi Isn’t Available:

1. Open Settings > Cellular.
2. Make sure Cellular Data is turned on.
3. If using Dual SIM, tap Cellular Data and select your preferred line for internet.

---

How iPhone Connects to the Internet:

When attempting to go online, your iPhone does the following in order:

• Tries connecting to the last known Wi-Fi network.
• Lists all available Wi-Fi networks for manual selection.
• Falls back to cellular data if no Wi-Fi is available.

If you’re using a 5G-supported iPhone and it switches to 5G cellular, you’ll see “Using 5G Cellular For Internet” under your Wi-Fi network. Tap the Info button next to the network and select Use Wi-Fi for Internet if you prefer Wi-Fi.

---

Frequently Asked Questions