How to Check Connection iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

It may be necessary or helpful to check on your iOS device's Network status. This might be your cellular carrier's network, or your home's Wi-Fi network.

Whatever type of connection your device is using, this guide will show you how to check what network your device is connected to.

iOS devices and a Wi-Fi signal icon. Illustration.

2. Cellular Network Status Check

To check Cellular signal at a glance:

Look across the top of your iOS device's screen. Your current cellular connection's signal strength should be shown.

iOS Cellular signal bars and battery indicator.

To check Cellular settings:

Select Settings.

Select Cellular.

iOS Settings menu highlighting the cellular option.

From here, your Cellular settings can be accessed. Ensure that Cellular Data is on, or if you are traveling away from home, ensure that Roaming is on within Cellular Data Options.

To avoid massive data overage or roaming charges, check with your cellular provider first to make sure this is a safe option to turn on for your current device and service plan.

3. Wi-Fi Network Status Check

Depending on what iOS device (iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch) you have and version of iOS it is running, the options you have available might look slightly different on your screen. However, the steps should be very similar across all iOS devices and generations.

To check if your iOS mobile device is connected to Wi-Fi:

From the main screen of your device, look for and open Settings.

With Settings open, look for the Wi-Fi field. This field will display the current Wi-Fi status on the right hand side:

Off - the Wi-Fi antenna is currently disabled.
Not Connected - Wi-Fi is turned on, but your device is not currently connected to a network.
Wi-Fi network name - Wi-Fi is turned on, and the network name displayed is the network your device is currently connected to.

You can also tap on the Wi-Fi field and make sure the Wi-Fi switch is in the On position. The switch should be green in color and will display the network that you are currently connected to directly beneath it with a check mark to the left.

iOS Wi-Fi settings with the toggle selected and the Wi-Fi network highlighted

To find detailed network information:

From the main screen of your device, look for and open Settings.

With Settings open, select the Wi-Fi field.

Select the Information icon next to your Wi-Fi network.

iOS Wi-Fi menu highlighting the information icon.

From here, you can see your Wi-Fi network's detailed information, including current IP addressing information and settings.