Network and connectivity
Ask to Join Networks
Most people call this whether the phone offers you unknown networks.
This decides whether your iPhone prompts you about nearby networks when no known network is available.
Available
This setting is present on your iPhone.
- We have this path on file but have not yet confirmed it against an official source.
Where to find it - iOS 13 and later
- Settings
- Wi-Fi
- Ask to Join Networks
What it does
Off means it only joins networks you have used before. Notify shows a prompt when a new network is available. Ask asks every time.
What changes
When it is on
You are told about available networks you have not used before.
When it is off
Only known networks are joined, silently.
Should you turn it on?
Good reasons to turn it on
- Helpful when travelling and looking for any connection.
Good reasons to turn it off
- Stops endless prompts in public places.
- Reduces the chance of joining an untrustworthy network by accident.
Battery
Helps
Privacy
Helps
Performance
No real change
Cellular data
No real change
Storage
No real change
Out of the box: Notify or Ask, depending on release.
Questions people actually ask
- How do I stop my iPhone asking about Wi-Fi networks?
- Settings, then Wi-Fi, then Ask to Join Networks, and choose Off.
If it is not working
- Auto-Join Hotspot is a separate setting covering personal hotspots from your own devices.
- Turning this off does not stop the phone rejoining networks you have already used.