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Fix grayed out wifi in iPhone 4S after iOS update

Introduction Occasionally, after updating your iOS device to a new firmware you will experience problems with your wifi connectivity....

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Introduction

Occasionally, after updating your iOS device to a new firmware you will experience problems with your wifi connectivity.
Following an update to iOS7.1, I noticed intermittent wireless connectivity on my handset immediately. Then suddenly, my wireless chip stopped functioning completely. I noticed that the wireless icon located in settings was completely grayed out. After lots of research online, I located a solution which was worth a try. Sounds a little bit extreme, but it actually works.

Steps (5 total)

1

Back up your iPhone

As always, it is best to perform a backup on "Any device" when troubleshooting a hardware or software issue. This could save you from losing valuable photos, videos or other important content. You can connect your iOS device to a laptop with iTunes installed to perform a backup of the items you wish to keep just in case.
2

Reset Network Settings

Locate the settings on your iOS device and then perform a Network Settings reset. In iOS 7 and higher. These settings will be found in Settings--> General --> Reset--> Reset Network Settings. After the reset, if this doesn't fix your issue, continue to step 3.
3

Locate the Wireless Chip

On the iPhone 4S for example, the wireless chip is attached to the logic board underneath the display screen behind the earpiece. Since we know precisely where the wireless chip is located, no disassembly of your device is required.
4

Heat it up

**Proceed to the step below with caution. While this repair has worked for me many times for myself and others, I can't make any warranties or guarantees for damage experienced from overheating the device**
Make sure your phone is turned "ON" during this step. Heat up the area on the display side of the phone around the earpiece with a heatgun or hairdryer until you get a warning from your iPhone that "The device is too hot and must be cooled down before use."
5

Cool it down

Place your iPhone in a sealed zip-up bag and place it in the Refrigerator (Not the Freezer!) for approximately 25-30 minutes or until it has cooled down to a normal temperature. Remove it from the bag, turn it back on and enjoy!

Conclusion

The wireless network adapter should now function properly. If this doesn't work, repeat the steps again. **ALWAYS use extreme caution when heating electronic components due to fragility and possibility of melting components**
If this technique still doesn't work for you, the phone may have additional hardware problems or your wireless network adapter may be damaged beyond repair. Check on a replacement device or search Apple forums for subject matter related to "Replacing the wireless chip on iPhone 4S." Good luck!

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