OS X Daily: Stop iPhone Pop-Ups Asking to Join Wi-Fi Networks

Stop iPhone Pop-Ups Asking to Join Wi-Fi Networks

Posted: 07 Apr 2012 06:02 AM PDT

Stop Wi-Fi Popup Alerts on iPhone

Annoyed by those persistent wi-fi network popups that show up on the iPhone screen every time a wireless network is in range? You can disable the wi-fi alerts completely by preventing the iPhone from searching for unknown networks, this has no effect on the regular cellular internet connection or accepted wireless networks, here’s how to do it:

Open Settings and tap “Wi-Fi” near the top
Scroll down below available wireless routers and flip “Ask to Join Networks” to OFF
Exit out of Settings

With the setting disabled, only known networks will be joined automatically, and the iPhone will no longer automatically search for and attempt to connect to random wi-fi networks. This means you will have to join new wireless networks manually by going through the same Wi-Fi setting and selecting the network directly.

Be aware that turning off this setting could lead to more cellular data being used, you may want to keep an eye on data use initially if you choose this option, because even the traditionally auto-accepted hotspots like Starbucks will no longer join on their own and will require manual connections.

On the plus side, disabling this setting can also save some battery life since the iPhone is no longer actively seeking out wireless networks to join.