iPhone 18 Pro Max apps show no internet connection but Safari works

I’ve just upgraded to iPhone 18 Pro Max from a 16 and most of my apps are saying I’m not connected to the internet, yet I access some of them via safari and the websites work. It’s baffling me. I’ve reset the phone numerous times, uninstalled and reinstalled some apps but still the same issue

Posted on Sep 21, 2026 12:46 AM

1 reply

PreCognition

Level 6 (12,236 points)

Sep 21, 2026 1:11 AM in response to kingie75

I’d check for a VPN or security app first, especially if you transferred everything from the iPhone 16. Those can block app connections even when Safari still works. Apple specifically recommends checking VPN and third-party security software for this type of network problem.

→ If your device has network connectivity issues, check for VPN and other third-party security software - Apple Support

Also try one affected app on Wi-Fi and then with Wi-Fi turned off. If it only fails on cellular, go to Settings > Cellular and make sure cellular data is enabled for that app.

I wouldn’t keep resetting the phone yet. Knowing whether the same apps fail on both Wi-Fi and cellular would narrow this down quite a bit.