How to Stop iPhone Lock Screen from Disconnecting Wi-Fi Mode？

Part 1. Why iOS Update May Cause Wi-Fi Connection Issues

Common symptoms after an iOS update

• iPhone disconnects from Wi-Fi mode after a few minutes

• Device connection fails when the screen turns off

• Wi-Fi mode works at first but stops after auto-lock

• The iPhone needs to be reconnected repeatedly

• Connection becomes unstable during device setup or location-based tools

• Not update to latest iAnGo version

Why this happens

After an iOS update, system settings such as Auto-Lock, background activity, Wi-Fi permissions, and battery-saving behavior may affect how long your iPhone stays connected. If the iPhone locks automatically, some Wi-Fi-based operations may be interrupted.

Part 2. WiFi Connection Issues after Updating to iOS 26.4

After updating to iOS 26.4 or later, some users may find that their iPhone can no longer connect smoothly to desktop apps over the same WiFi network.

On newer iOS versions, this feature may be set to Rotating or Fixed for privacy protection. While useful for reducing tracking across networks, it can sometimes interfere with local network discovery when a desktop app needs to recognize your iPhone on the same WiFi network.

Step 1. Open WLAN or WiFi Settings

On your iPhone, open Settings and tap WLAN or Wi-Fi.

Make sure your iPhone is already connected to the same WiFi network as your computer before continuing.

Step 2. Open the Current Network Details

Find the WiFi network you are currently using. It should have a blue checkmark next to the network name.

Tap the "i" icon beside this WiFi network to open its detailed settings.

Step 3. Find Private WLAN Address

In the network details page, scroll down and locate Private WLAN Address or Private Wi-Fi Address.

If it is set to Rotating or Fixed, your iPhone may use a private address that makes it harder for the desktop app to identify your device during WiFi mode connection.

Step 4. Switch Private WLAN Address to Off

Tap Private WLAN Address or Private Wi-Fi Address, then select Off.

A system confirmation pop-up may appear. Tap Allow Tracking to confirm the change for this WiFi network.

This does not turn off privacy protection for every network. It only applies to the WiFi network you are currently connected to.

Step 5. Check the Setting and Reconnect

Go back to the WiFi network details page and confirm that Private WLAN Address is now set to Off.

After that, return to the desktop app and try connecting your iPhone again via WiFi mode. Your computer should now be able to detect and communicate with your iPhone more reliably on the local network.

Note:

Only disable Private WLAN Address on trusted networks, such as your home or office WiFi. For public WiFi networks, it is recommended to keep Private WLAN Address enabled to better protect your privacy.

Part 3.iPhone Auto-Lock Interrupts Wi-Fi Mode

When Auto-Lock is enabled, your iPhone screen turns off after a set time, such as 30 seconds, 1 minute, or 2 minutes. For normal use, this helps save battery. However, when using Wi-Fi mode, screen lock may cause the connection to pause or disconnect.

• • Open iPhone Settings: Go to Settings on your iPhone.

  • Tap Display & Brightness: Scroll down and choose Display & Brightness.

  • Open Auto-Lock: Tap Auto-Lock to change how long your iPhone waits before locking the screen.

  • Select Never: Choose Never to keep your iPhone screen from locking automatically.

• 

Once selected, a check mark will appear next to Never. Your iPhone screen will now stay awake until you manually lock it. This is why keeping the iPhone screen awake can help maintain a stable Wi-Fi mode connection.

Part 4. What to Do If "Never" Is Not Available

Sometimes, the Never option may not appear in Auto-Lock settings. This can happen because of system restrictions or battery settings.

Possible fixes

• Turn off Low Power Mode

• Check if your iPhone is managed by a school or company profile

• Restart your iPhone after the iOS update

• Update to the latest available iOS version

• Reset network settings if Wi-Fi remains unstable

Path:Settings > Battery > Low Power Mode > Off

Part 5. Extra Tips to Fix iOS Update Wi-Fi Connection Issues

1. Keep the iPhone close to your computer or router

A weak Wi-Fi signal can make Wi-Fi mode unstable.

2. Use the same Wi-Fi network

Make sure your iPhone and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network if the Wi-Fi mode requires local connection.

3. Disable VPN temporarily

VPN apps may interfere with local Wi-Fi connections.

4. Restart both devices

Restart your iPhone and computer after an iOS update to refresh the connection.

5. Reconnect Wi-Fi mode manually

If the connection was interrupted by screen lock, reconnect the device and keep the screen awake during the process.

Part 6. Always-On Display vs Auto-Lock: What's the Difference?

Many users search for "iPhone always on display" when they actually want to stop the screen from turning off.

• Always-On Display is a feature available on certain iPhone Pro models.

• Auto-Lock Never is the setting that prevents the iPhone from locking automatically.

For Wi-Fi mode connection issues, the key setting is usually Auto-Lock > Never, not Always-On Display.

Part 7. When Should You Turn Auto-Lock Back On?

Keeping your iPhone screen always on may increase battery usage and device heat. After finishing Wi-Fi mode setup or connection tasks, it is recommended to turn Auto-Lock back on.

Suggested setting:

Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock > 1 Minute / 2 Minutes / 5 Minutes

Conclusion

If you experience iOS update WiFi connection issues and your Wi-Fi mode disconnects when the iPhone screen locks, changing Auto-Lock to Never is one of the easiest fixes. This keeps your iPhone awake and helps maintain a stable Wi-Fi mode connection during setup or use.

For best results, also disable Low Power Mode, keep both devices on the same Wi-Fi network, and restart your iPhone after major iOS updates.

FAQ

Q1. Why does Wi-Fi mode disconnect when my iPhone locks?

Because Auto-Lock may pause or interrupt some Wi-Fi-based connections when the screen turns off.

Q2. Does Always-On Display fix Wi-Fi mode disconnection?

Not necessarily. The more important setting is Auto-Lock > Never.

Q3. Why can't I see the Never option on my iPhone?

Low Power Mode, device management profiles, or system restrictions may hide or limit this option.

Q4. Is it safe to keep iPhone Auto-Lock set to Never?

Yes, but it may drain battery faster. Turn Auto-Lock back on after finishing the Wi-Fi mode task.

Q5. What should I do if Wi-Fi still disconnects after changing Auto-Lock?

Restart your iPhone, reconnect Wi-Fi, disable VPN, turn off Low Power Mode, and make sure both devices are on the same network.