The iPhone provides a wealth of connectivity features through WiFi. Streaming media, using cloud services, multiplayer gaming, and more all rely on fast, reliable WiFi. While the iPhone has built-in settings to manage connections, third party WiFi apps from the App Store can optimize and enhance your wireless experience even further.
WiFi Analyzers
WiFi analyzer apps help troubleshoot your network connections by providing in-depth metrics on signal strength, bandwidth, and identifying interference. Popular options include:
NetSpot – Provides interactive signal mapping and channel rating grades for optimizing router channels. Useful for eliminating dead zones at home.
WiFi SweetSpots – Scans nearby networks and devices on the various frequencies to show congested channels. Finds the best WiFi “sweet spots” for strongest signal.
WiFi Explorer – Offers advanced diagnostics like listing MAC addresses of connected devices. Helps resolve connectivity and speed issues.
Speed Testers
Verify your actual WiFi speeds and performance to know if you’re getting what you pay for from your ISP. Leading speed testing apps are:
Speedtest – The most popular speed testing platform also available as an app. Easy to use with one-tap tests and detailed results.
Fast – A minimalist speed testing app with a simple slider interface and graphs tracking your upload/download results.
Meteor – Not only checks connection speeds but also latency and ping rates which are important for gaming and video chatting.
WiFi Managers
Manage all your saved WiFi networks in one place instead of through iOS settings. Handy management features include:
WifiWizard – Organizes your connections into groups like Home, Work, Travel. Makes it easy to toggle related networks on and off.
Wifi Map Pro – Saves networks by location on an interactive map so you know which connections were available. Auto-connects based on location.
WeFi – Lets you share WiFi profiles easily to other iOS devices logged into your iCloud account via the apps syncing.
Password Managers
Never forget another WiFi login. These apps securely save all your network passwords:
1Password – Syncs with the popular cross-platform password manager. Auto-fills WiFi passwords into iOS login prompts.
LastPass – Grab passwords saved in LastPass right within iOS WiFi settings using the vault-to-vault syncing. Supports one-tap login.
RememBear – Uses fun animations to memorize your WiFi passwords for when you need to enter them manually on unsupported devices.
VPN Clients
Virtual private network apps allow you to access your home or work network securely over the internet:
TunnelBear – Simple VPN app with a cheerful bear theme. Provides a free tier and affordable premium subscriptions.
NordVPN – Access servers in 59 countries to get around location restrictions and browse securely on public WiFi.
Cisco AnyConnect – Official client for connecting to Cisco’s enterprise VPN solutions. Supports always-on VPN capabilities.
A solid WiFi connection provides the lifeline to online services for modern iPhones. Optimizing your connections with specialized utility apps can ensure smooth, uninterrupted access anywhere you go.
