What is a common troubleshooting step when iOS devices fail to connect to Wi-Fi?

Resetting network settings is a common troubleshooting step for iOS devices that fail to connect to Wi-Fi because it effectively restores all networking configurations to their default state. This action can resolve issues that stem from incorrect settings, such as misconfigured Wi-Fi preferences or connectivity glitches. When network settings are reset, all saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords are removed, which often allows the device to re-establish a fresh connection to the Wi-Fi network. This step can clear up problems related to outdated or corrupted network profiles that may not be resolved through other means.

While reinstalling an app or updating the device software might be relevant in certain scenarios, they are not primarily aimed at addressing Wi-Fi connectivity issues specifically. Changing Wi-Fi networks can also be useful, but it does not solve potential underlying issues within the device itself. These methods may provide alternative solutions but do not directly tackle the root cause of network connectivity problems as effectively as resetting network settings does.