How to Test Packet Loss on iPhone or iPad

Last Updated: May 15, 2018 Tested

This wikiHow teaches you how to troubleshoot your iPhone or iPad’s internet connection by checking for packet loss. There’s no built-in ping tool in iOS, but you can install a free app like HPE Network Capture Express to check for dropped packets.

Steps

1
Install HPE Network Capture Express from the App Store. Here’s how:
- Open the App Store
  .
- Tap Search at the bottom-right corner of the screen.
- Type hpe network into the search bar and tap the search key.
- Tap HPE Network Capture Express.
- Tap GET.
- Tap INSTALL. When the app is finished installing, the “INSTALL” button will change to "OPEN."
2
Open HPE Network Capture Express. It’s the green icon with a white half-circle and “NCX” inside.
- If you’re still in the App Store, tap OPEN to launch the app.
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3
Tap I AGREE on the Terms of Use. You’ll only have to do this the first time you use the app.
4
Enter a hostname, URL, or IP address into the “Select destination” box. It’s at the top of the screen.
- The default is hpe.com, but you can enter any address, such as the URL or IP address you’re trying to connect to (e.g. google.com, 10.0.0.1, www.wikihow.com)
5
Tap Start Network Capture. It’s the big green button at the center of the screen.
6
Tap Allow. You’ll only have to do this the first time you use the app. This starts a network test that will report packet loss, if any.
7
Check for lost packets under “Packet loss.” It’s at the bottom of the current screen.
- If there’s packet loss, it will appear as the percentage of packets dropped out of the total packets sent.
- HPE doesn’t only check for packet loss. You’ll also see your download speeds and latency.
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