We investigate the mechanism of $S_NAr$ fluorination reactions under the influence of protic solvents and ions. We find that counterion or protic solvent alone retards the $S_NAr$ reactions, but together they may promote the reaction. In this mechanism, the protic solvent acts on the counterion as a Lewis base, and the nucleophile reacts as an ion pair. We also show that an anion (mesylate) may exhibit catalytic effects, suggesting the role of ionic liquids for accelerating the $S_NAr$ reactions.