What to Do if Your Android Phone Won't Connect to Wifi?

What to Do if Your Android Phone Won't Connect to Wifi

Having trouble connecting your Android phone to Wi-Fi can be frustrating. Whether you’re trying to access the internet, stream videos, or send messages, a Wi-Fi connection is essential. If your Android phone won’t connect to Wi-Fi, don’t worry. This article includes step-by-step instructions to help you troubleshoot and resolve the problem.

Check Your Wi-Fi Connection

The first step is to make sure your Wi-Fi network works. Check the following:

  • Wi-Fi Status: Ensure the Wi-Fi is turned on. To do this, swipe down from the top of your screen to open the quick settings menu. Look for the Wi-Fi icon. If it is grayed out, tap it to turn it on.
  • Other Devices: Check if other devices can connect to the same Wi-Fi network. If they cannot connect either, the issue may lie with your router or internet service provider (ISP).
  • Restart Your Router: If other devices are not connecting, restart your router. Unplug it, wait around 30 seconds before plugging it back in. Wait until the lights stabilize, then try connecting your phone again.

Restart Your Android Phone

Sometimes, a simple restart can fix connection issues. Here’s how to restart your Android phone:

  • Press and hold the power button until the power menu appears.
  • Select Restart or Reboot.
  • Wait for your phone to restart, then attempt to connect to Wi-Fi again.

Forget and Reconnect to the Wi-Fi Network

If your phone still won’t connect, try forgetting the Wi-Fi network and reconnecting. Here’s how:

  • Go to Settings on your Android phone.
  • Tap on Network & Internet or Connections, depending on your phone model.
  • Select Wi-Fi.
  • Find the Wi-Fi network you’re trying to connect to and tap on it.
  • Tap Forget.

After forgetting the network, reconnect by following these steps:

  • Select the Wi-Fi network from the list.
  • Enter the password.
  • Tap Connect.

Check Airplane Mode

Ensure that Airplane mode is turned off. When Airplane mode is engaged, it turns off all wireless connections, including Wi-Fi. To check:

  • Swipe down from the top of your screen to see the quick settings menu.
  • Look for the Airplane mode icon. If it is activated (highlighted), tap it to turn it off.

Update Your Android Phone

An outdated software version can cause connectivity issues. Ensure that your Android phone is up to date.

  • Open Settings.
  • Scroll down and select System.
  • Tap on System update.
  • Follow any on-screen instructions to update your phone.

After updating, try connecting to Wi-Fi again.

Check Wi-Fi Frequency Band

Most routers operate on two frequency bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Sometimes, your phone may struggle to connect to one of these bands. Here’s how to switch:

  • Go to Settings.
  • Tap on Network & Internet.
  • Select Wi-Fi and tap on the network you want to connect to.
  • If your router supports both bands, check if there are separate network names (SSIDs) for each band. Try connecting to the 2.4 GHz band first, as it usually provides a broader range.

Reset Network Settings

Resetting your network settings can resolve deep-rooted connection issues. Note that this will erase saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth connections, and mobile data settings. Here’s how to do it:

  • Open Settings.
  • Scroll down and tap on System.
  • Select Reset options.
  • Tap Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth or Reset network settings.
  • Confirm your choice by tapping Reset settings.

Once the reset is complete, reconnect to your Wi-Fi network.

Disable MAC Address Randomization

Some devices use MAC address randomization to protect privacy. However, this feature can cause connection issues with certain networks. To disable it:

  • Go to Settings.
  • Tap on Network & Internet.
  • Select Wi-Fi and find your network.
  • Tap on Advanced or Modify network.
  • Look for an option called MAC address type. Change it to Phone MAC instead of Randomized MAC.

Now, try reconnecting to the Wi-Fi network.

Check Your Router’s Security Settings

Sometimes, your router’s security settings can prevent connections. Make sure your router is not set to a security mode that your Android phone cannot support. Here’s how:

  • Access your router’s settings through a web browser. Enter the router’s IP address (often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) in the address bar.
  • Log in using your username and password. (Check your router’s manual if you don’t know these credentials.)
  • Navigate to the Wireless settings.
  • Check the Security Mode. It’s best to use WPA2-PSK (AES) for compatibility.

After making any changes, save your settings and restart your router.

Factory Reset Your Android Phone

If all else fails, you could try a factory reset as a last resort. If all else fails, you could try a factory reset as a last resort. This will erase all data on your phone, so back up important files before proceeding. Here’s how to do it:

  • Go to Settings.
  • Tap on System.
  • Select Reset options.
  • Choose Erase all data (factory reset).
  • To finish the process, simply follow the on-screen directions.

Once your phone resets, try connecting to Wi-Fi again.

Seek Professional Help

If your Android phone still won’t connect to Wi-Fi after trying all the above methods, it may have a hardware issue. In this case, it’s best to visit a phone repair center. They can accurately diagnose and resolve the issue.

Call +61 466446461 for Phone Repair Service in Wollongong

Experiencing Wi-Fi connectivity issues can be frustrating, but there are many ways to troubleshoot and resolve them. Start with simple checks, like ensuring your Wi-Fi is on and working with other devices. If needed, move on to more complex solutions, such as resetting network settings or checking router configurations. If you continue to have troubles, do not hesitate to seek expert help. With these steps, you can get your Android phone back online quickly!