How to Troubleshoot Android WiFi Problems
One of the most frustrating moments for Android phone users is when WiFi does not connect to your Android device. This can happen due to several reasons such as an incorrect password, poor WiFi signals, or if your device is out of range. There may also be complex problems behind it such as network issues regarding IP address and DHCP.
To help fix your Android device’s WiFi issues, I have compiled a list of techniques. You can try to apply any of these solutions to troubleshoot WiFi issues on your Android device and see which one works for you. So, let’s get on.
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First, try this…
Before we delve into somewhat complicated solutions, I want you to try the simplest and most basic measures first.
- Restart your Android phone.
- If the issues persist, then try toggling between WiFi and Mobile Data.
- Go to Settings > Network and Internet. This setting’s name may be different on your device.
- Switch off the WiFi for 30 seconds and then turn it on to see if this works.
- Sometimes, due to low storage space, the WiFi turns off and doesn’t connect until you free up spaces on your Android.
If your Android device’s WiFi is still not turning on then try the below solutions to fix the Android WiFi problem.
#1. Toggle Airplane Mode On/Off
Turn the Airplane mode on for 30 seconds and then turn it off and try connecting your WiFi. Sometimes, the mobile signals block the WiFi signals.
You can find the Airplane mode option in the notifications panel for most Android phones. Simply drag down the panel and tap it on/off.
You can also go to Settings > Network and Internet then switch off the Airplane mode there.
#2. Reconnect to the WiFi Network
Another way to fix the Android WiFi issue is to forget and reconnect to your network. To do this:
- Go to Settings and then tap on Networks and Internet or Wireless and Networks depending on your device.
- Tap and hold on to your WiFi network name. Tap the Forget option.
- Click on the network again to connect and put in your password.
If your WiFi starts working, Voilà! If not then try the below solutions.
#3. Install System Updates
Regular updating of your phone helps solve issues from bugs and glitches in the software. If there is a system update by the manufacturer, go ahead and install it as it may contain fixes for your phone including WiFi connectivity issues.
To update your system:
Go to Settings > System > System Update. Even if your system is up to date, you can tap Check for updates. If there is any update here, plug your phone into an electric socket and update the system.
#4. Try a different WiFi connection
If you have another WiFi network, try connecting to it. Network connectivity issues can be mistaken for WiFi issues with your phone.
If your phone connects to another network then your original network is the main culprit. Contact your internet service provider and ask them to repair your network.
#5. Reset your modem
Another simple solution is to simply turn your modem off for 30 seconds and then turn it back on. This will change your IP address and might solve your WiFi problem.
Do check for the modem manual for the instructions on resetting as different modems have different procedures for resetting.
#6. Change Network Settings
If none of the above methods works for you then try resetting the WiFi and Bluetooth settings. This will not cause any loss of data but will erase the WiFi and Bluetooth settings.
To change WiFi and Bluetooth settings, go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Reset WiFi, mobile, and Bluetooth. This will only reset your WiFi and Bluetooth settings. Then, try to connect to your WiFi network. This will most probably solve your WiFi problem.
#7. Backup data, then factory reset your device
If you have tried all the tricks and followed all techniques and still your Android phone’s WiFi is not turning on, then I would suggest that you backup all your data first and then restore your phone to factory settings.
First, use your favorite software to back up your data – you can also use Google’s backup options from Settings > System > Backup > Backup now option. You can also connect your phone via USB to a computer and copy all your important photos and documents to your PC.
To restore your phone to factory settings, go to Settings > System > Reset Options. Tap Delete all data (factory reset). Once the process is completed, you can log into your Google account where you can restore your previous settings. This will most probably solve your Android WiFi issues.
Conclusion
In this article, I have discussed solutions to WiFi issues in Android phones. In my opinion, turning the modem off/on or resetting the WiFi router/modem could solve most of the WiFi connectivity issues in Android devices.
Sometimes, there may be a network issue from the Internet Service Provider (ISP). In that case, you should wait for the network to resume as you can’t do anything except file a complaint to your ISP.
If the problem is in your phone and none of the solutions is working, factory reset is the last resort. You can use this option after backing up all your important data.