How to Fix a Phone That Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi

Edited 2 days ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

Wi-FiConnectivitySmartphoneTroubleshootingAndroidiPhoneDevice ManagementPerformanceWirelessMobile OSUser Guide

Having trouble connecting your phone to Wi-Fi can be very frustrating, especially in today's time when so much of what we do depends on being connected to the Internet. Whether it's for work, entertainment, or just to stay connected, a working Internet connection is more than just a convenience—it's a necessity. If your phone can't connect to Wi-Fi, don't worry. This guide will walk you through the process of identifying and resolving the issues causing the problem. This detailed approach is designed to help you fix the problem and ensure that your phone connects to Wi-Fi without the need for expert technical support.

1. Confirm that Wi-Fi is enabled

Before moving on to complicated solutions, make sure that Wi-Fi is actually enabled on your phone. Sometimes, the simplest explanation is the correct one. It’s possible that you accidentally turned it off or it was disabled by an app or system update.

To verify if Wi-Fi is on:

1. Go to your phone's Settings.
2. Find Wi-Fi and tap on it.
3. Make sure the Wi-Fi toggle is in the On position.

2. Verify that airplane mode is turned off

Airplane mode disables all wireless communications, including Wi-Fi. Make sure this mode is turned off, as it automatically turns off Wi-Fi.

Here's how to check and turn off airplane mode:

1. Open Settings on your device.
2. Select Network & Internet, and then select Airplane Mode.
3. Make sure it is turned off.

3. Reboot your phone

A simple restart can often solve mysterious phone problems. Restarting reconnects your phone and may help establish a Wi-Fi connection.

To restart your phone:

1. Press and hold the power button on your phone.
2. Depending on your phone model, you'll either see a Restart or Power Off option.
3. Select the Restart option, or tap Power off, and then turn the phone back on manually.

4. Forget the Wi-Fi network and reconnect

Sometimes, the configuration in a Wi-Fi connection can become corrupted. Forgetting the network and reconnecting may reset these configurations.

To forget a Wi-Fi network:

1. Open Settings and go to Wi-Fi.
2. Tap the Wi-Fi network name you want to forget.
3. Select Forget or Forget network.

After forgetting, reconnect to the network by selecting the same network from the available networks and entering the password again.

5. Restart your router

There may be a problem with the router itself. Restarting your router can refresh its system, clear up any configuration issues, and get your devices connected properly.

To restart your router:

1. Locate the router's power cable and unplug it.
2. Wait for about 15-30 seconds.
3. Re-plug the power cable and wait until the router restarts completely.

6. Check for Wi-Fi signal problems

Problems connecting your phone to Wi-Fi may be the result of poor signal strength. Check the signal bars displayed next to the Wi-Fi icon.

If the signal is weak:

• Move closer to the router to see if the connection improves.
• Remove any possible obstructions blocking the signal.

7. Update your phone's software

Software bugs can often interfere with your phone's ability to connect to Wi-Fi. Ensuring that your phone is running the latest system version can resolve these bugs.

To update your phone's software:

1. Open Settings and scroll down to System or About phone.
2. Select Software Update.
3. If an update is available, follow the instructions to download and install it.

8. Check internet connectivity

It is possible that the problem is not in connecting to Wi-Fi but in the internet connection itself. Check if other devices can access the internet using the same Wi-Fi network.

If other devices fail to connect, you may need to contact your Internet service provider for further assistance.

9. Check Wi-Fi restrictions

Make sure there are no restrictions or parental controls blocking the connection. Some routers have user settings that can restrict devices based on time schedule, MAC address, or usage. Verify these settings in your router's menu.

10. Reset network settings

If all else fails, reset the network settings on your phone. This will delete all saved networks and any possible configuration errors.

To reset network settings:

1. Open Settings and find System or General management.
2. Tap Reset or Reset options.
3. Select Reset network settings.
4. Confirm the reset to delete all saved networks.

11. Make sure the frequency band of the router is compatible

Modern routers often broadcast on multiple frequency bands: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Some older phones may not be compatible with the 5GHz band.

Verify which band your phone can connect to, and make sure your router's settings are compatible with it.

12. Physical obstruction and interference

Physical obstacles such as walls or electronic devices can destroy Wi-Fi signals. Make sure your path to the router is free of major obstacles.

13. Check the device caps

Many routers have a limit on the number of devices that can be connected simultaneously. Check your router's settings to make sure this limit has not been reached and is set appropriately.

14. Use static IP

Sometimes, IP address conflicts can prevent connectivity. Setting a static IP different from the IP address range provided by the DHCP server can help mitigate the problem.

15. Factory reset (last resort)

If none of the above solutions work, performing a factory reset may be necessary. This will erase all your data and settings, and return your phone to its original state, so make sure your important data is backed up.

To perform a factory reset:

1. Go to Settings, and find System or General management.
2. Select Reset.
3. Tap Factory data reset.
4. Confirm to begin the reset process.

Remember, dealing with technical problems requires patience. Even if a solution doesn't work right away, trying the steps in different combinations or with slight adjustments can often resolve the connectivity issue. If extensive troubleshooting doesn't fix the problem, it may be necessary to contact the manufacturer or a professional technician for further diagnosis and repair.

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