Phones & tablets troubleshooting

Android phone will not connect to Wi-Fi

A saved-password mismatch, router issue, private DNS setting, or network configuration problem is usually responsible.

Updated Jul 16, 20264 minute guideAndroid phone

Likely causes

  • The saved Wi-Fi password is outdated
  • The router has stopped assigning addresses
  • Private DNS, VPN, or randomized MAC settings conflict with the network
  • The phone network settings are corrupted

Quick checks, in order

Forget and rejoin the network

Remove the saved network, then enter the password again.

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Restart both devices

Restart the phone and power-cycle the router for 30 seconds.

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Disable VPN and private DNS temporarily

Test without traffic-filtering or custom DNS services.

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Try another Wi-Fi network

This separates a phone problem from a router or provider problem.

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Which message do you see?

Saved / Authentication problem

Forget the network, verify the password, and check whether the router uses a compatible security mode.

Connected without internet

The Wi-Fi link works, but the router or provider is not reaching the internet. Test another device on the same network.

The network does not appear

Move closer, restart the router, and verify that the router broadcasts a compatible 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz network.

Stop and get qualified help when

Do not continue troubleshooting if any of these apply:
  • The phone becomes unusually hot or restarts repeatedly
  • The issue began after physical or liquid damage

Frequently asked questions

Will resetting network settings delete photos?

No. It normally removes saved Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile network settings, not personal files.

Why does Wi-Fi work on other devices?

That usually points to a saved setting, software conflict, or hardware problem on the phone.

Keep diagnosing

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